3 religious groups behind terrorism activities in Nigeria named

Nigerian government has finally named three groups that are fueling and supporting terrorism in Nigeria and other neighbouring countries.

Giving the names of the groups – operating under the banners of religion – in an address, was Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd), the National Security Adviser (NSA).

The groups, according to him, are Jama’at Nasr al-Islam Wal Muslimin (JNIM), Islamic and Muslim Support Group (IMSG) and Islamic State in Greater Sahara (ISGS).

These groups, The DEFENDER gathered, are known for the inability to justify their evil practices with any evidence from the scripture, since no religion connected with God through his holy books preaches violence.

Speaking at the 14th workshop of the League of Ulamas, Preachers and Imams of Sahel Countries, on Tuesday, General Monguno said terrorism and violent activities by militant Islamist groups in the sahel region since 2016 is primarily driven by the Islamic State in Greater Sahara.

He said the activities of these three groups have continued to pose a threat to the stability of the region.

“It is bolstered by activities of groups such as Jama’at Nasr al-Islam Wal Muslimin (JNIM), the Islamic and Muslim Support Group (GSIM) and ISGS which have continued to pose an imminent threat to the stability of the region,” he said.

“In Nigeria, Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) dominate terrorist activities, especially in the north-eastern part of the country.

“The situation in the Sahel has never been grimmer, extremist violence continues to spread; the number of internally displaced persons (IDPS) is growing; and food insecurity is affecting more people than ever before.

“Thus, it is assessed that while the groups maintain the long-term strategic goal of creating a caliphate, the efforts of Lake Chad Basin Commission countries will continue to frustrate that goal.”

“In that regard, it is imperative that ulamas, preachers, and community leaders in your localities key in to support efforts of our security forces, in order to end this menace.”