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The Defence Headquarters has revealed that the evaluation of the recent United States strikes conducted alongside Nigerian forces is still underway.
Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, told journalists in Abuja on Wednesday that the military would release its findings once the assessment is complete. His comments come amid public debate over the effectiveness of the operations.
“On the United States strikes in conjunction with Nigerian forces, there is a process of battle damage assessment. We are still in that process, and once it is completed, we will communicate all our observations to the public,” Onoja said.
The strikes, announced by US President Donald Trump on Christmas Day, targeted Islamic State positions in northwestern Nigeria. The Nigerian government later confirmed the joint operation as part of ongoing counterterrorism collaboration between both countries.
Addressing questions about the presence of terrorists at the targeted locations, Onoja said intelligence confirmed their presence before the strikes.
“Terrorists are ubiquitous and cannot be confined to one location. Reports indicate they were in the Sahel, near Sokoto, before the strikes were carried out,” he explained.
Onoja also highlighted that the armed forces are working with civilians, urging them to provide timely intelligence to aid security operations.
The military is monitoring terrorist movements beyond strike sites and liaising with field commanders to prevent infiltration into communities.
“We are mobilising the civilian population to remain vigilant and provide information to the military so that any movement of terrorists can be addressed quickly. Security can only be ensured through cooperation — a whole-of-society approach,” he said.
Responding to criticism of the strikes, the defence spokesman noted that the Armed Forces focus on operations rather than public opinion, leaving other agencies to address societal responses.
He further cautioned citizens against handling ammunition or fragments from the operations, urging them to hand over such items to security agencies for safe disposal.
Onoja reassured Nigerians that the armed forces will continue sustained operations against terrorist groups in the new year.
