The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has described the operation of the recent United States-le airstrike on terrorists in Sokoto State as intelligence-driven and effective.
The DHQ which stated this while reaffirming the success of the operation, said the operation was carried out based on credible and actionable intelligence, thus warned communities against harbouring fleeing terrorists.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who stated the position of the military high command in Abuja on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, while briefing journalists on the operations of the Armed Forces in 2025, said a post-strike battle damage assessment was ongoing and assured that full details would be made public once the process was concluded.
The DHQ therefore urged members of the public to rely on statements issued by the Presidency and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, adding that once the assessment is completed, all verified observations will be communicated.
Onoja also said that intelligence reports had established the presence of terrorists in the targeted areas before the strike.
In the words of Onoja; “Terrorists operate across borders and are not confined to one country, with intelligence indicating movements across the Sahel region and into parts of Nigeria”.
The spokesperson of the DHQ, explained that while some operational details could not be disclosed for security reasons, the strike was however, based on confirmed intelligence.
Commenting on reports of an explosive device landing in Offa, Kwara State, Onoja said preliminary investigations suggested it might have resulted from human or technical error, adding that no casualty was recorded.
He further said; “We are grateful that there was no impact or loss of lives. Investigations are ongoing”.
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.
According to him; “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”.
Onoja stressed the need for public cooperation, and tasked citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, saying that security is a collective responsibility.
Onoja said; “Security cannot be achieved by the military alone. It requires a whole-of-society approach. Citizens must provide timely information to enable swift action”.
The Defence spokesperson cautioned against the rise of unregulated vigilante groups, adding that the community-based security initiatives were being closely coordinated to prevent abuses.
Onoja assured that the military remains committed to sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations, thus assured Nigerians that intelligence, surveillance and monitoring of terrorist movements remained active nationwide.
In the words of Onoja; “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”.
