The war against Boko Haram took a disturbing turn with the arrest of a Chinese national reportedly working alongside insurgents to operate drones used in attacks against the Nigerian military.

The incident underscores how foreign actors and local elites are deepening insecurity in the country.

Such activities are said to be driven by both geopolitical interests and Nigeria’s vast natural resources.

Security sources revealed that the arrested Chinese was aiding Boko Haram in drone operations, enhancing the group’s ability to strike military positions with precision.

This development highlights the growing sophistication of insurgent tactics and raises questions about the sources of their sponsorship.

Analysts argue that Boko Haram’s resilience is not solely a product of local grievances, but is increasingly tied to foreign interests seeking to exploit Nigeria’s instability.

The involvement of foreign nationals in operational roles suggests a deliberate strategy to strengthen insurgent capabilities.

Such actors provide them with advanced technology and tactical knowledge that goes beyond what local fighters could achieve alone.

Also, failure of the Nigerian government to effectively regulate and manage solid mineral resources, have been suggested as a key catalyst.

With people venturing into solid minerals mining, having a field day, not remitting royalty or taxes to the government, and also not adding value to raw minerals are another source of fueling such conflict.

Equally, government’s i-don’t-care attitude to miners not remedying mines, causing grave environmental concerns, also bring about the wave of crises.