United States airstrikes, reportedly targeting ISIS militants and Lakurawa terrorist camps in Tangaza Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State, have forced numerous terrorists to flee and resulted in several deaths. Investigations by LEADERSHIP Sunday revealed that a specific target was a Lakurawa camp in Tandami village, bordering Illela LGA. Following these strikes, authorities issued alerts to neighboring states about potential influxes of fleeing Lakurawa members, urging precautions.

Meanwhile, the U.S. airstrike incident led to the discovery of additional explosive devices in Jabo town, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, at a location different from where an initial bomb fell. Community sources reported finding metal objects similar to previously identified explosives upon excavation, prompting immediate recommendations to halt digging due to suspicions of unexploded ordnance. Authorities have strongly advised the public to avoid these areas, refrain from inspecting or excavating anything, and await the arrival of security personnel with expertise in handling such dangerous materials. The Nigerian Police swiftly deployed a team of explosives experts, including the Base 15 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit in Sokoto, to Jabo town, cordoning off the area and tightening security.

The Police Area Commander for Tambuwal, Muhammed Augie, issued a stern warning against scavenging metal remnants from the airstrike sites, noting that residents were seen collecting scrap metal, aluminum, wires, batteries, and other materials for sale. The District Head of Jabo, Alhaji Aliyu Garba Jabo, further highlighted the perilous practice, stating that young people, unaware of the dangers of unexploded or contaminated fragments, were sifting through debris without protective gear. He attributed this risky behavior to deep-rooted issues of poverty, lack of awareness, and the absence of immediate government intervention post-explosion. The Commandant of the EOD Unit, Hassan Jatau, emphasized the critical need for public sensitization regarding the serious dangers posed by unexploded ordnance.

The Tangaza LGA Chairman, Isa Saleh Bashir, confirmed to the BBC that the strikes hit bush paths and terrorist camps, though he could not provide a specific casualty count, only noting injuries. He also mentioned reports from Niger Republic security forces of Lakurawa members fleeing the area. The airstrikes, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump and confirmed by Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, were conducted with Nigeria's full cooperation, approval, and intelligence support, with Minister Tuggar asserting that the operation did not violate Nigeria's sovereignty nor target any religious group.

In response to ongoing insecurity, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, charged troops of 8 Division, Sokoto, and the Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to sustain their operational tempo and decisively eliminate bandits and terrorists in Sokoto and its environs. During an operational visit on December 27, 2025, Lt-Gen Shaibu commended the troops' gallantry and professionalism, acknowledging their successes in improving regional security. He also directed the construction of additional accommodation and medical facilities at Illela Barracks to boost troop welfare and effectiveness.

Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, appealed to the Federal Government to extend joint Nigeria-U.S. military operations against terrorist hideouts to the North-East region. He praised the Sokoto strikes and called for similar coordinated actions in areas like Lake Chad, Mandara Mountains, and Sambisa Forest, which are known strongholds of ISWAP and Boko Haram. Ndume suggested that military cooperation should encompass ground troop support, including training, intelligence, logistics, and attack helicopter assistance. He also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allocating the highest-ever funding to the defence sector in the 2026 budget, while stressing the importance of accountability and transparency. Expressing condolences for a recent suicide bomb blast at a mosque in Gamboru, Maiduguri, Ndume noted that the incident, with Muslim victims, disproved any narrative of Christian genocide by terrorists, affirming their indiscriminate violence.

However, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Taraba State, Very Rev. Fr William Owoshiri, offered a contrasting perspective, asserting that Nigeria's insecurity is primarily an internal issue requiring strong political will and adequate empowerment of national security agencies, rather than direct military intervention from the United States. He cautioned that foreign military involvement, while seemingly effective in the short term, could lead to deeper, long-term security problems once external forces withdraw. Rev. Fr Owoshiri questioned the government's preference for temporary foreign support over fully equipping and strengthening Nigeria's own armed forces, highlighting Nigeria's successful history in African peacekeeping missions. He emphasized that Nigerian security forces possess the capacity to confront aggression if properly equipped with modern weapons, drones, and intelligence, and if local vigilantes are adequately empowered. He urged the U.S. and allies to provide support through intelligence sharing, logistical assistance, and surveillance equipment, rather than direct military intervention that could complicate crises and weaken Nigeria's sovereignty.

Separately, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by other security elements and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), successfully repelled an attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists on December 24, while they approached Garaha, a community in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State. Residents had fled before the terrorists arrived, and no casualties were recorded. Nigerian troops have since intensified patrols and surveillance in the area and along border communities to prevent further attacks and deny terrorists freedom of movement. Operation Hadin Kai reiterated its commitment to sustained offensive operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements to ensure safety in the North-East region.