Suspected terrorists in Northern Nigeria are relocating following a U.S. military airstrike carried out on Thursday night, according to a new report.
Community leaders in Tangaza, Gudu, and parts of Illela in Sokoto State told Punch that they observed movements of hoodlums in small groups in the aftermath of the Christmas Day attacks.
The leaders reported signs of dislocation among armed groups, with some bandits seen moving toward remote forest corridors and others attempting to cross into neighboring border communities to evade aerial and ground surveillance.
A community leader in Tangaza described the airstrike as sending a “strong signal,” forcing criminal elements to abandon familiar routes and hideouts. “People are cautious, but there is relief that their hideouts were hit,” he added.
Meanwhile, Daniel Abomtse, Chairman of the Traditional Council in Gwer West LGA of Benue State, warned of an influx of armed herders into some communities. He said they were moving from Sokoto to coastal areas in Gwer West and Agatu, openly carrying sophisticated weapons.
While commending the U.S. strike, Abomtse urged President Trump to expand operations to Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Niger, and Plateau states, praising the action as a major step against a problem that has plagued Nigeria for 16 years.
Attempts to verify Abomtse’s claims with the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful.
Government officials in Sokoto State stated that intelligence assessments are ongoing to track the scale and direction of bandit movements after the strike.
