New Footage Raises Questions About Sokoto Air Operation

Undeclared Video Shows Details of U.S.–Nigeria Terror Strikes

PREVIOUSLY unseen footage of U.S. airstrikes conducted in Sokoto State has emerged, offering visual evidence of operations carried out against suspected terrorist positions during the Christmas period.

The footage, viewed by reporters but not officially released, shows three coordinated strikes between 24 and 25 December 2025, targeting locations believed to be terrorist hideouts. The operation was conducted jointly by United States and Nigerian forces.

A notable secondary explosion appears moments after the first strike, indicating the possible presence of stored explosives or weapons at the site. The video also captures suspected terrorists attempting to flee the area following the bombardment.

Further scenes show follow-up strikes on fleeing targets, with multiple vehicles visibly destroyed. While the visuals suggest a sustained engagement, the exact number of terrorists neutralised remains unclear.

Military officials say a formal battle damage assessment is necessary to verify casualty figures and material losses. Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed that the assessment process was ongoing.

Speaking in Abuja on 31 December 2025, Onoja said intelligence reports had confirmed terrorist presence in the areas struck and assured that detailed findings would be released once the review was completed.

The strikes were first announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Christmas Day, with Nigerian authorities later confirming the operation as part of long-standing counterterrorism cooperation between both countries.

While critics questioned whether the strikes yielded results, the newly surfaced footage provides visual context to the military claims.