The Defence Headquarters has restated that the recent United States–led airstrike on terrorist locations in Sokoto was successful, describing the operation as intelligence-driven and effective, while cautioning communities against providing refuge for fleeing terrorists.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja while briefing journalists on the activities of the armed forces in 2025.
He said the post-strike battle damage assessment was still in progress and assured that full details would be released after the process is concluded.
“For now, we advise the public to rely on the statements issued by the presidency and the minister of foreign affairs.
“Once the assessment is completed, all verified observations will be communicated,” he said.
Onoja confirmed that intelligence reports had identified the presence of terrorists in the targeted locations before the strike, adding that the operation was executed based on credible and actionable intelligence.
According to him, terrorist groups operate across borders, with intelligence showing their movement through the Sahel and into parts of Nigeria. He explained that while some information could not be disclosed for operational reasons, the strike was carried out based on confirmed intelligence.
Commenting on reports of an explosive device landing in Offa, Kwara State, the military spokesperson said preliminary investigations suggested the incident may have resulted from human or technical error, noting that no casualties were recorded.
“We are grateful that there was no impact or loss of lives. Investigations are ongoing,” he said.
Onoja also stated that the military had intensified intelligence gathering and operational planning nationwide to prevent terrorists displaced by the strike from infiltrating 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 importance of public cooperation, urging citizens to remain alert and report suspicious activities, describing security as a shared 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,” he added.
He further warned against the emergence of unregulated vigilante groups, assuring that community-based security initiatives were being coordinated to prevent abuses.
Onoja reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations, assuring Nigerians that intelligence, surveillance, and monitoring of terrorist movements remain active nationwide.
“We are mindful of the risks and have put control measures in place. Any excesses should be reported immediately.
“As time goes on, Nigerians will hear more about the actions we are taking. Some operations must remain confidential, but our resolve to protect lives and national securityremains firm,” he said.
