The Nigerian military is closely monitoring the movements of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters believed to be fleeing their hideouts following recent United States airstrikes in the country’s north-west.
This follows the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump on Christmas Day that American forces conducted lethal strikes against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria. The Federal Government confirmed the operation, describing it as part of ongoing counterterrorism cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
In the aftermath of the strikes, reports emerged of increased movements by armed groups into neighbouring communities.
The Chairman of the Traditional Council in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, Daniel Abomtse, expressed concern over what he described as an influx of armed herders into local communities soon after the attack.
Community leaders in Tangaza, Gudu, and parts of Illela in Sokoto State also reported noticeable dislocation and movement of suspected fighters, with residents claiming that some armed men were moving in small groups toward remote forest corridors or attempting to cross into border communities.
Senior military officials quoted in media reports said the armed forces were tracking the movements of the militants.
“We know they are fleeing. We have information on that and we are working on it. They are being monitored and their movements are being tracked,” one official said, adding that intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations were ongoing.
Split Opinions Over Possible U.S. Troop Deployment
The development has reignited debate over the prospect of deploying U.S. troops in Nigeria.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, recently stated that any decision would be guided by advice from the Ministry of Defence.
However, retired Brigadier-General Peter Aro cautioned strongly against allowing foreign troops on Nigerian soil, warning of legal, diplomatic and social consequences. He argued that such deployment should only follow a formal defence pact and could worsen internal mistrust and insurgent propaganda.
He maintained that Nigeria has sufficient ground forces and primarily needs support in air power, surveillance and precision-strike capability, not foreign combat troops.
In contrast, retired Brigadier-General Bashir Adewinbi supported deeper collaboration with the United States, describing international security partnerships as standard practice. He said he would back the deployment of U.S. soldiers if necessary and subject to clear terms of engagement, adding that such cooperation would not dampen the morale of Nigerian troops.
Former Nigerian Air Force spokesman, Group Captain Sadique Shehu (retd.), criticised the idea of inviting foreign soldiers, calling it “disappointing” and insisting that Nigeria should not rely on external forces to fight on its soil. He, however, noted that small advisory teams were more likely than large foreign troop deployments.
Shehu added that there was still no confirmed evidence regarding militant casualties from the reported U.S. strikes, urging Nigerian authorities to communicate clearly with citizens about any security arrangements with foreign partners.
Meanwhile, security agencies continue monitoring fleeing militant elements as counterterrorism operations intensify across affected regions.