DEBRIS FROM U.S. AIRSTRIKE HITS KWARA HOTEL, INJURES THREE STAFF — OWNER
Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria — Three hotel employees were hospitalised after falling debris from U.S. airstrikes struck a hotel in Kwara State following a Christmas Day strike targeting militants in northwest Nigeria, the hotel owner has told news agencies.
The owner of Solid Worth Hotel in Offa, located about 800 km from the strikes’ intended targets in Sokoto State’s Tangaza district, said the incident occurred late on the evening of December 25, 2025.
According to Taofeek Bello, the debris — believed to be from a missile fired during the U.S.–Nigeria joint operation — landed inside one of the hotel’s 22 rooms before falling outside, causing minor damage and injuring three staff members.
Bello described one worker’s injury as “traumatic,” leading to an emergency transfer to a psychiatric facility. Another staff member suffered a severe head injury, while a third sustained wounds to the legs and lap. All remain under medical care.
The hotel reportedly had only two occupied rooms at the time, and no guests were hurt in the incident.
OFFICIAL RESPONSE AND INVESTIGATION
The federal government earlier acknowledged that munitions debris from the U.S.-led airstrikes had fallen in various locations, including near a hotel in Offa, Kwara State, and areas of Sokoto State. Government statements maintained that no civilian casualties were recorded.
President Bola Tinubu’s spokesman, Daniel Bwala, reiterated this position, stating that the strikes had targeted militants but that there were “no casualties except the terrorist(s).”
Kwara State police have confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing, with authorities yet to release a detailed public report.
BACKGROUND: U.S.–NIGERIA AIRSTRIKE OPERATION
On Christmas Day 2025, U.S.-backed airstrikes — approved by the Nigerian government — targeted Islamic State-linked militant camps in Sokoto State using precision munitions, in a joint counterterrorism operation. Nigerian authorities said intelligence showed these groups were preparing attacks within the country.
The federal government noted that while debris from some munitions fell in areas including Jabo, Sokoto State and Offa, Kwara State, there were no civilians killed in those locations.
The ongoing investigation into the Kwara hotel incident highlights concerns about the potential risks of long-range military operations on communities far beyond target zones.