US air strikes: DHQ steps up watch on fleeing terrorists
The Chairman of the Traditional Council in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, Daniel Abomtse, according to a report by Sunday PUNCH, raised concern over what he described as an influx of armed herders into some communities after the attack.
Community leaders in Tangaza, Gudu and parts of Illela in Sokoto State also said that there had been noticeable dislocation and movement by the armed groups.
Some of them, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said suspected bandits were seen moving in smaller groups towards remote forest corridors, while others were believed to be attempting to cross into neighbouring border communities.
The Nigerian military is monitoring Boko Haram and Islamic State for West Africa Province fighters who are fleeing their hideouts following the recent United States airstrikes, The PUNCH has learnt.
US President Donald Trump announced on Christmas Day that the American military conducted lethal strikes against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria.
The Federal Government confirmed the operation, describing it as part of ongoing counterterrorism cooperation.
Following the strikes, there were reports of movements by armed groups into other areas.
However, senior military officials, who spoke with our correspondent on Monday, said the military was tracking the movement of the terrorists.
“We know they are fleeing. We have information on that and we are working on it. They are being monitored and their movements are being tracked,” one official said.
Another official said intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations were ongoing to monitor the situation.
The official said, “ Is it possible for us not to know they are fleeing. We have the information and we are conducting ISR to track them. “
Meanwhile, retired senior military officers have expressed differing opinions on the possible deployment of US troops to Nigeria.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs,Yusuf Tuggar recently said the Ministry of Defence would advise the government on possible next steps when asked on CNN whether Nigeria might consider allowing US soldiers into the country.
A former senior officer, Brigadier-General Peter Aro (retd.), said he does not support the deployment of US soldiers on Nigerian soil, warning that such a move have serious legal, diplomatic and social implications.
