A dual security incident unfolded in Sokoto State on Christmas night, involving a local explosion and confirmed international military action. Residents of Jabo community were startled by a loud blast, while the United States simultaneously announced airstrikes against terrorist targets in the northwestern region.
Mysterious Explosion Sparks Fear in Jabo Village
According to eyewitness accounts, a loud explosion suspected to be from an explosive device rocked Jabo village in the Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The incident occurred at approximately 9 pm on Wednesday, December 25, 2025.
Sources described an unidentified object landing within the community before detonating with a powerful bang. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded as the device did not explode in a populated area. The sudden blast, however, caused significant panic among residents.
Nasir Jabo, a local resident who confirmed the event, stated that the sound triggered immediate fear, with many people initially believing it was a direct attack. Authorities have yet to provide an official statement, as the police spokesman for Sokoto State, DSP Ahmad Rufai, had not responded to inquiries at the time of reporting.
US Confirms Deadly Airstrikes Against ISIS in Northwest Nigeria
In a related but separate development, United States President Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday that U.S. forces executed "numerous perfect strikes" against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists in northwestern Nigeria. The action was directed specifically at militants accused of targeting and killing Christians.
President Trump announced the operation in a post on his Truth Social platform, vowing further retaliation if the violence continues. "I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was," the President wrote.
The statement from the commander-in-chief emphasized that the U.S. Department of War carried out the "powerful and deadly strike" at his direction. Trump concluded his message with a Christmas greeting, reaffirming his administration's stance against radical Islamic terrorism.
Nigerian Cooperation and Military Posture
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also commented on the operation via a post on X (formerly Twitter). He expressed gratitude for Nigerian government support and cooperation in the mission. Hegseth's statement underscored the President's earlier warning that the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must cease.
"The Department of War is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight on Christmas," Hegseth declared. The military action was subsequently confirmed by U.S. Africa Command, which stated that multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in the strikes conducted in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025.
This military engagement follows a warning issued by President Trump last month. He had threatened to cut off U.S. aid to Nigeria and order military action if the federal government failed to curb attacks against Christian communities, instructing the Department of War to prepare for potential operations.
The convergence of a local explosive incident and international military action on the same night highlights the complex and ongoing security challenges in Nigeria's northwestern region, particularly in states like Sokoto.
