The Nigerian military has intensified surveillance efforts to track Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters believed to be fleeing their hideouts following recent airstrikes carried out by United States forces. According to Nivo News, the development comes after U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Christmas Day that American troops had launched targeted strikes against Islamic State positions in north-western Nigeria, an operation later confirmed by the Federal Government as part of ongoing counterterrorism cooperation between both countries.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In the aftermath of the strikes, reports emerged of unusual movements by armed groups into neighbouring communities. Traditional authorities in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State raised concerns over an influx of armed herders shortly after the air raids, while community leaders in parts of Sokoto State, including Tangaza, Gudu and Illela, also reported noticeable displacement and movement of suspected fighters. Residents in affected areas said some armed men were seen moving in smaller units toward forest corridors, with others believed to be attempting to cross into nearby border communities.

Senior military officials confirmed that the armed forces are closely monitoring the situation, noting that intelligence indicated militants were on the move. The officials disclosed that intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations were ongoing to track and contain the fleeing fighters, stressing that the military was fully aware of their movements and responding accordingly.

Meanwhile, retired senior military officers have expressed divergent opinions over the possibility of deploying United States troops to Nigeria. While the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, recently stated that the Ministry of Defence would advise the government on potential next steps regarding deeper cooperation, former military leaders cautioned against the presence of foreign soldiers on Nigerian soil.

A retired brigadier-general warned that deploying foreign troops without a formal defence pact approved at the highest level could carry serious legal, diplomatic and social consequences. He argued that Nigeria’s already fragile national cohesion could be further strained, potentially fuelling insurgent propaganda and deepening regional and religious sensitivities. He maintained that Nigeria possesses sufficient ground forces and that foreign assistance should focus on air power, surveillance and precision strike capabilities rather than boots on the ground.

In contrast, another retired senior officer supported closer collaboration with the United States, describing international security partnerships as a common and necessary practice. He said the recent strike reflected joint Nigeria-US efforts and argued that any deployment, if deemed necessary, should follow due diplomatic procedures and clearly defined terms of engagement. According to him, such cooperation would not undermine the morale of Nigerian troops and could help address persistent security challenges.

Other retired officers, however, expressed reservations, warning against overreliance on foreign military personnel. One former air force spokesman said Nigeria should seek technical and intelligence support from partners but should not allow foreign soldiers to fight its battles. He also noted that there was no confirmed information yet on whether terrorists were killed during the reported airstrikes, adding that Nigerian authorities should clearly communicate the terms of any foreign assistance directly to citizens rather than relying on announcements from foreign governments.