Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, has raised alarm over the escalating threat posed by terrorist groups in Nigeria’s north-east, attributing the intensification to the growing infiltration of foreign mercenaries.
Speaking during a media tour in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, Abubakar revealed that the presence of these foreign actors has introduced more advanced tactics and technologies into the operations of terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram.
“The infiltration of foreign mercenaries in the joint operations area has significantly escalated the threat posed by terrorist groups like ISWAP and JAS (Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad),” he said. “Their involvement has enabled terrorists to deploy drones for surveillance and attacks, fabricate more advanced improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and set sophisticated traps targeting our troops.”
He cited the recent arrest of four Pakistani nationals, whose preliminary investigation suggests involvement in arms trafficking to terrorist groups, as a concerning example of this external influence. According to him, these foreign operatives are also providing tactical and strategic training to insurgents, making the fight more complex and dangerous.
Abubakar warned of increasing coordination among terrorist networks, leading to higher casualties and more severe equipment losses for Nigerian forces. “The growing influence of these mercenaries is evident in the terrorists’ increasingly coordinated assets, resulting in higher casualties among troops and significant equipment degradation,” he noted.
He called for an immediate, comprehensive response, stressing the need for intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. He also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, urging Nigeria and its neighboring countries to disrupt the terrorists’ cross-border support networks.
“The Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists are not just fighting the armed forces — they are waging war against Nigeria itself,” Abubakar stressed.
He also took time to commend the commitment and resilience of Nigerian troops operating under harsh and often life-threatening conditions. “Our troops are deployed across various tough terrains, enduring extreme weather, which at times turns bitterly cold at night,” he said. “They are heroes, and they deserve not only our appreciation but also recognition through consistent national support.”
Abubakar concluded with a call for unity: “It is not the military versus the terrorists — it is Nigeria versus terrorism. Once we truly understand this and stand together as one, we can begin to make real, measurable progress.”