The Nigerian military has intensified surveillance on Boko Haram and Islamic State for West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters reportedly fleeing their hideouts after recent United States airstrikes, The PUNCH has learnt.
US President Donald Trump announced on Christmas Day that American forces carried out airstrikes against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria. The Federal Government later confirmed the operation, describing it as part of ongoing counterterrorism cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
Following the strikes, reports emerged of movements by armed groups into other areas. The Chairman of the Traditional Council in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, Daniel Abomtse, raised concerns over an influx of armed herders into some communities after the attack.
Community leaders in Tangaza, Gudu and parts of Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State also reported noticeable displacement and movement of armed groups. Some residents, who spoke anonymously, said suspected bandits were moving in smaller units through forest corridors, with others attempting to cross into neighbouring border communities.
Senior military officials confirmed that the Defence Headquarters is closely monitoring the situation.
“We are aware they are fleeing. Their movements are being tracked, and we are working on it,” a senior officer said.
Another official added that intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations were ongoing to ensure the militants do not regroup or establish new bases.
Meanwhile, retired senior military officers have expressed differing views on the possibility of deploying US troops to Nigeria. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, recently stated that the Ministry of Defence would advise the government on the next steps when asked whether Nigeria might consider allowing US soldiers into the country.
A former senior officer, Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.), opposed the idea, warning that deploying foreign troops could have serious legal, diplomatic and social consequences.
He said foreign military presence could only occur under a formal defence pact approved at the highest level of government, adding that Nigeria’s fragile national cohesion could be further strained.
“At a time when the country is already grappling with internal challenges, the presence of foreign troops could deepen mistrust and fuel insurgent propaganda,” Aro said, noting that even some northern elites had expressed discomfort with the intervention.
Aro argued that Nigeria already has sufficient ground forces and only requires support in air power, surveillance and precision strike capabilities, areas where the US could assist without deploying troops on Nigerian soil.
In contrast, another retired officer, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.), supported closer security cooperation with the US, describing international collaboration as a normal practice.
He linked the Christmas Day strikes to ongoing Nigeria–US cooperation and said any deployment of US troops, if deemed necessary, should follow proper diplomatic procedures with clearly defined terms of engagement.
“There is nothing wrong with collaboration if it helps solve our security challenges,” Adewinbi said, adding that such cooperation would not weaken the morale of Nigerian troops.
Also commenting, Major General Dayo Olukoju (retd.) cautioned against making strategic mistakes, stressing the need for careful decision-making.
A former spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Sadique Shehu (retd.), criticised suggestions that US soldiers should be deployed to Nigeria, describing the idea as worrying.
He said Nigeria could seek technical and intelligence support from foreign partners but should not rely on foreign soldiers to fight on its soil. However, he noted that the likelihood of large-scale US troop deployment was low, suggesting that limited advisory support was more probable.
Shehu also said there was no confirmed information on casualties from the reported US strikes in Sokoto, urging Nigerian authorities to clearly define and communicate the terms of any foreign security assistance to the public.
Meanwhile, a US congressman, Riley Moore, defended President Trump, saying the airstrikes were intended to bring peace and security to Nigeria, particularly for Christians facing violence.
In a post on X, Moore said the Christmas Day strikes against ISIS, carried out in coordination with the Nigerian government, had given hope to thousands of Christians across the country.
