By Atoyebi Nike
The Nigerian military has apprehended four Pakistani nationals over suspected involvement in arming and training terrorist factions in the country’s insurgency-ridden North-East.
The development was revealed by the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, during a press briefing with defence correspondents at the military theatre on Wednesday.
According to Abubakar, preliminary findings indicate that the arrested individuals were allegedly engaged in arms trafficking and providing tactical training to terror groups, particularly factions of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
“The infiltration of foreign actors into our area of operations has intensified the capacity and threat level of these terrorist organisations,” Abubakar said. “The recent arrest of four Pakistani suspects, believed to be arms traffickers linked to terrorist networks, highlights a worrying development.”
He noted that the influence of these foreign collaborators has contributed to the insurgents’ adoption of more advanced warfare techniques, including the use of surveillance drones and complex improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
“These foreign elements are not only supplying weapons but are also offering strategic support and training,” he said. “We’ve seen evidence of drone deployment, sophisticated ambush tactics, and IED traps targeting troops.”
The commander stressed the urgency for a unified global response to curb the spread of cross-border terror networks and mercenary operations.
“This is no longer a localized conflict. The presence of foreign collaborators poses a national threat and calls for enhanced intelligence sharing and joint security efforts with regional partners,” he urged.
Major General Abubakar also emphasized that the insurgents’ war is not solely against the military but against the Nigerian state.
“They are targeting our sovereignty, our communities, and our future. The armed forces are just one line of defence,” he added.
He praised the dedication of Nigerian soldiers operating in difficult and often perilous conditions, and called on the public and media to acknowledge and support their sacrifices.
“Our troops endure extreme hardships, including freezing nighttime temperatures in the field. These men and women are national heroes and deserve recognition,” he said. “This isn’t just a fight for soldiers; it’s a fight for Nigeria.”
