The Defence Headquarters has revealed the actors behind the recent surge in terrorist activities across the North East and North West regions of Nigeria.
According to the military, the increase in deadly attacks on military bases and civilian populations can be attributed to the influx of foreign fighters who have joined forces with local terrorists.
Maj. Gen. Buba Edward, the outgoing Director of Defence Media Operations, made the disclosure on Thursday during the first military briefing of the year.
He said the foreign fighters are from the Sahelian region and are working in tandem with local accomplices who provide them with vital information on troops’ movements.
“The resurgence in terror attacks can be attributable to the influx of foreign fighters who came in as reinforcements for these terrorists,” Edward stated. “These foreign fighters are from the Sahelian Region. The other contributing factor is the support from local collaborators who serve as informants, reporting on troops’ movements.”
Buba added, “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 terrorist will to fight. In essence, defeating an enemy means destroying or breaking his will to fight. And we are achieving this by the cumulative effort 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 the terrorists’ will to fight.”
Edward reassured Nigerians that the military is committed to achieving this objective, despite the challenges posed by foreign fighters.
“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,” he said.
