US airstrikes: Nigerian military monitors fleeing terrorists

The Nigerian military is intensifying surveillance on Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters who are fleeing their hideouts following recent United States airstrikes.

US President Donald Trump announced on Christmas Day that the American military carried out targeted strikes against Islamic State positions in north-western Nigeria. The Nigerian government confirmed the operation, describing it as part of ongoing counterterrorism cooperation.

Following the strikes, reports emerged of movements by armed groups into new areas. The Chairman of the Traditional Council in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, Daniel Abomtse, raised concerns about an influx of armed herders into some communities. Community leaders in Tangaza, Gudu, and parts of Illela in Sokoto State also reported dislocation and movements by armed groups. Some eyewitnesses said bandits were moving in small groups toward remote forest corridors or attempting to cross into neighbouring border communities.

Senior military officials confirmed that the Nigerian Armed Forces are closely tracking the fleeing terrorists. “We know they are fleeing. We have information on that and are monitoring their movements,” one officer said. Another official added that intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, retired senior military officers offered varying opinions on the possible deployment of US troops in Nigeria.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, noted that the Ministry of Defence would advise the government on any potential next steps regarding foreign troop deployment.

Brigadier-General Peter Aro (retd.) opposed the deployment of US soldiers, warning of serious legal, diplomatic, and social consequences. He stressed that foreign troops could only operate under a formal defence pact approved at the highest level of government. Aro said Nigeria already has sufficient ground forces, and that US assistance could focus on air power, surveillance, and precision strikes without replacing local troops.

Conversely, Brigadier-General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) supported closer cooperation with the US, citing normal international security collaboration. He linked the Christmas Day strike to a joint Nigeria-US operation and said that any deployment of foreign troops should follow due diplomatic processes with clearly defined terms of engagement. Adewinbi emphasized that international partnerships would not weaken Nigerian troop morale and could help address insecurity effectively.

Major General Dayo Olukoju (retd.) cautioned against strategic mistakes, while Group Captain Sadique Shehu (retd.), a former Nigerian Air Force spokesman, criticized the idea of deploying US soldiers on Nigerian soil. He argued that foreign assistance should focus on technology and advisory support rather than combat roles and stressed the importance of Nigerian authorities communicating directly with citizens about security operations.

Meanwhile, US Congressman Riley Moore defended the airstrikes, stating they were intended to bring peace and security, not war, to Nigeria.

Moore said the strikes aimed to protect thousands of Christians facing violence and have given hope to affected communities.