The Nigerian Army has arrested four Pakistani nationals suspected of aiding terrorist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), intensifying concerns over foreign involvement in the country’s insurgency crisis. The arrests were confirmed by Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the theatre commander of Operation Hadin Kai, during a press briefing in Borno State’s capital, Maiduguri.
According to Abubakar, the detained individuals are believed to be involved in arms trafficking and the provision of tactical and strategic training to terrorist operatives. He warned that the presence of foreign mercenaries has significantly escalated the threat level in Nigeria’s northeast, allowing terror outfits to adopt more sophisticated combat techniques.
Among the enhanced tactics observed are the use of surveillance and attack drones, advanced improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and military-grade ambush traps. Abubakar attributed these developments directly to the expertise being supplied by foreign trainers.
“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, noting that the increasing operational coordination among terrorists is leading to higher casualties among security forces and substantial equipment losses.
The commander also stressed that Boko Haram and ISWAP are no longer merely attacking military targets, but have evolved into a broader threat against Nigeria’s national integrity and civilian population.
In light of these developments, the Nigerian military is calling for an immediate ramp-up of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance efforts. Abubakar further emphasized the need for enhanced regional cooperation to dismantle cross-border networks that facilitate the movement of arms, operatives, and logistical support for terrorist organizations.
The revelation of Pakistani nationals’ alleged involvement marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, highlighting the increasingly international dimensions of terrorism in West Africa.
