Daily Trust
Security and intelligence officials are on high alert over reports of increasing ties between terrorist groups and bandits operating in the North West and parts of the North Central, Daily Trust exclusively gathered.
The alert is coming on the heels of a recent security report indicating that bandits in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Niger and Kaduna states have acquired a stockpile of arms preparatory to launching major attacks within their areas of operation.
As a result of the report, security personnel were placed on alert on the “urgent need for increased surveillance, particularly around international borders in Katsina, Sokoto and Kebbi states.”
The three states jointly share border with Niger Republic to the West, with a long and largely unmanned section which is believed to be a major route for arms smuggling into the country.
Aside the intelligence report sighted by one of our reporters last week, another credible security source confirmed the information, saying the vicious terrorist, Bello Turji, had already taken stock of a large cache of weapons about three weeks ago.
A senior security official in the North West said the acquisition of arms and operational plans were indicative of the bandits’ “fusion” with the jihadi groups which had for long been working to have firm footing in the area.
The official said, “It was further confirmed that in the coming days, the bandits plan to unleash massive, widespread attacks on citizens, security formations and commuters plying major highways across these states. The acquisition of arms as reported is apparently preparatory to this planned onslaught.”
