By peace Udugba
The U.S. Department of Defense has reportedly launched surveillance operations over Northern Nigeria using MQ-9 Reaper drones.
Amid increased U.S. aerial activity, the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) has reportedly advised its fighters to avoid public gatherings and limit movement due to the heightened risk of detection.
Recall that on December 25, the first U.S. Tomahawk missile strike in Nigeria allegedly eliminated Bello Turji Kachalla a notorious bandit leader operating across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger states. The strike reportedly killed Turji, his deputy, and several of his jihadist fighters.
For those claiming the U.S. strike in Sokoto hit empty ground with no casualties — ask about the whereabouts of Bello Turji. He’s gone. It’s unlikely the U.S. would waste a 1–2 million Tomahawk missile on empty terrain.
Panic reportedly grips terrorist groups and their backers. Reports indicate cleric Ahmad Gumi is expressing concern, while suspected sympathisers are said to be scrambling in the face of growing international pressure.
