By Adenike Lawal
In a counterterrorism breakthrough, the Nigerian military has apprehended four Pakistani nationals in the North-East over suspected involvement in terrorist activities, including arms trafficking and militant training.
The development was announced by Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, during a press briefing with defence correspondents at the Maiduguri headquarters of the anti-insurgency campaign.
General Abubakar revealed that preliminary intelligence indicates the suspects were deeply involved in supporting terrorist networks operating in the region, notably the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS).
“The infiltration of foreign mercenaries into our area of operations has significantly escalated the threat level posed by insurgent groups,” he said. “These four Pakistani nationals, based on early findings, are suspected arms dealers with strong links to terrorist factions.”
He added that the suspects were not only supplying weapons but also training militants in advanced guerrilla tactics, including drone operations for reconnaissance and attack missions, as well as the construction of sophisticated improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
“Their role goes beyond logistics,” the commander stressed. “They have been instrumental in introducing new ambush techniques and strategic warfare skills aimed directly at Nigerian military forces.”
The arrest underscores ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government and military to dismantle the transnational networks sustaining terrorism in the region.
Authorities have since launched further investigations to uncover the full extent of the suspects’ operations and collaborators.
