A security analyst, Zagazola Makama, has criticized the recent airstrikes carried out by the United States military in Sokoto State, describing the operation as a case of mistaken targeting.
The US military launched multiple airstrikes on Christmas night, reportedly aimed at terrorist elements in Sokoto State, an action that sparked fear and confusion among residents.
A viral video circulating online showed panic in Jabo community, located in Tambuwal Local Government Area, after one of the strikes reportedly landed in the area and burst into flames.
As of the time of reporting, details of the operation remain unclear, with no casualties officially confirmed.
Reacting on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Makama stated that the airstrikes hit a farmland and had no effect on insurgent groups operating in Nigeria.
He wrote: “Those asking for our opinion on U.S. strike in Sokoto. Well, the bombs dropped in a relatively safe part of Sokoto State with no impact.
“Jabo is a farming community under Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and it has no single record of ISIS and ISWAP activity.
“We welcome U.S. interventions to assist Nigeria, but certainly Jabo community in Sokoto was a wrong target for ISWAP, Boko Haram or ISIS, who are known to be operating in North East Nigeria.
“Even JNIM, also known as Lakurawa, do not have any base in the North West. The area of the strikes is predominantly about 98 per cent Muslim and does not pose any threat of Christian genocide. It is simply a case of bandits terrorising Muslims.
“The strikes, and more to come, are a welcome development as it will send a strong message”, he said.
