The Federal Government on Friday confirmed that the object responsible for the explosions and damage to properties in Offa, Kwara State, originated from debris linked to precision-guided munitions used during a joint Nigeria–United States military operation targeting Islamic State terrorists in Sokoto State.
The confirmation came amid public concern and speculation following the explosions that shook parts of Offa on Christmas night, resulting in damage to residential buildings, shops and a hotel.
In a statement released on Friday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Federal Government explained that debris from munitions expended during the operation landed in Offa, Kwara State, as well as in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
According to the statement, the precision strike operations were conducted against two major ISIS 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 read.
The government stated that intelligence assessments had established that the targeted locations were being utilised as assembly points and staging grounds by foreign ISIS operatives infiltrating Nigeria through the Sahel region, working alongside local affiliates to plan coordinated terrorist attacks within the country.
The strikes, the government said, were carried out between 12:12am and 1:30am on Friday, December 26, 2025, in line with approved command and control procedures, with the Armed Forces of Nigeria fully involved and oversight provided by the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff.
Details of the airstrike operation and debris fallout
The Federal Government disclosed that the operation involved the deployment of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms, launched from maritime platforms domiciled in the Gulf of Guinea.
“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 said.
Importantly, the government acknowledged that debris generated from the operation accounted for the incidents recorded in Offa and parts of Sokoto.
“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,” the statement added.
The confirmation supports earlier explanations by security sources who indicated that what impacted structures in Offa was a fragment of a missile deployed during the US-backed airstrikes.
Residents of Offa were thrown into panic on Thursday night after explosions were reported at two separate locations in the town, including the Eid praying ground area and around Solid Worth Hotel, leading to damage to several buildings.
Although no fatalities were reported, affected residents said walls collapsed, roofs were blown off and shops were destroyed, while security agencies cordoned off the impacted locations.
The Federal Government, however, reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national security and protecting 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 continues to work closely with its strategic partners in carrying out coordinated actions aimed at promoting peace, strengthening border security and ensuring 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.
Nigerians were urged to remain calm and vigilant as security agencies sustain decisive operations against terrorist groups operating within and around the country’s borders.
