US STRIKES PROMPT RELOCATION OF SUSPECTED TERRORISTS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA
Following missile strikes carried out by the United States in northwestern Nigeria on Thursday night, suspected terrorists in the region are reportedly relocating to avoid further attacks.
Community leaders in the North told Sunday PUNCH that they have observed small groups of armed men moving away from their usual strongholds after the Christmas Day operations. President Donald Trump had announced that the US military targeted Islamic State affiliates, while the Federal Government confirmed its support for the precision strikes on known terrorist hideouts.
No fatalities were reported at the targeted locations. In Jabo, Tambuwal LGA of Sokoto State, a missile struck farmland, while structures were damaged in Offa, Kwara State. Officials in Tangaza LGA, Sokoto, noted additional strikes on suspected hideouts of the Lakurawa armed group. Despite the lack of deaths, several residents sustained injuries, and property worth millions of naira was destroyed, particularly in Offa.
ARMED Herders MOVE INTO BENUE
The Chairman of the Traditional Council in Gwer West LGA, Benue State, Daniel Abomtse, warned of an influx of armed herders into communities following the US attacks. He noted their movement from Sokoto into his domain and neighboring Agatu LGA, armed with sophisticated weapons and grazing openly.
Abomtse praised the US strikes but urged similar operations in Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Niger, and Plateau states. “President Trump’s actions are commendable in addressing a menace that has plagued Nigeria for 16 years,” he said. Attempts to verify the report with the Benue State Police were unsuccessful.
BANDITS IN SOKOTO THROWN INTO DISARRAY
Residents and security sources in Tangaza, Gudu, and Illela in Sokoto State reported signs of dislocation among bandit groups. Some armed men were observed moving in smaller numbers toward forest corridors, while others attempted to cross into border communities to evade detection. A local leader said the strikes sent a “strong signal,” forcing criminals to abandon familiar routes and camps.
Sokoto authorities confirmed ongoing intelligence assessments to track the bandits’ movements, with heightened border patrols and joint operations with federal forces to block escape routes. Security analyst Bashar Umar noted that surveillance is being strengthened, particularly in border LGAs, to prevent further infiltration.
US SURVEILLANCE OPERATIONS RESUME IN BORNO
US Congressman Riley Moore hailed the strikes as preventive measures against potential Christmas attacks on Christians, noting that coordinated US-Nigeria action targeted radical Islamic terrorists. Meanwhile, surveillance operations have resumed in Sambisa Forest, Borno State, with a Gulfstream V aircraft identified conducting ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) missions.
EXPERTS WARN OF POSSIBLE TERRORIST ADAPTATION
Security analyst Kabiru Adamu warned that fleeing terrorists might blend with local communities or seek international support. He added that propaganda campaigns, particularly online, could be used to attract sympathy, funding, and recruits.
Professor Tar Usman of the Nigerian Defence Academy stated that US strikes would disrupt terrorist planning and instill fear, but cautioned that the attacks would not immediately end terrorism. He noted that insurgents may adopt new tactics or attempt to hide among civilians, emphasizing the need for vigilant intelligence operations.
A top government source confirmed that Nigeria and the US are working closely to combat killings, banditry, and kidnappings. Some terrorists are reportedly fleeing to Kogi and neighboring states, prompting intensified efforts to flush them out.
