By DEBORAH AKPEDE

A security expert, Seyi Babaeko, says Christmas Day airstrikes by United States and Nigerian forces disrupted criminal group operations in Sokoto State.

Babaeko, Managing Director of Absolute Security and Advance Protocol Ltd., Lagos, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

He said the operation targeted terrorist camps in the Bauni Forest linked to criminal networks operating across north-west Nigeria.

According to him, intelligence support and long-range strike capabilities enabled a focused mission against key hubs moving criminals along Sahelian routes into Nigeria.

“The strikes destroyed critical militant infrastructure, dismantled operational nodes, and weakened leadership structures,” Babaeko said.

He added that supply chains were disrupted, communications degraded, and the groups’ ability to coordinate attacks was sharply reduced.

Babaeko said the immediate impact was substantial, throwing previously mobile terrorist cells operating across border areas into disarray.

“Entrenched terror networks are no longer beyond reach, marking a serious setback for militant capacity in the region,” he said.

He noted that sustained pressure forced some fighters to flee Sokoto in search of new hideouts.

“Several attempting to relocate to parts of the South West were apprehended by local security outfits,” Babaeko said.

According to him, the operation signalled deeper Nigeria–United States counterterrorism cooperation, particularly in intelligence sharing, surveillance and precision targeting.

He said such partnerships expanded Nigeria’s operational reach without overstretching forces already deployed across multiple security theatres.

Babaeko said the strikes also had psychological effects, with residents showing cautious optimism after years of militant violence.

“Communities now see that long-standing extremist sanctuaries can be penetrated,” he said.

He cautioned that airstrikes alone cannot guarantee lasting peace, but described the operation as a potential turning point.

Babaeko urged sustained military pressure, improved intelligence coordination, stronger border controls and enhanced community protection.

He said the Sokoto airstrikes should be viewed as a catalyst for a more decisive phase in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts in 2026. (NAN)

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