In the wake of recent U.S. airstrikes in Sokoto State, military authorities have appealed to local residents to cooperate by returning explosives and ordnance looted from affected areas.
The strikes, conducted on December 25 and 26, 2025, targeted camps linked to Islamic State militants in the Bauni Forest region. Authorised by President Bola Tinubu and executed by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), the operation used GPS-guided munitions and unmanned aerial systems to dismantle extremist networks operating along the Sahel corridor.
According to Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, the mission was intelligence-driven and successfully neutralised designated threats while avoiding civilian casualties. Post-strike assessments are ongoing, with further details to be shared once evaluations are complete.
Despite official assurances that no civilians were harmed, debris and unexploded ordnance in surrounding communities have raised safety concerns. Residents are urged to hand over any recovered explosives to security authorities immediately to prevent accidents and assist with damage assessments.
The Sokoto State Government confirmed the strikes and emphasised that the joint operation with U.S. forces is part of broader efforts to protect lives and property from extremist threats.
Community and traditional leaders have called for calm, urging residents to cooperate fully with security agencies, while authorities stressed that credible information from communities is vital to ensure public safety and prevent injuries during the ongoing post-strike cleanup and assessment operations.
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