DHQ: Sokoto airstrikes dislodge terrorists, warns of fresh infiltration

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said terrorists dislodged from their enclaves in Sokoto State following recent airstrikes are now fleeing the target areas and attempting to infiltrate other communities in the North-West.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Wednesday while addressing journalists at the end-of-year media briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

Onoja said intelligence reports revealed that the terrorists, who were targeted during the joint Nigeria–United States air operation, are on the move and may be seeking refuge in neighbouring communities.

According to him, the military has intensified surveillance and operational planning to track their movements and prevent them from regrouping.

“We are monitoring them wherever they relocate. Necessary actions are being taken, and all force commanders in identified threat zones have been duly informed to prevent these terrorists from assimilating into communities and causing further havoc,” he said.

The Nigerian military, in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), had carried out midnight airstrikes on Christmas Eve against terrorist enclaves linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) in parts of Sokoto State.

The operation targeted the Lakurawa group, a Sahel-based terror cell described by U.S. officials as ISIS-linked fighters operating across border communities in Sokoto and Kebbi states.

Both Nigerian authorities and AFRICOM later confirmed the success of the operation, saying several terrorists were neutralised, while civilians and livestock were spared.

However, the DHQ said fresh intelligence indicated that the surviving terrorists were now dispersing into other locations.

Onoja urged residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements or individuals to security agencies.

“We are also mobilising the civilian population to be alert and provide timely information to security agencies so we can act swiftly,” he added.

Responding to reports that some residents were in possession of remnants of bombs used during the airstrikes, the defence spokesperson appealed to communities to return such items to security agencies.

“These materials are dangerous. We appeal to members of the public to return them to the military or other security agencies so they can be properly disposed of,” he said.

Onoja also dismissed claims that there was no ISIS-linked terror presence in Sokoto or the wider North-West, stressing that multiple intelligence reports had confirmed the group’s existence before the strikes were carried out.

“Yes, they were there. Those strikes were based on credible intelligence. The fact that it was not publicised earlier was for operational security reasons,” he said.

On reports that two suspected explosive objects landed in separate locations in Offa, Kwara State, the defence spokesperson said such incidents, though unfortunate, could occur during military operations.

“On the issue of the bomb that dropped in Offa, these things happen. We cannot rule out human error. Thankfully, there were no casualties,” he said.

Onoja also warned vigilante groups against engaging in security operations without authorisation, saying unregulated activities could jeopardise military efforts.

He stressed that vigilantes must operate under strict coordination with the military or other security agencies to avoid complications during operations.

“We urge the public to report any excesses by such groups so they can be addressed before they escalate,” he added.