There are growing signs that suspected terrorists operating in parts of northern Nigeria are relocating following missile strikes carried out by the United States on Thursday night.
Community leaders and security watchers say they have noticed unusual movements, with armed groups reportedly breaking into smaller units and leaving known hideouts after the Christmas Day attacks.
US President Donald Trump announced that American forces had launched strikes against Islamic State-linked elements in north-western Nigeria. The Federal Government later confirmed that the operation was carried out with Nigeria’s support and based on shared intelligence.
Although no deaths were officially recorded in the locations hit, the strikes caused damage. In Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, a missile reportedly landed on farmland, while buildings were damaged in Offa, Kwara State. Additional strikes were also reported in parts of Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto, targeting suspected hideouts of the Lakurawa armed group.
Despite the absence of fatalities, several residents sustained injuries and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed, particularly in Offa.
Benue Raises Alarm Over New Influx
In Benue State, concerns are mounting over a possible spillover effect. The Chairman of the Traditional Council in Gwer West Local Government Area, Daniel Abomtse, said armed herders believed to be fleeing from the North-West had begun entering communities in his area and neighbouring Agatu.
According to him, the groups were spotted grazing openly and carrying sophisticated weapons.
“I have noticed their movement into Gwer West and Agatu. They appear to be fleeing from Sokoto and are now settling in forested and coastal areas with arms,” he said.
While praising the US strikes, Abomtse called for similar operations in Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Niger and Plateau states, which have also been plagued by violent attacks.
Efforts to get official confirmation from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of reporting.
Disruption in Sokoto Axis
Residents and local leaders in Tangaza, Gudu and parts of Illela in Sokoto State say the airstrikes have disrupted the activities of armed groups in the area.
Some community leaders, who spoke anonymously for security reasons, said bandits had been seen moving cautiously in small groups, heading towards remote forest routes and border communities, possibly to evade surveillance.
One leader in Tangaza described the strike as a “strong warning signal” that forced criminals to abandon familiar camps and routes.
Sokoto State officials say security agencies are closely monitoring the situation, with increased patrols and intelligence gathering aimed at preventing terrorists from slipping into safer communities or crossing borders.
A security expert, Bashar Umar, said the state government, working with the military and other agencies, had intensified surveillance in flashpoint areas, especially along border local governments.
US Surveillance Extends to Sambisa
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the United States has resumed aerial surveillance over the Sambisa Forest in Borno State, a long-time stronghold of insurgent groups.
Flight-tracking data shared by a Sahel-focused terrorism analyst suggested that a US aircraft, believed to be a Gulfstream V modified for intelligence and surveillance missions, was operating over the area shortly after the Sokoto strikes.
The renewed surveillance is seen as part of broader efforts to monitor insurgent movements and prevent regrouping.
Experts Warn of New Tactics
Security analysts say the strikes may force terrorists to change strategy rather than abandon violence altogether.
Kabiru Adamu, a security consultant, warned that displaced fighters could try to blend into civilian populations or seek support from international terror networks.
“After such strikes, there is usually dislocation. These groups may attempt to hide among law-abiding citizens or move into new territories,” he said.
He also cautioned that extremists could push propaganda narratives, including framing the strikes as religiously motivated, to attract sympathy, funding and new recruits.
Read Also;
NLC Threatens Revolt Over New Tax Laws as Labour, Businesses Clash with Government
Similarly, Professor Tar Usman of the Nigerian Defence Academy said the fear of further strikes could disrupt terrorist planning in the short term but would not end the threat entirely.
“The uncertainty of when the next strike may come will create panic among them and distract them from planning attacks. That is a positive development,” he said.
However, he warned that insurgents could adopt new methods, including quietly mixing with the public, stressing the need for vigilance and strong intelligence work.
A senior government source confirmed that Nigeria and the US are working closely to curb terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, adding that security agencies are taking steps to track and flush out fleeing elements believed to be heading towards Kogi and neighbouring states.
