The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide clear explanations over the recent joint airstrikes carried out against suspected terrorist camps in Sokoto State and Offa, Kwara State.
In a statement issued on Friday, December 26, 2025, and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Islamic human rights organisation said while it supported decisive military action against terrorists, such operations must not result in civilian casualties or destruction of private property.
According to MURIC, the airstrikes, reportedly executed by the United States in collaboration with the Nigerian government on December 25, targeted locations in the Jabo area of Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State and parts of Offa in Kwara State. The group alleged that the strike in Sokoto landed on farmland, while the Offa operation reportedly damaged several residential buildings.
MURIC condemned what it described as collateral damage arising from the strikes, warning that the destruction of civilian property would worsen the hardship faced by residents. The group therefore demanded immediate compensation for affected property owners.
While reaffirming that terrorists “deserve no mercy,” MURIC stressed that innocent Nigerians both Muslims and Christians must not become victims in the war against terrorism. It cautioned against framing counter-terrorism efforts along religious lines and rejected what it described as a “false Christian genocide narrative,” insisting that terrorism affected all Nigerians regardless of faith.
The organisation also criticised the United States for what it termed past hypocrisy, accused Washington of previously blocking Nigeria’s access to weapons needed to fight terrorism. MURIC argued that Nigerian security forces could have defeated terrorist groups earlier if adequate support had been provided at the right time.
Despite its criticisms, MURIC acknowledged the Federal Government’s determination under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to eliminate terrorism, urging Nigerians to understand the government’s security strategy. However, it warned that foreign military involvement that lead to civilian deaths could inflame religious tensions within affected communities.
MURIC concluded by renewing its call for official clarification on the Sokoto and Offa airstrikes, as well as compensation for victims, while urging that all counter-terrorism operations prioritise the safety of civilians.
