BEVERLY HILLS, June 21, (THEWILL) – The defence headquarters says there is no evidence to support the allegation that ISIS has been “sneaking Jihadists into Nigeria from Syria”.
According to John Agim, Acting Director of Defence Information, if it is true that the militants had been training fighters in Nigeria, proactive measures would be taken to “nip such development in the bud”.
“It is pertinent to state categorically that there is no concrete evidence on the ground to back the claim,” NAN quoted him to have said.
“The armed forces of Nigeria is aware that there is collaboration between terrorist groups, thus, it is important to note that the activity of one group in a country influences other groups in other countries and because of this knowledge, activities of other terrorist groups usually affect our own military strategy.
“The Nigeria military will continue to condemn all tactics by terrorist groups of isolating the Armed Forces of Nigeria, from any foreign collaboration.”
He assured Nigerians that the armed forces is capable of defending the country.
“Hence, the ill motivated stories, clips and their claims should be disregarded,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government restated that it had taken seriously the report that terrorist group Islamic State was sending insurgents trained in Syria to Nigeria in a terror exchange programme.
Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau said in Abuja that the government would not rest on its oars in securing the country in all situations.
Dambazau spoke at the presentation of curriculum and training manuals for the Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS) training institutions.
The minister said: “When information like this (influx of ISIS members into the country) comes, we do not take things for granted, even if it is not true, because it is security information.
“Before now, we were prepared to ensure that everything we needed to do security-wisewas done and such information also raises the alarm, we will double our efforts towards that.”
Also the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has directed its Area Comptrollers to intensify the screening process of passengers and luggage.
A memorandum from the Assistant Comptroller General, Tariff and Trade, Ekekezie K.C, titled “Re: Islamic State of Iraq and Syria threat to attack commercial flights,” read: “I am directed to inform you that in view of the security threat alert presented in the letter, you are to intensify the screening process of alert all passengers and luggages including other measures you may deem fit to forestall potential security breach as directed.”
About the Author
