Nation Reacts As CDS Oluyede Describes Insurgents As ‘Brothers, Sisters

The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has emphasised that defeating the Boko Haram insurgency will require the active involvement and cooperation of residents in Borno and Yobe states.

Oluyede made this known on Wednesday in Maiduguri during an operational visit alongside the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu.

The visit followed a directive from Bola Tinubu, who instructed military leaders to relocate to the North-East and take direct control of the deteriorating security situation.

The directive came after a series of explosions in parts of Borno State that resulted in fatalities and injuries.

Addressing residents, Oluyede stressed that the fight against insurgency cannot succeed without local participation, noting that many of those involved in the attacks are known within their communities.

He urged people in the region to take responsibility for addressing the crisis, stating that several perpetrators are relatives or acquaintances within the communities.

Citing a recent incident in Kukawa, the CDS explained that investigations revealed some of the attackers were residents of the area, suggesting internal collaboration.

He reiterated that tackling insurgency requires a collective effort and called on communities to actively identify and expose criminal elements in their midst.

Oluyede also acknowledged the evolving tactics of insurgents, particularly the increasing use of drones, and assured that the military is adapting accordingly.

He revealed that the armed forces are deploying advanced technology, including drones, to counter the growing threat.

In recent weeks, there has been a renewed wave of attacks by Boko Haram fighters targeting both military positions and civilian communities across the North-East.

This development has raised fresh concerns about security in the region, prompting intensified military operations and federal intervention aimed at restoring stability.