…AS MILITARY RECOVERS MISSILE BOOSTERS IN SOKOTO, KEBBI AND OFFA
Facts have emerged after a post-airstrike assessments of the joint interdiction carried out with the United States of America that a huge damage was inflicted on a forest enclave in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
A confirmed source revealed that a missile-related debris were recovered across parts of Sokoto, Kebbi and Offa.
The post-strike exploitation, was conducted at first light, which has garnered national conversation, was conducted on 26th December, 2025 by troops of 8 Division, Sector 2 of Operation FASAN YAMMA, alongside the Combat Intelligence Brigade (CIB) VII, in Bauni Forest around Waria and Alkassim villages.
Reliable military sources further hinted that extensive enclave of the forest were tremendously impacted and completely burnt, which led to the targeted elements completely annihilated.
Further revelation from the post-strike assessment, gave positive dimension of the effectiveness of the strikes. However, it was gathered that “no civilian casualties were recorded during or after the operation.”
In a related development, troops of 1 Brigade, Counter-Terrorism Battalion 12 at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jabo in Kebbi State reported hearing an aircraft overhead, followed shortly by an explosion about one kilometre away.
A followup deployment by the troops to Kajiji town in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, revealed that soldiers recovered debris suspected to be drone-like engine parts at what was believed to be a crash site.
However, no human casualties were recorded at the scene according to military sources.
Also, a followup patrols on the 26th December, 2025 was said to have led to the discovery of another object in Kajiji village. A preliminary investigation indicated that the discovered item was identified as a canister suspected to have been released along the flight path of the missiles used during the Tangaza airstrike.
Meanwhile, the area was cordoned off, while a detailed assessment by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team have been drafted in.
It was learnt that a Technical clarification from Military Engineers later established that the recovered canisters were fuel boosters from Tomahawk missiles used during the air operations.
Further insight indicated that the boosters are designed to be automatically discarded shortly after launch.
Analysis by sources showed that the boosters typically detach several kilometres after take-off. It was also disclosed that 16 missiles were fired during the operation, which automatically presupposes that 16 fuel boosters were discharged.
At the moment, it was further revealed, only three boosters have so far been recovered, with two located in Sokoto State and one in Offa.
Military sources further noted that the projected landing areas of the boosters are usually calculated before take-off. They said it had been suggested that relevant authorities engage partner forces to obtain the projected drop-off coordinates to enable timely recovery.
On the weight mass, the sources cautioned that each booster weighs about 300 kilograms, which is capable of penetrating into soft ground to a depth of up to two metres.
Although the risk may not be collateral, it was revealed that uncontrolled landings could result in severe damage, as observed in Offa’s case.
However, Military authorities speaking anonymously noted that investigations are ongoing. It was added that lessons from the post-airstrike assessments would be applied to improve coordination, safety measures and operational synergy in future joint operations.
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