- Kwara Explosions Caused by Debris From Nigeria US Military Operation – FG
- Operation targeted ISIS enclaves in Sokoto with US collaboration
- Government says no civilian casualties were recorded
The Federal Government has confirmed that the explosions that damaged properties in Offa, Kwara State, on Christmas night were caused by debris from precision guided munitions used during a joint Nigeria United States military operation against Islamic State terrorists in Sokoto State.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the confirmation followed widespread panic and speculation after explosions hit parts of Offa, damaging houses, shops and a hotel.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Federal Government said the debris resulted from expended munitions deployed during a coordinated precision strike operation.
According to the statement, the strikes targeted two major Islamic State terrorist enclaves located in the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, following approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, in close coordination with the Government of the United States of America, has successfully conducted precision strike operations against two major Islamic State ISIS terrorist enclaves located within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State,” the statement said.
The government explained that intelligence reports confirmed the locations were being used as assembly and staging grounds by foreign ISIS fighters infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region in collaboration with local affiliates to plan large scale terrorist attacks.
The operation was carried out between 12:12am and 1:30am on Friday, December 26, 2025, under established command and control structures, with the full involvement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and oversight by the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Defence Staff.
“A total of 16 GPS guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ 9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms, successfully neutralising the targeted ISIS elements attempting to penetrate Nigeria from the Sahel corridor,” the statement added.
The Federal Government confirmed that debris from the expended munitions fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State, near a hotel premises.
“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 in either location, and relevant authorities promptly secured the affected areas,” Idris said.
Residents of Offa were thrown into panic on Thursday night after explosions were reported around the Eid praying ground and the Solid Worth Hotel area, causing structural damage to buildings. No deaths were recorded, although walls collapsed, roofs were blown off and several shops were destroyed.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to national security and assured Nigerians of 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,” the statement said.
Citizens were urged to remain calm and vigilant as security agencies continue operations against terrorist groups.
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