Indications have emerged that Nigeria’s Service Chiefs were on ceremonial duties, including sharing jollof rice, a few hours before the United States, U.S, struck ISIS terrorists in Sokoto State.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass had reported that the U.S military strikes, announced by President Donald Trump, targeted ISIS-affiliated terrorists accused of killing civilians, particularly Christians, in the northern Nigeria.
Trump described the operation as a “powerful and deadly strike” against “ISIS Terrorist Scum,” emphasizing it was conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Following the announcement, the Nigerian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the U.S struck ISIS terrorists in Sokoto.
The Ministry said the attack was a result of a joint effort, noting ongoing intelligence sharing that led to “precision hits on terrorist targets.”
However, indications from the Nigerian Army and other military parastals revealed that Nigeria’s top military leaders were enjoying a relaxed holiday meal on Christmas Day, a few hours before the U.S struck ISIS terrorists.
According to a statement posted on X by the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, were both in Plateau State, hosting a Christmas lunch with Nigerian troops.
The statement reads in part: “The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede AFM, alongside the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W Shaibu NAM, on Thursday, 25 December 2025, celebrated frontline troops with a special Christmas lunch in Plateau State, in recognition of their dedication and sacrifices in safeguarding lives and maintaining peace across the Joint Operations Area.
“The colourful event, hosted by Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army and Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), brought together officers, soldiers, their families, and guests in an atmosphere of warmth, unity, and festive cheer. The event featured vibrant cultural dance displays reflecting Nigeria’s rich diversity, light-hearted riddles and jokes, as well as other morale-boosting activities aimed at easing the burden of frontline duties during the yuletide.”
Also, in a statement issued by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff hosted Nigerian troops to a Christmas lunch.
The statement reads: “The CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on 25 December 2025, marks Christmas with frontline troops, shares a luncheon.”
In a related development, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, represented by Theatre Commander, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General Warrah Idris, commissioned a newly remodelled Government Girls Day Secondary School (GGDSS), Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
This was confirmed in a statement issued by the Nigerian Army.
The statement reads: “The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commissioned the newly remodelled Government Girls Day Secondary School (GGDSS), Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The landmark project, executed under the COAS Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiative, reflects the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to promoting education as a catalyst for national development and security.
“The COAS, represented by the Theatre Commander, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General Warrah Idris, highlighted the Nigerian Army’s strategic focus on community engagement and sustainable development.”
This development has sparked concerns from Nigerians. Many Nigerians have raised questions about whether the Service Chiefs were aware of the U.S. strikes in Nigeria.
Below are some of the reactions;
