The Nigerian military has issued a critical public safety warning to residents of Sokoto State, urging them not to handle or scavenge potentially lethal materials left behind from recent United States-backed airstrikes.
Military Issues Stern Warning After Scavenging Footage Emerges
On January 2, 2026, defence authorities raised the alarm following the circulation of online videos showing locals picking through debris at the sites of the December 25, 2025, aerial bombardments. The military expressed grave concern that such actions could trigger accidental explosions, leading to loss of life.
Major General Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, directly appealed to the public. "We do not expect civilians to pick up or keep such materials," he stated. "We can only appeal to them to return all materials that may prove harmful to them." The warning underscores the immediate danger posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the community.
Details of the US-Nigeria Joint Airstrike Operation
The hazardous remnants originate from a significant military operation conducted deep inside Nigerian territory on Christmas Day. At the request of the Nigerian government, US forces deployed MQ-9 Reaper drones which fired 16 GPS-guided munitions at two camps linked to the Islamic State (Daesh) in Sokoto State.
The operation was authorized by both US President Donald Trump and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, and described by both governments as precision strikes. Nigeria's Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed that Nigerian authorities provided intelligence support for the mission, which was aimed at degrading ISIS operational capabilities in the region.
Ordnance Disposal Units Deployed for Safe Recovery
In response to the threat, the Nigerian Armed Forces have mobilized specialized ordnance disposal teams. General Onoja confirmed these units have been tasked with the professional recovery and safe disposal of all explosive remnants from the strike zones.
The military strongly emphasized that civilians must avoid the strike sites entirely and leave all recovery work to these trained experts. The deployment aims to prevent tragic accidents and protect the lives of Sokoto residents who might unknowingly encounter the dangerous debris.
Sokoto State, a historic region in northwestern Nigeria known as the "Seat of the Caliphate," has found itself at the center of this international counter-terrorism effort. With a population exceeding 6 million, the state's security and the safety of its people remain a paramount concern for national authorities in the aftermath of the aerial campaign.
