The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that intelligence reports confirmed the presence of terrorist elements at the locations targeted during the recent joint military strikes carried out by the United States and Nigerian forces.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said a battle damage assessment of the operation is still ongoing and that full details would be released to the public once the process is completed.
US President Donald Trump had announced on Christmas Day that American forces conducted precision strikes against Islamic State-linked targets in northwestern Nigeria.
The Federal Government later confirmed the operation, describing it as part of sustained counterterrorism cooperation between both countries.
However, the strikes sparked public debate, with questions raised over their effectiveness and the presence of terrorists at the bombed locations.
Addressing these concerns, Onoja explained that the operation was intelligence-driven and based on verified security reports.
“Terrorists are not confined to a single location. Intelligence reports confirmed their presence in those areas before the strikes were conducted. These operations are not always publicised for reasons of operational security,” he said.
The defence spokesman noted that the military is closely monitoring the movement of terrorist elements beyond the strike zones and is coordinating with field commanders to prevent their infiltration into nearby communities.
He added that security agencies are also engaging civilians to support intelligence-gathering efforts, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to addressing insecurity.
“Security can only be effectively tackled through a whole-of-society approach. We are mobilising civilians to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies,” Onoja said.
He also urged members of the public who may have picked up ammunition fragments or other remnants from the operation to return them to security authorities for safe disposal, warning that such materials could pose serious danger.
Responding to criticism surrounding the joint strikes, Onoja said the armed forces would not be distracted by public commentary, noting that relevant agencies are responsible for addressing policy or political concerns.
“Our responsibility is to conduct kinetic and non-kinetic operations necessary to secure the country. Other agencies are tasked with addressing public statements where necessary,” he stated.
On recent suicide bombing threats, the DHQ spokesman described the arrest of a suspected suicide bomber earlier this week as a major breakthrough, saying it disrupted planned terrorist activities and logistics.
He assured Nigerians that the armed forces would sustain counterterrorism operations into the new year, using intelligence networks and coordinated strategies to prevent further attacks.
