Kaduna, Nigeria — Claims circulating widely on social media that the United States carried out “massive airstrikes” on terrorist hideouts in Kaduna State on New Year’s Day are unsubstantiated, with no confirmation from Nigerian authorities, the US government, or credible international media as of the time of reporting.
Posts shared across WhatsApp, Facebook and X allege that at least three terrorist camps were bombed in Kaduna by US forces, followed by a ground operation by Nigerian troops. Some messages attribute the supposed strikes to a comment by Donald Trump, describing them as a “New Year gift to terrorists.”
However, checks by Arbiterz indicate that there is no verified evidence that US aircraft conducted airstrikes in Kaduna State.
What Is Verified
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No official statement has been issued by the Nigerian federal government, the Nigerian military, or US Africa Command confirming any US-led operation in Kaduna.
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Recent air operations in northern Nigeria have been conducted by Nigerian forces, particularly the Nigerian Air Force, as part of ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-banditry campaigns.
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While the United States has previously acknowledged limited, intelligence-driven cooperation with Nigeria against extremist groups in the wider Sahel and northwest Nigeria, Kaduna has not been identified in any confirmed US strike disclosures.
Why the Claim Is Gaining Traction
Security-related misinformation often spreads rapidly in Nigeria, especially during periods of heightened military activity. Kaduna State has experienced repeated Nigerian Air Force operations against bandit enclaves, making it easier for false narratives to attach themselves to real but unrelated military movements.
Analysts note that attributing such actions to foreign powers—particularly the United States—tends to amplify online engagement while obscuring the actual operational role of Nigerian security forces.
Sensitivity Around Foreign Military Action
Any direct US military action on Nigerian soil would represent a major diplomatic and sovereignty issue, requiring explicit acknowledgement by Abuja. Past instances of foreign kinetic involvement in West Africa have typically been publicly announced and tightly framed, given domestic political sensitivities and regional security dynamics.
No such acknowledgement exists in this case.
Kaduna Security Situation
Kaduna remains one of several northern states where Nigerian forces continue to confront:
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Armed bandit groups
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Kidnapping networks
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Terrorist elements operating across state borders
These operations, when they occur, are led and executed by Nigerian forces, sometimes supported by intelligence sharing with international partners—but not by unilateral foreign airstrikes.
Bottom Line
As of this publication:
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There is no evidence of US airstrikes in Kaduna State
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The viral claims should be treated as false or misleading
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Any confirmed escalation involving foreign military action would be officially communicated and widely reported by credible outlets
Arbiterz will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates should the situation change.