Military relocates displaced persons to secure facilities in Monguno as insurgents exploit civilian shelters for cover

The Nigerian Army has raised a red flag over growing intelligence that terrorists are infiltrating Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Borno State, using them as cover to plan and execute attacks.

According to military authorities, the development poses a serious security threat in already fragile communities affected by years of insurgency. The Army noted that insurgents are increasingly blending in with displaced civilians, making it harder for security forces to identify and neutralize threats.

In response, the military has begun relocating displaced persons from informal settlements to newly constructed, more secure camps in Monguno town. Officials say the move is designed to improve surveillance, tighten access control, and prevent unauthorized infiltration.

The Army explained that insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and their affiliates have continued to exploit crowded and poorly secured civilian environments to evade detection. This tactic has complicated ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the region.

Security experts warn that without adequate monitoring and protection, IDP camps—often overstretched and vulnerable—can become soft targets for infiltration and recruitment.

Despite the challenges, the military has assured the public that measures are being intensified to strengthen camp security, enhance intelligence gathering, and safeguard displaced populations, while sustaining operations against insurgents.

The situation highlights the evolving complexity of Nigeria’s security crisis, where humanitarian spaces are increasingly entangled in the conflict.