The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that the assessment of the recent U.S. strikes conducted in collaboration with Nigerian forces is still ongoing.
The strikes, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Christmas Day, targeted Islamic State positions in northwestern Nigeria. The Federal Government described the operations as part of continued counterterrorism cooperation.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, said the military will release findings once the battle damage assessment is complete.
“Regarding the U.S. strikes conducted alongside Nigerian forces, the assessment process is still ongoing. Once it is concluded, we will share our observations with the public”, Onoja said.
On whether terrorists were present at the targeted sites, Onoja explained that intelligence confirmed their presence. “Terrorists operate across a wide area, and intelligence indicated they were in the regions targeted, including near the Sahel. Operational security sometimes prevents us from publicising details beforehand”, he said.
He added that the military is monitoring terrorist movements outside the strike zones and coordinating with field commanders to prevent infiltration into communities. Civilians are also being mobilised to provide timely information to security agencies.
“The reality is that security can only be achieved through the cooperation of all members of society, a whole-of-society approach”, Onoja said.
The DHQ also urged anyone who may have recovered ammunition or fragments from the operation to return them to the authorities for safe handling.
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