National Security Adviser Mohammed Sambo Dasuki yesterday expressed concern over 'increasing cooperation' between the Boko Haram sect and 'established terror' groups operating in the Sahel. "Of immediate concern to us today, is the increasing cooperation between the Boko Haram group in Nigeria and established terror groups operating in the Sahel.
"There is also a thin line between these groups and well known international terrorist network," Dasuki said at a regional conference on counter terrorism with the theme "Containing Terrorism in West Africa' in Abuja."
"Game changing incidents and sophistication of the emerging terrorist groups has thrown up greater challenges to security and intelligence agencies across the region. For us in Nigeria, we are responding through increased capacity building for security and law enforcement agencies, synergy and collaboration with international partners while evolving an all encompassing counter terrorism strategy tailored to suit our peculiar situation," he said.
Dasuki noted that the conference was meant to provide an in-depth understanding of the nature of terror groups and make recommendations on policies and strategies to counter the threat in the sub-region and foster greater understanding among countries.
Vice President Namadi Sambo said in his remarks that the Boko Haram sect has transformed in its capabilities within three years by moving away from the use of crude force to carrying coordinated attacks and suicide bombings.
He said the federal government is working towards enhancing counter terrorism capabilities of the country's security agencies.
He said the approval of counter terrorism laws by the National Assembly would enable the government to freeze monies for sect.
Delegates from Sierra Leone, South Africa, Israel, United Kingdom, Italy, Mali, Algeria, Mauritania, US and the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa are attending the conference which will end on Wedneasday.
Daily Trust
i thought as much.something has to be done fast
God will help us to kill all of them
By the grace of God The foreign terrorists will be the team to destroy Bokoharam for us