News
Foreign insurgents behind recent terrorist attacks, says DHQ
By Francesca Hangeior
The Defence Headquarters has revealed that the recent spike in terrorist activities across the North East and North West regions of Nigeria 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, Maj. Gen. Buba Edward, on Thursday, 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 attributable 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 the 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 eradicating terrorism.
He said the military, apart from destroying their will to fight, was 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 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.”
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.”
Reiterating the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring security using the slang for 2025, Buba stated that, “The military dey for you, dey for us.”
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 on security, 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’.”
The chairman of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State, James Melvin Ejeh, has given Fulani herdsmen a 48-hour notice to leave all agricultural lands.
This announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the council secretariat in Obagaji.
The meeting included traditional leaders, representatives from the Fulani community, youth leaders, and security personnel to discuss the increasing concerns regarding herders’ activities on farmland as the planting season nears.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Agatu LGA Chairman, Obochi Solomon, reported that Ejeh highlighted the importance of safeguarding agricultural activities in Agatu in light of the upcoming planting season.
He remarked that agriculture is essential to the local economy and that farmers should have unhindered access to their lands.
Ejeh also acknowledged the current peace in the region but reiterated that maintaining uninterrupted farming activities is of utmost importance.
“Our farmers must cultivate without disruption. We will do everything necessary to create a safe environment for them,” he said.
The statement further disclosed that during the meeting, the Ado of the Fulani requested a one-week extension to allow the herders to prepare for their relocation, a request that the council approved.
The CPS noted that the General Youth Chairman of Agatu LGA, Oloche Silas, committed on behalf of the Agatu youth to support the peaceful evacuation process and to avoid any acts of violence.
Security personnel, including members of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), were reported to have praised the peaceful resolution of the issue and promised to offer necessary assistance during the relocation.
Additionally, representing the Och’Agatu, Chief John Agidani, spoke at the meeting, commending the leadership of the Council Chairman and urging all parties to adhere to the agreement.
Five alleged kidnappers have reportedly died after a fierce gun battle with operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team.
The suspects were confirmed dead in a hospital they were rushed to for medical attention.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe who confirmed the development in a statement, stated that the incident occurred on 21st April 2025.
The police image maker disclosed that operatives of the CP-Special Assignment team, acting on intelligence relating to kidnapping in Ubuluku, Isseluku, Issele-Asagba, and environs by one Bello Abubakar and his gang members, stormed one of their hideouts in Agu-Amawbia forest, Anambra State.
SP Edafe pointed out that during the raid of the suspects hideout in the forest, the operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle and one hundred and thirty-two rounds of live ammunition.
He further said the investigation was extended to another of their hideouts in a forest between Issele-Asagba and Utulu, where the said Bello Abubakar and his gang members were waiting in ambush.
According to the police image maker, the suspected kidnappers attacked the policemen in a fierce gun battle, but the team, who were aware of the battle ahead, reciprocated in like manner.
SP Edafe added that the manhunt for other injured fleeing suspects is ongoing.
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