Nigerian army raise concerns over presence of foreign jihadists at borders

The Nigerian Army has raised concerns over the presence of foreign jihadists around Nigeria’s borders, assuring citizens that troops remain on high alert and are fully prepared to counter any emerging security threats.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, made the disclosure while speaking during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Oluyede said the military is closely monitoring the deteriorating security situation across the Sahel region and has already detected signs of foreign terrorist movements near Nigeria’s borders.

“It is also worth noting that the Nigerian Army is not oblivious of the dire security situations in neighbouring countries across the Sahel region,” he said.

The Army chief disclosed that troops had observed what he described as the footprints of foreign jihadists but reassured Nigerians that the military remains capable of responding to any threat.

“We have already noticed the footprints of foreign jihadists across our borders. However, I would like to assure us all that the Nigerian Army is alert and equal to the task,” Oluyede said.

He expressed confidence that the Nigerian Army would overcome the country’s current security challenges, drawing parallels with previous generations of soldiers who successfully confronted major conflicts, including the two World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) peacekeeping missions.

“Like our forebears who successfully dealt with the challenges of their generations in the two World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and the ECOMOG missions, the Nigerian Army of today will certainly prevail in confronting the security challenges of our generation,” he said.

Reaffirming the Army’s constitutional responsibilities, Oluyede said the force remains committed to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, protecting national interests, supporting civil authorities when required and participating in peace support operations.

“Our mission therefore remains unchanged: to win all land battles in defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria, protect her national interest, and accomplish tasks in aid to civil authority,” he added.