Vanguard reports a spike in killings and abductions in Northern Nigeria in the weeks following U.S. airstrikes that reportedly targeted terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State on December 25. The report cited security data indicating at least 183 deaths and 366 abductions over 27 days, raising concerns that the foreign strikes may have triggered intensified retaliation by armed groups.
The report described a growing convergence between banditry networks and jihadist actors, including the Lakurawa group along the Nigeria–Niger border. While initial official reactions reportedly welcomed U.S. support, the security environment in affected states—including Kaduna, Zamfara, and Sokoto—was described as more volatile.
Daily Post and The Nation also reported recent attacks and the resulting displacement risks, including claims that some groups have shifted deeper into civilian areas.
Echotitbits take: Air power can disrupt camps, but it rarely dismantles decentralized insurgent logistics without sustained ground pressure and community protection. Watch for a pivot toward clearing-and-holding operations, and for increased political sensitivity around foreign military involvement if civilian blowback persists.
Source: The conversation — https://theconversation.com/us-air-strikes-in-northern-nigeria-possible-windfalls-as-well-as-dangers-272630 2026-01-24
Photo Credit: The conversation
