A Nigerian soldier has raised significant questions regarding the efficacy of a recent United States airstrike conducted in Sokoto State, alleging that the targeted bandits may have received prior warning and evaded the attack. The soldier, identified online as Emmanuel Odaudu, claimed in a widely circulated video that while a strike did occur on December 25th, the intended targets had already departed the area a day prior, on December 24th.
Odaudu suggested that such a sophisticated operation by the US would necessitate confirmed intelligence and official clearance, implying that key Nigerian political figures were aware of the impending strike. He questioned how heavily armed groups could vacate a known bandit stronghold, despite established security checkpoints and a visible military presence in the region.
The soldier’s primary concern stems from the reported absence of any casualties following the airstrike. He argued that this outcome strongly suggests the strike hit an empty location, fueling suspicions of an intelligence leak that allowed the bandits to escape. This raises doubts about the operational success and the value of foreign military interventions.
Furthermore, Odaudu asserted that Nigeria’s own armed forces possess the capability to conduct similar operations if adequately mobilized and supported. He posited that relying solely on foreign intervention might not be the ultimate solution to the persistent security challenges plaguing the country.
He elaborated on the logistical aspects, noting that the area targeted was not concealed and was known to harbor bandits. The fact that individuals were observed leaving the area on December 24th, with the strike happening the following day, points to a concerning level of information dissemination. This raises questions about the integrity of security operations and the potential complicity of certain elements.
The soldier’s statement implies a deeper issue within the security apparatus, where information regarding sensitive military actions might be compromised. He emphasized that Nigerian forces are not inherently incapable and could achieve similar results with proper coordination and resources, challenging the narrative that external assistance is always superior.
