Abuja, Tension gripped northern Nigeria on Monday following reports that more than 1,000 prominent Hausa elites have fled the country for Saudi Arabia amid fears of a potential U.S. airstrike on suspected terrorist strongholds.
According to intelligence sources, several private jets departed from Abuja, Kano, and Kaduna between late Sunday night and early Monday morning, carrying influential political and business figures seeking refuge abroad.
The mass exodus reportedly followed a fiery speech by former U.S. President Donald Trump, in which he vowed that “any government or group found supporting terrorism or covering it up will face direct consequences.”
A senior U.S. defense analyst, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Trump’s remarks have sent “shockwaves across Nigeria’s northern political circle,” prompting panic among individuals suspected of having ties to extremist activities.
In response to growing uncertainty, Nigeria’s military has reportedly placed several air bases on high alert, with security operatives intensifying surveillance across major northern cities.
Residents in Abuja and other parts of the country say the atmosphere is tense.
“Everyone is talking about Trump’s warning,” said one Abuja resident. “Some people are scared; others say this might finally expose those funding violence in the North.”
As of press time, Nigerian authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the alleged mass departures or the possibility of U.S. military action.
