The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has urged residents of Borno State and Yobe State to play a more active role in combating insurgency, stressing that community involvement is essential in defeating Boko Haram and ISWAP.
Oluyede made this appeal in Maiduguri after a private meeting with top military officials, including the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, and the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Abdulsalam Abubakar. The meeting focused on reviewing ongoing military strategies in the North-East.
He revealed that intelligence reports suggest many individuals involved in attacks over the past 15 years are from within the affected communities. According to him, this local connection has complicated efforts to fully eliminate the insurgency.
Oluyede noted that although recent attacks, particularly during the Ramadan period, have raised concerns, the military remains in control of the situation. He cited an example in Kukawa, where two injured suspects were discovered hiding within the community during a military operation.
The defence chief emphasised that residents must take responsibility by supporting security forces and sharing useful information, adding that such cooperation is key to restoring lasting peace.
He also highlighted evolving tactics used by insurgents, including the deployment of drones and other advanced weapons. In response, the military has intensified surveillance and introduced modern equipment, including drones sourced from Germany.
The visit to Maiduguri followed a directive from Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at improving coordination among security agencies and addressing the recent increase in attacks across the region.
Oluyede concluded by reiterating that the fight against insurgency cannot be won by the military alone, urging citizens to actively support efforts to secure Borno and Yobe states.
