The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reaffirmed the success of the recent U.S.-led airstrike on terrorist targets in Sokoto State, describing the operation as intelligence-driven and effective, while warning communities against harbouring fleeing terrorists.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while briefing journalists on the operations of the Armed Forces in 2025.
Onoja said a post-strike battle damage assessment was ongoing and assured that full details would be made public once the process was concluded.
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“For now, we advise the public to rely on statements issued by the Presidency and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Once the assessment is completed, all verified observations will be communicated,” he said.
He confirmed that intelligence reports had established the presence of terrorists in the targeted areas before the strike, stressing that the operation was carried out based on credible and actionable intelligence.
According to him, terrorists operate across borders and are not confined to one country, with intelligence indicating movements across the Sahel region and into parts of Nigeria.
Onoja added that while some operational details could not be disclosed for security reasons, the strike was based on confirmed intelligence.
Commenting on reports of an explosive device landing in Offa, Kwara State, the military spokesman said preliminary investigations suggested it might have resulted from human or technical error, adding that no casualties were recorded.
“We are grateful that there was no impact or loss of lives. Investigations are ongoing,” he said.
While acknowledging the improvised nature of terrorist tactics, Onoja said the military had intensified intelligence monitoring and operational planning nationwide to prevent terrorists displaced by the strike from infiltrating local communities.
“We are monitoring movements beyond the targeted areas and have alerted all relevant force commanders. Our goal is to prevent terrorists from assimilating into communities and causing harm,” he said.
He stressed the need for public cooperation, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, describing security as a collective responsibility.
“Security cannot be achieved by the military alone. It requires a whole-of-society approach. Citizens must provide timely information to enable swift action,” Onoja added.
He also cautioned against the rise of unregulated vigilante groups, assuring that community-based security initiatives were being closely coordinated to prevent abuses.
Onoja reiterated the military’s commitment to sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations, assuring Nigerians that intelligence, surveillance and monitoring of terrorist movements remained active nationwide.
“We are mindful of the risks and have put control measures in place. Any excesses should be reported immediately. Some operations must remain confidential, but our resolve to protect lives and national security remains firm,” he said.
