Nigeria–US Airstrike: Why Some Military Operations Stay Classified — DHQ
The Defence Headquarters has explained why details of some joint military operations, including the recent Nigeria–United States airstrike against terrorist elements, are not immediately made public, citing operational security and the need to protect intelligence sources.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja during the end-of-year briefing, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Michael Onoja, said while the military understands public curiosity around such operations, premature disclosure could compromise ongoing missions and endanger troops.
According to him, the strikes were carried out based on credible indigenous intelligence that confirmed the presence of terrorists in the targeted locations before the operation was executed.
“Some operations are not publicised immediately for operational security reasons. These strikes were intelligence-led, and the intelligence confirmed the presence of terrorists in those areas before the strikes were conducted,” Onoja said.
He added that security assessments were still ongoing and that more details would be communicated to the public at the appropriate time, in line with guidance already issued by the Presidency and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The DHQ also disclosed that the military was intensifying monitoring of terrorist movements following the airstrike to prevent fleeing elements from infiltrating communities and carrying out reprisal attacks.
Onoja said intelligence reports had shown that terrorists often relocate after sustained military pressure, warning that they should not be confined to one geographical area in public imagination.
“Terrorists are not static. They move, and because of Nigeria’s proximity to the Sahel, intelligence has confirmed their presence across different corridors. That is why we are tracking their movements and communicating with force commanders in identified threat areas to prevent them from assimilating into communities,” he said.
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The explanation comes amid heightened anxiety in parts of Benue State and other neighbouring areas, where residents have raised alarms over the movement of strange persons following the airstrike. The military urged communities to remain vigilant but avoid panic, stressing that security agencies were actively monitoring the situation.
As part of measures to forestall further attacks, the DHQ called on citizens to promptly report any suspicious movement, abandoned items, or remnants linked to military operations.
The military spok sman specifically warned residents against harbouring or handling debris from missiles or unexploded materials, noting that such actions could lead to serious harm.
“Any citizen who comes across debris or remnants from military strikes should report immediately to security agencies. These materials can pose danger if tampered with and may cause unintended aftermath damage,” he cautioned.
On counter-terrorism efforts, the military revealed that the recent arrest of a suspected suicide bomber had provided critical intelligence, helping security forces to map terrorist cells, logistics chains, and operational tactics.
“The arrest of the suspect was significant. It enabled us to extract information on their funding, tactics, techniques and procedures. That arrest also helped disrupt several logistics chains,” he said.
He noted that while terrorists relied heavily on improvised explosive devices, the military was deploying intelligence networks to identify and neutralise threats before attacks were carried out, as demonstrated by the foiled suicide bombing attempt in Borno.
The DHQ emphasised that national security could not be achieved by the military alone.
“Security is a whole-of-society responsibility. We are mobilising civilians to be vigilant and to share information with security agencies. That cooperation allows us to act swiftly and prevent harm,” Maj. Gen Onoja said.
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remained fully engaged in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations across the country and would continue to adapt strategies to address evolving security threats, while balancing transparency with the demands of operational security.
By PRNigeria
