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Terrorism

Escalating Threat: Foreign Mercenaries Fuel Insurgency in North-East Nigeria

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The influx of foreign mercenaries into the joint operations area in North-East Nigeria has significantly enhanced the threat posed by terrorist groups like the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jamatu Ahli Al-Sunna lil Da'wa Wal Jihad (JAS), better known as Boko Haram. According to Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, these mercenaries facilitate tactical and strategic training for the terrorists, leading to the use of drones in the theatre. The recent arrest of four Pakistani nationals suspected of arms running with terrorists is a clear indication of the mercenaries' involvement. Abubakar emphasized that the presence of foreign mercenaries has escalated the threat posed by terrorist groups, leading to increased casualties among troops and greater equipment losses.

Key Takeaways:

  • The infiltration of foreign mercenaries in the joint operations area has significantly escalated the threat posed by terrorist groups like ISWAP and JAS.
  • Foreign mercenaries facilitate tactical and strategic training for these terrorists, leading to the use of drones in the theatre.
  • The recent arrest of four Pakistani nationals, suspected of arms running with terrorists, highlights the mercenaries' involvement.
  • The presence of foreign mercenaries has led to an alarming trend of increased casualties among troops and greater equipment losses.
  • Maj.-Gen. Abubakar emphasized the need for an immediate coordinated response, including intensified intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations, as well as strong collaboration between Nigeria and neighboring nations to disrupt cross-border support networks.
  • The Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists are not waging war against the armed forces but against Nigeria, making the war against insurgency an asymmetric warfare that is difficult to fight.
  • The military has continued to make sacrifices to ensure the stabilization of communities affected by the activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP.

Statistics:

  • _4 Pakistani nationals arrested in connection with arms running with terrorists._
  • 28 terrorists neutralized in recent attack on Kukawa.
  • 2 motorcycles recovered by troops during the same operation.
  • The number of troops making sacrifices to ensure the stabilization of affected communities.
  • The percentage of equipment losses due to the increased activity of terrorist groups.

Sources:

  • Defence Correspondents' media tour to the Theatre of Operation on Tuesday in Maiduguri, Borno State.
  • Statement by Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai.
  • Comment by Brig.-Gen. Adamu Ibrahim, Chief of Staff, Operation Hadin Kai.
  • Overview of the activities of OPHK by Maj. Ademola Owolana.

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