New Phase In Nigeria’s Security War: DHQ Begins Crack Down On Marabouts Aiding Terrorists
Nigeria’s counterterrorism war is increasingly exposing a dangerous but often hidden layer of insurgency support, spiritual enablers and logistics suppliers operating within civilian communities.
The latest military crackdown on suspected marabouts aiding terrorists signals a major shift in strategy that could weaken extremist networks beyond the battlefield.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have uncovered what security experts describe as a critical support structure sustaining terrorism in parts of the country, spiritual fortifiers and logistics collaborators embedded within local communities.
Addressing the media in the monthly briefing on ongoing operations of the military across theatres in Abuja, the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said, during a recent operations in Kogi State, troops arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and marabouts accused of providing spiritual protection and material support to criminal gangs operating within the Agbaja Forest.
He said the suspects were apprehended during a high-risk raid around the Felele area of Lokoja Local Government Area.
Recovered items included vigilante identity cards, ATM cards, mobile phones, machetes and assorted herbal substances believed to be linked to ritual fortification practices used by armed groups.
The development highlights a growing concern within Nigeria’s security architecture, that terrorism and banditry are no longer driven solely by weapons and ransom money, but also by deeply rooted local networks providing intelligence, supplies and psychological reinforcement to fighters.
Military analysts say dismantling these support systems could significantly weaken insurgent morale and operational confidence in the long term.
The Defence Headquarters noted that troops are now intensifying operations not only against armed fighters but also against collaborators, informants and criminal financiers sustaining insecurity across the country.
The latest operations formed part of nationwide offensives in May 2026, during which the DDMO said 317 terrorists and criminals were neutralised, 314 suspects arrested and 221 civilians rescued across various theatres of operation.
Security observers believe the military’s focus on dismantling ideological and spiritual support networks may redefine Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts and reduce the influence extremist groups wield over vulnerable communities in the future.
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