A video circulating online has shown a group of men in Sokoto State handling what they claim are fragments from a bomb allegedly dropped by the United States military during a Christmas Day operation in Jabo community.
In the footage obtained by SaharaReporters, the men—suspected to be herdsmen—were seen sitting around, rolling and touching a metallic object believed to be debris from the strike. The individuals spoke in Hausa, openly mocking the U.S. military and questioning its strength.
The men appeared unconcerned about the potential danger posed by the object, laughing and boasting as they handled it. One of them encouraged the others to demonstrate courage, while also praying that the object would not detonate.
They went further to taunt the American military, describing it as ineffective and claiming that no foreign or local armed force could overpower Nigerians unless permitted by God.
In the video, voices were heard declaring that advanced weapons, including missiles, would never succeed on Nigerian soil, while warning the United States to stay away from what they described as their territory.
The group also issued curses against the U.S., asserting that any harm directed at them would return to its source.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has expressed concern over reports that civilians removed materials from the site of the alleged airstrike. The military warned that such items could be extremely dangerous.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, appealed to residents of Sokoto State to return any explosive materials taken from the area.
He stressed that civilians are neither trained nor authorised to handle such objects, noting that specialised military units are responsible for recovering and neutralising explosive devices.
The military also called on the media to help spread the warning, urging anyone in possession of the materials to return them to nearby military formations or recognised security agencies to prevent potential harm.
