The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has intensified surveillance operations to track Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters fleeing their hideouts following recent United States airstrikes in parts of northern Nigeria.

US President Donald Trump announced on Christmas Day that American forces had carried out lethal airstrikes against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria. The Federal Government later 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 armed groups relocating to other areas. Community leaders in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State raised concerns about what they described as an influx of armed herders into some communities. Similar concerns were reported in Tangaza, Gudu and parts of Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where residents observed unusual movements by armed groups.

Some community sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said suspected bandits were seen moving in smaller units through remote forest routes, with indications that some were attempting to cross into neighbouring border communities.

Senior military officials, however, said the situation was under control and that the movements of the fleeing terrorists were being closely monitored. According to one official, intelligence available to the military confirmed that the groups were dispersing after the airstrikes.

“We are aware that they are fleeing. Their movements are being monitored and tracked,” the official said. Another source added that intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations were ongoing to ensure the terrorists do not regroup or establish new bases.

Meanwhile, retired senior military officers have expressed differing views on the possibility of deploying United States troops to Nigeria. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, recently stated that the Ministry of Defence would advise the Federal Government on the next steps when asked whether Nigeria might consider allowing US soldiers into the country.

A former senior officer, Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.), opposed the idea, warning that deploying foreign troops on Nigerian soil could have serious legal, diplomatic and social consequences. He argued that any such move would require a formal defence pact approved at the highest level of government and could further strain Nigeria’s fragile internal cohesion.

According to Aro, Nigeria already has sufficient ground forces, including the armed forces, police units and civil defence personnel. He noted that Nigeria’s main challenges lie in air power, surveillance and precision strike capabilities, areas where foreign support could be provided without deploying foreign troops on the ground.

In contrast, another retired officer, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.), supported closer security cooperation with the United States, describing international collaboration as a normal and effective practice. He linked the Christmas Day airstrikes to ongoing Nigeria–US security cooperation and said any deployment of foreign troops, if deemed necessary, should follow due diplomatic processes with clearly defined terms of engagement.

Also speaking, Major General Dayo Olukoju (retd.) cautioned against making strategic mistakes, stressing that any decision regarding foreign military involvement must be carefully considered.

A former spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Sadique Shehu (retd.), criticised suggestions that US soldiers should be deployed to Nigeria to fight terrorism. He said Nigeria could seek technical and intelligence support from foreign partners but should not rely on foreign troops to conduct ground operations on its soil.

Shehu also noted that there was no confirmed information on casualties resulting from the reported US strikes, adding that Nigerians deserved clear communication from their own authorities regarding any foreign military assistance.

Meanwhile, a United States congressman, Riley Moore, defended President Trump, stating that the airstrikes were intended to bring peace and security to Nigeria. In a post on X, Moore said the Christmas Day strikes against ISIS, carried out in coordination with the Nigerian government, were aimed at protecting civilians and restoring hope to communities affected by terrorism.

He added that the joint operation demonstrated international commitment to combating terrorism and supporting stability in Nigeria.