By Semafor Africa
Photos: YouTube Screenshots
Nigeria appointed a new military commander in its fight against insurgencies in the country’s northeast amid growing attacks by jihadi groups.
A regional governor warned of a major comeback by Boko Haram and its splinter rival, the Islamic State West Africa Province, as they make territorial gains.
Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar will be the 15th commander aiming to end a conflict that has raged for as many years.
Analysts told Reuters the groups were becoming “bolder” and using increasingly sophisticated technologies including armed drones, suggesting they were receiving more funding from the Islamic State’s central leadership.
The spiraling violence has heaped pressure on Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who vowed to solve the country’s security challenges during his 2023 election campaign.
