The Defence Headquarters has reaffirmed the success of the recent US-led airstrike targeting terrorist locations in Sokoto, describing the operation as effective and based on credible intelligence.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said intelligence reports had confirmed the presence of terrorists in the targeted areas before the strike. He explained that the operation was intelligence-driven and carried out with precision, even though some details could not be disclosed for security reasons.
He stated that a post-strike battle damage assessment was still ongoing and assured that verified findings would be made public once the process was concluded. He advised the public to rely on official statements issued by the presidency and the minister of foreign affairs until the assessment is completed.
Onoja noted that intelligence has shown that terrorist groups operate across borders, moving through the Sahel and into parts of Nigeria, stressing that the strike was conducted based on actionable intelligence.
Addressing reports of an explosive device landing in Offa, Kwara State, he said investigations suggested it may have resulted from human or technical error, adding that no casualties were recorded and investigations were ongoing.
He said the military has intensified intelligence monitoring nationwide to prevent terrorists displaced by the strike from infiltrating communities. According to him, relevant commanders have been alerted to monitor movements beyond the targeted areas to stop terrorists from blending into local populations.
Onoja urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, emphasising that security is a shared responsibility that requires public cooperation and timely information.
He also cautioned against the rise of unregulated vigilante groups, stating that community-based security efforts are being closely coordinated to prevent abuses.
Reiterating the military’s commitment to sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations, Onoja assured Nigerians that intelligence, surveillance and monitoring of terrorist activities remain active nationwide, stressing that protecting lives and national security remains a top priority.
