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Residents of Sokoto and Kwara states have been warned against picking up or keeping unexploded ordnance from suspicious metal objects after United States air strikes linked to counterterrorism operations in northern Nigeria.
The warning came from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) after videos surfaced online showing people collecting debris believed to be remnants of weapons used during the strikes.
The air operation took place on Christmas Day, 2025, when the United States deployed 16 precision-guided munitions against hideouts of ISIS-linked fighters in the Bauni forest area of Tangaza Local Government Area in Sokoto State.
US President Donald Trump said the strikes were “powerful and deadly” and targeted militants linked to the Islamic State group seeking to establish a foothold in northwestern Nigeria. Nigeria’s foreign ministry also confirmed the operation, describing it as “precision hits on terrorist targets”.
Although the strikes occurred in Sokoto, fragments from the weapons were later reported in Offa, Kwara State. Residents in nearby areas said they heard explosions around the same time the operation was carried out.
Speaking on Friday, Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, said military bomb disposal teams had been deployed to recover debris and other dangerous materials from affected areas.
“We do not expect civilians to pick up or keep such materials,” Onoja said.
“We can only appeal to them to return all materials that may prove harmful to them.”
