MAIDUGURI — The Nigerian military has arrested four Pakistani nationals suspected of aiding terrorist activities in the country’s insurgency-plagued North-East region. The arrests, according to military officials, are linked to arms trafficking and the training of extremist groups operating in the area.
Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, disclosed the development on Wednesday during a briefing with defence correspondents in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
General Abubakar said that preliminary investigations suggest the suspects were involved in arms dealings with terrorist groups and in providing tactical training, including drone warfare and explosive fabrication.
“The infiltration of foreign mercenaries in the joint operations area has significantly escalated the threat posed by terrorist groups like ISWAP and JAS,” he said. “The recent arrest of four Pakistani nationals, whose initial investigation suggests that they deal in arms running with terrorists, is instructive.”
The commander added that the presence of such foreign operatives has contributed to an increase in the sophistication of attacks by insurgents.
“It suffices to mention that the foreign mercenaries facilitate tactical and strategic training for these terrorists,” he noted. “This includes the deployment of drones for surveillance and attacks, the fabrication of advanced improvised explosive devices, and the setting of traps targeting military personnel.”
General Abubakar called for a robust international response to the growing threat of foreign involvement in the region’s insecurity. He emphasised the importance of intelligence sharing, surveillance, and regional collaboration.
“This alarming trend calls for an immediate coordinated response, including intensified intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations, as well as strong collaboration between Nigeria and neighbouring nations to disrupt cross-border support networks,” he stated.
He stressed that the insurgency is not solely directed at the military, but poses an existential threat to Nigeria as a whole.
“The conflict with Boko Haram and ISWAP is not a war against the armed forces alone — it is a war against Nigeria,” he said. “Once we understand that it is the terrorists against Nigeria as a nation and present a united front, we can make greater progress.”
General Abubakar also praised the resilience of Nigerian troops engaged in counterinsurgency operations in the North-East, often under extremely difficult conditions. He appealed for increased public recognition of their sacrifices.
“These are our heroes, enduring harsh, cold nights in the field, defending the nation,” he said. “We must support them, and media attention is critical in ensuring that Nigerians appreciate the magnitude of their work.”
The military has not released the identities of the four Pakistani nationals, and investigations are ongoing.
