Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has explained why no physical remains were recovered following recent United States airstrikes on terrorist targets in the north-western state of Sokoto, saying the weapons used left no visible traces.
Speaking on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television, Gen Musa said the militants were neutralised with advanced military weapons, including Tomahawk missiles.
According to him, the nature of the strikes made it impossible to recover bodies or debris at the targeted locations.
“The way they were neutralised, you wouldn’t see anything. It’s a new kind of weapon that was used,” he said.
Responding to reports that some of the missiles may not have detonated, the defence minister said such outcomes were part of deliberate military tactics.
“In conflict attacks, you deceive your enemy. That is all part of the tactics,” he added.
Gen Musa said the operation had been successful and assured Nigerians that more results would become visible in the coming weeks.
He also disclosed that Nigerian security forces carried out coordinated operations alongside the US airstrikes. According to him, the Nigerian Air Force, Navy and Army were simultaneously targeting other locations during the operation.
The defence minister said significant progress had been recorded since the beginning of January, describing the actions as part of broader efforts to weaken terrorist groups operating in the region.
The United States has not released detailed information about the airstrikes, but Nigerian authorities say the joint efforts reflect renewed security cooperation aimed at tackling insurgency and banditry across the country.
