Denge Josef Onoh, former South-East Spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of Enugu State House of Assembly, has issued a statement clarifying the basis for U.S. airstrikes conducted in Sokoto on December 25, 2025.
In the statement made available to journalists on Monday, Onoh explained that the airstrikes by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), in coordination with Nigerian authorities, were based on intelligence assessments accumulated over several years from multiple sources.
These sources included reports from international organizations, field investigations, and verified data concerning security threats in Nigeria.
Onoh emphasized that the airstrikes were intended to disrupt terrorist activities and protect civilians from ongoing violence, noting that the operation relied on a broad body of intelligence rather than the work of a single individual.
He cited contributions from organizations such as the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Amnesty International, and Open Doors, which document security challenges, including attacks on communities in Northern and Middle Belt regions of Nigeria.
The statement also highlighted the cooperation between Nigerian authorities and U.S. agencies in planning and conducting the operations, and confirmed that the government was informed and involved in the decision-making process.
Onoh called for measured and fact-based reporting on security issues, urging the public and media to rely on verified information to understand the context of the airstrikes and ongoing efforts to address security challenges in Nigeria. He stressed that the actions were part of broader efforts to protect civilians and support regional stability.
The statement concluded by affirming the importance of constructive dialogue and collaboration between local and international partners in addressing threats to national security and promoting peace.
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