*Insurgents Attack Four Military Bases Within 24 Hours
THE Nigerian Army has confirmed that Boko Haram insurgents were using armed drones, similar to those deployed in countries, such as Israel and Ukraine, to attack its formations in Borno State, recently.
The Army’s Operation Hadin Kai had expressed concerns over the growing use of “armed drones” by the terrorists, warning that such tactics were difficult to detect using conventional radar systems.
The Theatre Commander of Operation, Maj-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, who disclosed this development on Tuesday, May 13, during a briefing in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, urged the remaining insurgents to surrender and emulate their counterparts who have laid down their arms and are being treated humanely.
He warned that those who refuse to surrender face certain elimination, adding: “The terrorists have changed tactics, resorting to multi-pronged attacks on isolated and vulnerable deployments. They use these attacks as propaganda.
“This is why we are reviewing our deployments to counter their evolving strategies.”
Despite the new challenges, Abubakar said despite the new challenges, troops remained highly motivated and resilient, with their morale booted by improved welfare packages instituted by the military hierarchy, noting: “This shows the seriousness with which the government is tackling this conflict.
“We are confident that in due time, we will achieve complete victory over terrorism.”
He stressed: “In war, you win some and lose some. What matters most is the overall balance of success.
“In just the past week, over 20 terrorists have been neutralised and several weapons recovered. Operations are ongoing on multiple fronts.
“Most citizens have returned to their communities and socioeconomic activities have resumed. Malam Fatori and Kukawa stand out as recent success stories, with nearly 20,000 internally displaced persons returning to their ancestral homes.”
He, however, linked the resurgence of terrorist activities in Nigeria to worsening security in the wider Sahel region, saying: “Barracks in neighbouring countries are being overrun and weapons looted. These arms often find their way into Nigeria through our vast and porous borders, fueling the conflict here.
“Two years ago, we were on the verge of declaring the conflict over, but the deterioration in Sahel states has had a direct impact on us. While we have made progress, the terrorists have also adapted, thanks in part to the ease with which they access new technology.”
He stated that insurgents’ use of armed drones pose a growing threat, adding: “Since November last year, we’ve seen terrorists deploying weaponised drones, similar to those used in Israel and Ukraine. These drones are hard to detect with conventional radar.
“We’ve been re-strategising over the past two months. The Chief of Army Staff visited last week, and major changes have been implemented. I assumed command just three weeks ago as part of those changes.
“Terrorists now launch multi-pronged attacks on isolated and vulnerable positions, using such incidents as propaganda. That’s why we are reviewing and adjusting our deployments.
“Just yesterday, there were coordinated attacks in Rann, Dikwa and Gajiram. All were repelled, except Rann, where the attackers breached our defences to some extent, resulting in the loss of four personnel.”
But he reaffirmed the military’s commitment, stating: “Let me assure you,nour resolve remains firm. We will defeat terrorism and restore peace to this region as swiftly as possible. But we need the full support of the nation.
“Our theatre of operations spans over 150,000 square kilometers, larger than several countries combined. Take the Timbuktu Triangle alone; it covers over 11,000 square kilometers, which is bigger than Rivers and Osun states, and even larger than countries like Jamaica, Kosovo and The Gambia.”
Abuhakar continued: “In asymmetric warfare, you must separate the fish from the water. Security is a collective responsibility. Every Nigerian must play a role in identifying and isolating criminal elements.
“The fight against terrorism cannot be won by the armed forces alone; we need the cooperation and vigilance of every citizen to overcome this challenge.”
Meanwhile, Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents attacked four military bases in the state within 24 hours, killing soldiers and stealing military vehicles.
It was reported that suspected members of ISWAP attacked a military base in Marte late Monday night, May 12, killing seven soldiers and seizing three gun trucks and less than 24 hours later, insurgents attacked three more military bases in Dikwa, Rann and Gajiram..
ISWAP members carried attacked the Forward Operation Base (FOB) of the 153 Battalion in Marte Local Council on Monday, after infiltrating Marte on foot from different directions, cordoned off the area and forcing the soldiers to withdraw to Dikwa, a neighbouring community.
In Dikwa, headquarters of Dikwa Local Council, the terrorists engaged troops in a firce battle, after attacking the base about 13 hours following Marte.
However, they were dealt a blow by the army, air force and the civilian joint task force fighters after an hour of battle.
The insurgents also reportedly attacked the 3 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Rann, headquarters of Kala Balge Local Council almost at the same time as Dikwa.
According to Premium Times, at Gajiram, headquarters of Nganzai Local Council, the insurgents attacked minutes after midnight on Tuesday, but were repelled, forcing them to retreat after one hour of a gun battle with troops.
Governor Babagana Zulum, in a statement on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Dauda Illiy, condemned the attacks, sympathising with victims of a bomb blast along the Maiduguri-Damboa Road last Monday.
He stated: “These acts of terror are deeply condemnable. The recent tragic loss of our education staff, gallant troops, and innocent civilians is a painful reminder of the challenges we continue to face.
“I am more determined than ever to support the military, security agencies and our volunteer forces in the fight to end terrorism and insurgency in our state.”
Zulum recalled his recent visit to Gwoza, where he engaged with military personnel and the Izge community, as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce resilience and protect lives and property, saying: “The recent surge in attacks will not deter our resolve to tackle the scourge of the 16-year-long insurgency.
“I urge the people of Borno to remain resilient and prayerful. This is a partial eclipse, and we shall overcome it, Insha Allah.”
