Military Tracks Relocating Terrorists to Prevent New Insurgent Bases
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that terrorists are moving away from some of their traditional strongholds into new locations, prompting the military to intensify efforts to prevent them from establishing fresh operational bases.
The military said it was mapping emerging locations and adjusting its deployment strategy to close security gaps and prevent insurgents from expanding their activities into previously less-affected communities.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, disclosed this on Thursday during a joint security briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.
Uba described the movement of insurgents from their former locations as an indication of the pressure mounted by ongoing military operations, but stressed that the Armed Forces were not taking the development lightly.
He said the military was identifying areas where the terrorists might have relocated and taking proactive measures to prevent them from establishing new footholds.
The disclosure comes amid growing concerns over the geographical spread of insecurity and the ability of armed groups to exploit security gaps in new locations.
According to Uba, recent adjustments to the Armed Forces’ order of battle, including the establishment of new formations, battalions and units, are designed to strengthen military presence in vulnerable areas and respond to emerging threats.
He said the military would sustain its operations across the country’s security theatres, targeting Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), kidnappers, bandits and other armed criminal groups.
The Defence spokesman also dismissed reports of a ceasefire agreement between the Federal Government and Boko Haram or other criminal groups.
His clarification followed a report by some media outlets alleging that the government had entered into a secret ceasefire arrangement with the Boko Haram faction led by Bakura Doro, which reportedly contributed to relative calm in parts of the North-East for about three months.
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The publication, citing three individuals with contacts among senior Boko Haram members, reported that the arrangement had been in effect since June and was expected to be extended.
However, Uba insisted that no such agreement existed, maintaining that the military’s operations against terrorists and other criminal elements remained ongoing.
“On the issue of whether there is a ceasefire with Boko Haram, I want to make it clear that there is nothing like a ceasefire,” he said.
He added that the number of terrorists neutralised, suspects arrested and kidnapped victims rescued demonstrated that troops were sustaining pressure on criminal networks.
The military spokesman further warned that individuals involved in activities threatening the lives and security of Nigerians would either be neutralised through lawful military operations or brought to justice.
Providing details of recent operational achievements, Uba said troops conducted 588 distinct security operations across the country in September and October.
He said the operations resulted in the neutralisation of 435 terrorists and bandits, including several high-profile commanders identified as Ali Mandara, Abba Gajiri, Habu Ikkima, Nakif Yana Faruk, Commander Gogore and Abdussamad Ohida.
According to him, troops also arrested 809 suspects, secured the voluntary surrender of 198 insurgents and rescued 717 kidnapped victims and other captives.
Among those rescued were 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Owerri, Imo State, and 11 individuals in Danko-Wasagu, Kebbi State.
Uba also identified Buniyadi, Baga, Kukawa, Bittai and the Owo Forest as locations where troops recorded significant tactical breakthroughs.
He said the military recovered 5,666 arms, ammunition, explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), alongside other logistical assets, as part of efforts to weaken the operational capacity of armed groups.
The latest disclosures highlight the military’s efforts to combine offensive operations with changes in troop deployment to address evolving security threats.
However, the challenge extends beyond dislodging armed groups from established strongholds. Preventing their return, disrupting their movement and denying them opportunities to establish new bases remain important considerations in sustaining security gains across affected communities.
By PRNigeria
