Foreign fighters behind surge in terror attacks in Nigeria – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters has attributed the recent rise in terrorist activities across Nigeria’s North East and North West regions to the influx of foreign fighters reinforcing the terrorist groups.

In recent weeks, Nigeria has witnessed a series of deadly attacks targeting military bases and civilian populations, sparking concerns about the worsening security situation.

During the military’s first briefing of the year, Maj. Gen. Buba Edward, the outgoing Director of Defence Media Operations, explained that the resurgence in terror activities is linked to fighters from the Sahelian region collaborating with local informants.

“The resurgence in terror attacks can be attributed to foreign fighters who entered the country as reinforcements for the terrorists. These fighters hail from the Sahelian region, and local collaborators serve as informants, providing information on troop movements,” Edward stated.

Despite these challenges, the military assured Nigerians of its steadfast commitment to defeating terrorism. Maj. Gen. Edward emphasized the ongoing efforts to destroy the terrorists’ will to fight, highlighting strategies such as eliminating key operatives, dismantling logistics networks, and applying regional and international pressure.

“Though we might face occasional tactical setbacks, our strategic objective remains unhindered—to break the terrorists’ will to fight. We are achieving this by targeting their operatives, leaders, and resources while maintaining international and media engagement,” Edward said.

He stressed that counterterrorism efforts require patience and persistence, noting that the operation is a long-term endeavor aimed at permanently dismantling the terrorist threat.

Reiterating the importance of collective responsibility, Edward said, “Security is everyone’s business. We must not compromise, as doing so endangers us all. As we say in 2025, ‘The military dey for you, dey for us.’”

While acknowledging that the mission is far from over, he expressed confidence that the military is making steady progress toward a more secure and peaceful Nigeria.