By our Reporter
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has appealed to Sokoto residents to return explosive materials allegedly taken from the site of a U.S. airstrike in Jabo community on Christmas Day, warning that the items are extremely dangerous.
Speaking in Abuja, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, stressed that civilians are not trained to handle such sensitive materials, which should only be recovered and neutralised by specialised military units. “We can only appeal to them to return all materials that may prove harmful to them,” he said, urging those in possession to hand them over to nearby military bases or recognised security locations. Onoja also called on the media to help spread the message.
The appeal comes amid heightened security concerns in Nigeria, where terrorist activity and illicit weapons continue to threaten lives. The Sokoto State government confirmed that no civilians were harmed in the joint Nigerian–U.S. airstrike targeting terrorist enclaves in Tangaza Local Government Area. Post-strike assessments are still ongoing, and the impact of the operation is yet to be fully determined.
Abubakar Bawa, Director-General of Media and Publicity, Government House Sokoto, said investigations continue into suspicious objects discovered near Jabo town. He emphasised that conclusions will only be drawn after detailed analysis by Nigerian and U.S. military authorities. The government reiterated its commitment to supporting security agencies and called for public cooperation as operations and investigations proceed.
This warning highlights the risks posed by unauthorised handling of explosives and the need for residents to cooperate to ensure public safety.
