Minister of defence reveals why bodies of terrorists were not found after US airstrikes in Nigeria

Minister of defence on US airstrikes in Nigeria has explained why bodies of terrorists were not recovered following recent air operations carried out with international intelligence support.
According to the minister, the absence of physical bodies after the US airstrikes in Nigeria does not indicate a failed operation, nor does it suggest that terrorists were not neutralised. Instead, the explanation lies in the nature of modern aerial warfare, terrain conditions, and the operational behaviour of terrorist groups operating in remote regions. Minister of defence reveals why bodies of terrorists were not found after US airstrikes in Nigeria
As the minister spoke, he stressed that airstrikes are not designed to produce recoverable remains, especially when carried out in rugged, inaccessible locations that terrorists deliberately use as hideouts. Minister of defence reveals why bodies of terrorists were not found after US airstrikes in Nigeria
Why bodies were not found after US airstrikes in Nigeria
The Minister of Defence explained that most US airstrikes in Nigeria are conducted using precision-guided munitions deployed from high altitude. These weapons are designed to neutralise targets instantly, often resulting in complete disintegration of structures and human remains.
https://ogelenews.ng/minister-defence-bodies-not-found-us-airstrikes-nig…
He noted that when terrorists are struck inside enclosed camps, caves, forest settlements, or improvised bunkers, the resulting explosions frequently leave no identifiable bodies, only debris and scorched ground.
This clarification directly addresses public questions surrounding why bodies were not found after US airstrikes in Nigeria, despite official confirmations that targets were successfully hit.
Terrain and terrain denial tactics
Another factor highlighted by the minister is the terrain where terrorists operate. Many of the strikes occurred in dense forests, mountainous regions, and ungoverned border areas that are extremely difficult for ground troops to access after an operation.
In some cases, follow-up patrols are delayed or avoided altogether due to the risk of secondary attacks, landmines, or ambushes left behind by fleeing militants. Minister of defence reveals why bodies of terrorists were not found after US airstrikes in Nigeria
The Minister of Defence stated that terrorists deliberately exploit these environments to deny physical verification, knowing that public doubt often follows when bodies are not displayed.
Terrorist evacuation and internal recovery methods
In explaining why bodies were not found after US airstrikes in Nigeria, the minister also revealed that terrorist groups have developed internal evacuation systems.
Survivors often remove injured or dead fighters quickly, especially when strikes do not wipe out an entire camp. This practice allows terrorist organisations to control narratives and avoid demoralisation within their ranks. Minister of defence reveals why bodies of terrorists were not found after US airstrikes in Nigeria
“These groups understand information warfare,” the minister said, adding that the absence of bodies is often used by terrorists themselves to claim they were never hit, even when intelligence confirms otherwise.
Intelligence confirmation over physical evidence
The Minister of Defence emphasised that modern counter-terrorism operations rely on multi-layered intelligence confirmation, not physical body counts.
Satellite imagery, heat signatures, drone surveillance, intercepted communications, and post-strike intelligence assessments are used to confirm the success of US airstrikes in Nigeria.
He explained that conversations intercepted after such strikes often reveal panic, casualty discussions, leadership changes, and emergency relocation orders within terrorist networks.
“These indicators are far more reliable than counting bodies in a forest,” he said.
Addressing public skepticism
Public skepticism has grown partly because images of neutralised terrorists are often used in propaganda elsewhere. However, the minister cautioned against equating visual evidence with operational success.
He warned that publishing graphic images could compromise military intelligence, reveal operational methods, or inflame extremist propaganda.The Minister of defence reveals why bodies of terrorists were not found after US airstrikes in Nigeria
The minister urged Nigerians to understand that the goal of US airstrikes in Nigeria is threat elimination, not public display.
Nigeria–US military cooperation
The explanation also shed light on the broader framework of Nigeria–US military cooperation. The Minister of Defence described the partnership as intelligence-driven, targeted, and governed by strict engagement rules.
US airstrikes in Nigeria are conducted only when there is clear threat validation, and Nigerian authorities remain involved in intelligence coordination and post-strike assessments.
This cooperation, he said, has degraded terrorist leadership structures and disrupted planned attacks, even when bodies were not found after US airstrikes in Nigeria. Minister of defence reveals why bodies of terrorists were not found after US airstrikes in Nigeria
What this means for national security
Security analysts say the minister’s explanation highlights a shift in how counter-terrorism success should be measured.
Instead of focusing on visual confirmation, attention should be placed on reduced attacks, disrupted supply lines, weakened command structures, and intelligence silence from terrorist cells.
The Minister of Defence reiterated that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy remains focused on long-term stability, not short-term optics.
Final thoughts
As the Minister of Defence reveals why bodies of terrorists were not found after US airstrikes in Nigeria, the explanation underscores the complexity of modern warfare and the limits of public visibility in security operations.
While questions will always arise, authorities insist that effectiveness must be judged by outcomes, not appearances.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa

Minister of defence reveals why bodies of terrorists were not found after US airstrikes in Nigeria






























