Latest news with #IslamicStateWestAfricaProvince
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.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Nigeria detains soldiers, police over weapons sales to armed groups
By Ope Adetayo ABUJA (Reuters) -The Nigerian military has detained over two dozen soldiers and members of the police force over sales of weapons from military stockpiles to armed groups, including Islamist insurgents, a spokesperson said. Africa's most populous country and biggest energy producer, Nigeria is battling insecurity on many fronts, including a long-running insurgency in the northeast and armed kidnapping gangs in the northwest. Captain Reuben Kovangiya, spokesperson for the military's anti-insurgency operation, said the arrests were part of a crackdown on racketeering involving ammunition. Local media reported that 18 soldiers, 15 policemen and eight civilians were taken into custody. "It is part of the counter-arms and ammunition racketeering operation conducted in every theatre of operations," Kovangiya told Reuters. "If any personnel engage in any act that is inimical to the system, they are arrested and tried." Kovangiya did not elaborate on the types and numbers of weapons sold but said the suspects would be prosecuted. Nigeria has this year experienced a surge in attacks by militants from Boko Haram and its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province, who have overrun some military bases in the northeastern state of Borno. In the course of most of the raids, militants have seized weapons from army bases.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Nigeria detains soldiers, police over weapons sales to armed groups
ABUJA - The Nigerian military has detained over two dozen soldiers and members of the police force over sales of weapons from military stockpiles to armed groups, including Islamist insurgents, a spokesperson said. Africa's most populous country and biggest energy producer, Nigeria is battling insecurity on many fronts, including a long-running insurgency in the northeast and armed kidnapping gangs in the northwest. Captain Reuben Kovangiya, spokesperson for the military's anti-insurgency operation, said the arrests were part of a crackdown on racketeering involving ammunition. Local media reported that 18 soldiers, 15 policemen and eight civilians were taken into custody. "It is part of the counter-arms and ammunition racketeering operation conducted in every theatre of operations," Kovangiya told Reuters. "If any personnel engage in any act that is inimical to the system, they are arrested and tried." Kovangiya did not elaborate on the types and numbers of weapons sold but said the suspects would be prosecuted. Nigeria has this year experienced a surge in attacks by militants from Boko Haram and its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province, who have overrun some military bases in the northeastern state of Borno. In the course of most of the raids, militants have seized weapons from army bases. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
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
Daily Maverick
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
At least 20,000 flee insurgency-hit town in Nigeria, governor says
Borno state has witnessed an upsurge in attacks by suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) assailants this year, raising concerns that the militants are making gains again after years of intense attacks by the military. Borno state governor Babagana Zulum visited Marte, which is close to the border with Cameroon, to assess the security situation and meet military officials there. His visit followed a raid on Marte's army base last week in which militants temporarily overran the installation. At least five soldiers were killed and others went missing in the attack. 'Marte was resettled about four years ago, but unfortunately, over the last three days, it was ransacked and was displaced again,' Zulum told reporters on Sunday. 'About 20,000 people left Marte for Dikwa (town).' Zulum, who also visited Rann, another town where an army base was attacked last week, will on Monday head to Kalawa Balge district where 23 farmers were killed by suspected militants. At least two million people have been displaced and thousands killed by the insurgency in Nigeria in the last 16 years, according to humanitarian groups. Zulum's state government resettled residents in Marte as part of a programme to shut camps for Internally Displaced Persons in Borno capital Maiduguri and upheld the plan as a model for other towns previously controlled by insurgents. But many Marte residents now fear that their lives could be upended again if attacks continue. Boko Haram and Islamic State-backed ISWAP have been adapting their tactics, including using drones for surveillance, security analysts and the military say. Zulum said leaving residents to live in a camp in Dikwa town was a big threat as it would leave young men 'vulnerable to recruitment by insurgents.'
