Faisal Salisu DambattaResidents of parts of Sokoto and Kwara states were thrown into fear and confusion on Thursday night following missile explosions believed to have been launched by the United States.
A massive blast was recorded in Jabo town, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, while two separate explosions were reported hours later in Offa, Kwara State. Another explosion was also reported in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto.
Despite the panic, investigations by Saturday PUNCH confirmed that no casualties were recorded in any of the affected communities.
US President Donald Trump announced the strikes via his Truth Social platform, stating that American forces had carried out deadly attacks on Islamic State (ISIS) targets in northwestern Nigeria.
Trump accused the group of targeting and killing Christians and warned that the strikes were a response to continued violence. Although he did not specify the exact locations, the US Africa Command later confirmed that the operation took place in Sokoto State.
Senior military sources disclosed that the missile attacks did not result in any deaths or arrests.
According to one official, the operation involved shelling believed to have been launched from a US naval vessel, but no terrorists were neutralised. Another source said several strikes were carried out, though most of the intended targets were missed, and the extent of damage remains unclear
Security analysts described the strikes as largely symbolic and questioned the choice of locations.
A regional security analyst, Brant Philip, said the operation marked the beginning of formal US military involvement in Nigeria, adding that more strikes were expected, possibly involving MQ-9 Reaper drones.
Similarly, security expert Kabiru Adamu noted that neither Jabo in Sokoto nor Offa in Kwara is known as a terrorist stronghold. He confirmed that residents reported no casualties and urged authorities to rely on stronger human intelligence to ensure precision in future counter-terrorisms.
