An international human rights lawyer and expert in bilateral affairs, Emmanuel Ogebe, has provided insight into the US military’s decision to launch an airstrike in Sokoto, Nigeria. According to Ogebe, the choice of location appears to be based on strategic familiarity rather than the scale of violence in the area. He noted that Sokoto had previously been the site of a US military operation in 2020, when American special forces rescued US citizen Philip Walton from kidnappers, resulting in the deaths of at least six terrorists.

This prior experience may have contributed to the US military’s decision to target Sokoto, as it is an area with which they are familiar. Ogebe described Sokoto as an unusual choice for an initial strike, given that it is not a major hub of global jihadist activity in Nigeria. The North-East region, particularly Borno State, has recently experienced a deadly suicide bombing and is generally considered a hotter zone for extremist activity.

The proximity of Sokoto to the Niger Republic, where the US previously maintained military bases, may also have been a factor in the decision. The familiarity of American forces with the terrain and intelligence architecture in the region could have made it a more attractive option for the operation. The Nigerian government has stated that the airstrike was conducted jointly with the US and other allies, a claim that Ogebe finds credible based on the lessons learned from the 2020 Walton rescue operation.

That operation had highlighted the importance of confirmed Nigerian airspace clearance, which was initially lacking and nearly led to its failure. The success of the joint operation in Sokoto suggests that the US and Nigerian governments have learned from past experiences and are working together more effectively. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what further actions will be taken by the US and its allies in the region. The airstrike in Sokoto marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat extremism in Nigeria and the surrounding area.