Suspected terrorists operating in parts of Northern Nigeria are reportedly relocating from their hideouts following a United States military airstrike carried out on Thursday night.
Community leaders in Sokoto and Benue States disclosed that they observed unusual movements of armed groups after the Christmas Day attacks. They said the suspected terrorists have been migrating in small numbers to avoid further bombardment.
Leaders from Tangaza, Gudu, and parts of Illela Local Government Areas of Sokoto State confirmed there had been visible signs of dislodgement among the armed groups since the strike.
According to some of the community leaders who spoke on condition of anonymity, several bandits were sighted moving toward remote forest corridors, while others allegedly attempted to cross into neighbouring border communities in a bid to evade aerial and ground surveillance.
A community leader in Tangaza said the operation forced many criminals to abandon known routes and camps.
He noted that the strike “sent a strong signal,” adding that residents now feel some relief knowing that terrorist hideouts were targeted.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Traditional Council in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, Daniel Abomtse, raised fresh concerns over an influx of armed herders into some communities.
Abomtse claimed that the fleeing groups had been sighted in Gwer West and Agatu LGAs, allegedly carrying sophisticated weapons and grazing openly. He applauded the U.S. operation and appealed for the extension of similar actions to Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Niger, and Plateau States.
However, efforts to confirm his claims from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful as the spokesperson, Udeme Edet, could not be reached.
Government officials in Sokoto State said intelligence assessment is ongoing to determine the direction and scale of the terrorists’ relocation following the strike.
Residents in affected communities have been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.