Are Terrorists Fleeing U.S. Airstrikes in Sokoto Now Spreading Violence Into Benue? Why Agatu Council Chairman Says Armed Groups Have Infiltrated Communities, Forced Policy Reversals, and Triggered a New Security Crisis

Are counterterrorism operations in one part of Nigeria unintentionally pushing violence into other states? That is the concern raised by the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State, James Melvin Ejeh, who says armed groups displaced by recent U.S.–Nigerian military airstrikes in Sokoto State are now infiltrating communities in his region.

According to Ejeh, terrorists targeted in coordinated air operations in December have not been eliminated but instead relocated across state borders, spreading insecurity into rural Benue communities. He described a surge in attacks on Agatu villages, warning that innocent residents are now facing “unprecedented terror” as fleeing fighters establish new footholds.

The council chairman said intelligence reports and local accounts indicate that the militants, after being dislodged from Sokoto, are moving into neighbouring states, with Agatu among the hardest hit. He stressed that what was intended as a strategic blow against terrorism may now be creating a dangerous spillover effect, exposing vulnerable farming communities to renewed violence.

In response to the escalating attacks, Ejeh announced a decisive policy shift: the immediate cancellation of a 2017 grazing agreement that allowed herdsmen access to Adepati Island. He argued that the agreement, originally framed as a peacebuilding measure, had instead compromised community safety and enabled armed elements to operate within Agatu territory.

Describing the pact as an arrangement made “under the guise of promoting peaceful coexistence,” Ejeh accused previous local administrations of placing diplomacy above the security of residents. He declared the agreement null and void, ordered all armed herders to vacate Agatu land, and emphasized that no portion of Agatu belongs to herders under any guise.

Ejeh further revealed that security agencies have begun arrests and investigations, warning that anyone found collaborating with armed groups will face the full weight of the law. He maintained that the people of Agatu have reached a firm position: no future engagement with herders will occur unless it is conducted lawfully, transparently, and only after broad consultation with traditional rulers and community stakeholders.

The development raises urgent national questions: Are military airstrikes merely displacing terrorists rather than dismantling their networks? Is Nigeria witnessing a dangerous redistribution of insecurity from one region to another? And can local governments withstand the security fallout without stronger federal coordination?

As communities in Benue confront the consequences of a conflict they did not initiate, the Agatu chairman’s warning highlights a growing fear that counterterrorism victories in one state may be creating new frontlines elsewhere, leaving civilians trapped in the crossfire of shifting militant movements.

MINISTER OF LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT LAYS FOUNDATION FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF SERVICE CENTRE IN SOKOTO STATE

The new Livestock Service Centre is a key intervention under the World Bank-assisted Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.

Performing the foundation stone laying, the Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s livestock potential for sustainable peace and development.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu stated that the Centre is designed to address livestock losses, rural poverty and insecurity linked to unregulated livestock practices.

The Governor noted that the Facility will introduce modern feedlots, support pasture development and ease the pressures of open grazing on Farmlands.

National Coordinator, L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, assured full support from the National Coordination Office to guarantee the project’s successful implementation.

The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Bello Muhammad Wamakko, highlighted Sokoto State Government’s investment in routine vaccination programmes and other measures to reduce Farmer–herder conflicts.

Similar projects are being executed in 20 participating States nationwide, expected to enhance food security, improve animal health and strengthen the Nation’s economy.

Is Nigeria Now Leading the War in the Air? Why the U.S. Is Shifting to Intelligence Support After Christmas Day Strikes—and What This Means for Terrorism, Banditry, and Security in the North

Is Nigeria taking full control of the aerial war against terrorism and banditry? Why has the United States stepped back from direct airstrikes to an intelligence and reconnaissance role? And what does this new security arrangement mean for the fight against jihadist groups and armed gangs across the country’s troubled regions?

Following U.S. airstrikes carried out on Christmas Day in Sokoto State, the Nigerian Air Force is set to lead subsequent military air operations, as Washington shifts its role to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support. A Nigerian official familiar with the new Nigeria–U.S. security framework confirmed that while the United States will now rely mainly on reconnaissance flights, Nigeria remains open to further American strikes if necessary.

What triggered the change? The Christmas night strikes targeted what U.S. officials described as Islamic State–linked sites in northwestern Nigeria. According to Nigerian authorities, the operation was aimed at militants cooperating with the Lakurawa jihadist group and criminal “bandit” networks that have destabilised large parts of the northwest and north-central regions. Both countries reported that an unspecified number of fighters were killed.

But why is the U.S. stepping back now? In the weeks before the strikes, analysts had already noted increased American surveillance flights over Nigeria—activity that has continued since. However, U.S. officials later described the bombing as a “one-off event,” signalling a strategic shift away from direct military action toward intelligence-sharing and operational support for Nigerian forces.

What role did diplomacy play? The strikes came after a tense period in bilateral relations, sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims in October that violence in Nigeria amounted to the “persecution” and “genocide” of Christians—assertions rejected by Abuja and independent analysts. Although Nigeria later said the dispute had been resolved and that the partnership had been “strengthened,” the unilateral announcement of the strikes by Trump reportedly caused unease in Abuja. Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, subsequently described the operation as a joint effort.

What does this new arrangement mean for Nigeria’s security strategy? Nigeria has battled jihadist insurgency since 2009, mainly in the northeast, while heavily armed criminal gangs have entrenched themselves in rural communities across the northwest and north-central regions. By assuming full responsibility for air operations—with U.S. intelligence support—Nigeria appears to be asserting greater operational sovereignty while maintaining strategic cooperation with Washington.

However, critical questions remain: will intelligence-backed Nigerian air power be enough to contain Islamic State–linked fighters and bandit networks? Could the U.S. return to direct strikes if the threat escalates? And does this shift mark a long-term change in America’s military posture in West Africa—or merely a tactical pause?

As reconnaissance flights continue and Nigeria leads future air operations, the evolving partnership signals both a test of Nigeria’s military capacity and a recalibration of U.S. involvement in the region’s counterterrorism fight.

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi Refutes Viral Claims of Being Targeted in US Airstrikes, Says Video is Old and Misleading

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has dismissed viral claims suggesting he was marked for elimination in recent US airstrikes in Sokoto State. The cleric clarified that the circulating video is an old clip taken out of context and unrelated to any current military operations.

Gumi explained that the misunderstanding arose from a 2012 incident when Boko Haram allegedly attempted to assassinate him. In that event, an explosive device killed the assailants before reaching him, which Gumi attributed to divine intervention. He emphasized that he is currently living peacefully with his family and faces no present threat.

The cleric called the viral report false, urging the public to verify information before spreading unsubstantiated claims, reinforcing concerns about misinformation and misinterpretation in online media.

Topics: Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, Viral Video, US Airstrikes, Boko Haram, Misinformation, Nigerian Security, Public Clarification.

VIDEO: Sokoto Men Play With Alleged U.S. Bomb Fragments From Christmas Day Airstrike, Mock American Military and Boast Nigerians Are Stronger as DHQ Issues Safety Warning

A viral video has emerged showing some men, suspected to be herdsmen, handling and playing with what they claim are fragments of a bomb dropped by the United States military during a Christmas Day airstrike in Jabo community, Sokoto State. In the footage obtained by SaharaReporters, the men are seen casually rolling and touching the metallic object while speaking in Hausa, openly mocking the U.S. military and boasting that Nigerians are stronger than any foreign or local armed force.

The men derided America as a “disgrace,” claimed that no U.S. missile or nuclear weapon could successfully strike Nigerian soil, and suggested that divine will alone determines outcomes. Despite the obvious danger, they laughed and encouraged one another to “show strength,” while praying that the fragment would not explode.

The video surfaced amid heightened security concerns following reports that explosive materials from the alleged U.S. airstrike site had been taken by unauthorised persons. Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed awareness of the situation and issued a strong warning to residents, urging anyone in possession of such materials to return them immediately.

Speaking in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, stressed that the items were highly dangerous and should only be handled by trained military personnel. He appealed to the public and the media to help ensure the safe return of the materials to nearby military bases or recognised security locations to prevent potential loss of lives and further harm.

Nigerian Military Urges Sokoto Residents to Return Explosive Materials Taken From Site of U.S. Christmas Day Airstrike

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has appealed to residents of Sokoto State to return explosive materials allegedly removed from the site of the U.S. Christmas Day airstrike in Jabo community, warning that the items pose serious danger to individuals and the public. The appeal was made by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who expressed concern that unauthorised persons picked up sensitive and highly dangerous materials from the blast scene.

Onoja stressed that only specialised military formations are trained to recover and neutralise explosive devices, urging those in possession of such items to return them to nearby military bases or recognised security locations for safe disarmament. He also called on the media to help spread the message to prevent possible loss of lives.

The appeal follows ongoing investigations into the joint Nigerian–U.S. airstrike targeting terrorist enclaves in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The state government has confirmed that no civilian casualties were recorded and said post-strike assessments and analyses are still underway, while reiterating its commitment to working with security agencies to address security threats in the state.

Primate Ayodele Warns Tinubu of Imminent Reprisal Attacks After US Airstrikes in Sokoto, Says Terrorists Are Ready and Government Must Prepare

Popular Lagos-based cleric and founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele, has issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over Nigeria’s worsening security situation following recent United States airstrikes on suspected terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State.
In a statement released through his media aide, Primate Ayodele cautioned Nigerians against celebrating the US-led military action, arguing that the strikes do not represent genuine support for Nigeria but rather serve America’s strategic interests. According to the cleric, the operation has exposed what he described as the weakness of the Tinubu administration in tackling insecurity, banditry and terrorism.
Primate Ayodele claimed that terrorists and bandits affected by the airstrikes are already planning heavy reprisals and warned that further attacks could occur. He stressed that kidnapping, terrorism and general insecurity would not end through foreign intervention alone, insisting that Nigeria must take full responsibility for its security challenges. He urged the federal government and the Nigerian military to unite, strengthen intelligence gathering and prepare strategically for possible counter-attacks.
“The government must get prepared,” Ayodele warned, stating that another bombing and violent retaliation could follow, as criminal groups are allegedly ready for the consequences of the recent strikes.
His comments come amid intense national debate over the Christmas Day US airstrikes, which the Nigerian Army confirmed were carried out in collaboration with the United States Africa Command against Lakurawa terrorist camps in Sokoto. While the military says the operation degraded terrorist capacity, critics and religious leaders, including Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, have questioned the approach and called for alternative solutions such as education, dialogue and social support for vulnerable communities.
The warning adds to growing concerns about Nigeria’s security outlook, as authorities continue to battle terrorists, bandits and kidnappers across several regions of the country, despite reported successes by the Nigerian Army and Air Force in neutralising criminal elements.

Amotekun Arrests 39 Suspected Terrorists Hiding in Ondo Forests After US Christmas Day Airstrike in Sokoto

The Ondo State security outfit, Amotekun Corps, has arrested 39 suspected terrorists who reportedly fled Sokoto State following US-led Christmas Day airstrikes in Nigeria’s North-West. Paraded alongside other suspects totaling 100 arrests across Ondo State, the 39 individuals claimed they relocated to forests in Ondo due to heightened military pressure in the North. Amotekun is profiling the suspects; those found with incriminating materials will face prosecution, while others may be repatriated. State Commander Chief Adetunji Adeleye emphasized that forest settlements require government approval and praised inter-state border patrol cooperation for the arrests. The operation also addressed other crimes, including kidnapping, rape, and breaches of law and order.

Ex-Tinubu Campaign Director Naja’atu Claims Donald Trump Now Rules Nigeria, Condemns ‘Recolonisation’

Kano-based politician and former Bola Tinubu campaign director, Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed, alleged that Nigeria is effectively no longer under President Tinubu’s control, claiming that U.S. influence, particularly from former President Donald Trump, now dominates national governance. Speaking to Arewa Source, she warned that foreign intervention threatens Nigeria’s sovereignty, likening the situation to a return to colonial rule. Naja’atu criticized recent economic and security decisions, including U.S.-coordinated airstrikes on militant camps in Sokoto State, and called for protection of Nigerians’ freedom from foreign domination.

Nigeria Not at War: Finance Minister Wale Edun Reassures Investors After US-Nigeria Airstrikes in Sokoto

Finance Minister Wale Edun has assured investors and international partners that Nigeria remains peaceful and stable following joint counter-terrorism operations with U.S. forces in Sokoto State on Christmas Day. Emphasizing that Nigeria is not at war, Edun clarified that the strikes targeted only terrorist elements threatening lives and economic activity. He highlighted ongoing economic reforms, GDP growth of 3.98% in Q3 2025, decelerating inflation below 15%, and recent credit rating upgrades as indicators of resilience and stability. The ministry affirmed that Nigeria remains open for business and committed to sustainable economic growth.

Sheikh Gumi Slams Nigerians Backing U.S. Sokoto Airstrikes, Calls Supporters ‘Stupid’, Says Trump’s Hands Are ‘Bloodstained’

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmed Gumi has criticised Nigerians who support the recent U.S. airstrikes on alleged terrorist camps in Sokoto State, describing them as “stupid” and misguided. Gumi faulted the Nigerian government for permitting foreign military involvement, warned of threats to national sovereignty, and accused former U.S. President Donald Trump of having “bloodstained hands.” He urged Nigeria to demand the withdrawal of U.S. forces, cautioning that American intervention could worsen insecurity and deepen religious divisions.

Trump Says U.S. Delayed Nigeria Airstr+kes to Deliver ‘Christmas Present’ to ISIS U.S.

President Donald Trump has disclosed that American airstr+kes against suspected Islamic State (IS) militants in northwest Nigeria were intentionally delayed so they could be carried out around Christmas.

Trump announced late Thursday that the United States had launched a “powerful and d+adly str+ke” against IS fighters. In an interview with Politico, he said the decision on timing was his. “They were going to do it earlier,” Trump said. “And I said, ‘Nope, let’s give a Christmas present.’”

The Nigerian government confirmed it cooperated with the United States on the operation through intelligence sharing and strategic coordination. Government spokesperson Mohammed Idris said the strikes were launched shortly after midnight from the Gulf of Guinea and involved “16 GPS-guided precision” missiles and MQ-9 Reaper drones.

The airstr+kes, which targeted an alleged IS camp in Sokoto State, were felt by nearby communities. In Jabo village, residents said the explosions shook homes and lit up the sky. Sanusi Madabo, a 40-year-old farmer, said he initially thought a plane had cr@shed.

“The light b¥rned bright for hours,” Madabo said. “It was almost like daytime.” Trump said the militants targeted were “targeting and viciously k+lling, primarily, innocent Christians.”

However, residents and security analysts have noted that Nigeria’s prolonged security crisis affects both Christians and Muslims across the country. The full impact of the str+kes, including casualties and d+mage, has yet to be independently confirmed.

A US soldier has sent a very serious message to popular Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi after ISIS terrorists in Sokoto state were bombed. His message has gone viral online.

B+mb Scare in Jabo, Sokoto as Villagers Discover Suspected Undetonated Explosive Device

Tension gripped Jabo community in Sokoto State on Saturday after villagers discovered what appeared to be an explosive device, prompting the intervention of security agencies.

An Arise News reporter at the scene said eyewitnesses revealed that a local farmer found the object in the afternoon, close to early evening. The farmer reportedly alerted other residents, who gathered at the spot and attempted to dig out the device.

According to the reporter, the situation nearly turned d%sastrous when the villagers, unable to remove the object, tied a rope to it and attempted to pull it out using a camel. He noted that the action could have resulted in a devastating explosion if the device had detonated.

“This was clearly a calamity averted, because if that device had gone off, it wouldn’t have been a funny scenario,” the reporter said. Security operatives, including an ordnance disposal team and police personnel, have since cordoned off the area.

Restrictions were placed around the site as experts worked to assess and secure the device. Although some villagers remained nearby, security officials were seen cautioning them and stressing that the situation was still active.

The reporter added that authorities suspect there could be more unexploded devices in the area. Residents are being sensitised to immediately report any suspicious objects to security agencies to allow trained experts handle them safely, as investigations and safety operations continue in the community.

Nigerian Soldier Shares Plan Against ISIS in Sokoto Following US Airstrikes, Flaunts Military Gear

Following US President Donald Trump’s missile strikes on ISIS camps in Sokoto State, a Nigerian soldier inspired by the operation has vowed to support local communities and back Nigerian troops. The soldier displayed his military kits in a viral social media post, emphasizing his commitment to protect civilians, combat terrorism, and ensure that extremists have no hiding place. His message resonated online, drawing cheers and reactions from followers who praised his readiness to restore peace in Nigeria’s northwest.

US Resumes Surveillance Flights Over North-East Nigeria After Sokoto Airstrikes

The United States has resumed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations over Nigeria’s north-east, focusing on militant activity in the Sambisa Forest, days after airstrikes on ISIS fighters in Sokoto State.

The development was disclosed on Saturday by Sahel-focused t+rrorism tracker Brant Philip, who shared flight-tracking data showing a US aircraft operating over Borno State. According to the data, the aircraft was a Gulfstream V — a long-range jet often modified for ISR missions.

“The United States resumed ISR operations today on ISWAP in the Sambisa forest, Borno State in northeast Nigeria, after a pause of one day following the strikes in Sokoto State,” Philip wrote on X. He explained that Saturday’s operation targeted the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the ISIS affiliate active mainly in Nigeria’s north-east and the Lake Chad basin.

Flight-tracking records reviewed by open-source analysts show that the US began its current ISR missions over Nigeria on November 24, with aircraft taking off from Ghana, a key logistics hub for the American military in West Africa.

The same aircraft, linked to Tenax Aerospace, a US special mission aircraft provider, has reportedly flown over Nigeria almost daily since then. Sources familiar with the operation said the flights are aimed at monitoring militant groups and tracking an American pilot k+dnapped in neighbouring Niger Republic.

The renewed US activity comes weeks after Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, met with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington amid tensions over President Donald Trump’s threats of military intervention.

Following the meeting, Hegseth said the US would work “aggressively” with Nigeria to end what he described as the “persecution of Christians by jihadist t+rrorists.”

Thursday night’s airstrikes in North-West Nigeria, reportedly targeting ISIS-linked militants, were described by Trump as the “first fulfillment” of that pledge. “More str+kes would follow,” the US President warned.

US and Nigeria Carry Out Joint Missile Strikes on Islamist Militants in Sokoto State on Christmas Day

On December 25, 2025, the United States and Nigeria conducted precision missile strikes targeting Islamist militants in Sokoto State. Ordered by US President Donald Trump and approved by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, the operation focused on ISIS-linked positions, aiming to degrade the group’s operational capabilities. The attacks underscore the complex terrorism landscape in north-west Nigeria, where fragmented militant groups, including Lakurawa fighters with shifting jihadi allegiances, have threatened civilians for years. Initially invited by local communities to combat banditry, groups like Lakurawa later turned violent, imposing radical practices and attacking both civilians and security forces. The strikes prompted suspected terrorists to relocate, though insecurity continues to affect Sokoto residents of all faiths.

US Attack in Sokoto: Resident Accuses Trump of Targeting Innocent Civilians in Alleged ISIS Airstrike, Questions Terror Claims

A Sokoto resident, Jamilu Umar Jabbi, has strongly condemned the recent United States airstrike on alleged ISIS bases in Sokoto State, ordered by former US President Donald Trump. Speaking via a Facebook post, Jabbi questioned the existence of ISIS in Sokoto and accused the US of targeting innocent civilians rather than terrorists. He argued that areas with documented terrorist activities, such as Zamfara, Katsina, and parts of eastern Sokoto, were ignored, while Jabo—an area he claims has no history of terrorism—was struck at night.
Jabbi further alleged that the attack reflects injustice and a hidden agenda against Muslims, calling on Nigerian leaders to speak out and urging divine intervention. His comments have sparked mixed reactions online, with some supporting the US action as a counterterrorism effort and others insisting that innocent lives were lost. The incident continues to fuel national debate over the legitimacy, intelligence basis, and humanitarian impact of the reported US airstrikes in northern Nigeria.

Borno South Senator Ndume Calls for Nigeria-US Military Strikes Against Boko Haram, ISWAP in North-East

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has urged the Nigerian government to expand its ongoing military collaboration with the United States to the North-East, following a US airstrike targeting ISIS militants in Sokoto State. Ndume, a former Senate Committee on Army chairman, highlighted that extending joint operations to Boko Haram and ISWAP strongholds—including Lake Chad, the Mandara Mountains, and Sambisa Forest—would significantly weaken terrorist groups. He also called for deeper intelligence sharing and logistical support, including attack helicopters, while commending President Bola Tinubu’s record defence budget for 2026 and emphasizing transparency in its execution. The remarks come amid rising concerns over sovereignty and the legality of foreign military action in Nigeria.

Terrorists Relocate in Northern Nigeria After US Airstrikes, New Hideouts Reportedly Uncovered

Following US missile strikes on Christmas Day targeting Islamic State hideouts in northwestern Nigeria, suspected terrorists have reportedly begun relocating to evade surveillance. Community leaders and security sources in Sokoto State observed small-scale movements of armed groups toward remote forests and border areas. While the strikes caused property damage and some injuries, no fatalities were reported. The Sokoto State government and security agencies are intensifying patrols and joint operations to prevent infiltration into safer communities. In Benue State, traditional leaders noted an influx of armed herders fleeing from the north, raising security concerns. President Trump’s airstrikes were praised by local leaders for disrupting terrorist operations, with calls for expanded operations in other northern states.

Read more in comments section.
#fintter