DHQ Move against fleeing Terrorist after US airstrikes

The Defence Headquarters has announced intensified proactive measures to prevent fleeing terrorists from relocating into communities across Nigeria.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the military high command is aware that some terrorist factions are attempting to disperse into civilian areas following sustained military offensives against their strongholds. He explained that the movement is largely a response to increased pressure from Nigerian security forces and recent air strikes by the United States targeting terrorist cells in Sokoto and other locations.

Onoja also disclosed that reports of armed herders moving into certain communities are being treated with serious concern. According to him, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets have been deployed across various operational theatres and are actively tracking identified movements linked to terrorist elements.

He urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with security agencies, stressing that timely reporting of suspicious movements or activities is critical to national security. He reaffirmed the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to protecting lives and maintaining stability across the country, noting that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies remain determined to deny terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups freedom of operation.

In Kebbi State, reports have emerged of bandits allegedly moving into the state from neighbouring Sokoto. Following intelligence reports, Governor Nasir Idris directed the state police command to strengthen security in affected areas. Surveillance and patrol operations have since been intensified to prevent possible attacks.

In Delta State, traditional rulers have held meetings with leaders of non-indigene groups in their communities to address the profiling of strangers. The stakeholders agreed to closely monitor new or suspicious individuals and promptly report them to community leaders and security agencies.

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Abaniwonda Olufemi, has ordered a massive deployment of personnel across the state to ensure public safety. He also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations to sustain continuous “Operation Show of Force” across strategic locations.

Area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical commanders have been instructed to deploy officers to all entry and exit points in the state. Patrol teams drawn from specialised units, including Dragon Patrol, Safer Highways, Quick Response Squad, Rapid Response Squad, CP-SAT and Eagle-Net, have been stationed along major routes such as the Asaba–Onitsha Head Bridge, Anwai Campus Gate to Illah, Onicha Ugbo to Idumuje-Ugboko, PTI and DSC Roundabout.

Additional deployments have been made along the Asaba–Agbor Expressway, Abraka–Eku Road and Asaba–Kwale/Ughelli Road, with patrol teams from Abraka, Ughelli and Sapele divisions covering key express routes. Security has also been reinforced at identified flashpoints within Asaba metropolis, while police divisions in Ekpan and Ebrumede have been directed to ensure adequate security in Warri, Effurun and surrounding areas.

The police commissioner further ordered the deployment of marine police units to strengthen security along waterways.