US President Donald Trump has launched what he described as a powerful and deadly strike” against the Islamic State in Nigeria, but the operation reportedly also affected the Offa area of Kwara State.
Tajudeen Alabi, a former Special Assistant to the Kwara State governor on security matters, confirmed the incident to the BBC. According to him, residents heard three loud explosions around 9pm on December 25.
Alabi said the strike damaged and destroyed buildings in several locations. Although no deaths have been reported so far, some people sustained injuries.
“At least five structures were destroyed in different areas. Some items were found at a popular hotel known as Offa Central Hotel. It looked like a bomb explosion,” he said.
He further explained that around 1:30am, the US president released a statement announcing airstrikes in north-eastern Nigeria.
Based on available information, Alabi said it appeared that a drone may have missed its intended target and landed in Offa.
We believe the drone lost power before crashing. If it had not weakened, there would have been casualties. We thank God that only buildings were affected,he said.
He added that residents gathered the following morning to sympathize with those affected, while debris believed to be parts of the drone could be seen around the collapsed buildings.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has confirmed the airstrikes on terrorist targets. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria worked in collaboration with the United States to carry out the operation.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the ministry said Nigeria continues to cooperate with international partners, including the US, to address the threat of terrorism and violent extremism.
It noted that the collaboration led to precision airstrikes on terrorist targets in parts of the country, particularly in the north-west.
The ministry explained that the cooperation involved intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support in line with international law, respect for national sovereignty and shared commitments to regional and global security.
It added that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the need to protect civilian lives, preserve national unity and uphold the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
