The federal government has warned that Islamic terrorists typically escalate attacks during the holy month of Ramadan, driven by the belief that dying in violent acts guarantees them a place in heaven.
Defence Minister Christopher Musa made the disclosure on Thursday after briefing President Bola Tinubu on the nation’s security situation.
“It is usual with terrorists during Ramadan. They feel when they die, they are going to heaven, so they are ready to commit any offence and get killed because they believe they have rewards,” Musa said.
He added that the military had intensified operations against insurgents, targeting key strongholds and eliminating top commanders.
“We have changed our strategies. We have taken over the locations, we have killed their commanders. We will continue to do more,” he said.
The warning follows coordinated attacks by terrorists on military bases in Azir Bridge and Banki, Borno State, in the early hours of Friday.
According to the Joint Task Force (North East) under Operation Hadin Kai, troops successfully repelled assaults on both locations.
“The first attack occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on troops’ positions at Azir Bridge in Sector 2, while another assault was carried out at about 3:40 a.m. on the military base at Banki in Sector 1,” the military said in a statement.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide with fasting and prayer.
However, the defence minister warned that terrorists exploit the period to carry out intensified attacks.
Musa stressed that security agencies remain committed to safeguarding lives and maintaining territorial control, vowing that operations against insurgents would continue unabated.
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