Post-airstrike Assessment Confirms Extensive Damage in Tangaza as Military Recover Missile Boosters in Sokoto, Kebbi and Offa

…Terrorists decimated by US air strike
Chiemelie Ezeobi

Post-airstrike assessments have confirmed that joint air operations by United States forces inflicted extensive damage on a forest enclave in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, with missile-related debris later recovered across parts of Sokoto, Kebbi and Offa, THISDAY can exclusively report.

The post-strike exploitation was conducted at first light on December 26, 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. Military sources said the forested areas around the impact points were completely burnt, leaving the targeted elements fully decimated.

The assessment, according to the sources, confirmed the effectiveness of the strikes, noting 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 Jabo in Kebbi State reported hearing an aircraft overhead, followed shortly by an explosion about one kilometre away. The troops immediately deployed to Kajiji town in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

At the scene, soldiers recovered debris described as suspected drone-like engine parts at what was believed to be a crash site. Military sources confirmed that no human casualties were recorded in the incident.

Further patrols conducted later on December 26 led to the discovery of another object in Kajiji village. The item was identified as a canister suspected to have been released along the flight path of the missiles used during the Tangaza airstrike. The area was promptly cordoned off, pending a detailed assessment by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.

Technical clarification from military engineers later established that the recovered canisters were fuel boosters from Tomahawk missiles used during the air operations. Sources explained that the boosters are designed to be automatically jettisoned shortly after launch.

According to the sources, analysis showed that the boosters typically detach several kilometres after take-off. They disclosed that 16 missiles were fired during the operation, meaning 16 fuel boosters were discharged. However, 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.

The sources cautioned that each booster weighs about 300 kilograms and can penetrate soft ground to a depth of up to two metres. Although the risk is considered limited, they noted that uncontrolled landings could result in collateral damage, as reportedly observed in Offa.

Military authorities, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said investigations are ongoing and that lessons from the post-airstrike assessments would be applied to improve coordination, safety measures and operational synergy in future joint operations.