Nigeria, March 25 -- According to intelligence sources, the cleric, who reportedly led this year's Eid-Fitr prayers near Sabon Tumbu, warned during his sermon that the group would retaliate against Nigerian troops for recent military operations in Malam Fatori.

He allegedly threatened that the town could be "reduced to ashes" in a reprisal attack, stressing that such statements by insurgents should not be dismissed as mere rhetoric.

Security sources noted that past experiences have shown insurgent groups often act on their threats, urging troops deployed in the area to remain on high alert and adequately equipped to counter any potential assault.

They warned that attackers could deploy heavy firepower, coordinated assaults, and vehic...