There are concerns within the Nigerian military over the use of landmines and informants by Boko Haram.
A rigorous study of attacks on troops has identified locations where the sect gets unwavering assistance.
In these communities, informants not only leak soldiers’ movements to terrorists, they harbour them in their houses, settlements and also help to plant improvised explosive devices.
Intelligence showed that civilians in at least thirteen Local Governments Areas are undermining military operations in parts of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.
Furthermore, it was discovered that Boko Haram have created camps in a number of villages, while making money from fishing, farming and other economic activities.
“The sabotaging attitude of informants are so rampant in Guzamala, Abadam, Marte, Kukawa, Mobbar, Monguno and Gwoza LGAs of Borno”, a military source told PRNigeria.
“Pockets of terrorists also established hideouts in Geidam, Tarmuwa and Yunusari LGAs in Yobe, while Mubi, Madagali and Gombi LGAs in Adamawa also harbour active sympathisers of Boko Haram.”
An intelligence source equally confirmed that Boko Haram collaborators provide information about military movements.
“It is not clear what the terrorists incentivize the locals with to be able to sabotage troops who are on mission to liberate them from the stranglehold of the insurgents.
“The new service chiefs have lots of work to do in terms of investing more resources on intelligence gathering and encouraging governors to support the military.”
The officer advised political, religious and traditional leaders to rein in the people to stop jeopardizing efforts of the troops in the ongoing war.
