Residents of parts of Sokoto and Kwara states were thrown into fear and confusion on Thursday night and early Friday after loud explosions, later linked to missile strikes by the United States, rocked several communities in northern Nigeria. The explosions caused widespread panic but, according to security sources and local residents, no casualties were recorded.

In Sokoto State, a powerful blast was reported in Jabo town, located in Tambuwal Local Government Area. Hours later, two separate explosions were heard in Offa, Kwara State. There were also reports of another explosion in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto, close to the border with the Niger Republic. The unfamiliar nature of the explosions left residents shocked, with many initially fearing an aircraft crash or a major industrial accident.

United States President Donald Trump later announced that American forces had carried out what he described as decisive strikes against Islamic State-linked elements operating in northwestern Nigeria. In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the action was aimed at terrorist groups accused of targeting civilians. While he did not mention specific locations, the U.S. Africa Command later confirmed that the operation took place in Sokoto State.

The strikes followed earlier warnings by Trump, who had criticised Nigeria’s handling of insecurity and threatened military action if violence persisted. He had also previously designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, citing attacks on vulnerable communities.

Despite the scale of the explosions, Nigerian military sources said preliminary assessments showed that no terrorists were killed and no civilians were harmed. One senior security official disclosed that the strikes involved shelling believed to have been launched from a U.S. naval vessel, adding that the intended targets were largely missed. Another source said the actual impact of the operation remained unclear, although further strikes were being considered.

Security analysts questioned the choice of locations struck, noting that neither Jabo in Sokoto nor Offa in Kwara is widely known as a major terrorist stronghold. Analysts stressed the need for stronger intelligence coordination, especially human intelligence, to ensure future counter-terrorism operations accurately identify and hit active militant camps.

Contrasting accounts emerged from international sources, with U.S. officials claiming that several terrorists were killed during the operation. Reports indicated that multiple cruise missiles were fired at suspected camps in Sokoto State. Local officials in Tangaza, however, said the strikes targeted areas believed to be hideouts of the Lakurawa group, a bandit network with alleged links to Islamic State affiliates operating across border communities in Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger and Mali.

The Federal Government of Nigeria confirmed that the strikes were carried out within the framework of ongoing security and intelligence cooperation with the United States. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the collaboration involved intelligence sharing and strategic coordination, carried out with respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, later disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the operation, insisting that it did not violate Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Tuggar explained that the action was part of Nigeria’s broader counter-terrorism strategy and was coordinated at the highest diplomatic and security levels. He added that discussions on any further foreign military involvement would remain the responsibility of Nigeria’s defence and security authorities.

Meanwhile, residents of affected communities described a terrifying night. The district head of Jabo, Alhaji Aliyu Garba Jabo, said the explosion occurred while he was at home with his family, causing widespread alarm. After the blast, residents discovered metallic fragments scattered near a hospital and nearby farmlands. Security personnel later secured the area and evacuated debris for investigation.

Other eyewitnesses said the explosion was followed by fire that burned for over an hour, heightening fear among residents. Despite the damage to farmlands, authorities confirmed that no houses were destroyed and no injuries or deaths were recorded. Investigations by security agencies are ongoing to determine the full details and impact of the strikes.