Residents of parts of Sokoto State have disputed claims by the United States military that a recent airstrike in the state killed fighters of the Islamic State (ISIS), insisting that the affected communities were peaceful and had no terrorist camps.
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) said it conducted a “lethal strike” in Sokoto State at the request of Nigerian authorities. It claimed the operation killed multiple ISIS fighters.
In a statement posted on its X, AFRICOM said the strike demonstrated Washington’s commitment to eliminating terrorist threats and was carried out in cooperation with Nigeria.
However, residents of Tambuwal and Tangaza LGAs, where the strikes reportedly occurred, told journalists that the affected locations had not experienced terrorist activity and were not among areas known for banditry or insurgency in the state.
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In Jabo District of Tambuwal LGA, eyewitnesses said the strike caused panic but recorded no fatalities. A resident, Shafiu Umar, said people were sitting outside their homes when they noticed an object resembling a small aircraft approaching the area.
“Moments later, we heard a loud explosion and saw a huge ball of fire. People ran out with their families in fear,” he said. “Later, some of us went to the scene and found a large crater in a farmland. Fire was still burning, but thankfully it did not fall on any house and nobody was killed.”
The resident said the community was puzzled by the strike, describing Jabo as a peaceful area that had not experienced serious insecurity in recent years.
“The last bandit attack around here was about two years ago. This place is not known for terrorism,” he said, adding that metal fragments recovered from the scene would be handed to authorities.
In Tangaza LGA, residents confirmed explosions late at night in Warriya and Alkasim villages, which some officials said were believed to be locations linked to the Lakurawa armed group. A local government official, who requested anonymity, told Daily Trust the strikes occurred between 10 p.m. and midnight and that security operatives were expected to assess the impact.
“We are yet to confirm whether there were casualties,” the official said. “But as of now, there are no reports of deaths.”
Multiple sources also said no airstrikes were recorded in eastern Sokoto, the part of the state that has experienced banditry for over a decade.
Further contradicting AFRICOM’s account, a resident told Radio France International Hausa Service that no terrorists were killed in the strike in Jabo. According to the eyewitness, all those injured were civilians, as there was no terrorist camp in the area.
“There has never been any terrorist activity in this town,” the eyewitness said. “Houses belonging to civilians were destroyed, leaving families homeless and increasing the number of internally displaced persons.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Nigeria maintains security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, and said such collaboration had led to “precision hits on terrorist targets” in the North West. The ministry said the cooperation involved intelligence sharing and strategic coordination and was guided by respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and the protection of civilians.
“Terrorist violence in any form—whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities—remains an affront to Nigeria’s values,” the ministry said in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
Former military head of state, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), in a remark earlier, praised Minister of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, for his efforts against insecurity, urging a hardline approach against armed groups.
“I want to commend Gen Christopher Musa for his commendable work since his appointment. While I understand that the bandits are seeking dialogue and are willing to surrender, we must not engage in any negotiations. Instead, we should send them to their creators to negotiate with,” IBB said.
Meanwhile, a London-based security analyst, Dr Bulama Bukarti, urged transparency over the operation, noting that ISIS activity in Nigeria is largely concentrated in the North East, particularly around the Sambisa Forest and Lake Chad basin.
“There is no clear evidence of ISIS operating in northwest Nigeria,” Mr Bukarti said. “What exists there are criminal gangs, including the Lakurawa group, which originated from the Sahel. There is no established link between them and ISIS or Boko Haram.”
He cautioned that framing the strike as targeting ISIS or religious persecution could misrepresent realities on the ground, noting that Sokoto State is predominantly Muslim and that armed groups in the region do not typically target victims based on religion.
“If the strike was precise and hit the intended targets, that is positive,” he said. “But the Nigerian and US governments need to be clear: who was targeted, who was hit, and whether there were civilian casualties.”
Efforts to reach the Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, Ahmad Rufa’i, for comment were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Residents and analysts call for clarity and accountability over the strike, particularly amid claims that the affected communities were peaceful and had no known terrorist presence.
