The Defence Headquarters has blamed the recent surge in terrorist activities in the North East and North West regions on the influx of foreign insurgents swelling the ranks of the terrorists.
In recent weeks, the nation has experienced deadly assaults targeting military bases and civilian populations, heightening concerns about the worsening security situation.
During the first military briefing of the year, which also doubled as a farewell address by the outgoing Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Buba Edward, the military attributed the spike in attacks to fighters from the Sahelian region collaborating with local allies.
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“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,” he said.
Despite these challenges, he assured Nigerians of the military’s steadfast commitment to combating terrorism.
He explained that the military was not only weakening the terrorists’ will to fight but also applying international pressure.
Buba stated that: “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.”
Highlighting the long-term nature of the counter-terrorism mission, Buba noted that: “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.”
Emphasising the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding security while using a popular 2025 slang, Buba said: “The military dey for you, dey for us.
“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,” Buba added.
Crediblenewsng.com
