A young Nigerian man has ignited a firestorm of reactions online after sharing a chilling account of his encounter with armed men on a road in Sokoto State. His testimony comes in the wake of the United States military's announcement that it conducted strikes against ISIS terrorist bases in parts of the state.
From Car Trouble to a Terrifying Roadblock
The individual, who uses the social media handle @DrTruthDissecto, explained that the incident occurred approximately three days prior to his post. He was traveling from Sokoto to Kebbi State when his personal vehicle suffered two damaged tyres, forcing him to seek alternative transport. To meet his schedule, he boarded a commercial bus.
He noted that every passenger in the vehicle, including the driver, was Muslim. After initially considering the front seat, he opted to pay for two seats at the back, where he sat with two others. The front seat was occupied by two Muslim men.
The Scary Encounter Near Koko
The journey took a frightening turn after the bus passed through an area he identified as Koko. The terrain transformed into open fields flanked by mountains, and mobile network coverage vanished. It was there that they saw the armed group.
"Then we saw them. Men with guns. Dressed like Nigerian soldiers. But some had Muslim shawls wrapped around them," he narrated. The vehicle fell silent, and the driver slowed down, contemplating a U-turn before one of the armed men gestured for them to approach.
Another vehicle had already been stopped ahead of them. The witness described the group's demeanor as chaotic and lacking a clear command structure, with individuals interrupting each other. After scolding the drivers for overspeeding, the armed men delivered a pointed message.
"We are Muslims. Don't fear. We are not here to hurt our brothers. We are only against the infidels and against the enemies of Allah," they declared, according to his account.
Mixed Reactions and Broader Security Context
The man's post quickly went viral, sparking intense debate and concern among social media users. Many expressed fear for non-Muslim travelers in the region, while others questioned the timing and details of his journey. Some commentators corroborated the volatile security situation in the area, with one user, @LutherVixA, stating he stopped working in that axis two years ago because villages and back roads from Koko to Zuru to Kontongora have been "overtaken by them."
This personal account emerges against the backdrop of confirmed US military action. US President Donald Trump authorized strikes on ISIS targets in Sokoto, a move that has itself been met with scrutiny. A separate report highlighted a Nigerian journalist questioning the tangible results of the airstrikes, citing a lack of clear proof regarding terrorist casualties.
The convergence of an international counter-terrorism operation and a firsthand narrative of armed groups operating on highways paints a complex picture of the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria's northwestern region.
