The Federal Government has confirmed that debris from a United States airstrike against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists in Sokoto State caused the explosions that damaged properties in Offa, Kwara State, on Christmas night.
The clarification followed public anxiety after explosions rocked parts of Offa, damaging homes, shops, and a hotel. As a result, residents expressed concern over the source of the blasts.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said debris from expended precision-guided munitions fell in Offa during a joint Nigeria–United States military operation.
Airstrike Targeted ISIS Enclaves in Sokoto
According to the Federal Government, Nigerian and US forces carried out precision airstrikes against two major ISIS terrorist enclaves in the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
The operation followed approval by President Bola Tinubu. Intelligence reports identified the locations as staging and assembly grounds for ISIS fighters infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region.
Therefore, the strikes formed part of broader efforts to disrupt transnational terrorist networks operating around Nigeria’s borders.
Details of the Military Operation
The government disclosed that the airstrikes occurred between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Friday, December 26, 2025.
According to Idris, the Armed Forces of Nigeria executed the mission under established command structures. In addition, the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, supervised the operation.
The mission involved the deployment of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions fired from MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms launched from maritime platforms in the Gulf of Guinea.
Debris Fell in Kwara, Parts of Sokoto
Crucially, the Federal Government confirmed that debris from the airstrike caused the reported incidents in Offa, Kwara State, and in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
“Debris from expended munitions fell near a hotel in Offa and parts of Tambuwal LGA,” the statement said. “However, no civilian casualties were recorded, and authorities promptly secured the affected areas.”
Security agencies later cordoned off the affected locations to prevent further risk.
FG Reassures Nigerians
Residents of Offa reported panic after explosions struck areas near the Eid praying ground and Solid Worth Hotel. Although the blasts caused structural damage, no deaths were recorded.
The Federal Government reassured Nigerians of its commitment to national security and public safety. Consequently, it urged citizens to remain calm and vigilant.
According to Idris, Nigeria remains fully engaged with strategic partners to confront and eliminate terrorist threats.
“The Federal Government remains firmly in control of the national security architecture and committed to protecting lives and property,” the statement added.
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