CDS blames local collaboration for prolonged terrorism in Northeast
The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has warned that support from local residents is fueling terrorist activities in Nigeria’s Northeast, particularly in Borno State and Yobe State.
Speaking in Maiduguri after a closed-door meeting with military commanders at the headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai, Oluyede urged residents to take ownership of the security crisis.
He stressed that the insurgency, which has lasted over 15 years, cannot be ended without the cooperation of local communities.
“For us to end this act of terrorism, the people of Borno and Yobe states must take ownership of this problem,” he said, adding that many perpetrators are known within their communities.
Citing a recent attack in Kukawa, the CDS revealed that wounded attackers were found hiding within the community, suggesting local complicity.
Oluyede explained that his visit was aimed at assessing recent attacks and developing strategies to prevent recurrence, noting that the military is also investing in research to counter the technology used by insurgents.
The CDS, alongside the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, relocated to Maiduguri following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after deadly bomb blasts in the city.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima visited victims of the attacks at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, where he commiserated with patients and hospital officials.
The attacks, carried out by suspected Boko Haram insurgents, killed 23 people and injured over 100 in coordinated explosions at multiple locations in Maiduguri.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, described the attacks as “despicable, cruel and cowardly,” noting they targeted innocent civilians during the holy month of Ramadan.
In a related development, the Arewa Consultative Forum condemned the wave of violent attacks across the country, warning that Nigeria risks sliding into anarchy if urgent measures are not taken.
The group cited similar incidents in Plateau State, Katsina State, Kwara State, Niger State, and Zamfara State, describing the pattern of violence as coordinated and deeply troubling.
While extending condolences to victims, the forum criticised the current security response as inadequate and called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s strategy against insurgency.
President Tinubu had earlier directed service chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri and intensify operations, insisting that the attacks were desperate attempts by terrorists under pressure from security forces.
He reaffirmed that the government remains committed to defeating insurgency and ensuring that no part of Nigeria becomes a safe haven for terrorists.
