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Senator Ali Ndume has backed claims by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, that many perpetrators of terrorism in the Northeast are from within affected communities in Borno and Yobe states.

Ndume spoke on Thursday while appearing on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, where he said insurgent attacks often involve local collaborators.

According to him, it is difficult for fighters to launch attacks without insider support, adding that many of those involved in recent incidents in his area appear to be indigenes based on their accents and familiarity with the terrain.

The lawmaker said he agrees with the military chief’s position that residents must take responsibility for addressing the crisis.

He argued that insurgents often take advantage of unprotected communities, noting that improved local vigilance and resistance could help deter attacks.

DAILY POST reports that Ndume’s comments follow recent remarks by Oluyede, who said the majority of those involved in terrorism in the region are from Borno and Yobe states and urged communities to take ownership of the problem in order to bring lasting peace.

Ndume said: “Yes, that is true; you cannot have insurgents coming from outside to attack the town without insiders. So most of the insurgents in my local government are from my local government. Most of those that attacked, for example, recently, the recent one you can hear from the accent they are from Borno.

“I totally agree with what CDs said. We have to take ownership. And let me tell you all these ragtag people. What is the difference? They look wretched, they are not even strong enough, and they don’t look right. The only thing they have is that AK-47. If they know that a community, in every household, they are likely to have somebody with the gun, they will not come near that place.”

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Troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI have intercepted a 20-year-old woman and her two-year-old child while she was allegedly attempting to make her way into a terrorist-held enclave near the Mandara Mountains in Borno State.

This was made know by a security expert, Zagazola Makama in a post on X on Wednesday.

Zagazola said the woman, identified as Aisha Idrisa, was arrested by troops conducting picketing duty along the Gwoza–Pulka Road.

He said she was intercepted near the foothills of the Mandara Mountains, an area known to harbour remnants of terrorist groups operating along the Nigeria-Cameroon border.

According to him, the woman was accompanied by her two-year-old child, Musbahu Christopher, at the time of the arrest.

“Items recovered from the suspect included an Itel mobile phone, an extra battery, and some personal clothing.

“During preliminary questioning, Aisha reportedly claimed that she was heading to her farm. However, intelligence available to the troops suggested she was attempting to gain access to a terrorist enclave, prompting her arrest for further investigation.

“She is currently in the custody of the 26 Task Force Brigade for further interrogation and other necessary actions,” he said.

The security expert further revealed that the interception forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to block movement routes used by insurgents and their collaborators, particularly around the Mandara Mountains, where troops have sustained clearance and surveillance operations.

Army troops intercept woman, child allegedly heading to terrorist enclave in Borno