The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has disclosed that foreign insurgents have played a critical role in the recent wave of deadly terrorist attacks in the country. This alarming revelation was made during a press briefing in Abuja, marking the first military update of 2025. The announcement came amidst escalating violence in the North East and North West regions, where both military personnel and civilians have suffered heavy losses.
Outgoing Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Buba Edward, who presided over the briefing, described the resurgence in terrorist activities as a direct consequence of foreign reinforcements and local collaboration.
“These foreign fighters are predominantly from the Sahelian Region,” Edward stated. He further explained that these individuals have been brought in to bolster the ranks of terrorist groups struggling to sustain their campaigns against the Nigerian military.
A Deadly Surge
The recent escalation has been marked by coordinated assaults on military bases and communities, raising questions about the resilience of Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy. Fatalities in these attacks have climbed sharply, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. According to security experts, this shift signals a troubling evolution in the operational capacity of the insurgents.
“Beyond their traditional tactics, these groups have now turned to foreign mercenaries who bring advanced expertise in guerrilla warfare,” said a retired military intelligence officer who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Local Collaboration Compounds the Threat
The Defence Headquarters also highlighted the role of local collaborators in aiding the insurgents. According to Edward, informants embedded within communities have been providing terrorists with critical information on troop movements and strategies.
“This is a betrayal of our nation,” he lamented. “These collaborators are not only weakening our efforts but are actively placing the lives of their fellow citizens at risk.”
The military, however, remains resolute in its mission. “We are committed to dismantling the logistics and administrative capabilities of these groups,” Edward assured. “Our operations are designed to destroy the enemy’s will to fight, and we are hellbent on achieving just that.”
Sahelian Connection: A Regional Crisis
The involvement of foreign fighters from the Sahel underscores a broader security challenge that extends beyond Nigeria’s borders. The Sahel region, which includes countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has become a hotbed for militant activity in recent years. Analysts attribute this to porous borders, weak governance, and the proliferation of small arms.
According to the United Nations, the Sahel is currently facing one of the world’s most severe security crises, with transnational insurgent groups exploiting regional instability to expand their influence. Nigeria, as a key player in West Africa, has often borne the brunt of this spillover.
Military Strategy Under Scrutiny
While the Defence Headquarters has assured Nigerians of its resolve, some critics argue that the military must reassess its strategy to address the evolving threat. Past operations have yielded mixed results, with successes often followed by renewed insurgent activities.
Edward pointed out that recent military operations have targeted critical assets of the terrorists, including their logistics, administrative networks, and combat capabilities. However, he acknowledged that more work needs to be done, especially in intelligence gathering and community engagement.
“In the fight against insurgency, information is power,” he said. “We need the support of the Nigerian people to identify and root out informants who compromise our efforts.”
Calls for Regional Collaboration
The revelation of a Sahelian connection has reignited calls for stronger regional collaboration in tackling terrorism. Nigeria is a member of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which was established to combat Boko Haram and other insurgent groups in the Lake Chad Basin. However, experts argue that the current level of cooperation is insufficient to address the scale of the problem.
“Regional frameworks like the MNJTF need to be reinforced with better funding, intelligence-sharing, and joint operations,” Dr. Ogundele suggested.
Community and Civilian Roles
Edward’s briefing also emphasized the importance of community involvement in combating insurgency. He urged local leaders and citizens to work closely with security agencies to identify suspicious activities and individuals.
“We cannot overstate the importance of vigilance,” he said. “Communities are the first line of defense in this fight.”
However, mistrust between civilians and the military has often hampered such collaborations. Instances of alleged human rights violations by security forces have created a rift that insurgents exploit to gain support in vulnerable areas. Addressing these grievances, analysts say, is crucial to building the trust needed for effective counterterrorism.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria grapples with this renewed insurgent threat, the path forward appears fraught with challenges. From addressing the influx of foreign fighters to neutralizing local collaborators, the Defence Headquarters has outlined an ambitious agenda for 2025.
“Nigerians should rest assured that their military is fully committed to safeguarding the sovereignty of this nation,” Edward concluded. “We will not relent until the threat of terrorism is a thing of the past.”
