Fresh accounts have emerged from residents of Sokoto State following reported military strikes by the United States on communities within the state. The incidents, which occurred on Thursday, December 25, 2025, have left locals in Tambuwal and Tangaza Local Government Areas in a state of fear and confusion.
Eyewitness Accounts of Explosions and Damage
Residents of Jabo District in Tambuwal LGA provided vivid descriptions of the unexpected attack. One eyewitness recounted the terrifying sequence of events to journalists. "We were seated when we noticed an object resembling a small aircraft approaching the community," the resident said. "Shortly after, we heard a loud explosion and saw a huge ball of fire. Everyone was terrified."
The explosion prompted a mass exodus, with people rushing out of their homes with families and fleeing in various directions. Upon later inspection, community members found a significant crater on farmland, with fire still burning at the site. They reported recovering metal fragments, which they plan to hand over to authorities.
Adding to the personal accounts, a medical practitioner living in the area, who spoke anonymously, revealed the strike's proximity to her home. "It happened around 10 p.m. My family and I were indoors when we heard a loud blast behind the house," she said. The force of the explosion damaged the roof of her residence, leaving the family in fear throughout the night, though thankfully uninjured.
Targets and Official Confirmation
In Tangaza LGA, the strikes reportedly targeted locations believed to be hideouts of the Lakurawa militant group, with impacts noted in Warriya and Alkasim villages. A local government official, also requesting anonymity, stated that security operatives were expected to visit the areas to verify the full impact, including potential civilian casualties.
The Nigerian Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has confirmed the military action. In a statement signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry described the operations as "precision hits" conducted within the framework of existing security cooperation with international partners like the United States.
The statement emphasized that this cooperation, which includes intelligence sharing and strategic coordination, is carried out in accordance with international law and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty. The US Department of War and former President Donald Trump disclosed the operation, with Trump stating it was directed to neutralize terrorists allegedly responsible for attacks on Christians.
Community Bewilderment and Lingering Questions
A recurring sentiment among residents, particularly in Jabo, is bewilderment. The community has not faced significant insecurity in recent years, with the last bandit attack occurring approximately two years ago. This has led to questions about the intelligence behind the targeting.
Contrasting reports note that multiple sources, including local authorities, indicated no airstrikes were recorded in the eastern part of Sokoto state, a region long plagued by banditry. Efforts to get official comment from the Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, were unsuccessful at the time of initial reporting.
The events have undoubtedly shaken the perceived peace in these areas, raising broader questions about the nature and consequences of international military cooperation within Nigeria's borders. While aimed at terrorist elements, the physical damage to property and the psychological impact on civilians highlight the complex realities of such operations.
