The Federal Government on Friday clarified that the explosions and property damage reported in Offa, Kwara State, on Christmas night were caused by debris from precision-guided munitions deployed during a joint Nigerian–US military operation against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists in Sokoto State.
In a statement, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said debris from expended munitions fell in Offa and Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, following the precision strike targeting two major ISIS enclaves in the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza LGA.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, in close coordination with the United States of America, has successfully conducted precision strike operations against two major ISIS terrorist enclaves located within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State,” the statement read.
According to the government, intelligence confirmed that the targeted locations were being used as assembly points and staging grounds by foreign ISIS operatives infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel, in collaboration with local affiliates, to plan large-scale attacks.
The operation, conducted between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Friday, December 26, 2025, involved 16 GPS-guided precision munitions deployed using MQ-9 Reaper drones launched from maritime platforms in the Gulf of Guinea. The strikes were executed under established command structures with the full involvement of the Nigerian Armed Forces, and supervision by the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, alongside the Chief of Defence Staff.
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“During the course of the operation, debris from expended munitions fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State, near the premises of a hotel. No civilian casualties were recorded, and authorities promptly secured the affected areas,” the statement added.
Residents of Offa had reported panic on Christmas night after explosions hit two locations in the town, including the Eid praying ground and the vicinity of Solid Worth Hotel, damaging homes, shops, and a hotel. While no deaths were recorded, buildings suffered collapsed walls and blown-off roofs. Security agencies quickly cordoned off the areas.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to national security and the protection of lives and property.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria reiterates its unwavering resolve to confront, degrade, and eliminate terrorist threats, particularly those posed by transnational extremist networks seeking to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and security,” Idris said.
He added that Nigeria remains aligned with its strategic partners in executing coordinated operations to ensure peace, border security, and regional stability.
“The Federal Government assures all Nigerians that it remains firmly in control of the national security architecture and is fully committed to the protection of lives and property,” the statement said, urging citizens to remain calm and vigilant as security agencies continue decisive actions against terrorist groups within and around Nigeria’s borders.
