Suspected terrorists in northern Nigeria are relocating following U.S. missile strikes that targeted Islamic State-linked groups on Christmas Day. Community leaders told Sunday PUNCH they had observed movements of armed elements in small numbers after the coordinated attacks.
President Donald Trump announced the strikes on Thursday, with Nigeria confirming the operation and saying the missiles hit identified terrorist hideouts.
Although no casualties were recorded, properties were damaged in Sokoto and Kwara states, and some residents reportedly sustained injuries. Security sources said the operation disrupted bandit activities, forcing them from camps and familiar routes.
Community leaders in Sokoto noted sightings of militants attempting to move toward remote forest areas and border communities.
Officials and analysts warned that fleeing groups may try to blend into civilian populations or seek new support networks. U.S. surveillance over Sambisa Forest has resumed, and security agencies in Nigeria have intensified intelligence operations to prevent infiltration into safer communities.
Experts say the strikes created uncertainty among terrorist groups but caution that they may attempt new tactics as they adapt.