Nigeria’s military authorities are shifting focus to a more aggressive counter-insurgency approach in the Northeast, following fresh concerns about escalating attacks and the security outlook in Borno State.
The Defence Headquarters, through the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, on Tuesday dismissed suggestions that terrorist groups could overrun Borno or the wider Northeast, describing such fears as unfounded.
The response comes after Senator Ali Ndume raised alarm over renewed insurgent activity, warning that failure to act decisively could allow armed groups to gain ground in the region.
In its reaction, the military says the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has already directed troops to intensify operations by taking the fight directly to insurgent enclaves, rather than remaining on the defensive.
According to officials, this shift in operational posture is aimed at restoring stability across affected areas, with commanders instructed to sustain pressure on terrorist groups and disrupt their capacity to regroup.
Military authorities maintain that ongoing operations across Borno State and the broader Northeast are yielding progress, insisting that efforts are aligned with the mandate to secure communities and return normalcy to the region.
While acknowledging public concerns, the armed forces say the coming weeks will reflect the impact of the renewed strategy, as they work to contain threats and reassure residents that the situation remains under control.
