The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says it is still conducting a damage assessment of the recent air strikes carried out by United States forces in collaboration with the Nigerian military.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, said the military would make its findings public once the assessment is completed.
His remarks followed public debate over the effectiveness of the joint operation.
“There is an ongoing battle damage assessment on the U.S. strikes conducted with Nigerian forces. Once the process is concluded, we will brief the public on our observations and provide all relevant information,” Onoja said.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Christmas Day that American forces had carried out lethal strikes against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria. The Federal Government later confirmed the operation, describing it as part of sustained counterterrorism cooperation between both countries.
Addressing questions on whether terrorists were present at the targeted locations, Onoja said intelligence reports confirmed their presence before the strikes.
“Terrorists are not confined to one location. Intelligence reports confirmed their presence in those areas before the strikes were carried out. The operations were intelligence-driven,” he said, adding that some details were withheld for operational security reasons.
Onoja also said the armed forces were monitoring terrorist movements beyond the strike zones and coordinating with field commanders to prevent fighters from infiltrating nearby communities.
“We are engaging all force commanders in identified threat areas to stop them from blending into communities and causing further harm. Some actions must remain confidential, but we will brief the public in due course,” he said.
He noted that the military was also mobilising civilians to support security agencies by providing timely intelligence.
“Security can only be addressed through the cooperation of everyone. This is a whole-of-society approach,” Onoja added.
Responding to criticism of the joint strikes, the defence spokesman said it was not the responsibility of the Armed Forces to react to every public opinion.
“Our duty is to focus on kinetic and non-kinetic operations. Other relevant agencies are responsible for addressing public statements for or against the country,” he said.
Onoja further appealed to members of the public who may have picked up ammunition or debris from the operation to return them to security agencies for safe disposal.
“We do not expect anyone to take away such materials. They should be returned immediately to prevent further danger,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that the armed forces would sustain operations against terrorist groups into the new year.
