Trump’s missiles hit farmland, 3 terrorists' camps — Source

President Tinubu and President Trump.

No casualties in Bargini – Lawmaker

Effect of strikes in other locations uncertain

Tinubu approved the strikes - Tuggar

Vanguard visits Bargini, speaks with villagers

We thought it was a plane crash—Residents

Our sovereignty has not been breached — Retired Generals

No casualty, I expected attack to hit Turji, the terrorist—Ladan Salihu

No ISIS in Bargini, no casualty recorded — Sokoto lawmaker

We should watch movements of fleeing terrorists to the South — Rear Admiral Olisemelogor 

UNITED States of America  President, Donald Trump, Thursday night made good his threat of striking terrorists in Nigeria after declaring Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. US missile landed in Bargini village in Jabo ward of Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto.

High-level security sources said that the US shot about 16 missiles and three terrorists’ camps were hit.

One of the places hit was Bargini in Jabo Ward, Tambuwal LGA  where a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Bashar Jabo, confirmed that an explosion occurred in Jabo town, but said that no casualty was recorded and no house was affected in the incident.

However, the effects of the airstrikes in other locations were uncertain with sources claiming that debris of the airstrikes  dropped in Offa and caused explosion in Kwara State. 

The US missiles touched some places in Tangaza LGA, Sokoto, regarded as an enclave of the Lakurawa terrorists.

At Bargini, the explosive reportedly created a deep crater and scorching an estimated 50-metre radius, with clear signs of intense heat and burning still visible hours later. Saturday Vanguard visited the community and spoke with residents, who shared their experiences and confirmed that no casualty was recorded and there was no damage to any building in the village. Reports were unclear on happened in other places of Sokoto, government sources said were hit. 

US missile landed in a plain field, no casualty—Ladan Salihu

Claiming that the US missile neither caused any damage nor killed any terrorist, former Director-General of Radio Nigeria, Ladan Salihu, on his X handle said: “I just spoke with Hon Sarkin Yaki Jabo, Member, Sokoto State House of  Assembly, who visited Jabo after the strike at 10:30p.m last night(Thursday). The US strike in Jabo near Tambuwal wasn’t a precision strike. No casualties. Missiles landed in a plain field 300 metres away from a local hospital. 

“I am in support of all collaborative efforts to fight terrorists. In 2025 Jabo did not record a single case of terror or ISWAP activity. Not even farmer/herder clash. I expect the attack to hit Turji and other known terrorist masterminds in the North-East. Villagers reported fragments of the missiles near a huge crater. No fatality nor casualty. Was it an attack to grab a headline or to send an inexplicable message? 

He concluded: “Defence Headquarters must investigate this and furnish Nigerians with Status Report on the operation. Thank God the missiles did not hit the hospital or homes of innocent Jabo villagers.”

Bargini village lies barely 200 metres from Jabo town and about 75 kilometres south-west of Sokoto metropolis, along a sensitive axis linking Sokoto with parts of Zamfara and Kebbi states. The area borders Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State and the Zuru axis of Kebbi State zones that have, at different times, experienced terrorist activities. 

Security personnel cordon bomb scene

At about 10:00am, yesterday, residents of Bargini and neighbouring Jabo town were seen trooping to the site, with many visibly shaken. Security personnel from the Sokoto State Explosive Ordnance Disposal, EOD, Base 15, led by Commandant Hassan Jatau, were also on ground, carefully cordoning off the area and collecting fragments of the exploded device. Anti-bomb squad officers were observed combing the farmland for evidence, ensuring that no secondary explosive device posed further danger to residents. 

Residents share their experiences

An eyewitness, Abubakar Jabo Mohammed, a resident of Jabo town and Information Officer of Tambuwal Local Government Area, said the incident occurred at about 10:30pm on Thursday.

He explained that the  explosion caused panic as many residents believed an aircraft had crashed in the vicinity. “Because of the loud noise and the speed at which the burning object descended, many of us thought it was an air crash,” Mohammed said, adding that confusion only cleared when residents cautiously approached the area.

The Sarkin Fulani of the area, Malam Sani Muhammad, stressed that Jabo and Bargini communities have lived peacefully for decades without harbouring terrorists or bandits. He recalled only an isolated kidnap incident in 2000, insisting that no similar security breach had occurred since then, making the bombardment deeply troubling to locals.

Another resident of Bargini described the explosion as terrifying, saying families were preparing to sleep when a thunderous blast lit up the night sky and sent villagers fleeing in panic.

The Police Area Commander in charge of Tambuwal Local Government Area, Muhammed Augie, visited the scene but declined official comment on the incident. However, he advised the District Head of Jabo, Alhaji Abubakar Jabo, to warn residents against visiting the site or handling fragments recovered from the explosion.

It was gathered that several fragments had already found their way into the hands of locals, a situation observers linked to deepening rural poverty and economic downturn affecting parts of the state.

Commandant Hassan Jatau urged authorities to intensify public sensitisation, warning that crowding bomb scenes could expose civilians to secondary explosions or hidden hazards.

“We were very lucky that there was no casualty and no one was hurt as a result of this incident,” he said, describing the outcome as a narrow escape. As of the time of filing this report, Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Engineer Idris Mohammed Gobir was expected to visit the area. 

No casualty, no house affected — Lawmaker

Speaking on the airstrikes, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Bashar Jabo, who represents Tambuwal East Constituency, disclosed that the blast, which occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, happened on a farmland. He said no house was affected either.  He further stated that there were no ISIS elements in the area, adding that the community had been living in relative peace.

In a telephone conversation, he said: “First, on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at about 10:30 p.m., an object alleged to have been dropped from an aircraft exploded on a farmland in Jabo town, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Nigeria.

“This unfortunate incident occurred approximately 500 metres away from the Primary Health Centre, Jabo. Residents heard a loud explosion, which caused fear and panic within the community.

“Although the incident was later linked to an operation reportedly targeting ISIS terrorists, there were no ISIS elements in our area, which has been living in relative peace. As a representative of the people, I feel deeply concerned. While we recognise and support efforts aimed at addressing insecurity, such actions must be based on accurate intelligence and carried out with utmost caution, especially in peaceful civilian communities.

“We are grateful that no casualty was recorded, but the fear and anxiety caused to innocent residents cannot be ignored. In my capacity as a member of the State House of Assembly, I have duly reported this incident to the appropriate authorities for thorough investigation and clarification, to ensure accountability and to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the future.”

Tinubu approved the strikes —Tuggar

Meanwhile, The Federal Government has said that President Bola Tinubu approved the United States strikes against terrorists in the North-Western region of Nigeria. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in an interview with Channels TV, yesterday. Tuggar said: “Now that the US is cooperating, we would do it jointly, and we would ensure, just as President Tinubu emphasised before he gave the go-ahead, that it must be made clear that it is a joint operation, and it is not targeting any religion nor simply in the name of one religion or the other. We are a multi-religious country, and we are working with partners like the US to fight terrorism and safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians.” 

Airstrikes, first step to ending killings in Nigeria — US Congressman Riley Moore

US Congressman Riley Moore welcomed the missile attack in Sokoto as an important step to protect Christian communities and address the country’s ongoing security crisis.

Speaking on Friday via his X account, Moore described the strikes, carried out in coordination with the Nigerian government, as “just the first step to ending the slaughter of Christians and the security crisis affecting all Nigerians. President Trump has been clear that the killing of Christians in Nigeria must end. Do not test his resolve,” Moore added.

The US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the strikes were conducted with Nigeria’s cooperation. “The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The Department of War is always ready and grateful for Nigerian government support,” Hegseth said.

US says more airstrikes coming

Meanwhile, the United States Government has threatened more attacks against terrorists operating in and around Nigeria. This came as the US Department of War released a video indicating that Thursday’s attack on Islamic State terrorists in Sokoto State, North-West Nigeria, was launched from a warship. The video showed at least one projectile launched from a US warship but gave no indication as to where the warship was operating from. 

Following the airstrikes, both US President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared that more was to come.

President Donald Trump had broken the news of the Sokoto strikes on Thursday night. Writing on his Truth Social platform, he said: “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries! 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 Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. May God Bless our Military, and Merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”

In a similar vein, Hegseth said in a post on X: “The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come…Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!”

US-Nigeria joint precision strikes in Sokoto, very successful——Military

Top Military Sources have told Vanguard that the US precision strikes on terrorists targets in the North West in joint coordination with the Nigerian military, “was very successful” and that the objective was achieved. “It was a successful joint operation with the US military. We provided the targets. They conducted the strikes. Right now we are mopping up,” a source said.

Sources disclosed that prior to the strikes, actionable intelligence had revealed a “massive convergence” of armed terrorists/bandits who had traversed from the Sahel corridors of Mali, and Bourkina Faso to converge in Nigeria for a major coordinated attacks on North West communities in Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger and Katsina states

The foreign-linked ISIS  terror cells targeted and hit with devastation include the Lakurawa elements, and Jenni groups, which intelligence reports confirmed have been mobilising members from Burkina Faso and Mali to carry out coordinated attacks during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

Information released by the Pentagon showed at least one projectile (tomahawk missile) launched from a U.S. naval platform from the International Sea Corridors around Ghana as part of the coordinated strike package executed against the identified terrorist locations.

Sources said the US military also deployed advanced long-range unmanned aerial systems (drones) alongside naval strike capabilities, to aid precision objective and averting collateral damage.

Asked about possibility of collateral damage, sources said: “This was a carefully planned and highly selective operation. Surveillance architecture was in place and active and guided against mishaps. This ensured that only confirmed terrorist combatants and logistics hubs were engaged and decimated.”

Nigeria should seize the opportunity to finally flush out terrorists — Retired Generals

Backing the airstrikes, Retired Generals of the armed forces of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force, many of who trained in the United States and Europe, comprising former Force Commanders, Theatre Commanders, GOCs and Intelligence Chiefs among others have described the joint US - Nigeria operation against terrorists in the North-West as a welcome development. They urged Nigeria to seize the opportunity to ramp up ground operations and finally flush out the terrorists

The Generals hailed the collaboration as an opportunity by both countries to decisively deal with global terrorism, even as they warned that no one should fan the embers of religious bigotry as “We must treat criminals and terrorists as dishonorable members of our community”. 

A former Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole in North-East said: “It is a positive development. War against terror is a global effort just as terrorists are also having global affiliation and reach. The Armed Forces of Nigeria need to seize the opportunity to ramp up its ground operations to flush out the key terror elements. These opportunities are very rare because this is not a primary theatre of our allies especially the US. The Police needs to facilitate the restoration of civil administration in order to restore law and order. 

A former GOC responsible for most of the states in the North-West said: “What is of utmost importance is the collaboration between both countries to decisively deal with global terrorism. As you know, the ISIS/ISWAP has been undertaking deadly terrorist acts across the Sahel region of Africa. It extends to Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad and Sudan. Their footprints and major target is Nigeria, being the biggest and most populated. This must be checked. Our military have been doing a good job with the limited resources available, hence a collaboration in intelligence and operations is welcome. I only hope the synergy is done in good faith so that any negative outcomes is contained. The security situation  in Nigeria is deeply complex given the religious and ethnic dimension it has been portrayed, unfortunately. Dangerous narratives will flood the media space for and against these military operations. Evil internal and external actors must not be allowed to have a breathing space to control the narrative. Whatever the outcome, there is a seismic shift in counter insurgency operations. I strongly support efforts to urgently stem the tide of killings whether Muslims or Christians, they are Nigerians. Our sovereignty has not been breached so far. I welcome this military and security collaboration so far”.

A retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, who was in charge of a zone controlling North Central states said, “There’s no doubt that Nigeria needs help. The attacks have been going on for far too long and it’s like nothing can be done about it. The terrorists move about so freely brandishing dangerous weapons in the open and the state which should have the monopoly of violence appear helpless. That has to stop. Surveillance and visible security should be increased in public places, key points, critical infrastructure, entertainment facilities, in short any place attracting huge crowds should be closely monitored. Security hotlines should be made easily accessible and response to critical situations timely and There should be more stringent searches at airports and other such locations. 

A retired Rear Admiral simply said: “If the Defence Headquarters has confirmed that it was a joint operation, then it is a welcome collaboration”.

A retired Air Vice Marshal and Intelligence Chief however expressed caution saying “Time will tell. But I pray Nigeria doesn’t end up like Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria”.

Another retired Rear Admiral and Intelligence Chief said, “Truth is that we have always coordinated with them but the situation in the country presently is combustible. Let’s see how this collaboration go”.

A retired General and one time Army Spokesman said, “It is good to collaborate with well meaning nations to stem the tide of insecurity in our country but it should not be at the expense of law abiding citizens. Let the operations be precise and targeted to the insurgents, bandits and kidnappers as well as those responsible”.

Tambuwal urges calm, says he’s consulting with authorities

Former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal has called for calm, saying he was in active talks with relevant security authorities to obtain full details and ensure that all necessary safeguards were upheld.

Commenting on his verified X handle on Friday, Tambuwal said, “I have noted the reports concerning an airstrike carried out as part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts through cooperation between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States. I urge our communities to remain calm and law abiding as relevant authorities clarify the circumstances surrounding the operation.

“I wish to assure the people of Sokoto South that I am in active talks with relevant security authorities to obtain full details and ensure that all necessary safeguards are upheld. It is important to reassure the public that counter-terrorism operations are targeted at criminal and terrorist elements who threaten our collective safety, and not at innocent civilians who are themselves victims of insecurity. The protection of civilian lives remains paramount and remains central to all legitimate security operations.

“I commend the courage and professionalism of our military and security forces, who continue to work tirelessly, often in collaboration with international partners, to confront terrorism and banditry under extremely challenging conditions. Their sacrifice and commitment to restoring peace and stability deserve our full support and cooperation.

“I also call on community leaders, traditional institutions, and residents to continue working closely with security agencies by sharing credible information and resisting misinformation that could heighten fear or tension. Together, through unity, vigilance, and support for lawful security efforts, we will overcome the forces of terror and secure lasting peace for Sokoto State and Nigeria at large”. 

Mixed reactions trail attacks 

Jos - Mixed reactions have continued to trail the United States military strike on terrorist elements in Nigeria on Christmas Day, with religious and cultural leaders welcoming the action, while some citizens expressed concern over its implications for national sovereignty.

The Plateau State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Apostle Joseph Rims, described the strike as an answered prayer and a welcome development. Apostle Rims noted that the Church would continue to pray for decisive actions capable of restoring lasting peace and security in the country.

Also speaking, the President of the Berom Educational and Cultural Organisation (BECO), Da Gyang Dudu, said any action that would bring peace, harmony, and safety of lives and property in Nigeria should be supported. He described the U.S. strike as long overdue and called for sustained and precise operations to flush out terrorists across affected areas, stressing that such groups had terrorised communities through killings, raping, kidnappings, and other crimes.

However, a citizen, Sani Mudi, expressed reservations, describing the development as a humiliation for a country that prides itself as the “giant of Africa.” He said while Nigerians desire the decisive defeat of groups such as ISIS, Boko Haram, and bandits, greater pride and confidence would come if such operations were led by Nigeria’s own military, with support from friendly nations where necessary.

Mudi also noted perceived contradictions between statements credited to former U.S. President Donald Trump and the Nigerian government, questioning whether Nigeria’s sovereignty was fully respected in the operation.

He said, “Personally, I see it as humiliation for a country that prides itself as the giant of Africa. As concerned citizens of Nigeria we are worried about the security challenges that have become existential threats to the country. One would be happy to see all the acts of threats, ISIS, Boko Haram, banditry and the rest, dealt with in a decisive manner that would restore peace security to the affected parts of the country. But we will be happier and proud if it is done by our own military with the assistance of any friendly nations that have capacity and are willing to do it. 

“The statements of the Nigerian government and President Trump do not align with each other. Trump did not allude to any respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty while the government is saying that it was part of the collaborative process between the two countries.”

Explosion rocks  Kwara Community hours after US strikes in Sokoto

Tension heightened yesterday in Offa community, Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State  following explosions that rocked parts of the town late Thursday night, destroying properties and causing widespread fear.

The explosions occurred barely hours after the United States President, Donald Trump, announced U.S. airstrikes against ISIS targets in parts of northwest Nigeria, on Christmas Day. Vanguard reliably gathered that no casualty had been reported, while investigations by security agencies had commenced.

Vanguard further gathered that the explosions occurred in three different locations at midnight on Christmas Day. Impeccable sources in Offa told Vanguard that several buildings were affected at the Eid praying ground area, while a second explosion was recorded near Solid Worth Hotel, about a five-minute walk from the first location. The third location was around Solid Worth hotel, within the same vicinity. Vanguard further gathered that an undetonated explosive device was later recovered at the second location, prompting security agencies to cordon the affected areas. 

Contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Offa Local Government, Abiola Azeez Babatunde,who confirmed the development said that the council was aware of reports circulating about a suspected ordinance-related incident at the Offa Yidi praying ground.

In a statement, the local government said security agencies had secured the scene and commenced investigations. The statement added that the Chairman of Offa Local Government Area, Hon. Suleiman Olatunji Omituntun, visited the affected areas shortly after the incident to assess the situation.

The council chairman urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, advising the public to rely on credible and official sources for information in order to avoid panic.

We should watch movements of fleeing terrorists to the South —Rear Admiral Olisemelogor 

The United States missiles attack in Sokoto has sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria. While many welcomed the operation as long overdue, others questioned why similar action was not taken in Sambisa Forest, the North-East insurgent stronghold.

The strikes, reportedly targeting identified terrorist enclaves in the North-West, were executed following what security sources described as credible and timely intelligence shared between Nigerian forces and their U.S. counterparts. This operation marks one of the most visible recent instances of direct operational collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism and transnational criminal networks.

While supporters described the strikes as a decisive escalation, critics took to social media and public forums to question the choice of Sokoto, arguing that longstanding insurgent bases such as Sambisa Forest continue to pose serious threats despite years of military campaigns.

Diverse perspectives 

In an interview with Saturday Vanguard,  Rear Admiral Dickson Olisemelogor (rtd)described the operation as a step in the right direction but cautioned that air power alone would not end the threat. 

He said: “It is an action in the right direction, but the real question is whether we are prepared for the backlash. Once you hit them, the remaining elements scatter. They move quietly into communities, markets, highways, and other public spaces. That is where the danger escalates.” He warned that many of the fighters are backed by organized networks. 

According to him : “These people are not isolated. They are sponsored, trained and highly mobile. They operate mostly at night and are skilled at blending into civilian populations. How do we track and contain those who escape? How do we prevent them from spreading into other parts of the country? Once pressure is applied in one area, they simply relocate.”

Olisemelogor stressed that security was a collective responsibility. “This is not just a battle of force. It requires coordination, intelligence, and sustained engagement. Everyone has a role to play. The police and other agencies must monitor movement closely. Check vehicles and passagers coming to the South and fish out these fleeing terrorists  because there could be coordinated bomb explosions in areas where they are fleeing to. The strike is welcome, but without sustained follow-up, the threat will not disappear, it will only change form.”

For Maj. Gen. Sani Usman, a former Director of Army Public Relations and security analyst, he also welcomed the development, describing it as necessary. He said “It is very commendable that the United States is offering support to Nigeria in its counter-insurgency efforts and the fight against kidnapping and banditry. However, such assistance must be anchored on robust collaboration and close coordination with Nigerian authorities to ensure alignment with national priorities, respect for sovereignty, and to prevent collateral damage or civilian casualties.”

Addressing questions over the focus on Sokoto, Usman explained that the operation was intelligence-driven. “Nothing just happens overnight. This was a joint effort based on credible and timely intelligence about key actors,” he said.

Contrary view 

However, civil rights activist and Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre ,CISLAC Auwal Rafsanjani, offered a starkly contrasting perspective. He argued that while the airstrike generated excitement, it also exposed Nigeria’s internal security weaknesses. 

“The implication is clear. Nigeria is inadvertently advertising its inability to adequately protect lives and property from violent criminals, bandits, and terrorists. Constitutionally, the primary responsibility of the state is to secure its citizens. Unfortunately, political actors prioritize elections over serious security sector reforms.”

Rafsanjani highlighted gaps in coordination among security agencies. “Where there is no effective cooperation, intelligence sharing, or coordination among security agencies, it becomes extremely difficult to defeat terrorism and criminal networks. Add security sector corruption to this mix, and you begin to understand why the problem persists.” He also faulted the government for failing to confront financiers of terrorism and criticized poor public communication.

According to him, “The inability or unwillingness of the government to investigate, arrest, prosecute, and convict sponsors of terrorism has created the space for these crimes to flourish. When the government fails to clearly and honestly explain its security actions without propaganda, it leaves citizens vulnerable to misleading narratives that may not align with Nigeria’s national interest.”

On the role of the United States, Rafsanjani was skeptical about the claimed coordination. 

He said “The American government does not require Nigeria’s approval to act. In fact, there was no public indication that this strike was jointly planned with Nigeria. That raises serious questions about the claim that Nigerian intelligence guided the operation. Did the airstrikes actually hit the right targets? If there is no evidence of precision outcomes, then we must ask whether we are once again dealing with misinformation.”

He also warned against framing Nigeria’s insecurity as a religious conflict. “This operation risks reinforcing a false narrative of Christians versus Muslims, which is completely untrue. Terrorists and bandits kill indiscriminately. Just days ago, there was an attack on a mosque that killed and injured several people. Criminals are the enemy, not religion.”

Rafsanjani stressed that foreign intervention cannot substitute for internal responsibility. “No foreign power can save Nigeria. Even if assistance is sought, it must be Nigeria-led. Once you celebrate this kind of intervention, you set a precedent. Tomorrow,

 another foreign power could justify deeper involvement under the guise of stability or even regime change. Nigeria must rise to defend its people. No foreign country acts for free.”

As the debate continues, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the Sokoto operation will mark a turning point in the fight against terrorism or remain another episode in a protracted struggle. For analysts and citizens alike, the airstrike underscored the urgent need for sustained security sector reforms, national unity, and credible leadership to ensure the safety and stability of the nation.

Culled from Vanguard