The Nigerian military has appealed to residents of Sokoto State to return explosive materials allegedly taken from the site of a U.S. airstrike on Christmas Day in Jabo community, warning that the items pose serious risks to both individuals and the public.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja, stressing that only trained military personnel are equipped to recover and neutralise explosive devices. “We don’t expect civilians to take away these materials. Our formations within the armed forces are mandated to handle them safely,” he said.
Onoja urged media outlets to assist in spreading the message, calling on anyone in possession of such materials to hand them over to nearby military bases or recognised security locations for safe disarmament. “We want these materials returned so they can be disarmed before they cause harm to those holding them or to the wider public,” he added.
The appeal follows ongoing security concerns in Nigeria’s northwest, where terrorist activities and illicit weapons circulation continue to threaten lives and property.
Sokoto State authorities previously confirmed that no civilians were harmed during the joint airstrike conducted by Nigerian and U.S. forces against terrorist enclaves in Tangaza Local Government Area. Abubakar Bawa, Director-General of Media and Publicity, Government House Sokoto, said post-strike assessments are ongoing and cautioned that suspicious objects found near Jabo town should be treated with care until further analysis is completed.
The state government reiterated its support for security operations and investigations, urging continued public cooperation to ensure safety.
