The security landscape in Northern Nigeria is witnessing a significant shift according to recent military assessments. Major General Anthony Atolagbe, a former commander of Operation Safe Haven, shared insights regarding the ongoing battle against insurgency.
During a live interview from 04:54, the retired General expressed confidence in the military’s current strategy. He believes the tactical pressure being applied is finally forcing non-state actors into a difficult position.
According to a video posted on the Official YouTube channel of Arise News, while discussing the recent surge in soft target attacks, Major General Anthony Atolagbe stated that “terrorists are begging for peace because the bombings are getting too much.” This revelation suggests that the air strikes and ground operations are significantly degrading the capacity of bandits and insurgents to operate freely within their forest hideouts.
The General noted that the persistent aerial bombardment has created a sense of desperation among the criminal elements. He specifically referenced a video involving a notorious bandit leader in Zamfara State who recently called for dialogue. This shift from defiance to a plea for negotiations indicates that the high tempo of military operations is yielding results, despite the tragic incidents recently recorded in parts of Borno.
Addressing the public concern over the recent mosque bombing and school abductions, Atolagbe maintained an optimistic outlook. He argued that the current situation should not be viewed as a resurgence of power but rather as the dying kicks of a desperate adversary. By analyzing casualty rates from earlier in the year, he suggested that the overall trend of violence is actually on a downward trajectory.
The path forward for Nigeria, as outlined by the General, involves a massive increase in personnel to maintain control over liberated areas. He emphasized that the government must prioritize recruiting more troops and forest guards to ensure that terrorists do not reoccupy empty spaces. The ultimate goal is to saturate the frontline with enough manpower to make the current military gains permanent and restore total peace.
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