A United States airstrike in Jabo village, Sokoto State, Nigeria, conducted on Christmas night, has drawn criticism over its accuracy and effectiveness. The operation, aimed at ISIS fighters, was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian government, according to the US Africa Command (AFRICOM). AFRICOM said the strike demonstrated U.S. military strength and determination in confronting terrorism both domestically and abroad.
However, former Director‑General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ladan Salihu, offered a contrasting account. He cited a conversation with Bashar Isah Jabo, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly who visited the site shortly after the attack. Jabo reported that the missiles landed in an open field about 300 metres from a local hospital, causing no injuries or fatalities. Villagers found only missile fragments near a large crater; no homes were damaged and there was no loss of life.
Salihu noted that Jabo village has not experienced any terrorist activity or ISWAP presence in 2025, nor any farmer‑herder conflicts. He questioned the purpose of the strike, suggesting it may have been intended to generate headlines rather than to neutralize a genuine threat. While supporting international cooperation against terrorism, Salihu emphasized the need for precise attacks on known terrorist leaders and strongholds. He called on Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters to investigate the incident and provide a clear public report, and expressed relief that the hospital and innocent residents were unharmed. The episode underscores the importance of precision in military operations to protect civilians and ensure effective counter‑terrorism outcomes.
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