Security Expert Says United States Airstrikes in Sokoto Hit Wrong Target and Had No Impact on Terrorists

A security expert, Zagazola Makama, has said that the recent airstrikes carried out by the United States military in Sokoto State targeted the wrong location and had no impact on terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.

The airstrikes, which took place on Christmas night, were part of a United States military operation reportedly aimed at terrorists linked to the Islamic State. The operation caused panic among residents of parts of Sokoto State, particularly in Jabo community, Tambuwal Local Government Area.

Videos that later went viral on social media showed residents fleeing in fear after one of the strikes reportedly landed in the Jabo area and burst into flames. The loud explosion sparked confusion and anxiety, with many locals initially believing the community was under direct attack.

As of the time of reporting, details of the operation remain unclear, and no casualties have been officially recorded. Authorities have also not released specific information on the exact targets or the extent of damage caused by the strikes.

Reacting to the development, Makama stated in a post on X that the airstrikes did not hit any known terrorist strongholds. According to him, the bombs were dropped in a relatively safe area that has no history of ISIS, ISWAP, or Boko Haram activities.

Those asking for our opinion on the United States strike in Sokoto, the bombs were dropped in a relatively safe part of Sokoto State with no impact, Makama wrote.

He explained that Jabo is a farming community under Tambuwal Local Government Area and has no recorded presence of ISIS or ISWAP fighters. Makama stressed that the location is not known to host terrorist camps or operational bases linked to extremist groups.

Jabo community has no single record of ISIS or ISWAP activity, he said.

The security expert further noted that major terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP are primarily active in northeastern Nigeria, while Jamaat Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimin, also known as Lakurawa, does not have any established base in the northwest region.

Makama also pointed out that the affected area has a predominantly Muslim population and does not align with claims of targeted attacks against Christian communities.

The area of the strikes is about ninety eight percent Muslim and does not pose any threat relating to claims of Christian genocide. What is happening there is banditry, with criminals terrorising mostly Muslim communities, he added.

While criticising the choice of location, Makama acknowledged that foreign assistance could play a role in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges. However, he stressed that accurate intelligence and proper targeting are critical for such interventions to be effective.

We welcome United States interventions to assist Nigeria, but Jabo community in Sokoto was clearly the wrong target for ISWAP, Boko Haram, or ISIS, he stated.

Despite his criticism, Makama said that the airstrikes could still send a strong message to terrorist groups if future operations are properly coordinated and intelligence driven.

The strikes, and any future ones, can be a welcome development if they are precise and hit the right targets, he said.

The incident has continued to generate debate across the country, with some Nigerians questioning the accuracy of the intelligence behind the operation, while others argue that foreign military involvement in Nigeria raises serious concerns about sovereignty and civilian safety.

As investigations continue, security agencies are yet to provide a comprehensive briefing on the operation, including the intended targets, assessment of damage, and plans for future actions.