Damage assessment of joint U.S.–Nigeria air strikes still underway — DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that it is still evaluating the effects of the recent air strikes carried out jointly by the United States and Nigerian forces against terrorist targets.

President Donald Trump had earlier revealed that U.S. forces conducted lethal strikes on Islamic State-linked positions in northwestern Nigeria around Christmas Day, a move the Nigerian government said was part of intensified counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries.

Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, told journalists in Abuja that the battle damage assessment process is ongoing, and full details of the outcome will be released to the public once the review is complete.

On whether terrorists were present at the bombed locations, Onoja stated that credible intelligence verified their presence before the strikes.

He explained that some operational details were not shared earlier for security reasons.

The military is also tracking movements of terrorists fleeing the strike areas and working with field commanders to prevent them from entering neighbouring communities. Civilians have been urged to be vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.

Onoja reiterated the importance of cooperation between the armed forces and the public in tackling insecurity, saying that security challenges can only be addressed with the support of all segments of society.