Yobe Security Adviser Calls for Advanced Surveillance Technology to Defeat Boko Haram

By: Zagazola Makama

The Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Government, Brig Gen Dahiru Abdulsalam has called on the Federal Government to invest heavily in modern surveillance technology and strategic international partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations.

The adviser made the call during an interview with defence correspondents in Damaturu, stressing that technology would determine the next phase of the war against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.

According to him, although troops of Operation HADIN KAI and other security agencies had recorded significant operational successes, the vast operational environment and evolving tactics of insurgents required stronger technological support.

“Where the military cannot physically go, technology is required,” he said.

The adviser explained that Yobe had been grappling with insurgency since 2009, with several local government areas bordering Borno State and transnational routes frequently exploited by terrorists for logistics movement and attacks.

He noted that despite sustained military offensives, insurgents still attempt to infiltrate communities at night through remote corridors and forest routes.

“From 7 p.m. until early morning, we remain awake monitoring movements because many of the logistics routes pass through Yobe State,” he said.

He commended troops, hunters and intelligence agencies for sustaining pressure on insurgents despite operational fatigue and repeated troop redeployments across various theatres nationwide.

“It is not easy to remain in the theatre of operation for years. Soldiers get tired and burned out, but they continue holding the line,” he stated.

The adviser said Nigeria’s security challenges had overstretched the military due to deployments across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He therefore urged the Federal Government to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force and other internal security institutions to reduce pressure on the military.

According to him, surveillance systems, drones, sensors and modern monitoring equipment would significantly restrict terrorists’ freedom of movement and operational capacity.

“The moment terrorists move and they are observed immediately, they will lose freedom of action,” he said.

The adviser criticised what he described as a “vendor-driven procurement process,” arguing that security procurement should instead be based on operational needs identified by end users in the field.

He called for government-to-government strategic partnerships with technologically advanced countries capable of producing specialised surveillance and combat equipment tailored to Nigeria’s terrain and operational realities.

“We should partner with countries that have the capacity to produce equipment suitable for our own environment and security challenges,” he said.

He added that Nigeria currently lacked sufficient domestic technological capacity to independently develop advanced military surveillance systems required for modern counterterrorism warfare.

The adviser expressed optimism that with sustained military pressure, improved intelligence sharing and deployment of advanced surveillance technology, Boko Haram insurgency and other forms of violent criminality could be significantly degraded across the country.

He also reiterated the importance of continued support for local hunters, vigilantes and forest guards who assist troops in blocking infiltration routes and securing vulnerable rural communities.

Yobe Security Adviser Calls for Advanced Surveillance Technology to Defeat Boko Haram

Fulani Bandits kill 2 in Plateau in reprisal to attack on herders that killed nine cows in Jos South

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have intensified security operations in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State following an isolated attack by Fulani gunmen on communities in the area.

Zagazola report that the incident occurred at about 7:40 p.m. on May 10 around Chenhen and Dum villages in Bachi District of Riyom LGA.

The attack came just few hours after nine cows were killed while five others sustained gunshot injuries during an attack by Berom Militia in Gero area in Jos South LGA.

During the attack, the troops also came under heavy fire by the attackers while a herder identified as Aliyu Yusuf also sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed for medical treatment

Security officials disclosed that during continued clearance operations at about 7:20 a.m. on May 11, troops discovered two corpses identified as Mr Peter Dung Dachung and Mr Amose Danbwarang.

The corpses were later evacuated by family members for burial.

The sources added that troops had sustained aggressive patrols and manhunt operations across the affected communities to track down the fleeing attackers and restore confidence among residents.

They said security presence had also been reinforced in surrounding villages to forestall further breakdown of law and order.

Fulani Bandits kill 2 in Plateau in reprisal to attack on herders that killed nine cows in Jos South

Two Killed in Attack at Illegal Mining Site in Plateau, One Suspect Arrested

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have recovered two corpses and rescued one victim following an attack at an illegal mining site in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on May 11 at Kedawa village in Barkin Ladi LGA.

The sources disclosed that troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41 Gashish, swiftly responded to reports of an attack on illegal miners operating at the site.

According to the sources, on arrival at the scene, troops discovered the corpses of two victims identified as Mr Napan Danjuma and Mr Leba, while the assailants had fled before the arrival of security personnel.

The troops also rescued one victim identified as Mr Anthony Daniel during the operation.

Security sources further disclosed that troops arrested one suspect, Mr Daniel Nathaniel, 42, who allegedly invited the illegal miners to operate at the closed mining site.

The suspect was subsequently handed over to the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) of the Mobile Police Force in NTV for further necessary action.

Military authorities said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing assailants and prevent further criminal activities around illegal mining locations in the state.

Two Killed in Attack at Illegal Mining Site in Plateau, One Suspect Arrested