Insecurity: Boko Haram, Ansaru terrorist groups now in Kaduna — El-rufai raises alarm
…As Nigerian troops kill 43 terrorists, capture 20, rescue 63 victims in North East
…FG should address grievances, exclusion contributing to menace — Security Expert
By Uthman Salami and Ariemu Ogaga
The Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai has raised alarm over the recent infiltration of Boko Haram and Ansaru who have now enclaved the Birnin Gwari and Chukun local government areas of the state.
This is just as the Defence Headquarters disclosed that the troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised 43 terrorists, arrested 20 and rescued 63 kidnapped victims across the North East within three weeks.
Security expert who spoke exclusively with Nigerian NewsDirect offered that the federal government should address all grievances and exclusion contributing to the spate in terrorism activities in Nigeria.
On the recent infiltration of ISWAP into Kaduna state, El-Rufai expressed worries over the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the state, which, according to the Governor, was enough terrifying signal that the deadly terrorist groups have moved into the state.
This disclosure was made by the Governor after the presentation of the Kaduna State Security Incident Report for the first quarter of 2022, which took place at the Council Chambers of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House.
He said the debriefing of the first Abuja-Kaduna train kidnap victim to be released indicated that the terrorists were making comments like “the forests in Kaduna are even better than that of Sambisa and so they should all relocate here.”
“The problem of insecurity now has moved from the North East to the North West.
“The situation in the North West is far more serious and could be potentially more dangerous than we have ever had in the North East.
“And we would like the military and security agencies to take notice of this before it goes out of control,” he warned.
El-Rufai further called attention to the use of IEDs and mines in Kaduna, adding that the state had been lucky while appreciating the security agencies who have been instrumental in defusing “many of the IEDs without loss of lives.”
“A movement from banditry to terrorism with expertise in making explosive devices. And again this is because Boko Haram and Ansaru elements have moved into the state,” he maintained.
Nigerian troops kill 43 terrorists, capture 20, rescue 63 victims in North East
While briefing the journalists on the operations of the Armed Forces between April 28 and May 19, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Bernard Onyeuko, said that 1,627 Boko Haram terrorists and their families, comprising 331 men, 441 women and 855 children, surrendered to the troops at different locations between the dateline.
Disclosing that 53,262 had so far surrendered as of May 16, he said troops killed Malam Shehu, who was the Amir and spiritual head of the group, and some of his foot soldiers during a clearance operation in their enclaves at Jaje, Mango Ali, Dissa, Balangaje.
Troops had on May 14 neutralised Abubakar Sarki, a terrorist commander, and his fighters in Sambisa Forest at Yuwe in Konduga Local Government Area of the state, he added.
According to him, troops nabbed Malam Modu Pantami on the outskirt of Benishied Village in Kaga Local Government Area while attempting to transport large quantity of logistics items to terrorists.
“Consequently, during these operations, troops rescued 63 civilians, neutralised 42 terrorists, and arrested 20 terrorists.
“Troops also recovered two LMGS, 21 AK47 rifles, 11 AK 56 rifles, 22 MGs, 419 rounds of 7.62mm and 54mm ammunition, one gun turret, 31 AK 47 magazines, three motorcycles, and six bicycles.
“Other items recovered are one pumping machine, two bandolier belts containing 377 rounds of 7.62mm and 54mm ammunition and one Isuzu vehicle.
“All surrendered Boko Haram Terrorists, recovered items, rescued civilians and captured terrorists have been handed over to appropriate authorities for further actions,” he added.
In Operation Whirl Stroke, Onyeuko said the Nigerian Military killed 13 bandits in clearance operations across Benue and Taraba States during the period.
According to Onyeuko, troops recovered 27 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one motorcycle and eight phones.
“The military high command appreciates the general populace for their continued cooperation with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Nigeria Police and other security agencies in their fight against all forms of criminalities in the country.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is determined to bring peace back to our dear country while saluting the courage and sacrifices by its troops in the field,” Onyeuko concluded.
FG should address grievances, exclusion contributing to menace — Security Expert
While reacting to the latest security threat in a chat with Nigerian NewsDirect yesterday, a security expert and Chief Executive Officer, Beacon Security Consult, Dr. Kabiru Adamu said Government should address grievances, exclusion perceived to be contributing to terrorism escalation.
According to him, “The presentation of the Kaduna State First Quarter 2022 security report is commendable. The state’s adoption of data and metrics is a novel approach in Nigeria.
“Among several trends in the report is the alarm that two terror groups are finding safe havens in the state. These are, what the state calls ‘Boko Haram’ and Ansaru. It says the groups are behind some of the attacks in the state. This development is in line with what my consultancy has been reporting.
“Other concerns raised by the governor is the adoption of IEDs as attack vectors. This too we have reported in my consultancy’s report.
“The Governor also spoke about drug addiction and the supply chain that supports drug supply to bandits.
“The one thing that the report and the governor did not mention is how grievance and exclusion is real and perceived contributes to security challenges in the state.” he stated.
