The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has said that the involvement and support of some community members were contributing to the persistence of terrorist activities in Borno and Yobe states.

Oluyede made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking with journalists in Maiduguri during a visit to assess the security situation alongside the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu.

He called on residents of the affected states to take responsibility in addressing the security challenges, noting that many of those involved in insurgent activities were known within their communities.

“For us to end these acts of terrorism, the people of Borno and Yobe must take ownership of the problem.

This is because the bulk of those perpetrating these crimes are from the states; they are our neighbours and relatives,” he said.

The defence chief cited a recent attack on a military formation in Kukawa, Borno State, revealing that some of the suspects apprehended after the incident were locals.

“When Kukawa was attacked, during the cordon and search operation, two of the wounded attackers identified were from the community,” he added.

Oluyede acknowledged a recent increase in attacks in the North-East, stating that the military is reviewing its strategies to curb the violence, which has lasted for over a decade.

He said the armed forces are also examining the evolving tactics of insurgents, including the use of drones, with a view to strengthening their response.

The visit by the defence and army chiefs included a closed-door operational meeting with commanders of Operation Hadin Kai and other senior officers, as part of efforts to reassess ongoing operations in the region.