THIS DAWN — In December 2025, social media platforms were flooded with sensational claims alleging that U.S. fighter jets had carried out airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Some versions of the rumor even claimed that controversial Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmed Gumi was killed in the supposed attack.
The story quickly gained traction, sparking confusion and alarm among Nigerians.
However, thorough investigations by independent fact-checkers have revealed that the claim is false.
The rumor originated from Facebook pages and blogs, notably Igbo Times Magazine, which posted on December 16, 2025, that U.S. jets bombed terrorists in Kaduna and killed Sheikh Gumi.
The post was widely shared, amplified by sensational headlines and doctored images.
The narrative was further fueled by earlier remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump in October 2025, when he accused Nigeria of allowing Christian persecution and warned of possible U.S. military action.
Fact-Checking Findings
Independent organizations investigated the claims, and their findings were consistent:
- No credible evidence exists of U.S. military operations in Kaduna.
- No official statements were issued by the Nigerian government or military confirming such an attack.
- No reports from international media or the U.S. government corroborated the alleged airstrikes.
- The claim that Sheikh Gumi was killed is entirely fabricated.
While Trump’s comments may have sparked speculation, there was no follow-up action or military engagement by the U.S. in Kaduna.
Several factors contributed to the rapid spread of the false claim:
- Political context: Trump’s remarks about religious persecution created fertile ground for misinformation.
- Public anxiety: Nigeria’s ongoing insecurity, particularly in the North, made the story believable to many.
- Social media amplification: Blogs and Facebook pages exploited the situation to generate clicks and engagement.
The combination of these elements allowed the rumor to gain traction despite the absence of credible evidence.
The Sheikh Gumi Debacle
Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, has often been in the spotlight for his controversial views on banditry and negotiations with armed groups.
His prominence made him a target for misinformation.
The false claim of his death added sensational weight to the fabricated story, ensuring wider circulation.
In the meantime, neither the Nigerian government nor the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria issued statements confirming the alleged airstrikes.
The silence from official quarters further highlighted the baselessness of the claim.
Public reaction, however, was mixed.
Some Nigerians expressed relief at the possibility of foreign intervention against terrorists, while others condemned the idea of external military involvement.
The debate underscored the deep frustration with Nigeria’s security challenges and the susceptibility of citizens to misinformation.
Verdict
The verdict from fact-checkers is clear:
- The claim that U.S. fighter jets bombed terrorist hideouts in Kaduna is false.
- There is no evidence to support the story, and it remains a fabrication designed to exploit insecurity and political tensions.
This incident highlights the urgent need for media literacy and vigilance against misinformation.
Nigerians are encouraged to:
- Verify sources before sharing sensational news.
- Rely on credible outlets and official statements for information on security matters.
- Recognize patterns of misinformation, such as exaggerated headlines, lack of credible citations, and reliance on social media rumors.
The Kaduna airstrike story is a textbook example of fake news.
While insecurity in Nigeria remains a pressing issue, fabricating foreign military interventions only deepens confusion and mistrust.
Nigerians must remain cautious, discerning, and committed to fact-checking in order to safeguard public discourse.
Bottom line:
The United States did not bomb terrorist hideouts in Kaduna.
The viral claim is false, misleading, and unsupported by any credible evidence.
