Nigerian Military Arrests Four Pakistanis Allegedly Training Terrorists in North-East

Summary

• Four Pakistani nationals arrested for allegedly aiding ISWAP and Boko Haram with arms and tactical training.
• Suspects linked to drone operations, IED production, and advanced attack strategies.
• Military calls for stronger intelligence and regional cooperation to tackle cross-border terrorist networks.

Maiduguri, Nigeria — In a major security development, the Nigerian military has arrested four Pakistani nationals in the North-East for allegedly aiding terrorist groups with weapons and advanced military training.

The announcement was made on May 28, 2025, by Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, during a media tour in Maiduguri, Borno State.

According to preliminary investigations, the foreign nationals were involved in arms trafficking and provided tactical and strategic training to fighters of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram (also known as Jama’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad or JAS).

Their involvement reportedly advanced the operational capabilities of these terrorist groups, most notably in the deployment of drones for surveillance and attacks, the manufacture of sophisticated improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and the setting of complex traps targeting military personnel.

Major General Abubakar expressed deep concern about this foreign influence, noting that it has escalated the threat level posed by insurgents. He emphasized the urgent need for enhanced intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations, alongside stronger cross-border cooperation, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin, where porous borders have facilitated the movement of foreign mercenaries and smuggled arms.

He stressed that this conflict extends beyond a military engagement, calling it an assault on Nigeria’s sovereignty. Abubakar urged greater national solidarity and support for troops operating in “harsh and unforgiving” conditions.

The arrests signal a growing international dimension to Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts, raising alarm over foreign actors fuelling local terror networks. Investigations are ongoing as authorities seek to uncover the full scope of the alleged international support system behind extremist groups in the region.