The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has warned communities against taking possession of unexploded devices left behind after the United States’ coordinated air strikes on terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State.
Recall that NAIJAONPOINT reported that the US launched 16 precision-guided munitions on Christmas Day, striking two major terrorist enclaves in the Bauni forest area of Tangaza LGA, Sokoto.
Although the strikes were targeted at Sokoto, shock impact and debris reportedly reached Offa in Kwara State, where residents also experienced explosions at the same time.
The presidency had earlier confirmed that the operation formed part of joint efforts to weaken terrorist networks threatening security in the north-west region.
Addressing journalists on Friday, Michael Onoja, director of defence media operations, said specialised military teams had been deployed to retrieve all remnants of the strikes.
“We do not expect civilians to pick up or keep such materials; we can only appeal to them to return all materials that may prove harmful to them,” he added.
His caution followed viral videos showing locals scavenging metal scraps, debris and suspected unexploded ordnance from affected locations in Sokoto.
In Kwara State, security operatives reportedly discovered an undetonated explosive at one of the sites linked to the blast impact, prompting heightened surveillance and community alerts.