The Defence Headquarters has issued a public warning urging residents to steer clear of unexploded munitions and debris left after recent joint air operations conducted by the United States and Nigerian forces in Sokoto State.
The U.S. military, working alongside Nigerian authorities, carried out precision airstrikes on Christmas Day targeting terrorist hideouts tied to the Islamic State. Sixteen guided munitions were deployed against two major militant encampments in the Bauni forest area of Tangaza Local Government.
Reports indicate that fragments from the strikes traveled as far as Offa in Kwara State, where locals reported hearing loud blasts around the same time the operations took place.
According to the Presidency, the airstrikes were conducted at the Nigerian government’s request as part of ongoing counterterrorism initiatives.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, confirmed that bomb disposal and ordnance units are actively working in the affected areas to safely recover all remnants from the strikes.
He urged civilians to avoid touching, collecting, or storing any suspected explosives, warning that such items pose a severe risk to life. “We strongly advise members of the public not to handle or keep any of these objects. Anyone in possession of such items should immediately hand them over,” Major General Onoja emphasized.
The warning follows viral social media videos showing individuals scavenging unexploded devices and metallic fragments at impact sites in Sokoto State, heightening concerns about accidental detonations.
Security sources in Kwara State confirmed the discovery of an undetonated explosive device at one location, prompting authorities to tighten security and restrict access while safety operations were carried out.
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