As the troops of the Special Forces intensify operations in the three states where emergency rule is in place, the Defence Headquarters on Thursday claimed the insurgents have been calling for support from their cohorts in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
This is even as the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade, disclosed that seven foreigners, Nigeriens and Chadians, have been apprehended by the Special Troops.
Olukolade said the fact that the insurgents are soliciting support from the Middle East is a confirmation that they are rattled and under serious pressure.
He said: “Five Nigeriens and two Chadians are among the fleeing insurgents apprehended by the Special Forces as troops continue their pursuit of terrorists dislodged from their bases.
“The seven were among the nine arrested at Tumbu Gini, a border town with Chad, as they tried to cross the borders into Chad.
“The man suspected to be leading the group escaped with gunshot wounds.
“Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has observed that attempts are being made by insurgents and their collaborators to push into public domain, questionable and manipulated messages meant to misinform the public.
“The message, which calls for support from Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as other cohorts of the insurgents, is clearly a confirmation of the level of pressure, which has been brought to bear on the insurgents.
“There is indeed no cause for alarm as the insurgents are actually in flight, necessitating their call for help from their foreign allies.
“The operation to put an end to the activities of insurgents is continuing and in line with overall plans for the nation’s security.”
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