Popular social media commentator VeryDarkMan has criticised Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, over his remarks on the controversial airstrike in Sokoto State, reportedly involving the United States.
In a video posted on Monday, VeryDarkMan reacted to an interview in which Tuggar addressed questions from journalists about the airstrike, which authorities have described as a joint Nigeria–U.S. operation targeting an Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist camp.
Questioning the official account, VeryDarkMan asked why Nigerian security forces failed to act independently if they truly possessed credible intelligence on the terrorists’ location. He argued that the explanation suggested a lack of confidence in local military capability and accused the government of insulting the intelligence of Nigerians.
He also cast doubt on claims that the operation was conducted with the full approval, coordination, and involvement of the Nigerian Army. According to him, the narrative presented by officials appeared inconsistent and could be an attempt to manage public reaction rather than provide the full facts.
VeryDarkMan further suggested that the strike might have occurred without Nigeria’s prior consent, alleging that authorities could be withholding details to avoid public panic. He maintained that Nigerians deserve transparency, particularly on issues involving national security and foreign military action.
Raising concerns about sovereignty, he questioned whether the United States acted independently or exerted undue influence over Nigeria’s security affairs. He urged the government to be truthful and stop, in his words, “playing with the intelligence of Nigerians.”
The activist also called on authorities to release video evidence of the airstrike and provide verifiable proof of collaboration between Nigerian and U.S. forces, insisting that openness was key to restoring public trust.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor the federal government has responded directly to VeryDarkMan’s allegations. Meanwhile, his comments have sparked intense discussion online, with many Nigerians demanding clearer explanations and greater accountability over the Sokoto airstrike.
