Oluyede Urges Borno, Yobe Communities to Combat Terrorism

General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff, made comments during a high-level security meeting in Maiduguri, addressing the ongoing insurgency in Borno and Yobe states. He argued that the fight against Boko Haram requires communities to take ownership and play a more active role.

Oluyede noted that the insurgency in the northeast has persisted partly due to individuals embedded within communities, as indicated by intelligence reports over the past 15 years. He criticized the military's tendency to shift responsibility onto communities rather than addressing operational shortcomings.

Oluyede warned that communities must be vigilant and proactive, especially in light of intelligence reports suggesting imminent attacks. He also highlighted the need for the military to enhance its capabilities and adapt to evolving threats, stating that the military has not made significant progress in the past decade and should not blame a lack of motivation or equipment for its failures.