Adedokun Waliyu 
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said that battle damage assessment is still ongoing following recent joint airstrikes carried out by United States forces in collaboration with the Nigerian military against terrorist targets.
The Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing defence correspondents in Abuja on the achievements of the Armed Forces in counter-insurgency operations across the country.
According to him, details of the joint operation would be made public after 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,” Onoja said.
He explained that intelligence reports confirmed the presence of terrorists in the locations targeted before the strikes were carried out, noting that operational secrecy sometimes necessitated limited public disclosure.
“Terrorists are ubiquitous; we cannot confine them to one location. Intelligence reports confirmed their presence in those areas prior to the strikes being conducted. The fact that it was not publicised was for operational security reasons,” he stated.
Onoja added that the military was monitoring possible movement of terrorists away from the strike locations and working closely with field commanders to prevent infiltration into nearby communities.
“We are communicating with all 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 remain vigilant and share timely intelligence with security agencies.
He also 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.
Responding to criticism surrounding the joint operation, Onoja said it was not the responsibility of the armed forces to respond to every public statement, noting that such matters fall within the purview of other relevant agencies.
On recent suicide bombing incidents, the DDMO revealed that the arrest of a suspected attacker earlier in the week had disrupted terrorist plans and logistics, stressing that intelligence-led operations would continue to prevent future attacks.
Reviewing the military’s operations across the six geo-political zones in the outgoing year, Onoja said troops neutralised no fewer than 20 terrorist commanders and several foot soldiers.
Those killed, according to him, include 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, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Malla Jidda, Talha, Mallam Umar, 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.
He further disclosed that within the period under review, troops arrested 4,375 suspects, while 1,616 terrorists and their family members surrendered. In addition, 2,336 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued.
Focusing on the North-East, Onoja said 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,” he said.
The DDMO added that troops recovered various arms, ammunition, vehicles, equipment, and about ₦32 million. At the same time, several terrorist camps and hideouts were 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. He noted that troops also recovered arms, ammunition, equipment, and large sums of money intended for ransom payments and illicit activities.
He added that 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.
