Cape Town – A military expert has reportedly warned South Africa would be under threat if the country's soldiers joined African Union (AU) forces in the fight against Boko Haram militants in Nigeria.

According to Times Live, Military analyst Helmoed Heitman said the threat of terror attacks closer to home would increase if SA troops led the AU force in the battle against the terror group in Nigeria.

This comes as the AU is reportedly said to be mulling plans to deploy its military intervention force to fight the Islamic group.

Boko Haram has killed thousands in a five-year rebellion which is seen as the biggest security threat to Africa's top oil producer and is a headache for President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of what is likely to be a closely fought vote on 14 February.

Also Read: SA opposition calls for AU military action against terrorists

There is also the risk of the militants destabilising neighbouring countries.

At least 11 320 Nigerian refugees have fled the violence by crossing into neighbouring Chad since the start of the year, according to reports.

President Jonathan was recently quoted as saying over 13 000 people were killed in 2014.

The United Nations on Tuesday called on Nigeria to restore law and order in the northeast and investigate "mass killings" of civiliansblamed on Boko Haram insurgents.

Twitter has been abuzz with comments about AU's involvement in Nigeria. Take a look at some of the tweets.

even S.A self dey fear??