society
The Aftermath of US Airstrikes on Nigerian Soil: Benue Under Siege; Bandits Influx as Sokoto Terror Networks Disintegrate
The Aftermath of US Airstrikes on Nigerian Soil:
Benue Under Siege; Bandits Influx as Sokoto Terror Networks Disintegrate.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com
“A Strategic Blow to Extremists Triggers Displacement, Security Gaps and Alarms Across Central Nigeria.”
In the cold aftermath of a decisive December 25, 2025 United States-backed military operation targeting extremist hideouts in northwestern Nigeria, tremors of instability have rippled far beyond the forests of Sokoto State. What was intended as a strategic strike against terror cells has morphed into a multidimensional security challenge; particularly with alarming reports of armed bandits and displaced militants infiltrating Benue State, forcing local leaders and security analysts to raise urgent warnings.
The traditional ruler and Chairman of the Traditional Council in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue, Daniel Abomtse, has unequivocally stated that an influx of heavily armed herders and suspected bandits moving from Sokoto into his domain has been observed since the US-backed airstrikes. He disclosed that these elements have been sighted with sophisticated arms and grazing openly in communities such as Agatu LGA, describing the movement as a direct fallout from the aerial campaign against strongholds up north.
Abomtse’s alarm is neither speculative nor isolated. Security sources and community leaders in Sokoto’s Tangaza, Gudu, and Illela areas report significant dislocation and movement among armed bandits following the strikes. Many criminals have reportedly abandoned known hideouts, choosing to trek in smaller cadres through forest corridors or to disperse across borders to evade increased aerial and ground surveillance.
This shift in criminal dynamics highlights two painful realities: first, the interconnectedness of Nigeria’s security threats; where armed bandits, ethnic militias and jihadist elements often overlap in both motive and geography; and second, that unilateral military action, especially from foreign powers, can sometimes displace the problem rather than extinguish it. Analysts fear that if these armed groups land in regions like Benue, the human cost could be catastrophic.
Context: What the US Strikes Targeted and Why? The airstrikes, confirmed by multiple international sources, were carried out with precision-guided munitions fired from U.S. military drones and launched from naval platforms in the Gulf of Guinea, aimed at camps linked to the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) with particularly a faction known locally as LAKURAWA. These groups are believed to operate near the Nigeria-Niger border, using remote forests as cover to plan raids, kidnappings and violent incursions.
Although Nigerian officials maintain that the operation was conducted within a framework of security cooperation and at Nigeria’s request, the broader geopolitical narrative carries competing interpretations. Some external voices framed the strikes as retaliation for attacks on Christians, a characterization the Nigerian government has publicly rebuffed, stressing the indiscriminate nature of violent extremism affecting all communities.
Notably, no confirmed casualties of militants were officially reported, leading to questions about the tactical impact of the strike and whether it was symbolic more than substantive. Local villagers in the strike regions reported shaking ground and a terrifying glow in the sky as missiles hit nearby lands, but with no concrete evidence of hardened militants being neutralized.
Benue’s Pre-Existing Security Crisis Heightens the Concern. Benue State has long been a crucible of insecurity and a battleground where armed herders, local militias and bandit groups have clashed with farming communities over land, resources and political power. Reports by human rights organizations have documented catastrophic attacks across multiple LGAs like Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Gwer East and West and Agatu, where villages were sacked, boreholes and clinics razed and entire populations displaced.
A respected voice in security analysis, Professor Ibrahim Suleiman, an expert on West African militancy, recently observed:
“When pressure is applied in one theatre of insurgency without comprehensive containment strategies, criminal networks (whether bandits or jihadist proxies) simply adapt and migrate. Zones like Benue become unintentional reservoirs of displaced armed actors unless multi-layered strategies are deployed.”
His warning underscores that the movement of bandits into Benue could inflame already volatile fault lines between pastoralist and agrarian communities which is a tinderbox that has devastating humanitarian consequences.
Bandits, Militias and the Crime-Terror Continuum. Nigeria’s insecurity landscape is not monolithic. Many of the actors involved in banditry are motivated by a mix of criminality, local grievances, economic incentives and ideological influences. In northwest Nigeria, some bandit groups have sustained uneasy alliances with extremist organizations like ISSP in pursuit of logistical support, revenue streams and territorial leverage.
Benue’s case illustrates this complexity. Local militias and armed herders are often not ideological insurgents but have become increasingly militarized, sometimes working with or benefiting from larger networks. Earlier research highlights how porous borders, ungoverned forest corridors and socioeconomic deprivation make states like Benue vulnerable to such infiltration.
Security expert Dr. Maryam Audu elaborates:
“When displaced bandits and militant elements enter a new region with fragile governance and social dislocation, they do not simply disappear. They embed, co-opt local grievances and often transform into even more complex threats whereby exploiting ethnic tensions and weak law enforcement.”
Her words resonate loudly as reports from Benue increasingly speak of newly sighted armed men blending into herding and farming communities.
The Human Toll and Societal Impact..Beyond the strategic chessboard of military engagement lies a human catastrophe. Benue’s agricultural heartland, often hailed as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” has already seen its production crippled, educational systems disrupted and communities devastated. Internally displaced persons (IDPs), already numbering in the hundreds of thousands in northern states, may see fresh waves of distress if bandit presence expands.
Dr. Chukwuemeka Udeh, a humanitarian specialist, warns:
“Displaced fighters entering agrarian zones push fear, disruption and food insecurity to the forefront. We risk not only violent conflict but long-term societal collapse especially when communities abandon farms, schools close and trust in the state erodes.”
Policy Gaps and the Way Forward. The current situation reveals critical gaps in Nigeria’s security architecture: reactive tactics without strategic depth, piecemeal enforcement without socio-economic anchoring, and foreign military intervention without robust domestic stabilization plans. A narrow focus on kinetic strikes must be recalibrated to include:
Strengthened border security and intelligence sharing to track movement of armed groups beyond political frontiers.
Community-based peacebuilding initiatives to undercut local recruitment into bandit ranks.
Integration of socio-economic development programs that address poverty and exclusion in rural and pastoral zones.
Judicial and security reforms to restore confidence in law enforcement and accountability.
In the words of veteran peace negotiator Chief Bola Osagie:
“Security devoid of justice is a mirage. Unless we combine force with fairness, strategy with empathy and enforcement with opportunity, we will chase shadows while our people suffer.”
Rhe Way Forward. The airstrikes, while a bold strategic gesture, have inadvertently underscored the interdependence of Nigeria’s security challenges. Benue’s rising bandit influx is a clarion call that the battle against violent extremism cannot be waged through sporadic bombardment alone. It demands cohesive policies, community resilience, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
As Nigeria navigates this turbulent chapter, the fate of Benue hangs in the balance with a stark reminder that when one front of insecurity is pressured, another can erupt unless the root causes are confronted with courage, clarity and compassion.
society
OWUTU FM 2026 Ramadan Lecture: Sheikh Jamiu Asanbe Urges Muslims to Avoid Showboating in Worship
OWUTU FM 2026 Ramadan Lecture: Sheikh Jamiu Asanbe Urges Muslims to Avoid Showboating in Worship.
The Chief Imam of Agelete Central Mosque, Ikoyi Lagos, Alhaji Jamiu Asanbe, has urged Muslims to remain sincere in their acts of worship and avoid the temptation of seeking public praise for good deeds.
The respected Islamic scholar gave this admonition while delivering a lecture at the OWUTU FM 2026 Ramadan Lecture, held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Lagos.
Speaking on the importance of sincerity in Islam, Sheikh Asanbe cautioned Muslim faithful against what he described as “showboating” — the practice of performing charitable acts or religious duties merely to gain recognition or admiration from others.
According to him, every act of worship in Islam must be done purely for the sake of Almighty Allah.
He explained that while acts such as prayer, fasting, and charity are fundamental pillars of faith, their true value lies in the intention behind them.
The cleric therefore encouraged Muslims to remain genuine in their devotion and avoid mixing their faith with the desire for worldly praise or attention.
Sheikh Asanbe also reminded the faithful that the holy month of Ramadan presents a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal. He urged believers to increase acts of generosity, particularly by supporting the needy, vulnerable members of society, and orphans.
Earlier in her remarks, the Convener of the Ramadan Lecture and CEO of OWUTU FM, Hajia Adejoke Muyibat Balogun, encouraged attendees to use the sacred month as a time for reflection, self-improvement, and community development.
She described the lecture theme as carefully selected to promote spirituality, strengthen faith, and encourage peaceful coexistence within the community.
Balogun expressed appreciation to the numerous guests and supporters who attended the event, noting that their presence reflected the strong bond within the community.
She further reaffirmed OWUTU FM’s commitment to sustaining the annual Ramadan Lecture, praying for Allah’s continued guidance and mercy in the years ahead.
The 2026 edition of the Ramadan Lecture attracted dignitaries and representatives from various organisations including Uzamot Communications, Okutex Fabrics, and the Yeye Asiwaju of Ojota Kingdom.
The event also featured engaging activities such as a quiz competition, where winners were presented with gifts. In the spirit of Ramadan, iftar meals were shared with guests, reinforcing the values of unity, generosity, and compassion that define the holy month.
Through initiatives like this, OWUTU FM continues to play a vital role in promoting faith-based dialogue, community engagement, and social harmony.
Tinubu Abroad, Nigeria in Chaos: The Spectacle of Elite Excess
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“Government officials queue to bid him farewell as he departs, only to rush ahead and line up again to welcome him at his destination; a stark display of misaligned priorities in Nigerian leadership.”
Wednesday, March18, 2026
In a spectacle that has plunged Nigeria’s political class into fresh ignominy, a long line of federal ministers, governors, senators and political hangers‑on queued outside a London hotel this week to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR upon his arrival in the United Kingdom for a two‑day state visit.
Not only did these government officials send off Mr. Tinubu as he departed Nigeria (a ritual in itself excessive given the scale of pressing national crises) they rushed ahead to London to line the halls of his hotel, applauding and greeting him like conquering heroes arriving on foreign shores. This is how Nigeria’s elites now comport themselves while millions of citizens endure ever‑deepening hardship.
A Travesty of Priorities
Tinubu’s visit to the UK, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, is officially billed as an effort to deepen trade relations, attract investment and strengthen bilateral cooperation between Britain and Africa’s most populous nation. While those diplomatic objectives in theory could benefit Nigeria, the optics of an entire political class fawning over a president abroad are unbearably grim against the backdrop of domestic suffering.
According to recent economic analysis, despite macroeconomic adjustments such as ending fuel subsidies and floating the naira, more than 60% of Nigerians still live in poverty and daily hardships are rampant. Security remains a grave concern with violence and banditry destabilising large swathes of the country. Instead of addressing these crises with urgency, Nigeria’s leadership appears fascinated with photo‑ops overseas.
“A System of Self‑Centred Elites”
Critics within Nigeria have not minced words. Political observers describe the spectacle as a display of self‑centred politics divorced from the realities facing ordinary citizens. One observer on social platforms summed up the broader sentiment: “Tinubu represents a system of self‑centred elites (elite consensus over popular will) and this is exactly the performative politics that lines like these embody.”
Dr. Godfrey Mwakikagile, a respected African scholar on post‑colonial governance, has long warned that bad leadership and lack of accountability are Africa’s greatest challenges. “Power in many African states is too centralised and concentrated in the hands of elites who use it to perpetuate themselves at the expense of the public good,” Mwakikagile recently argued; a critique that resonates all the more when ministers fly abroad not to pursue tangible policy but to line up like admirers.
The Cost of Foreign Pageantry
This isn’t the first time Tinubu’s foreign engagements have attracted scrutiny. His administration’s frequent travels (often with large entourages) have drawn criticism for prioritising optics over outcomes, especially when Nigeria’s economy contracts and its people struggle with food inflation and insecurity.
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has been among the most vocal domestic critics of these priorities, noting that Tinubu’s extensive foreign travel (including to the UK) distracts from urgent national needs and has become a “matter of grave concern.” Obi insists that such actions reveal a leadership more interested in global visibility than domestic wellbeing.
Nigeria Jagajaga!
The phrase “Nigeria jagajaga” (loosely translated as Nigeria being in disarray) has never felt more apt. A nation where ministers greet presidents in plush foreign suites while citizens queue for food and services is a country deeply out of balance.
Instead of being welcomed like dignitaries abroad, ministers and governors should be at home addressing the root causes of Nigeria’s struggles: insecurity that displaces communities and kills livelihoods, an economy that leaves the majority impoverished despite reforms, and the persistent failings of governance that erode public trust.
What Nigerians Deserve
President Tinubu and his entourage should be judged not by the number of ministers who lined up to greet him in London, but by the lives changed back in Nigeria.
As scholars like Mwakikagile and critics like Obi remind us, political leadership must be accountable and grounded in service, not spectacle. Nigeria’s leaders owe the people more than applause at international hotels; they owe them safety, economic opportunity, and genuine progress.
If this nation is ever to break free from the cycle of “jagajaga,” then those in power must demonstrate sincerity, not pageantry; action, not admiration. The lines outside a London hotel are not a testament to leadership; they are a testament to where Nigeria’s priorities have tragically come to rest.
GENERAL BULAMA BIU MOURNS VICTIMS OF BORNO ATTACKS, CALLS FOR UNITY AND VIGILANCE**
In a solemn and heartfelt message, Major General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu (Rtd), mni, the Sarkin Yakin Biu, has expressed profound grief over the recent tragic incidents of bomb explosions in Maiduguri and renewed violent attacks in several communities across Borno State.
This was contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to the press.
The retired senior military officer described the assaults which affected areas including Ngoshe, Mandiragirau, Ajiri, and Buratai as “cruel and most barbaric,” particularly as they occurred during a period of deep religious observance for many residents. General Biu extended his condolences to His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Executive Governor of Borno State, the people of the state, and especially the immediate families of the victims.
“These unfortunate attacks have painfully led to the loss of innocent lives and destruction of properties, a painful reminder of the challenges we continue to face as a people,” he stated.
General Biu prayed that Almighty Allah grants the deceased eternal rest (Jannatul Firdaus) and grants the injured a speedy recovery. He also commended the bravery and swift response of security agencies and emergency responders, acknowledging their tireless efforts to protect lives and restore peace in the state.
Addressing the resilient people of Borno, including elders, community leaders, associations, and the vibrant youth, General Biu urged steadfastness, unity, and increased vigilance. “Let us once again rejig our commitment and ensure we overcome this development. We have done it in time past, we can still do it now together,” he emphasized.
He further called on citizens not to allow “these cowardly acts to break our spirit or weaken our collective resolve to achieve lasting peace and stability.”
In strong terms, General Biu declared his solidarity with Governor Zulum, the state government, stakeholders, and all well-meaning citizens in condemning the attacks. He concluded his message with a prayer: “May Allah (SWT) bring lasting peace to Borno State and the entire nation.”
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