The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has expressed fresh concerns about internal complicity fueling the long running insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East, urging residents of Borno State and Yobe State to take greater responsibility in combating terrorism.
Speaking after a high-level security meeting in Maiduguri, Oluyede emphasized a shift in strategy from purely military operations to a more community-driven approach.
He noted that defeating insurgent groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province requires active civilian cooperation.
The meeting, which lasted about four hours, included top military officials such as the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shuaibu, and the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Abdulsalam Abubakar.
At the core of the CDS’s concerns is evidence suggesting that some members of affected communities may be aiding insurgents.
According to Oluyede, intelligence reports indicate that many attackers over the past 15 years have originated from the same communities impacted by the violence, using local knowledge and social networks to evade security forces.
He cited a recent operation in Kukawa, where troops discovered wounded insurgents hiding within the community during clearance operations. This, he said, highlights the growing challenge of distinguishing between civilians and collaborators.
Oluyede stressed that the evolving tactics of insurgents, including the use of drones, have further complicated military efforts. In response, the Nigerian Armed Forces are deploying advanced drone technology to improve surveillance and battlefield coordination.
He concluded by urging residents to see the fight against insurgency as a shared responsibility, noting that military force alone cannot bring a decisive end to the conflict without the support and cooperation of local communities.
