Military has arrested four Pakistani nationals suspected of having links to terrorist networks operating in the country’s North-East region. The arrests were confirmed by the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, during a security briefing with defence correspondents on Wednesday.
According to Maj. Gen. Abubakar, preliminary investigations have revealed that the foreign nationals were involved in arms trafficking and played a key role in providing tactical training to terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
He described the development as part of a growing and dangerous international dimension of the insurgency plaguing the region, which continues to claim lives and destabilize communities.
“The infiltration of foreign mercenaries into our joint operations area has significantly heightened the threat posed by groups like ISWAP and Boko Haram,” Abubakar stated. “These foreign operatives provide advanced tactical training, including the use of drones for surveillance and attacks, the manufacture of sophisticated improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and the design of strategic ambushes targeting our military personnel.”
The arrest of the four Pakistani nationals, he said, is a critical breakthrough in understanding how terrorist groups in Nigeria are evolving and enhancing their combat effectiveness through foreign support networks.
“These individuals are believed to be deeply embedded in arms running activities, supplying critical materials and expertise to terrorist organizations,” Abubakar said. “Their arrest provides insight into a wider web of transnational collaboration that threatens not just Nigeria, but regional stability.
Military Arrests Four Pakistani Nationals Over Alleged Terror Ties in North-East Nigeria
The military commander emphasized the need for a coordinated international response to disrupt the flow of weapons, training, and financial support to these groups. He called for enhanced intelligence-sharing, cross-border surveillance, and stronger diplomatic cooperation between Nigeria and its neighbors.
“This alarming trend cannot be addressed by Nigeria alone,” he said. “What we are facing is a multinational challenge that requires global and regional unity to combat. We need immediate action to identify and dismantle support structures that operate beyond our borders.”
Abubakar also reiterated that the terrorists’ targets are not limited to the military. Instead, they are waging a broader war against the Nigerian state and its people.
“This conflict goes beyond a military confrontation. Boko Haram and ISWAP are attacking the soul of Nigeria, targeting civilians, displacing communities, and attempting to undermine national sovereignty,” he said. “We must realize that this is a national crisis, and fighting it requires the involvement of all Nigerians.”
He lauded the bravery and resilience of Nigerian soldiers, who he said continue to defend the country under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions. These troops are often deployed in remote areas, facing adverse weather, limited resources, and constant threats from well-armed insurgents.
“Our soldiers are deployed across vast, unforgiving terrains, often enduring scorching daytime heat followed by chilling nighttime temperatures,” Abubakar said. “Despite these challenges, they remain committed to defending this nation. They are unsung heroes who deserve our utmost recognition and support.”
He called on the Nigerian media to play a more active role in fostering national unity and supporting the fight against terrorism through accurate reporting and public engagement.
“The media is not just a bystander; it’s a critical stakeholder,” he said. “By shaping public opinion and raising awareness, the press can help rally the kind of national unity we need to overcome this crisis.”
As investigations into the Pakistani suspects continue, Maj. Gen. Abubakar assured that the military will remain vigilant and committed to dismantling terrorist networks and safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.
“The fight is far from over,” he concluded. “But with unity, international collaboration, and the dedication of our armed forces, we will prevail.”
