…As military restrategise on renewed terrorists’ bloody campaign
…Tinubu rallies service chiefs, others
Thousands of years ago, a man of Macedonia made a desperate call, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” The appeal was heeded, and many souls were rescued.
Today, following what could be termed the renewed onslaught by insurgent Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), residents of Borno State, the epicentre of the bloody campaigns, and Governor Babagana Zulum have cried out to the seat of power in Abuja for urgent assistance.
The wave of violence has underscored the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups and their intent to destabilise peace-building efforts across the northeastern region.
A loud sound was heard from neighborhood. It was followed by sporadic gunshots, shouting, weeping, and suddenly dozens of people were seen running into the opposite direction around the outskirts of the town; many residents seem not to understand what was happening until few minutes later.
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And renewed attacks in Marte village, a community about 100 kilometers away Maiduguri, was the centre of attack this time, BusinessDay gathered.
Since February this year, Boko-Haram terrorists have renewed attacks on communities and military installations, causing death and massive destruction.
Before then, Borno and Yobe had witnessed relative peace, many Nigerians including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had praised the military for restoring hope and peace to the otherwise restive northeast states. Tinubu’s praise of the military was based on the belief that the military had put Boko-Haram under control as the states witnessed minimal attacks, especially between 2023-2024. However, the security situation deteriorated early this year as terrorists carried attacks seem to have become bolder in recent times.
For instance, since the month of February, terrorists have invaded and attacked military formations in Sabon Gari, Buni-Gari, Izge, Yamtake, Wulgo, Marte and Rann.
Also, landmines had claimed lives of commuters along Maiduguri-Damboa on two occasions, another also occurred near Rann recently. Fortunately, troops have repelled some attacks in Dikwa, Gajirram, Gwoza town, Kempe village, Buni Yadi, among others,
The terrorists have also raided and razed down many communities, leaving scores of security agencies, innocent civilians and some of their members dead or injured.
Dawn attacks on military formations a dangerous evolution- Security source
A security personnel, who spoke to BusinessDay on condition of anonymity, said: “The most recent attacks were carried out through Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), which resulted in severe casualties on officers and soldiers, and a lot of arms and ammunition were carted away as well as dislodgement of bases in Borno State.”
The security source explained that some of the drones being deployed by the insurgents are similar to the ones deployed in countries like Israel and Ukraine which poses a grave threat to the counter-insurgency operations.
”This takes us back to the drone threat and air defence. Terrorists are using drones to collect vital intelligence on military formations, and based on the intelligence gathered they therefore, launch attacks with a 3 to 1 advantage. This represents a dangerous evolution in the insurgency.
“If the drone threat is not taken seriously, terrorists could conduct high-impact attacks with drones while minimising their casualties. They could transform military outposts and relatively secure civilian locations into precarious targets,” the source warned.
Humanitarian, mass displacement looms – residents
Some residents of Borno State have expressed worries over the resurgence of Boko Haram and the spate of killings in the Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states, saying that all stakeholders need to wake to confront the enemy.
Speaking with BusinessDay, Ali Marte, a farmer narrated his ordeals when ISWAP terrorists struck at their communities last Monday morning, which claimed the lives of a number of people.
He noted that the renewed onslaught has forced residents to flee their abode to nearby towns of Dikwa and Mafa.
Musa Babagana, a resident said the withdrawal of troops and ongoing attacks will likely lead to a mass influx of IDPs into Maiduguri and surrounding towns, straining already limited resources.
He cited risk of terrorists’ takeover “If security forces do not reinforce Marte quickly, the insurgents may establish full control over the area. Immediate military reinforcement and humanitarian aid are critical to prevent further casualties and displacement.
Abu Judum, a member of civilian JTF in Marte, lamented that with the withdrawal of military personnel and panic among residents, “the remaining military personnel in Marte have informed residents of their planned withdrawal due to the overwhelming threat posed by insurgents.
“This announcement has triggered widespread panic, forcing entire communities, including women and children, to flee toward Maiduguri for safety.
Many displaced persons have already reached Dikwa town while others are still en route, with continuous movement toward Maiduguri. This is not a good one for us.”
Nigeria needs modern equipment, massive recruitment to prosecute insecurity – Experts
Abubakar Mohammed Kareto, public affairs analyst, attributed the current insecurity surge to military fatigued due to several military across the country and inadequate of manpower and logistics putting the troops on edge.
He opined, “The recent surge in numbers and frequency of attacks on both civilians and military formations in the North East, particularly in Borno and Yobe by the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) fighters is indeed alarming and sends a very bad signal of the reemergence of the dark old days when ISWAP took control of towns and villages.
“There is need for quick response by the Nigerian Armed Forces immediately to curtail this situation before any other action, the Nigerian military, air force leadership need to fiercely deploy more troops to dislodge the insurgents in Northeast Nigeria to disrupt the recent attacks; Borno being the epicentre of ISWAP terrorists, to meet the required manpower for the operation, arsenals more combat service support personnel, sophisticated military hardware should be immediately assigned for combat activities.”
Abubakar urged the residents in BAY states to remain at alert and vigilant, share useful information anytime the need arises, to improve response and put the insurgents under pressure and to prevent spread of their deadly campaign.
“Again, there is need for intensive military offensive response in the Lake Chad Basin and its environs to dislodge insurgents from their strongholds; no space should be allowed for non-state actors to operate and see it as their havens to prevent regrouping to sustain their operations.
“The Multinational joint taskforce and the neighbouring countries equally need to seriously participate in these military campaigns against ISWAP; there is an urgent need for strengthening the border security to prevent the movement of insurgents and weapons across border, sharing of intelligence and coordinating efforts with neighboring countries is also key in achieving success in dislodging the insurgents and prevent their spread,”Kareto said.
Analyst expresses fear over impact on food security
Mohammed Alkali, a Public Policy analyst, noted that the resurgent insecurity in Borno and Yobe states would significantly impact food insecurity and agricultural productivity in a number of ways.
Mohammed hinted that disruption in agricultural activities in BAY states could hamper agricultural production, thereby leading to food shortages and increased prices.
While expressing worries over resident fleeing their place of abode again, he said that the displacement and migration of farmers could be very dangerous.
“This would eventually lead to a humanitarian crisis, similar to the incidents witnessed during the beginning of the Boko Haram crisis. Businesses relying on agricultural produce would experience supply chain disruptions,” he said.
Mohammed reels out some negative impacts, “The consequences of all these may lead to food shortages, poverty, inequality, malnutrition, and diseases; hence, aggravating these problems in Borno State. The recent gains of return of displaced communities to their native homes would be reversed, and that would be scary to all concerned stakeholders.”
He urged the government to increase the operational capacities of security agencies by way of improved technology and increased staff compensation.
He emphasized that in the areas of military technology the Nigerian military has been updating its hardware through the acquisition of modern equipment and tools, particularly the use of drones in reconnaissance and tracking of enemy location and movements.
“The federal government should also explore the options of partnering with Turkiya, China, and Pakistan because of their experiences in dealing with their own non-state actors through deployment of drones and other technologies. The Sahel states of Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, and Mali could also help because of their successful experiences in routing violent non-state actors. All options should be explored by the government in dealing with the menace of violent non-state actors,” Mohammed maintained.
Zulum condemns recent attacks
Governor Babagana Zulum a few days ago strongly condemned the recent spate of attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP in various parts of the state, including Maiduguri-Damboa Road, Marte, Chibok, Gwoza, Kala Balge, and other affected communities.
Zulum expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the families of all victims affected by the tragic incidents, which included an improvised explosive device (IED) attack along the Maiduguri-Damboa Road. Several members of the armed forces and innocent civilians have also lost their lives in the recent wave of violence.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, the governor reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to working closely with the Federal Government, military, and other security agencies to contain the security challenges.
“These acts of terror are deeply condemnable. The recent tragic loss of our education staff, gallant troops, and innocent civilians is a painful reminder of the challenges we continue to face,” Governor Zulum stated.
He added: “I am more determined than ever to support the military, security agencies, and our volunteer forces in the fight to end terrorism and insurgency in our state.”
Zulum recalled his recent visit to Gwoza, where he engaged with military personnel and the Izge community, as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce resilience and ensure the protection of lives and property.
“The recent surge in attacks will not deter our resolve to tackle the scourge of the 16-year-long insurgency. I urge the people of Borno to remain resilient and prayerful. This is a partial eclipse — and we shall overcome it, Insha Allah,” the Governor assured.
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More sophisticated weapons will soon be deployed – CDS
The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has disclosed that the renewed Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks was just an eclipse, as the Nigerian Military is determined and willing to crush it by deploying newly procured sophisticated weapons.
General Musa stated this on Thursday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital when he led other security chiefs on an assessment visit to the Theatre of War at Military, Command and Control in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
After several hours the meeting with Commanders, the CDS told the newsmen: “I felt it is good for me to come back to re-assess the renewed attacks, engage with all stakeholders on way forward. Security is not a one-man business, let me appeal to all and sundry to key into the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP, banditry, kidnapping and all other forms of criminality for peace and development of our dear country.
“What we are witnessing in this part of the country was an eclipse, because it was a pressure against terrorists in the Sahelian Region, which have forced the terrorists to put pressure on Nigeria, especially in the Lake Chad Basin where the border is very porous and easy for infiltration, we are working assiduously to address these challenges.
“On my trip to Russia recently, Nigeria is non-aligned, and we have engaged with critical stakeholders who are ready to partner with us in this fight. We have also procured more sophisticated weapons which will soon be deployed with new strategies to end the madness of terrorism,” Musa pinpointed.
Borno residents have also urged the relevant authorities to enhance drone monitoring and intelligence operations to counter insurgent movements. They specifically urged the Nigerian Army to urgently deploy additional troops and air support to reclaim Marte and protect civilians as well as reduce panic among those who live there.
Tinubu meets with Service Chiefs
In what seemed a response to the residents’ cry, President Bola Tinubu on Friday met with Service Chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting was attended by Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, among others.
