Latest news with #AbdulsalamAbubakar
News18
29-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Nigeria Arrests 4 Pakistanis, Accuses Foreign Mercenaries Of Training Boko Haram, ISWAP Terrorists
Last Updated: 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. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 29, 2025, 16:58 IST
Newsweek
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Surge in Deadly Attacks Rocks Northeastern Nigeria
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. At least 14 people have been killed in an attack in Borno State, marking the latest escalation in a wave of violence that continues to plague northeastern Nigeria. This assault is part of a troubling surge in bombings, including a deadly roadside blast earlier in the week that killed 26 people. The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) claimed responsibility for that bombing, while the identity of the attackers behind the more recent assault remains unclear. Newsweek reached out to Nigeria's Foreign Ministry for comment. The Context These attacks emphasize the ongoing instability in northeastern Nigeria, where extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to spread terror. The region has faced militant violence since 2009, with bombings, ambushes, and other attacks regularly targeting both civilians and security forces. The recent surge in violence highlights the growing challenge of addressing the insurgency, which shows no signs of abating. A woman walks past Nigerian soldiers at a checkpoint in Gwoza, a town newly liberated from Boko Haram, on April 8, 2015. A woman walks past Nigerian soldiers at a checkpoint in Gwoza, a town newly liberated from Boko Haram, on April 8, 2015. Lekan Oyekanmi/AP Photo What To Know On Tuesday, at least 14 people were killed in a suspected terrorist attack in Borno State, adding to the growing toll of violence in northeastern Nigeria. While the attackers' identities remain unknown, the incident highlights the continuing threat posed by extremist groups in the region. Roadside Bombing Kills 26 A roadside bombing on the route between Rann and Gamboru killed 26 people, including women and children, on Monday. ISWAP claimed responsibility for the attack, which authorities say may have been intended to target patrolling security forces. Militants often exploit poorly maintained or damaged roads to ambush both military personnel and civilians using improvised explosive devices. In response to the growing unrest, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar was appointed to lead operations in the northeast. He pledged that the military remains "committed to defeating the insurgency and restoring peace in the region. MAJOR GENERAL ABUBAKAR TAKES OVER NORTHEAST OPERATION HADIN KAI In a significant development, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar has taken over as the 15th Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), succeeding Major General Waidi Shaibu. The handover ceremony took place at… — Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) April 29, 2025 Who Are ISWAP? The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) emerged in 2016 following a leadership split within Boko Haram, after the group pledged allegiance to ISIS. Disagreements over tactics—particularly the frequent targeting of civilians—led to the formation of ISWAP, which has maintained closer ties with the Islamic State. While ISWAP claims to focus primarily on military and government targets, civilians have continued to suffer from its operations. The group has steadily grown in strength and territorial control across northeastern Nigeria, further intensifying the region's security crisis. Bodies of people killed by suspected Boko Haram extremists are transported for burial, in Tarmuwa, Nigeria, on September 3, 2024. Bodies of people killed by suspected Boko Haram extremists are transported for burial, in Tarmuwa, Nigeria, on September 3, 2024. Michael Abu/AP Photo What People Are Saying Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Commander of Military Operations, stated: "We are committed to defeating the insurgency and restoring peace in the region." James Barnett, Hudson Institute Research Fellow, wrote: "ISWAP formed as a splinter of Boko Haram in 2016 and soon became the dominant jihadist faction in Nigeria. ISWAP appears to have multiple cells in central Nigeria." What Happens Next With Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar now at the helm of military operations, there is hope for a renewed push to combat the insurgency. However, as the conflict deepens, the need for sustained international support and strategic planning is more critical than ever to address the growing humanitarian crisis and halt the spread of violence.
Straits Times
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Nigeria appoints new commander after renewed militant attacks in northeast
ABUJA - Nigeria has appointed a new commander for its fight against insurgency in the northeast after renewed attacks in the last four months that have killed several civilians and soldiers in the region. The military appointed Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar as its 15th commander in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgency in the northeast, Reuben Kovangiya, spokesperson for the operation, said in a statement. Abubakar's previous roles include deputy commandant of the Nigerian Defence College and commander of a major security operation in north-central Nigeria. Boko Haram and its splinter rival, the Islamic State West Africa Province, have increased attacks in recent weeks in northeast Nigeria. These incidents have raised fears of a major comeback by the jihadists, whose tactics now include armed drones and explosive devices planted on major roads, security experts said. On Tuesday, ISWAP claimed responsibility for an attack on Borno state that killed at least 26 people, the group said in a statement on Telegram. The insurgents have been battling security forces for over 15 years in the northeast and often use improvised explosive devices to attack civilians and security forces. The army did not link the new appointment to a surge in attacks. "It is unfortunate that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities, almost on a daily basis without confrontation, signalled that Borno State is losing ground," Borno state governor Babangida Zulum told security chiefs this month. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
