The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has called on residents of Borno and Yobe states to take active responsibility in ending insurgent attacks in the North-East, stressing that local collaboration is critical to defeating terrorism.

Oluyede made the statement in Maiduguri during a strategic security visit alongside the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu. The visit followed a directive from President Bola Tinubu after a series of deadly explosions in Borno State that resulted in casualties and widespread destruction.

Addressing residents of the North-East, the CDS emphasized that many perpetrators of the attacks are known within local communities, urging citizens to take ownership of the crisis.

“For us to end this act of terrorism, the people of Borno and Yobe must take ownership of the problem. The bulk of those perpetrating these acts are from these states—they are people we know,” Oluyede said.

He cited a recent attack in Kukawa, where security forces discovered that some of the attackers were residents of the community, describing the situation as evidence of local complicity.

Oluyede stressed that defeating insurgency requires collective action, calling on communities to support intelligence gathering and security operations. He reiterated that collaboration between civilians and the military remains essential to restoring lasting peace.

On evolving threats, including the use of drones by insurgents, the CDS noted that the military is adapting its response with improved technology and increased deployment of advanced systems.

The renewed call comes amid intensified attacks by Boko Haram targeting both military installations and civilian populations across the North-East.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has visited Maiduguri following recent improvised explosive device (IED) explosions, where he assessed the security situation and engaged with victims and frontline personnel.

During the visit, the IGP stopped at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital to meet with those injured in the blasts. He expressed sympathy to victims and their families, assuring them of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to tracking down and dismantling those responsible for the attacks.

He also conducted an on-the-spot assessment at the Maiduguri Monday Market, one of the locations affected by the explosions. While there, he engaged security personnel to evaluate response strategies and strengthen operational coordination.

As part of efforts to reinforce inter-agency collaboration, the police chief visited the Borno State Government House and the State Police Command Headquarters, where discussions focused on improving synergy between federal and state security agencies.

The IGP noted that security measures across Maiduguri and surrounding areas have been intensified, including increased patrols, enhanced surveillance, and joint operations.

Residents were also reassured of the police force’s resolve to safeguard lives and property in the aftermath of the attacks.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the recent terrorist attacks in Maiduguri, Borno State, describing the incident as “profoundly upsetting” and extending condolences to families of the victims.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the President sympathised with those injured and reaffirmed his solidarity with the people of Borno during what he called a difficult time.

Tinubu said the attacks were “desperate and frantic attempts” by terrorist elements seeking to instil fear, noting that such groups are under sustained pressure from the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.

He commended the military and civilian task forces for their bravery in repelling coordinated assaults on security formations in the state, assuring that ongoing operations would be intensified to eliminate criminal elements across the country.

The President disclosed that he had recently approved additional equipment and operational support for security agencies following a meeting with heads of security and intelligence services. He added that the deployment of these resources is already underway.

Tinubu also directed security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to oversee operations and instructed emergency response agencies to ensure proper medical care for the injured.

Reiterating his administration’s resolve, the President declared that terrorists would find no safe haven anywhere in Nigeria, vowing that they would be tracked down and defeated.

“Nigeria will not succumb to fear,” he said.