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India.com
2 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Pakistan's Terror Factory Now Expanding Network Beyond India, Targeting Muslim-Majority Nations Like Nigeria?
New Delhi: New Delhi: In a shocking revelation that exposes Pakistan's complicity in the worldwide spread of terrorism, Nigerian security forces have detained four Pakistani men on charges of training and arming members of Boko Haram, according to reports. Nigeria, a Muslim-dominated country where about 46 per cent of people are Muslim, has been fighting the extremist Boko Haram, for well over a decade. The latest arrests highlight concerns that cross-border terrorism now appear to have spread from South Asia to the Gulf, and possibly beyond. According to Nigerian officials, quoted in media reports, the Pakistani citizens were but also training the militants in critical combat skills in addition to supplying arms. The trainings include carrying out ambush-like attacks, making improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and using surveillance drones. Reports suggest that support from foreign mercenaries, including Pakistanis, has boosted the capabilities of groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Major General Abdulsalami Abubakar, commander of the Nigerian Army's Operation 'Hadin Kai Theatre', has been quoted as saying that these foreign operatives are aiding insurgent groups with strategic warfare knowledge. According to him, this has turned Boko Haram into a more formidable terror organisation from a weakened group. Boko Haram's Deadly Trail of Violence A faction of Boko Haram carried out brutal attacks at Kwatandaya and Mallam Karamti villages in Nigeria's Borno state earlier this month. At least 57 civilians lost their lives in the assault. Many of the victims were either had their throats slit or militants also reportedly abducted over 70 people. Boko Haram's insurgency has led to the deaths of over 35,000 people and displaced nearly 2.6 million since 2009. The group recruits children as fighters and carries out massacres and mass abductions. Increased use of IEDs and drones – pointing to foreign assistance – has been noticed in recent attack. Analysts have long warned about Pakistan's alleged role in exporting extremism. Similar pattern of attacks have been observed in like Russia, Iran, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and even in the 9/11 attacks in the United States where unconfirmed linked to Pakistan's involvements have been noted. A recent counter-terrorism operation in India, codenamed 'Operation Sindoor', has further intensified scrutiny on Pakistan's military and intelligence services. The Nigerian arrests further emphasises these concerns and suggest an international scale to the country's alleged support of terrorist activity. What was once perceived as a regional security issue is now emerging as a broader global emergency. The alleged presence of Pakistani nationals aiding violent groups thousands of kilometers from South Asia has raised alarms about the international implications for peace, stability and human security.
News24
2 days ago
- General
- News24
Nigeria detains troops, police for alleged sale of weapons to armed groups
The Nigerian military has detained more than 30 soldiers and police officers for allegedly stealing weapons from its stockpiles and selling them to armed groups, including jihadists in the country. The country is battling a more than 15-year jihadist insurgency in the northeast, as well as a farmer-herder conflict in the north-central region, violent secessionist agitation in the southeast and rampant kidnap-for-ransom in the northwest. A spokesperson, Ademola Owolana, said the army launched an operation in August 2024 as a 'response to incessant cases of arms and ammunition theft'. 'So far, a total of 18 soldiers, 15 mobile policemen and eight civilians, including a traditional ruler, have been arrested,' Owolana said at a Wednesday briefing whose recording was accessed by AFP on Friday. He added: A few soldiers motivated by greed had been involved in ammunition racketeering, deliberately diverting arms from military stockpiles and supplies chains to terrorists. The country has seen a resurgence in deadly jihadist attacks in the northeast in recent weeks, with Boko Haram and the IS-affiliated Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) staging raids targeting military bases in particular. Raids on military bases have provided jihadists in the Sahel countries with at least 20% of their weapons, according to the UK-based Conflict Armament Research, which has studied jihadist weapons sources for a decade.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
After India, now Africa: Pakistani terrorists training Boko Haram and ISIS in Nigeria, 4 arrested
Four Pakistani nationals who are suspected of helping terrorist groups in Nigeria are arrested by The Nigerian Army . Reports say these Pakistanis were hired fighters who were training Boko Haram and ISIS-linked ISWAP in Nigeria. They were also involved in smuggling weapons to the terrorists. Their help has made Boko Haram and ISWAP more dangerous and advanced in their attacks. Terrorists are now using drones for spying and attacking, and are also making more advanced bombs, IEDs and booby traps to target soldiers. These Pakistani mercenaries are teaching terrorists tactical and strategic skills. Due to this foreign support, terrorists are now working better together, causing more deaths among soldiers and damaging more army equipment, as stated in the reports. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Anvisa aprova solução para ajudar a reduzir gordura visceral da barriga em 7 dias! Você Mais Saudável Hoje Saiba Mais Undo Abubakar said this is not just a fight between the terrorists and the army, it is a fight against the whole country of Nigeria. He warned that this situation is very serious and dangerous, and that Nigeria needs to work with nearby countries to stop this cross-border terrorist support, as per the report by The Cable. Abubakar also called for better intelligence and surveillance, including the use of more spy tools and cooperation to stop these terrorists. He praised the Nigerian soldiers who are working hard in tough conditions, especially those staying in harsh weather where it gets very hot in the day and cold at night. Live Events He asked Nigerians to appreciate and support their soldiers, saying the best way to do that is by spreading the message through the media. Lastly, he said that if all Nigerians stand united against terrorism, the country can make real progress in defeating these groups, according to the reports. FAQs Q1. Why were Pakistani nationals arrested in Nigeria? They were caught for training terrorists and helping them with weapons. Q2. What groups were the terrorists linked to? They were linked to Boko Haram and ISIS-affiliated ISWAP.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: How NEDC's projects are rebuilding lives, infrastructure in Northeast?
For decades the Northeast of Nigeria, particularly Borno State, has come under serious threat from the activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP. This challenge led to the collapse of infrastructure, like water supply, electricity supply, as well as the destruction of houses and cities, towns and villages. According to a resident of Maiduguri, Muntari Shariff, 'The Northeast especially Borno State is in hopeless state of infrastructural delay. Thousands of people have been displaced. To be candid, government alone can't do it alone.' Findings by Nigerian Tribune revealed that it was based on such premise that the Federal Government established the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in 2017. Since the establishment of the commission, it has been up and doing in order to bring succour to the people of the Northeast. It was gathered that several interventions by the commission aimed at bringing relief to the six states in the Northeast have been carried out. Even though, some are of the opinion that more interventions need to be done, there are a lot of successes have been recorded. NEDC's interventions so far Nigerian Tribune gathered that the commission has carried out a number of interventions in the Northeast region. Findings by Nigerian Tribune showed that in Konduga and Gwom in Borno State, the NEDC has constructed modern housing estates for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). For many who fled their villages due to the insurgency, these homes are the first step towards rebuilding family life and finding peace again. 'We have been living in camps for years. But now, we have a roof of our own,' said Bukar, a father of five, resettled in Gwom. The commission has also supported the repatriation of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, and is working closely with local authorities to help IDPs return to their ancestral communities. Also, healthcare infrastructure has received a major boost. For instance, at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), a new 40-room labour ward is now operational, easing the burden on maternity services. In addition, the commission has provided life-saving equipment and constructed additional blocks in UMTH, General Hospital, Eye and Dental Hospital, and the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Maiduguri. Meanwhile, hundreds of solar-powered streetlights have been installed across Maiduguri. Nightlife, once shut down by insecurity, is slowly returning. Markets now stay open for longer, and residents feel safer walking in their communities. The commission has made education a top priority, especially for children affected by the conflict. Schools destroyed during attacks have been rebuilt, thereby reopening the doors of learning for thousands. In Mafa, 14-year-old Amina said, 'They tried to stop us with fear, but now we are going back to school. It gives me hope.' To further improve the quality of education, the NEDC is training 600 Tsangaya and Islamiyya school teachers across the Northeast. A broader programme is also underway to train 100,000 teachers from the six states of Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Taraba. To tackle rising youth unemployment, the NEDC has rolled out skill acquisition programmes. In partnership with the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC), young people have been trained in electricity installation and line work at the National Power Training Institute in Kainji. In Jere and Mafa, vulnerable farmers and women entrepreneurs have received over 1,000 water pumps, 400 cartons of herbicides, and 200 units each of spaghetti-making and grinding machines—giving many families a fresh start in micro-enterprise. Minister calls for collaboration Speaking during a visit to Borno State recently, the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmodu, stressed the need for close collaboration with the Northeast Governors Forum to achieve the broader Northeast Stabilisation and Development Plan (NESDP). The minister noted that the Ministry of Regional Development will ensure adequate supervision of NEDC to achieve the goal to rebuild and stabilise the Northeast region after years of insurgency and economic disruption. The minister's delegation during the visit comprised the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on NEDC, Hon. Usman Zannah, and other committee members; the chairman of the NEDC board, Major General Paul C. Tarfa (rtd); the MD/CEO of the commission, Mohammed Goni Alkali, and other senior management officials who were part of the strategic meeting. Zulum's challenge to NEDC While welcoming the entourage, the Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, called on NEDC to prioritise projects that can provide lasting benefits and boost infrastructural development across the six states in the northeast region. The governor, was speaking at the Government House, when he received the expanded management and board of the NEDC led by Ahmodu. Governor Zulum listed security, dry inland ports, African Intercontinental Free Trade Zone, independent electricity supply, and road networks as some of the key priorities for the northeast. He said, 'I think the time has come for us to prioritise our projects. We have gone into more than 50 per cent of the lifespan of the NEDC. I am not saying that NEDC will collapse. What I mean by lifespan is the funding window allocated to the commission according to the act that established it. So, let's come up with what we can do to get maximum benefit from establishing the commission. 'Other commissions have come on board; we cannot afford to perform below them. This time around, we must have a yardstick. Otherwise, not only the minister, the chairman of the House committee, or the MD, but all of you are from the northeast; a time will come when we will call you out that there is nothing tangible to show within your tenure.' Zulum, however, assured the minister and the NEDC management of the governors' commitment within the Northeast to support the commission in achieving its mandate. Despite his demand, the governor also commended the NEDC for supporting the state with humanitarian aid, school projects, and other programmes that positively affect the lives of the people of Borno State and the region. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Nigeria Arrests 4 Pakistanis, Accuses Foreign Mercenaries Of Training Boko Haram, ISWAP Terrorists
Last Updated: Abubakar noted that foreign mercenaries provide both tactical and strategic training to the terrorists of ISWAP and Boko Haram. The theatre commander of Operation Hadin Kai of Nigeria, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, raised concerns about the increasing infiltration of foreign mercenaries into the north-east region of the country, exacerbating the threat from terrorist groups such as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram. Abubakar, during a media tour in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, highlighted that the involvement of these mercenaries has led to the adoption of more advanced tactics by terrorist organisations. The tactics include: Use of drones for surveillance and attacks, the production of sophisticated improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and the setting of traps aimed at military personnel. 'The infiltration of foreign mercenaries in the joint operations area has significantly escalated the threat posed by terrorist groups like ISWAP and JAS," the theatre commander of Operation Hadin Kai was quoted as saying by The Cable. The Nigerian army on Wednesday informed that four Pakistani nationals were arrested over their alleged ties to terrorism. The arrested Pakistanis were suspected of arms trafficking with terrorists. It was highlighted that the arrests were indicative of the growing external support. Abubakar noted that these mercenaries provide both tactical and strategic training to the terrorists. The commander also pointed out an increasing coordination among terrorist networks. 'The growing influence of these mercenaries is evident in the terrorists' increasing coordinated assets, leading to greater casualties among troops and significant equipment losses," he added. In response to this, Abubakar has called for an immediate and coordinated response, emphasising the need for enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. He also urged a stronger collaboration between Nigeria and neighboring countries to disrupt cross-border support networks. He stressed that Boko Haram and ISWAP are not just waging war against the armed forces but against Nigeria as a whole. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 29, 2025, 16:58 IST
