The Defence Headquarters has revealed that a damage assessment of the recent United States strikes conducted in conjunction with Nigerian forces is still ongoing.
Speaking while fielding questions from journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja stated that the military would release its findings publicly after the assessment was completed.
The clarification followed widespread debate in the country on whether the strike was successful or not.
“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 I can assure you that once that is completed, we will communicate to the public all our observations. In due course, we will give you all the information that you require from the U.S.–Nigeria strikes,” Onoja said.
United States President, Donald Trump, announced on Christmas Day that the American military conducted lethal strikes against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria.
The Federal Government confirmed the joint effort, describing it as part of ongoing counterterrorism cooperation.
Responding to questions on whether terrorists were present at the bombed locations, Onoja said intelligence reports confirmed their presence in the area before the strikes.
“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. So we can also take it further given the proximity of the Sahel to Sokoto. Intelligence reports have also confirmed their presence there before those strikes were conducted against them. So, yes, they were there, because those strikes were based on intelligence reports.
“They have confirmed their presence in those areas. The fact that it was not publicised is sometimes for operational security reasons,” he said
