Nigeria Arrests 4 Pakistanis, Accuses Foreign Mercenaries Of Training Boko Haram, ISWAP Terrorists
Abubakar noted that foreign mercenaries provide both tactical and strategic training to the terrorists of ISWAP and Boko Haram.
The theatre commander of Operation Hadin Kai of Nigeria, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, raised concerns about the increasing infiltration of foreign mercenaries into the north-east region of the country, exacerbating the threat from terrorist groups such as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram.
Abubakar, during a media tour in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, highlighted that the involvement of these mercenaries has led to the adoption of more advanced tactics by terrorist organisations.
The tactics include: Use of drones for surveillance and attacks, the production of sophisticated improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and the setting of traps aimed at military personnel.
'The infiltration of foreign mercenaries in the joint operations area has significantly escalated the threat posed by terrorist groups like ISWAP and JAS," the theatre commander of Operation Hadin Kai was quoted as saying by The Cable.
The Nigerian army on Wednesday informed that four Pakistani nationals were arrested over their alleged ties to terrorism. The arrested Pakistanis were suspected of arms trafficking with terrorists. It was highlighted that the arrests were indicative of the growing external support.
Abubakar noted that these mercenaries provide both tactical and strategic training to the terrorists.
The commander also pointed out an increasing coordination among terrorist networks. 'The growing influence of these mercenaries is evident in the terrorists' increasing coordinated assets, leading to greater casualties among troops and significant equipment losses," he added.
In response to this, Abubakar has called for an immediate and coordinated response, emphasising the need for enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. He also urged a stronger collaboration between Nigeria and neighboring countries to disrupt cross-border support networks.
He stressed that Boko Haram and ISWAP are not just waging war against the armed forces but against Nigeria as a whole.
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May 29, 2025, 16:58 IST
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