Speaking in an interview with Daily Trust, Yusuf disputed statements suggesting that Nigerian authorities had prior knowledge of the strike.
According to him, available events and timelines raise serious doubts about whether key officials were informed before the operation took place.
“The Honourable Minister of Defence definitely didn’t know about the airstrike,” Yusuf said.
“The Honourable Minister of Defence definitely didn’t know about the airstrike,” Yusuf said.
“Because when the bombs were raining in Sokoto, he was dancing, celebrating his 58th birthday. And the next week, he was somewhere celebrating his homecoming—definitely looking like a politician.”
His remarks have stirred debate, especially on social media, where Nigerians continue to discuss the circumstances surrounding the reported operation and the government’s response afterward.
Professor Yusuf questioned why there was no immediate and detailed briefing from the country’s top military leadership following the incident.
He argued that such a major development, involving foreign military action on Nigerian soil, should have been addressed directly and transparently.
According to him, the Defence Minister, senior military commanders, and the Chief of Defence Staff should have spoken to the nation to explain what happened, the level of cooperation involved, and the outcome of the strike.
He expressed concern that, weeks after the incident, the public had not received a clear post-operation assessment from Nigerian military authorities.
“In situations like this, people expect clarity,” Yusuf said, stressing that communication from leadership is essential in maintaining public trust, especially during security-related events.
The former NHIS boss also raised questions about the justification reportedly given by former U.S. President Donald Trump for the operation.
According to him, the Defence Minister, senior military commanders, and the Chief of Defence Staff should have spoken to the nation to explain what happened, the level of cooperation involved, and the outcome of the strike.
He expressed concern that, weeks after the incident, the public had not received a clear post-operation assessment from Nigerian military authorities.
“In situations like this, people expect clarity,” Yusuf said, stressing that communication from leadership is essential in maintaining public trust, especially during security-related events.
The former NHIS boss also raised questions about the justification reportedly given by former U.S. President Donald Trump for the operation.
Yusuf noted that Trump had said the strike was intended to protect Christians in Nigeria from extremist violence.
However, Yusuf argued that the choice of Sokoto as a target appeared inconsistent with that explanation.
However, Yusuf argued that the choice of Sokoto as a target appeared inconsistent with that explanation.
He pointed out that Sokoto is widely known as a major religious and cultural center in northern Nigeria, historically associated with Islamic scholarship and leadership.
According to him, the region has not been widely classified among the country’s most active zones of insurgency compared to some other areas that have experienced frequent attacks by armed groups.
These remarks have added to ongoing national conversations about insecurity, foreign involvement in security operations, and the importance of transparency in military matters.
Political analysts say statements like Yusuf’s reflect broader public concern about how information is shared during security incidents.
According to him, the region has not been widely classified among the country’s most active zones of insurgency compared to some other areas that have experienced frequent attacks by armed groups.
These remarks have added to ongoing national conversations about insecurity, foreign involvement in security operations, and the importance of transparency in military matters.
Political analysts say statements like Yusuf’s reflect broader public concern about how information is shared during security incidents.
Many Nigerians have increasingly called for clearer communication from authorities, especially in cases that attract international attention.
Security experts also note that modern conflicts often involve cooperation between countries, including intelligence sharing and joint operations.
Security experts also note that modern conflicts often involve cooperation between countries, including intelligence sharing and joint operations.
However, they stress that governments must keep citizens informed to avoid speculation, confusion, or mistrust.
Meanwhile, some commentators have urged caution in interpreting public statements from both officials and critics, emphasizing the need for verified information and thorough investigations before drawing firm conclusions about sensitive military operations.
As discussions continue, Yusuf maintained that accountability and openness are essential elements of democratic governance.
Meanwhile, some commentators have urged caution in interpreting public statements from both officials and critics, emphasizing the need for verified information and thorough investigations before drawing firm conclusions about sensitive military operations.
As discussions continue, Yusuf maintained that accountability and openness are essential elements of democratic governance.
He said Nigerians deserve to understand what happens in matters that directly affect national sovereignty and public safety.
“The issue is not politics,” he said.
“The issue is not politics,” he said.
“The issue is transparency, responsibility, and respect for the Nigerian people.”
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