A recent airstrike conducted by the United States in Jabo village, Sokoto State, Nigeria, has been criticized for its accuracy and effectiveness. The strike, which took place on Christmas night, was aimed at ISIS fighters in the region. However, according to Ladan Salihu, former Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, the operation failed to hit its target.
The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) reported that the airstrike was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian government, with the goal of countering terrorist threats. AFRICOM stated that the operation demonstrated the strength and determination of the US military in addressing terrorism both within the US and globally.
However, Salihu shared a different account of the incident, citing a conversation with Bashar Isah Jabo, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, who visited the affected area shortly after the strike. According to Jabo, the missiles landed in an open field approximately 300 meters away from a local hospital, resulting in no injuries or fatalities.
Salihu noted that Jabo village has not experienced any terrorist activity or ISWAP presence throughout 2025, and there have been no reported farmer-herder conflicts in the area. The only evidence of the strike found by villagers was missile fragments near a large crater, with no damage to homes or loss of life.
The former Director-General questioned the purpose of the airstrike, suggesting that it may have been intended to generate headlines rather than effectively address terrorist threats. While supporting international cooperation to combat terrorism, Salihu emphasized the need for targeted attacks on known terrorist leaders and strongholds.
He called on Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters to investigate the incident and provide a clear report to the public. Salihu also expressed relief that the missiles did not hit the hospital or harm innocent residents of Jabo village. The incident highlights the need for precision and accuracy in military operations to avoid harm to civilians and ensure the effectiveness of counter-terrorism efforts.
