There are growing indications that suspected terrorists in northern Nigeria are relocating following recent United States airstrikes carried out on Thursday night.
Community leaders told Sunday PUNCH that unusual movements were observed shortly after the Christmas Day attacks, with armed groups reportedly dispersing in small numbers across several regions.
President Donald Trump had earlier confirmed that the US military carried out targeted strikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in northwestern Nigeria. The Federal Government also confirmed that it supported the operation, which targeted areas believed to be used by terrorists.
Although no deaths were officially recorded, missiles reportedly struck farmland in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, while some buildings were damaged in Offa, Kwara State. Additional strikes were also reported in parts of Sokoto, particularly in areas believed to be hideouts of the Lakurawa armed group.
Bandits Move Toward Benue, Others Flee
The Chairman of the Traditional Council in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, Daniel Abomtse, raised concerns over the movement of armed herders into his domain following the strikes.
Speaking with reporters, he said armed groups were migrating from Sokoto towards Benue and neighbouring areas.
“I noticed their movement into my local government and also Agatu. They are moving with sophisticated weapons and grazing openly,” he said.
While commending the US intervention, Abomtse urged President Trump to extend military operations to Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Niger and Plateau states.
Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, for confirmation were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.
Sokoto Communities Report Disruption
Residents of Tangaza, Gudu and parts of Illela in Sokoto State reported visible disruption among armed groups following the airstrikes. Community leaders said bandits were abandoning known camps and attempting to relocate through remote forest routes or border communities.
A local leader in Tangaza said the strikes had “sent a strong warning signal,” forcing criminals to retreat from their usual hideouts.
Security officials in Sokoto State confirmed that intelligence operations were ongoing, with enhanced surveillance and joint security patrols deployed to block escape routes.
US Resumes Surveillance Over Sambisa Forest
A United States congressman, Riley Moore, said the airstrikes prevented what could have been deadly Christmas attacks. Writing on X, he noted that Christians had suffered deadly attacks in previous festive seasons.
He added that the strikes were part of broader efforts to curb extremist violence in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Sahel-based terrorism analyst Brant Philip disclosed that the US had resumed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations over the Sambisa Forest in Borno State.
According to flight-tracking data he shared, a Gulfstream V aircraft — commonly used for ISR missions — was observed operating in the area following the Sokoto strikes.
Experts Warn of New Terror Tactics
Security analyst and CEO of Beacon Consulting, Kabiru Adamu, warned that displaced terrorists could attempt to blend into civilian populations or seek support from international extremist networks.
“They may try to present the situation as an attack on Muslims by a Christian nation to gain sympathy and support,” he said, warning of possible propaganda campaigns and cyber operations.
Similarly, Professor Tar Usman of the Nigerian Defence Academy said the strikes would disrupt terrorist planning but cautioned that the threat had not ended.
“They will likely attempt to hide among civilians or change tactics. Vigilance is critical,” he said.
A senior government source also confirmed that Nigeria and the United States are coordinating efforts to prevent terrorists from regrouping, noting that some fighters were attempting to move toward Kogi and neighbouring states.
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