Following recent US airstrikes, the Nigerian military is keeping an eye on Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists who are thought to be escaping their hideouts.
According to reports, US President Donald Trump declared on Christmas Day that American forces had killed Islamic State targets in northwest Nigeria.
The operation was verified by the Federal Government, which described it as a continuation of Nigeria and the United States’ ongoing counterterrorism collaboration.
There were allegations of increased armed group activity into nearby regions following the airstrikes.
Soon after the attack, Daniel Abomtse, the chairman of the Traditional Council in Benue State’s Gwer West Local Government Area, expressed worry over what he called an invasion of armed herders into some towns.
In an interview with Punch, community leaders in Tangaza, Gudu, and portions of Illela in Sokoto State also mentioned that suspected fighters were clearly moving and dislocating.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, several locals reported seeing suspected bandits traveling in smaller groups toward isolated forest passages, while others were said to be trying to enter nearby border settlements.
In an interview with Punch on Monday, senior military authorities stated that the military is monitoring the fugitive militants’ movements.
“We are aware that they are running away. We are working on it and have information about it. One official stated, “They are being watched over and their movements are being tracked.”
Ongoing information, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) efforts were noted by another military source, who also asked, “Is it conceivable for us not to know they are fleeing? We are tracking them with ISR since we have the information.
On the potential deployment of troops to Nigeria, former senior military leaders have expressed varying opinions.
When questioned on CNN whether Nigeria may think about allowing US forces into the nation, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar recently stated that the Ministry of Defense will advise the government on potential next measures.
Brigadier-General Peter Aro (retd.), a former senior commander, stated that he opposes the deployment of US military on Nigerian territory and cautioned that doing so might have major legal, diplomatic, and social ramifications.
He warned that the effects would be “profound” and stated that foreign forces should only be used in accordance with a written defense agreement authorized at the highest level of government.
He claimed that the presence of foreign military personnel in Nigeria could exacerbate the already precarious internal unity of the nation.
“I strongly oppose the deployment of US soldiers on Nigerian soil,” he declared. This is a significant issue that needs to be handled very carefully. From a legal and diplomatic perspective, foreign troops on the ground can only follow a formal Defense Pact that has been authorized at the highest levels of government, and even then, there would be serious repercussions.
“The deployment of foreign troops could increase domestic suspicion, feed insurgent propaganda, and worsen already-existing regional and religious sensitivities at a time when our nation is already struggling with fragile national cohesiveness. Notably, social media replies indicate that some northern intellectuals and elites are unhappy with this intervention, and that uneasiness speaks volumes.
Nigeria already had enough ground forces, including the armed forces, police mobile units, and civil defense workers, according to Aro, who contended that greater US engagement did not necessitate US military presence.
According to him, the US could assist Nigeria in these areas without having to replace local troops on the ground: air power, surveillance, and precision attack capacity.
He went on to say that long-term stability and legitimacy depended on Nigeria retaining authority over land operations.
However, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.), another retired commander, advocated for increased security cooperation with the US, stating that international cooperation was standard procedure.
He connected the Christmas Day hit to a combined Nigerian-US effort and claimed the National Security Adviser’s recent visit to the US was a part of continuing coordination.
According to Adewinbi, he would be in favor of the deployment of US troops if it was deemed necessary to enhance security, as long as proper diplomatic procedures and well-defined conditions of engagement were followed.
He uttered those words. You may recall that the NSA traveled to America as a result. The strike that took place on Christmas Day was a joint exercise between the United States and Nigeria. In any case, they are successful, efficient, and have accomplished a great deal in a brief amount of time.
“If the deployment of US troops to Nigeria is a means of resolving our issue, then it is cooperation if necessary.
It takes place between nations and global groups. Indeed, cooperation is the solution to the current global issue.
He went on to explain that international alliances were meant to produce results and that such a cooperation would not lower the morale of Nigerian military.
According to him, Nigeria should be willing to cooperate with any nation if doing so would assist combat insecurity.
“There is nothing wrong with collaboration,” he continued. If they do show up, they must have explained the terms and conditions as well as the purpose of their visit. Morale cannot be lowered by it.
Major General Dayo Olukoju (retd.) added, “When we move forward, we will tell you whether the move is right or not.”
“Strategic errors cannot be made at this time.”
Group Captain Sadique Shehu (retd.), a former spokesman for the Nigerian Air Force, criticized proposals that US troops be sent to Nigeria to support the country’s ongoing fight against terrorism.
As a former military officer, Shehu expressed concern about the development and said it was unfortunate that such a notion was being discussed.
Nigeria should not rely on foreign soldiers to fight on its territory, he said, but it might ask external partners for help and technological support.
“It is very disappointing that some are even considering that,” he stated. I feel embarrassed as a male in the military. How did we get here? We acknowledge that we lack their technology, but if you are referring about their armies coming to defend us, then the nation is doomed.
However, he stated that there was little chance that the US would send a sizable military force to Nigeria, as it had done in Iraq or Afghanistan. He claimed that the deployment of small advising teams, which had been ongoing, was increasingly likely.
Shehu also addressed the reported US strikes in Sokoto, stating that there was currently no proof that any terrorists had been killed.
“There is currently no proof that any terrorists have been killed,” he stated. Right now, all we know is that there was an attack, but we don’t know if anyone was killed.
The former officer went on to say that Nigeria should make sure that Nigerian authorities speak with residents directly instead of depending on pronouncements from foreign governments and that Nigeria should specify the conditions of any security help it receives from international partners.
“What arrangement did they make?” he asked. I must clarify that the roof I’m inviting you to fix is the roof in my parlor, not the roof in my bedroom.
“This is what nations do, so come and see.” Unfortunately, I don’t think we did that in Nigeria. This is just my personal perspective. Trump shouldn’t be speaking to Nigerians during an attack. In my opinion, it should be Nigerians conversing with other Nigerians. We shouldn’t only pay attention to what Washington says.
“We first heard from Trump following this attack. Is that correct? That shouldn’t be the case. Indeed, we are grateful for their assistance and need it. However, you have to lay out the guidelines for how that assistance will be given.
