Buratai: Boko Haram now using drones and mercenaries

Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, says Boko Haram insurgents have advanced in technology and now use drones and mercenaries.

Sani Usman, spokesman of the army, quoted Buratai as saying this  while speaking on the recent multiple attacks on military bases in Metele and other parts of Maiduguri.

He said the use of high technology by the insurgents is a trend that poses threats and require review of military operations against the insurgents.

“Since 2015, the Nigerian Army in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies have systematically degraded the capabilities and capacity of Boko Haram terrorists and many successes were achieved,” he was quoted as saying.

“However, in the last two to three months, we have noticed daring moves by the terrorists, increased use of drones against our defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks. These potent threats require us to continually review our operations.

“In recent weeks, Nigerian troops deployed in the North East of Nigeria under Operation LAFIYA DOLE have come under series of attacks by large numbers of Boko Haram Terrorists.

“Specifically, the Nigerian Army troops deployed at Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto and Gajiram came under attack at different times within a two-week period between November 2 and 17, 2018. Each of these incidents was successfully repelled and several members of the terrorists killed.

“However, a total of 16 personnel were killed in the course of these attacks while 12 soldiers wounded in action and are receiving treatment at our military medical facilities.”