Security report has reportedly shown that a group, Islamic
State in West Africa (ISWA), is operational in North Central and South South
Nigeria.
According to the report which was described as the result of
findings by security operatives, including the Department of State Services
(DSS), the group deploys foreign terrorists that unleash mayhem on communities,
with a view to exacerbating ethnic and religious tensions.
This report was presented to President Muhammadu Buhari.
A presidency source, at the weekend, said the discovery of
the ISWA network followed the arrest of suspected attackers consisting of
Fulani herdsmen, government-sponsored militias, militants and other miscreants
in Benue State.
The source noted that many of the persons in custody spoke
only the French language, unable to communicate in any of the Nigerian
dialects.
This is the first time security officials have confirmed the
activities of ISWA.
The source disclosed that a “good number” of the terrorists
have been arrested, not only in the Benue valley, but also in towns in Edo
State, specifically Akoko-Edo, Okpella and Benin, and Okene, in Kogi State.
He said “It is understood that the cell, which has members
in different parts of the country, concentrates on recruiting young men to
fight for the Islamic State in West Africa by unleashing cold-blooded murder on
innocent citizens.
“There was intelligence that they planned several attacks,
here, before and during Christmas and New Year. Their bombing targets included
fuel depots, foreign missions, police and military establishments.
“Their network is very wide. So much was achieved by the
DSS, which made a significant number of arrests in the last two months that
helped preempt the attacks. This saved Nigeria from the spate of major
terrorist attacks witnessed elsewhere, syndicated by ISIS worldwide.”
The source added: “We are learning more and more about this
complex and sophisticated network. This is the main reason the secret service
is not parading those suspects so far arrested. It has become clear to us now
that the challenge facing this country is a serious one.”
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and
Publicity, Garba Shehu, confirmed that Buhari has been receiving “report upon report
on the situation in Benue and other states”.
He, however, said he had not been briefed on any
of the reports.
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