- What About Their Victims?
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrest of four individuals accused of supplying logistics to terrorists in the North-East, including two members of the hybrid forces who had been working alongside troops in counterinsurgency operations.
The arrests were made during a coordinated military operation conducted between April 26 and 29 across Bama, Kukawa, and Madagali local government areas in Borno and Adamawa states. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed that the two hybrid force personnel were found to be aiding terrorist logistics, marking a serious breach of trust within the military ranks.
Kangye expressed deep concern over what he described as a betrayal and warned military commanders to intensify the sensitisation of personnel, particularly hybrid force members, against actions that could undermine ongoing operations against insurgents.
He noted that, “In a well-coordinated operation conducted from 26–29 April 2025 in Bama, Kukawa, and Madagali LGAs of Borno and Adamawa States, troops intercepted four terrorists’ logistics suppliers. Sadly, two of them were confirmed to be members of the hybrid forces.”
Beyond the arrests, Kangye reported that troops, in collaboration with hybrid forces, carried out a series of offensive operations including raids, clearance missions, and fighting patrols in Gwoza, Dikwa, Bama, Chibok, Gujba, Geidam, and Yunusari local government areas. Several terrorists were killed, six kidnapped victims were rescued, and weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and bicycles were recovered.
In the South-South region, the military also recorded significant progress in its campaign against oil theft and illegal refining. According to Kangye, over 86,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 72,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, and more than 2,600 litres of petrol were recovered. Troops also dismantled numerous illegal refining sites and seized boats, tricycles, vehicles, storage tanks, and mobile phones used in the illicit operations.
In the meantime, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, disclosed that the state has reintegrated no fewer than 300,000 repentant Boko Haram terrorists over the past three years.
Governor Zulum made the revelation while receiving the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; and other top military commanders during their visit to Maiduguri.
“Borno State has, within the last three years, received more than 300,000 repentant Boko Haram fighters — and not all of them are fighters. Some of them are farmers,” he said.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Nigerian military, the governor noted that several challenges continue to hamper the effective fight against terrorism and called for urgent interventions.
He stressed the importance of combining kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in the ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
“Manpower is very essential. While I’m aware of the constraints of the Nigerian Army — because right now, you are everywhere in Nigeria: the North-East, North-West, North Central, as well as southern Nigeria — I’m aware of your limitations,” he said.
“But still, considering the northeastern region, the Nigerian Army should look into the possibility of sending more trained manpower. There is a difference between Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandits.”
Governor Zulum further warned of the growing external support for terrorist groups operating in the region.
“ISWAP and Boko Haram are terrorists getting support internationally, and looking at our porous borders, they remain infiltrated through the Sahel, which is our major problem.”
He emphasised the strategic importance of securing the Sahel to achieve lasting peace across Nigeria.
“If the Sahel is not secured, Nigeria will never be secured. So, there is a need for us to fortify the security situation in the Sahel with a view to ending the crisis in the entire nation.”
The governor also called for enhanced air capabilities to counter the evolving threats posed by terrorist groups.
“We need air support. I know the kind of constraints you face accessing fighter helicopters and others, but attack helicopters are very important in these areas, and drones are also very important.”
Highlighting recent developments, he said: “The last attack that happened in Wulgo, carried out by ISWAP and Boko Haram — a confirmed statement said it was carried out with the support of armed drones. They hit the MNJTF (Multinational Joint Task Force) with drones.
“This is the time for the Nigerian military to rise again and procure sophisticated drones and anti-drone equipment so that we get rid of these problems.”
Governor Zulum described the situation as a serious setback for Borno State and the entire Northeast region.
However, with ‘repentant’ Boko Haram members being pampered while their victims, who have undergone severe physical and psychological violence, have received very little attention and care from the Nigerian government, survivors of insurgency in Borno state are crying out for justice and reparations for the atrocities they suffered in the state.
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