Just In: We are using the same weapons with Boko Haram — Military sources counter Major-General John Enenche's claims

General John Enenche

Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, John Enenche, at a media briefing on Thursday, said exposing Boko Haram's sources of financing is not the responsibility of the Nigerian Military, though admitted that criminal groups usually have heavy financial backing.

He explained that the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) were responsible for revealing the sponsors.


“It is not the duty of the military to uncover the sponsors," he said.

However, in response to the General's claims, Military sources said the weapons and hardware being used by Boko Haram insurgents were looted and carted away during invasions on military formations in the northeast.

“It is not correct to say that the weapons being showcased by the terrorists are anything different from those procured for us,” one of the sources said.

“The candid truth is that most of these vehicles, armour tanks and other military hardware were stolen from our bases. Recall that in most displaced military locations, they looted our arms and ammunition to fuel their operations. Most of the vehicles they use were snatched from our frontlines troops.



“Another means is that they get weapons from neighbouring Lake Chad countries at giveaway prices. It is easier to move arms and ammunition to Lake Chad Basin because of porous borders,” the source said.

A public affairs analyst, Abubakar M. Kareto, said the Boko Haram insurgents have several means of funding their operations including taxation of locals, raids on villages, kidnapping and looting of military formations.