The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said that ongoing joint airstrikes which commenced on Christmas day by the United States and Nigerian Armed Forces on terrorists’ locations in Sokoto State are continuing across identified flashpoints in 2026 even as its current operational Battle Damage Assessment (BDA)of the strikes were being finalized.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja stated this Wednesday in Abuja at the 2025 end-of-year briefing of defence journalists on operational activities and successes of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He gave assurance that while the joint airstrikes will continue in other identified flashpoints in 2026, details of the Sokoto’s surprise operation would be made public after the final conclusion of the much-awaited assessment.
Major General Micheal Onoja said that while the authorities were still thoroughly assessing the impacts of the joint United States-Nigerianairstrikes in Tangaza Local Government Area conducted at terrorists’ locations in Sokoto state, more strikes would continue this year at all identified terrorism flashpoints as the needs for such actions become necessary as part of a broader counter terrorism plan for the country.
According to him, while ongoing battle damage assessment is still on, it is unwise to give out any information ongoing but he promised that necessary details on the joint operation would be released to the public upon the completion of the assessment process.
“There is a process of battle damage assessment. We are still in that process, and once it is completed, we will communicate our observations to the public. In due course, we will give you all the information you require from the US–Nigeria strikes,” the director said.
Major General Onoja reiterated claims that intelligence reports confirmed the presence of terrorists in the locations targeted before the strikes were carried out, adding that operational secrecy and exigency necessitated limited public disclosure.
General Onoja explained that intelligence reports confirmed the presence of terrorists in the locations targeted before the strikes were conducted.
“You know, terrorists are ubiquitous, and we cannot confine them to one location. Of course, there is evidence to show that they are in the Sahel. We can also take it further, as intelligence reports have confirmed their presence in the Sahel region, including Sokoto, prior to the strikes being conducted against them. So yes, they were there because those strikes were based on intelligence reports.
Against fears that terrorists might devise new tricks to evade detection, Major General Onojaemphasised that the military was monitoring apossible movement of terrorists away from the strike locations by working closely with field commanders to prevent infiltration into nearby communities.
“We are adequately communicating with force commanders in identified threat areas to ensure terrorists do not assimilate into communities and cause further havoc,” he said, adding that the armed forces were mobilising civilians to maintain vigilance and timely sharing of intelligence with them and among respectivesecurity agencies.
He appealed to members of the public who might be in possession of ammunition remnants or materials linked to the airstrikes to hand them over to security agencies for safe handling.
Troops, he said, also destroyed 503 illegal oil refining sites in the oil-rich Niger Delta region and recovered stolen products worth N8, 918,647, 206. 00.
Addressing criticisms and reservations in some quarters over the propriety of the joint US-Nigeria military operation, Onoja said besides the fact that the operation had the necessary authorization and clearance from the highest decision-making quarters in the country.
He further argued that it was not the responsibility of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to respond to every public sentiment especially when such matters fall within the purview of other relevant security agencies.
On recent suicide bombings in the North East, the Director Defence Media Operations said that the arrest of a suspected attacker earlier in the week significantly disrupted terrorist plans and logistics, stressing that intelligence-led operations would continue to prevent similar future attacks.
Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, during the end-of-year briefing of the defence correspondents on the achievements of the Armed Forces in counter-insurgency operations across the country, further asserted that troops were dutiful, professional and courageous in the various areas and theatres of operations across the country.
According to him, 4,375 suspected terrorists were arrested in 2025 while 1,616 terrorists and their family members surrendered while 2,336 kidnap victims were rescued across the across the six geo-political zones in 2025.
He disclosed that troops neutralised no fewer than 20 terrorist commanders and several foot soldiers notably Aminu Kanawa, Dan Bokolo, Bello Buba, Dan Inna, Halilu Sabubu, Abu Dan Shehu Jabbi, Dogo Bashiru Yellow, Abba Allai(also known as Amirul Khalid of Alafa), Amir Abu Fatimah, Auta and Abdul Jamilu.
Others were Salisu, Malla Jidda, Talha, MallamUmar, Abu Yazeed, Kabiru Bebe, Maiwada, Mai Dada, and Nwachi Eze (also known as Onowu) alongside other notorious bandits identified by aliases such as Dosso, Suleiman, Jagaban and Danja.
In the North-East, 1,323 suspects including collaborators, gunrunners, sympathisers, and spies, were arrested, while 498 kidnapped victims were rescued. He noted that although Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements had been significantly degraded, they continued to carry out isolated attacks and plant improvised explosive devices.
“Nonetheless, the military remains vigilant and will continue to refine its tactics, techniques, and procedures to counter these threats in the new year’’, he said.
Major General Onoja further disclosed that troops recovered various arms, ammunition, vehicles, equipment, and about ₦32 million. At the same time, several terrorist camps and hideouts were discovered and destroyed, leading to improved security and the return of economic and agricultural activities in affected areas.
In the North-West, Onoja said scores of terrorists were neutralised, 669 suspects arrested, and 966 kidnapped victims rescued noting that troops also recovered arms, ammunition, equipment, and large sums of money intended for ransom payments and illicit activities.
Modern combat equipment and intelligence assets, including Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles and other high-calibre weapons, were deployed to enhance operational effectiveness in the zone, he said, emphasizing that such measures would continue.
The defence media operations spokesman said the end-of-year briefing was aimed at informingstrategic decision-making, enhance operational effectiveness and set clear priorities for 2026.
According to him, the strategic focus of the Military High Command was to always ensure the safety of citizens and service personnel while also maintaining its duty to inform the public about the efforts and successes guiding military actions.
“DHQ is aware of the public interest in the ongoing military operations, and we are committed to providing you with factual, accurate and accurate information about our activities across all theatres.
“Our forces are currently engaged in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to combat specific threats, securing our citizens and providing a secure environment for economic activities to thrive,” he said.
