That ISWAP Attempt and Military Response in Niger State

That ISWAP Attempt and Military Response in Niger State

By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

In its characteristic display of sheer gallantry, troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces, last week, foiled an attack by terrorists of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), on a military base in Niger state. This was when the ISWAP elements attempted to free their detained ‘comrades’.

It was learnt that dozens of ISWAP fighters on Saturday tried to break into the Wawa military cantonment in the remote New Bussa village in Borgu Local Government Area of the state, near the country’s border, with Benin Republic, to free more than 1,000 of their members in custody of the military authorities.

But unknown to them, the military already had credible intel about their evil intention and thus anticipated the daring attack, that led to the criminals meeting their waterloo, in the process.

After the storm, about eight terrorists were killed, while three of them including the Commander who led the unsuccessful attack were captured and equally detained by the highly spirited troops.

“The terrorists attacked the base around midnight in large numbers but they were pulverised with air support, leading to the death of eight of them,” a military officer said.

This thwarted attack came amidst tension across the country occasioned by the issuance of security alerts in Nigeria by the embassies of US, UK and some other foreign missions.

However, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, a retired Major General had earlier debunked these vague alerts issued by the US and advised the citizens to go about their normal routine business.

It is good to note that Nigeria’s security architectures are capable of providing adequate security to lives and properties of the citizens without meddling with any country.

While responding to US terror alerts, the Defence Headquarters said the Armed Forces and other sister security agencies do not need any prompting from the US or any other country to carry out their constitutional responsibility of securing the country.

It said men of the Armed Forces, especially the Intelligence Community have been working round the clock to ensure that Nigerians and foreigners alike are secured and live their dream.

The Director Defence Information, Major General Jimmy Akpor, said most of the achievements recorded by the military in recent clampdown on terror elements across the country are classified and not published for the public to know.

Speaking on the security alert issued by the United States embassy, Akpor, said even before the advisory, the Department of State Services (DSS) had released a statement warning of plans by terrorists to attack some areas, and the need for vigilance by members of the public.

“Before the alert, there are government institutions that are established to cater for the environment; to ensure that we all live our lives, and for us to live our dreams. People have been working. The Armed Forces is there, the police is there, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other para-military agencies.” Akpor added.

Therefore, this recent masterclass performance by the Nigerian military is a clear indication that the security forces are on top of their games in surmounting the security challenges facing the country. As it was noted, there was a massive improvement on the security situation in recent months, which is largely due to nationwide military onslaught against the non-state actors.

To this effect, the intelligence communities, especially that of the military i.e., the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has continued to be very resourceful in doing ‘behind the curtains’ activities leading to averting of many security breaches.

It can be recalled how a lot of terrorists kingpins from the camps of insurgents, bandits and kidnappers alongside their foot soldiers have been eliminated by the security forces.

Mukhtar is a Staff Writer with the Emergency Digest