Insurgency Persists Due to Community Support, Interference — Army Commander
Monguno, Borno State — The Commander of Sector 3, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Suleiman Tilawan, has attributed the protracted insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East to continued support from some local communities and persistent interference with military operations.
Tilawan made the assertion on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, when the Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA), Danielle Parry, paid him a courtesy visit at the Kinnasara Cantonment in Monguno.
The commander noted that despite significant gains recorded by the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, the conflict has persisted largely due to the actions of some residents who provide intelligence, logistics, and safe havens to insurgents.
According to him, such support emboldens terrorist groups and undermines carefully planned military operations aimed at restoring peace and stability.
IDP Camps Under Scrutiny
Tilawan raised concerns over the infiltration of internally displaced persons (IDP) camps by insurgents, describing the situation as a critical security challenge.
He specifically identified the Gana Ali and GG camps in Monguno as informal settlements that have evolved into “ghettos and slums,” providing cover for terrorist elements.
“The insurgents infiltrating Monguno town often come from the same communities, including those residing in IDP camps. These areas have gradually become havens for sleeper cells,” he said.
He warned that the interrelationship between displaced populations and insurgents should not be underestimated, as some camps are now being exploited for intelligence gathering and operational planning.
‘Carrot and Banana’ Incentive Structure
The commander criticised what he described as a flawed incentive system within affected communities, noting that collaborators with insurgents often benefit financially without facing adequate sanctions.
“In every society, law and order is maintained through a carrot-and-stick approach. But what we have now is a ‘carrot and banana’ situation—law-abiding citizens get the carrot, while collaborators get the banana, which appears more attractive due to financial incentives and lack of punishment,” he said.
He warned that this dynamic is encouraging more individuals to support insurgent activities.
Relocation and Security Measures
Tilawan disclosed that the military has commenced the relocation of IDPs from informal settlements to officially designated camps to curb infiltration and enhance security.
He emphasised that the Nigerian Army remains committed to humanitarian principles but would not tolerate situations where insurgents exploit civilian environments for operations.
“Humanitarian organisations must report suspicious activities within camps or allow for enhanced surveillance and security management. We cannot allow insurgents to regroup under the cover of civilian populations,” he stated.
Call for Stronger Collaboration
In her remarks, Danielle Parry acknowledged the challenges posed by the humanitarian crisis in the North-East and stressed the importance of collaboration between humanitarian agencies and the military.
She noted that UN-OCHA has been coordinating the activities of international and local non-governmental organisations in the region and requires a secure environment to deliver aid effectively.
“To meet the scale of humanitarian needs, we must work closely with the military to ensure safe access and effective communication,” she said, calling for sustained dialogue, particularly on issues surrounding the relocation of displaced persons.
Joint Assessment Tour
The visit concluded with an on-the-ground assessment of key locations, including the Gana Ali and Stadium camps, as well as the Rapid Response IDP camp in Monguno.
Military authorities described the engagement as constructive and reflective of the ongoing partnership between security forces and humanitarian organisations in addressing both security and humanitarian challenges in the region.
The meeting ended without incident, reinforcing the need for coordinated efforts to tackle insurgency and stabilise affected communities in North-East Nigeria.
By TimesNG