Abuja, Nigeria (EPICSTORIAN) – The Nigerian Armed Forces have confirmed the arrest of four Pakistanis suspected of being linked to terrorist activities in Nigeria’s North East region.
The disclosure came from Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, during a press briefing with defence correspondents in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
Suspected Involvement in Arms Trafficking and Tactical Training
Initial military investigations indicate that the four Pakistanis were actively involved in arms trafficking and provided tactical training to insurgents operating in the region.
Their involvement, according to General Abubakar, has heightened the threat level posed by insurgent factions like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
“The infiltration of foreign mercenaries in the joint operations area has significantly escalated the threat posed by terrorist groups like ISWAP and JAS.
The recent arrest of four Pakistani nationals, whose initial investigation suggests that they deal in arms running with terrorists, is instructive,” said Abubakar.
Use of Advanced Warfare Tactics by Terrorists
The commander further revealed that the detained foreigners had introduced advanced combat strategies, including drone surveillance and weaponized technology, to the terrorist groups.
These new methods have reportedly contributed to recent tactical shifts in militant operations in the North East.
“It suffices to mention that the foreign mercenaries facilitate tactical and strategic training for these terrorists. This includes the deployment of drones for surveillance and attacks, the fabrication of advanced improvised explosive devices, and the setting of traps targeting military personnel,” Abubakar noted.
Call for International Cooperation
Major General Abubakar called for enhanced global collaboration to tackle the threat posed by foreign-backed terrorists. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts between Nigeria and its neighbours to dismantle cross-border support networks.
“This alarming trend calls for an immediate coordinated response, including intensified intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations, as well as strong collaboration between Nigeria and neighbouring nations to disrupt cross-border support networks,” he emphasized.
Unity Against a National Threat
General Abubakar pointed out that the presence of the four Pakistanis highlights that the conflict is not merely against the military but against the entire Nigerian state. He urged the public and national institutions to recognize the wider threat and support the military’s efforts.
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He acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerian troops, operating under extreme conditions in hostile environments, and stressed the importance of national morale and recognition.
“Once the nation understands that it is the terrorists against Nigeria as a nation, and presents a united front, significant progress can be achieved,” he said.
