‘Bandits travelling from Zamfara to Borno for terrorist training’

Bandits from Zamfara State have begun travelling to Borno State to receive training from terrorists.

This is according to an internal memo by the Nigeria Immigration Service marked, NIS/HQ/CGI/943, which was addressed to comptrollers.

The memo obtained by PR Nigeria titled, ‘Movement of Armed Bandits from Zamfara to Borno for Intensive Boko Haram Training’ was signed by Assistant Comptroller General, UA Auna.

The ACG confirmed that the service was in receipt of credible intelligence intimating the agency of movements of bandits from Zamfara to Borno for intensive Boko Haram training.

Comptrollers were directed to ensure the prompt submission of valuable information for the attention of the Comptroller General of Immigration Service as they unfold.

They were also asked to intensify monitoring and surveillance around their areas of jurisdictions with the view to gathering information that would help protect lives and properties.

Last week bandits shot down a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet

Bandits have killed over 300 people in the last four months in Zamfara State despite the Federal Government’s ban on flights within the state’s airspace.

Meanwhile, former Boko Haram terrorists who left for Libya for various reasons were returning to join Islamic State for West African Province, a report by Institute for Security Studies has said.

The institute is an African organisation whose aim is to enhance human security by providing authoritative research.

According to the report, about 80 former Boko Haram fighters in two batches arrived in Nigeria from Libya in April, adding that the first set were based in Shuwaram in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State for verification and later deployed to Timbuktu in Damboa Local Government Area, where fighters from the Lake Chad Islands later joined them.

It added that with the support Islamic State, a terrorist organisation, about 120 more, including Arabs who would be permanently based in the region as part of the leadership, are now expected from Libya.

The report said, “As part of the consolidation, former Boko Haram fighters who left for Libya over the years for different reasons are returning to the Lake Chad Basin to rejoin ISWAP.

Interviews with individuals familiar with these movements revealed that about 80 fighters in two batches arrived in Nigeria from Libya in April.

“Among other reasons, some fled after the 2016 Boko Haram split, having been disillusioned by what they saw as the selfishness of leaders in both factions, JAS and ISWAP.

“With support from IS, ISWAP relies on an elaborate network of contacts and routes cutting across West and North Africa (Libya-Algeria-Mali-Niger-Nigeria) to facilitate the movements of fighters. About 120 more, including Arabs who will be permanently based in the region as part of the leadership, are now expected from Libya.”

The report also said the Islamic State was proposing to set up four caliphates in Borno to oversee its activities in the Lake Chad Basin area and beyond.