Following recent US bombings, the Nigerian military is keeping an eye on Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists who may be escaping their hideouts.
According to reports, US President Donald Trump declared on Christmas Day that American troops 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’ counterterrorism collaboration.
There were allegations of increased movement by armed groups into nearby areas 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, Sokoto State, also mentioned that suspected fighters were clearly moving and dislocating.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, several locals claimed to have spotted suspected bandits traveling in smaller groups toward isolated forest passages, while others were thought to be trying to enter nearby border settlements.
In an interview with Punch on Monday, senior military authorities stated that the armed forces are monitoring the fleeing militants’ activities.
“We are aware of their escape. We are investigating that and have information about it. One official stated, “They are being watched and their whereabouts are being tracked.”
Ongoing information, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) efforts were emphasized by another military source, who also asked, “Is it conceivable for us not to know they are fleeing? We are tracking them using ISR since we have the information.
Senior military leaders who have retired have expressed varying opinions about the potential deployment of soldiers to Nigeria.
When questioned on CNN about whether Nigeria would contemplate allowing US forces into the nation, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar recently stated that the Ministry of Defense would advise the government on potential next actions.
Brigadier-General Peter Aro (retd.), a former senior commander, stated that he opposes the stationing of US military on Nigerian territory and cautioned that doing so might have major legal, diplomatic, and social repercussions.
He warned that the repercussions 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 claims 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 territory,” he declared. This is a significant issue that needs to be handled quite carefully. Legally and diplomatically, foreign troops on the ground are only permitted to implement a formal defense pact that has been authorized at the highest levels of government, and even then, there would be serious repercussions.
“The presence of foreign troops could increase internal mistrust, feed insurgent propaganda, and worsen already-existing regional and religious sensitivities at a time when our nation is already struggling with fragile national cohesion.” Interestingly, social media responses indicate that some northern intellectuals and elites are uncomfortable with this intervention, and that uneasiness says volumes.
Nigeria already had enough ground forces, including the armed forces, police mobile units, and civil defense workers, according to Aro, who contended that expanded US engagement did not necessitate US military presence.
According to him, the US could assist Nigeria without having to replace local troops on the ground in areas like air power, surveillance, and precision strike capacity, which are the gaps in counter-insurgency operations.
He continued by saying that long-term peace 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 United States, stating that international cooperation was standard procedure.
He connected the Christmas Day hit to a combined Nigerian-US effort and stated that the National Security Adviser’s recent travel to the US was a part of continuous coordination.
According to Adewinbi, he would support the deployment of US soldiers if it was deemed necessary to enhance security, as long as it adhered to the proper diplomatic procedures and had well-defined rules of engagement.
He spoke. As you recall, the NSA traveled to America as a result of this. The Christmas Day strike is a joint drill between the United States and Nigeria. In any case, they are productive, efficient, and have accomplished a lot in a brief amount of time.
“If the deployment of US troops to Nigeria is a means of resolving our issues, then it is cooperation if necessary.
It takes place between nations and global societies. Indeed, cooperation is the solution to today’s problems.
He went on to clarify that international alliances were meant to produce results and that this kind of cooperation would not lower the morale of Nigerian military.
Nigeria should be willing to cooperate with any nation if doing so will assist combat insecurity, he added.
“There is nothing wrong in collaboration,” he continued. If they show up, they have to explain the terms and conditions as well as the purpose of their visit. It cannot lower spirits.
Major General Dayo Olukoju (retd.) added, “We will tell you whether the move is right or not when we move forward.”
“It is impossible to make strategic errors at this time.”
Group Captain Sadique Shehu (retd.), a former spokesman for the Nigerian Air Force, criticized proposals that US soldiers be sent to Nigeria to support the country’s ongoing fight against terrorism.
Shehu said that, as a former military officer, he found the development concerning and stated it was unfortunate that such a concept was being discussed.
Nigeria should not rely on foreign soldiers to fight on its territory, he said, but it might ask foreign partners for help and technology support.
“It is really disappointing that some are even considering that,” he stated. I am embarrassed as a military man. How did we get to be here? We acknowledge that we lack their technology, but if you are referring about their troops 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 was the case in Iraq or Afghanistan. He claimed that the deployment of small advising teams, which had been going on, was more plausible.
Shehu also addressed the reported US strikes in Sokoto, stating that there was currently no proof that any terrorists had been killed in the operation.
“There is currently no evidence that any terrorists have been killed,” he stated. Right now, all we know is that there was an attack, but we’re not sure if anyone was killed.
The retired officer went on to say that Nigeria should make sure that Nigerian officials speak with residents directly rather than depending on pronouncements from other countries, and that the parameters of any security support obtained from foreign partners should be clearly defined.
“What arrangement did they make?” he said. I must clarify that when I invite you to come fix my roof, I mean the roof in my parlor, not the roof in my bedroom.
“This is what nations do, so come and observe.” And I regret to say that, in my judgment, we didn’t do that in Nigeria. Trump should not be speaking to Nigerians during an attack. In my opinion, it ought to be Nigerians speaking to other Nigerians. Washington’s words should not be the only ones we pay attention to.
We first heard from Trump following this incident. Is it correct? That isn’t how it should be. Indeed, we are grateful for their assistance, and we need it. However, you need to lay out the guidelines for how that assistance will be given.
