The Defence Headquarters has pledged to intensify efforts to eliminate terrorists and their collaborators across Nigeria.
DHQ spokesperson, Major General Edward Buba, attributed the recent surge in attacks in Borno State to the infiltration of foreign agents bolstering the activities of terrorists in the North-East.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, General Buba noted that local collaborators, who leak information about troop movements, have further exacerbated the situation.
He acknowledged recent attacks in Damboa, Chibok, and Gwoza in Borno State but reaffirmed the military’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.
General Buba said, “I will say that the resurgence of these attacks by these terrorists is attributable to an influx of foreign fighters that come in as reinforcement for these terrorists.
“These foreign fighters are from the Sahelian region and this situation is made worse by local collaborators that form a support base for these terrorists.
“They serve as informants reporting on troops’ movement to the terrorists. In spite of the situation, troops are profoundly cautious of their role and responsibilities in fighting insurgency across the nation.”
An unspecified number of military personnel have gone missing following a recent ambush by Boko Haram terrorists in Baga, near the fringes of Lake Chad.
The soldiers were reportedly attacked while attempting to recover the bodies of 40 civilians killed earlier by the insurgents. The ambush resulted in a fierce gun battle, during which several soldiers were fatally shot.
In a separate incident, terrorists affiliated with the Islamic State group recently carried out a raid on a military base in Borno, killing six soldiers.