There were some reports yesterday that Mrs Grace Dickson had now been released. Sadly, that does not seem to be the case and her ordeal continues.
As if the threat from Boko Haram and its splinter group, Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis Sudan (usually known simply as Ansaru) were not enough, there is now another fundamental Islamist group, which was initially active in Algeria, which may now be trying to enetr Nigeria through its porous border with Niger. The group, the Jamaat Tawhid Wal Jihad Fi Garbi Ifriqiya (The Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa - MOJWA) was formed on 10 December 2011. It comprises young militants from al Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) but broke away from the parent organization. While espousing the same goals, they seek to finance their activities using kidnappings for ransom. They have many weapons looted from the fall of the Ghaddafi regime to assist their operational activities, including many modern first-world weapons. MOJWA, is now going after military operatives and facilities of countries that are assisting France's efforts in quellingthe terrorist insurgency in Mali, including Nigeria whcih has a large force there.
On Thursday, the Jihadist group claimed responsibility for a twin suicide bombing attack at the Nigerian/Nigerien border. Twenty six, mostly Nigerien soldiers, were killed and about 30 injured, in the multiple attacks. MOJWA (also known as MOJOA because it originated in a Francophone country, hence Ouest for West) spokesman, Abu Walid Sahraoui, said the attacks were targeted at "the enemies of Islam."
Nigerian forces are now worried that MOJOA insurgents may well link up with Boko Haram as a result of the large security operation now going on in the north of the country, where Boko Haram bases are being bombed and rocketed and many Boko Haram fighters are crossing the border into Niger. A report in Yesterday's Sunday Punch newspaper highlightsw the concerns:
According to an official, who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the subject, MOJAO poses a threat to Nigeria's security.
He said, "We now have to prevent them from infiltrating Nigeria; we have enough Boko Haram challenges. Don't forget that members of Boko Haram, who were dislodged from Sambisa Games Reserve and other camps in Borno State fled to neigbouring states and the Niger Republic. So many of them from Abadan, Malam Fatori and other villages, are now refugees in Difa, Niger Republic. They can decide to pitch tents with MOJAO.
"MOJAO has attacked barracks in Niger, which is similar to what Boko Haram does in Nigeria. This new group may want to do the same in here majorly because we are also involved in the Malian operation - which is one of their grievances.
"They are also likely to target our soldiers at the border."
When the newspaper contacted the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen Chris Olukolade, on Friday about the threat of the new group, he said efforts were on to sensitise all military formations across the country to exhibit a high level of alertness.
Olukolade said the Nigerian troops were at the border with Niger in line with the military's decision.
He said, "Our troops are everywhere. They have been at the border since the beginning of the operation.
"Military formations are being sensitised on the need to maintain a high level of alertness in all locations whether or not they are involved in any operation or exercises.
"The public is implored to be vigilant and ensure that they report all suspicious movements or activities to security agencies promptly."
President Goodluck Jonathan had on May 14, 2013, during a national broadcast, declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
This was in response to the activities of suspected terrorists in North-Eastern part of Nigeria.
Some sections of Nigeria's border with Niger pass through Yobe and Borno states.
Meanwhile, Adamawa State has begun the registration of residents of communities in its domain as a precautionary step against infiltration by militants fleeing military bombardment in Borno State.
There are reports that holders of the traditional titles of Sarkin Matasa (youth leaders) in communities across the state were driving the project.
A military source in the state said, "Adamawa State through the emirate council has introduced a house-to-house count of people in the state. This is to enable all wards leaders to know the exact number of persons per household and to check infiltrators in Borno."
The source, who pleaded anonymity, added that suspected Boko Haram members, who had fled northern Borno, were regrouping at Zumo area of Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The area is believed to have a difficult topography comprising mountains, rocks, and thick forest that extends to the country's northern border with Cameroon.
The Director, Press and Public Relations of the Adamawa State Government House, Mr. Ahmad Sajoh, confirmed the development.
He said, "What is happening is part of our pro-active measures to mitigate the effects of the state of emergency. The Sarkin Matasa, who are traditional title holders in the state's Emirate Council, will mobilise people to be pro-active.
"What they are doing is to encourage the people to open registers, either in writing or using indigenous methods, to keep track of residents of a given area.
"You know, counter-insurgency cannot succeed without security winning the hearts and minds of the people. With this method, the people will know one another better and will be able to account for members of the community, in case they go out and do not return."
So far none of the Islamist groups has made any serious attempts to attack oilo industry targets in the south, probably because when operating in the mainly Muslim north of Nigeria, they have easy exit routes across the porous borders with neighbouring states. However, they are very well armed and gaining more money through their kidnapping activities. Don't be surprised in the next year or two, to see them extending their theatre of operations further south.