Boko Haram Using Drones, Foreign Fighters – Nigerian Army Says

Boko Haram Using Drones, Foreign Fighters – Nigerian Army Says

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, says Boko Haram terrorists have deployed the technology of flying drones and adopting foreign fighters in carrying out attacks.

He added that these renewed attacks by the terrorists over the last three months have forced the Nigerian military to review its counter-insurgency operations in the North-east.

“Since 2015, the Nigerian Army in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies have systematically degraded the capabilities and capacity of Boko Haram terrorists and many successes were achieved.

“However, in the last 2 – 3 months, we have noticed daring moves by the terrorists, increased use of drones against our defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks. These potent threats require us to continually review our operations,” he said.

This was contained in a statement signed on behalf by Buratai by Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, saying the conference had to be moved from Benin City to Maiduguri to enable the Nigerian Army leadership get closer to the troops on the ground and to better appraise the shortcomings.

“We are also sensitive to the fact that the nation is approaching an election year and thus we must be prepared to assist in providing security for the peaceful conduct of elections.

“Accordingly, the theme for this year’s annual conference is aptly titled, “Optimizing the Operational Efficiency of the Nigerian Army Towards Safeguarding Democracy and National Security in Nigeria,” he added.

He also assured that the Nigerian Army will work in conjunction with other security agencies to provide a secure environment for peace and unity in Nigeria.