Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has revealed that the recent spike in terrorist activities across the North-East and North-West is due to the influx of foreign fighters serving as reinforcements for the terrorists.
In the past few weeks, the country has witnessed deadly attacks on military bases and civilian populations, raising concerns about the escalating security situation.
Speaking during the first military briefing of the year, which also served as a farewell address by the outgoing Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Buba Edward, the military attributed the resurgence to fighters from the Sahelian region working in collaboration with local accomplices.
He said, “The resurgence in terror attacks can be attributed to the influx of foreign fighters who came in as reinforcements for these terrorists. These foreign fighters are from the Sahelian region. The other contributing factor is support from local collaborators who serve as informants, reporting on troops movements.”
Despite these challenges, he assured Nigerians of the military’s unwavering commitment to eradicate terrorism.
He said the military, apart from destroying the will of the insurgents to fight, is also applying international pressure
Buba said, “In spite of the situation, troops are profoundly conscious of their role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation. Though we might record occasional tactical setbacks, our strategic objective remains unhindered and it is to break the terrorists will to fight. In essence, defeating an enemy means destroying or breaking his will to fight. We are achieving this through the cumulative efforts of killing their operatives, commanders and senior leadership.
“We are taking away their most important assets such as their logistics, administrative and fighting capabilities.
“And of course, we are applying regional and international pressure, as well as engaging the media. All these combine to destroy their will to fight.”
Emphasising the long-term nature of the counterterrorism efforts, Buba noted, “Wars are fought and won all over the world by destroying the enemies will to fight and we are bent on achieving just that.
“We understand that this war is not a quick fix, but a long and enduring military operation at the end of which these terrorists will be destroyed and we will have a better world.”
Buba said, “Sadly, we are not there yet, but inching closer every passing day. On the whole, security is everybody’s business. We must not compromise, otherwise, we compromise everyone’s security.
“Significantly, as you “dey for who dey for you” this year. Know that, “the military dey for you, dey for us”.”
Reeling out the successes of troops, Buba said “It is in the light of the above that during the period under review, troops neutralised 156, arrested 464 persons and rescued 181 kidnapped hostages.”
He said troops within the period also arrested 29 suspected oil thieves and recovered stolen products worth N623,447,390.00.
