Renewed violence across parts of Northern Nigeria has heightened fears among residents, even as debate continues over the potential impact of recent United States military support and deployment to the country.
In Zamfara State, residents of Dan Jibga and Keta communities in Tsafe Local Government Area say their towns remain under siege by armed bandits who have allegedly prevented security operatives from accessing the area.
According to accounts given , an attempt by security personnel to enter the affected communities last week resulted in casualties. Residents said a bomb was detonated between Keta and Dan Jibga, leading to the death of some operatives and injuries to others, as attempt to break the siege failed.
The development has left villagers in fear, with many unable to move freely as tension persists.
In Plateau State, violence has also escalated. In Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas, at least twelve people were reportedly killed in separate attacks blamed on armed assailants.
The killings have triggered fresh displacement, as families fled to neighboring communities considered relatively safer.
In another incident, suspected Berom militia members allegedly carried out a reprisal attack, killing four Muslim travelers along the road to Pankshin while they were heading to a local market.
The attack has further inflamed tension in the area, which has witnessed cycles of communal violence over the years.
Security concerns have also been reported in parts of Kebbi State, where bandits in the southern axis of the state reportedly demanded N100 million from residents of Utouno in Ngaski Local Government Area, threatening to attack if the money is not paid.
The ultimatum has forced several families to flee to nearby villages for safety.
Amid the worsening situation, the recent arrival of personnel from the United States to support Nigeria’s security efforts has sparked public debate about whether the move will bring immediate relief.
However, in an exclusive interview , A retired military officer and security analyst, Major Muhammad Bashir Galma (Rtd), said it is unrealistic to expect instant results from the foreign military presence.
“You cannot expect to see the impact of their arrival immediately, they have said they are here primarily for training. Training involves equipping our personnel with certain skills, strategies, and possibly technical equipment. These are processes that take time before their effects can be felt.” Galma said.
He explained that even if new tactical knowledge or equipment is introduced, months may pass before measurable improvements are visible.
“If those resources are to be deployed effectively, it requires planning and coordination. They are not here to enter unfamiliar forests and start fighting battles. That is not their mandate,” he stated.
According to him, the focus of the U.S. mission is capacity building rather than direct combat engagement.
“The question people should ask is, when does training begin to show results? Certainly not now. It may take several months, if at all, before we begin to see its impact. So, patience is necessary,” he added.
Galma also acknowledged the efforts of Nigerian security forces, particularly in the North-East, noting that they continue to play their roles despite operational challenges.
However, he warned that political interference and vested interests benefiting from prolonged insecurity could undermine progress.
“Whenever there is interference, especially from political actors or individuals who profit from instability, it complicates the fight. People may think the public does not understand what is happening, but many are aware,” he said.
On reports alleging ransom payments in certain rescue operations, Galma described the claims as unverified, cautioning against drawing conclusions without credible evidence.
In the meantime, residents across affected states continue to demand urgent and sustainable measures to restore peace. While international cooperation may strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture over time, communities grappling with daily threats say their immediate concern remains survival.
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