Many terrorists were killed while their hideouts and vehicles were destroyed during United States airstrikes carried out in Sokoto State on December 25.
The footage sighted by Sunday Punch, which is yet to be officially declassified by the military, showed three separate airstrikes conducted on terrorist enclaves between December 24 and 25, 2025.
A secondary explosion was observed shortly after the first strike, indicating the presence of explosive materials at the targeted location.
The footage also captured suspected terrorists fleeing the area following the initial bombardment, while subsequent strikes were directed at the escaping elements.
Several vehicles were seen destroyed during the operation, though the exact number of terrorists killed or equipment lost could not be independently verified from the footage alone.
Military sources said a comprehensive battle damage assessment was required to determine the full impact of the strikes.
Military Confirms Assessment Ongoing
Earlier, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, confirmed that the assessment was ongoing and assured that details would be made public upon completion.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on December 31, 2025, Onoja said, “On the United States strikes in conjunction with Nigerian forces, there is a process of battle damage assessment. We are still in that process, and I can assure you that once that is completed, we will communicate to the public all our observations.
“In due course, we will give you all the information that you require from the U.S.–Nigeria strikes.”
Responding to questions on whether terrorists were present at the locations struck, the senior military officer said intelligence reports had confirmed their presence in the area before the operation.
The United States President, Donald Trump, had earlier announced on Christmas Day that American forces carried out lethal strikes against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria.
The Federal Government later confirmed the operation, describing it as part of ongoing counterterrorism collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.
Despite the confirmation, the strikes have generated debate in some quarters, with critics questioning their effectiveness.