Nigeria Urges Civilians to Avoid Debris From U.S.-Backed Strikes on Islamist Camps

Nigeria’s military has warned civilians in the northwest not to tamper with or collect debris and unexploded ordnance at sites targeted in recent U.S.-backed airstrikes, officials said on Friday, amid concerns over accidental injuries.

The appeal follows online footage showing residents collecting fragments from strike locations in Sokoto state, prompting fears that unexploded material could detonate and cause harm.

The airstrikes, carried out on December 25 at the request of the Nigerian government, involved U.S. military assets targeting two camps linked to the Islamic State group. Nigerian authorities said the operation aimed to disrupt militant activity in the region.

Major General Michael Onoja, director of Defence Media Operations, told reporters that only specialised military ordnance units were equipped to handle and dispose of remnants safely. He appealed to anyone in possession of debris to surrender it to security forces to prevent accidents.

Officials said efforts were underway to clear affected areas and ensure that hazardous material was removed by trained personnel, as part of ongoing operations against extremist groups operating in parts of northwest Nigeria.

The military directive underscores continuing collaboration between Nigerian forces and international partners in addressing security challenges posed by armed militants.