Global Push By Jihadists Behind Boko Haram Resurgence – Defence Chief

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has attributed the recent resurgence of Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks in the country’s northeast to a “global push by terrorists and jihadists” across the Sahel region.

Speaking to correspondents on Friday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, Musa assured Nigerians that security forces were “on top of our game” despite the recent spate of attacks.

“What has happened of recent is that there’s a global push by terrorists and jihadists all over the Sahel area, and that pressure is what actually came into Nigeria because of the nature of our porous borders,” Musa explained.

President Tinubu is believed to have convened the meeting in response to a series of attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in Borno State earlier this week.

Between Monday and Tuesday, insurgents reportedly attacked four military bases, killed soldiers and seized military equipment.

In Marte, late Monday night, suspected ISWAP members reportedly killed seven soldiers and seized three gun trucks.

Less than 24 hours later, insurgents launched attacks on three additional military bases in Dikwa, Rann, and Gajiram.

Musa revealed that President Tinubu has issued directives to intensify security efforts and enhance collaboration with neighbouring countries to address the cross-border nature of the threat.

“Mr. President has given directives as to what to do next for us to intensify our efforts, collaborate with all our sister countries around, because it is the porous nature that is coming there that is actually aggravating our own issues on the ground,” he said.

The CDS also disclosed that the president has approved the acquisition of new air assets and other security equipment to strengthen the military’s capabilities.

Musa said that beyond military action, the administration is also focusing on non-kinetic approaches, including extending “dividends of democracy” to affected communities.

“The president is also looking at the aspect of also discussing with the (state) government for their own support, buying in, ensuring that dividends of democracy also extend to the communities to be able to stamp down the issue of insecurity,” he said.

The CDS further urged Nigerians to be wary of fake news, noting that many videos being circulated are either from other countries or old footage being presented as current events.

“A lot of fake news has been spread out, making it look, most of the videos being circulated are videos from other countries, or old videos, making it look as if it is new,” he cautioned.

The CDS assured residents of affected states, including Borno and Plateau, that security agencies are working closely with state governors to address security challenges.

“Everyone has a role to play in ensuring that there’s peace in Nigeria. And that’s what we try to push and that’s what we’re doing,” he added.

Senate Urges Swift Military Action

On Tuesday, the Senate urged the military to swiftly redeploy sufficient personnel to the North-East following the killing of soldiers in Marte town of Borno.

The upper chamber asked the military to ensure that they are adequately equipped with modern technology to effectively address the resurgence of Boko Haram.

It also mandated the Committee on Army and Air Force to ensure compliance.

Resolutions of the Senate on Tuesday were sequel to a motion titled, “The Resurgence of Boko Haram in Borno and Yobe”.

The motion was moved by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno from Borno State, and co-sponsored by other Senators from Borno and Yobe.

In his presentation of the motion, Monguno noted that a few years ago, two-thirds of the Local Government Areas in Borno were under the control of Boko Haram.

“But with the concerted efforts of the military and Civilian Joint Task Force, the areas were reclaimed, restoring freedom and liberty for the residents.

“After that, relative peace was restored in Borno and Yobe, the military relocated their tactical command of operations to the North-West to address issues of kidnapping and banditry in the region.

“On Monday, May 12, the insurgents attacked and killed more than 12 soldiers in Marte town of Marte Local Government Area,” he said.

He expressed concerns that the country is experiencing a resurgence of Boko Haram, marked by increased attacks targeting communities, including those recently resettled, and regaining strength after years of conflict.

“The insurgents have employed more modern technology, including the use of drones, to unleash attacks on villages and communities in the states.

“The sect has resorted to planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) at strategic areas, which, when they explode, always result in high casualties and obstruct vehicular movement,” he noted.

Monguno said there was a need to return military operations in full force to Borno and Yobe and equip them with the needed technology to counter the nefarious activities of insurgents.

“A strong presence of the military in the North-East zone will effectively curb a resurgence of Boko Haram,” he said.

Global Push By Jihadists Behind Boko Haram Resurgence – Defence Chief is first published on The Whistler Newspaper