An ‘unholy handshake’
That’s what Nigerian officials are calling the new alliances between violent extremist groups—such as Boko Haram, Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), Fulani herdsmen, bandits and gangs. The groups are reportedly coming together, coordinating their attacks on Christians and anyone who does not adhere to their strict interpretation of Islam.
And because of this, our brothers and sisters in West Africa face even greater threats than ever.
Recent attacks in Nigeria’s Kaduna State, including on a train travelling from Abuja and Kaduna International Airport as well as battles with government forces even has some officials suggesting cooperation between extremist groups in Nigeria. Following mass killings in Plateau State, State Information Ministry Lai Mohammed told reporters the attacks were a result of “a kind of unholy handshake between bandits and Boko Haram insurgents.”
Usman Yusuf, a member of the Northern Elders Forum who in the last few weeks dared to venture deep into forest hideouts to visit with groups of bandits in several parts of the country, told a national broadcaster he feared “that the marriage between ISWAP fighters and bandits would be the most lethal threat to the existence of Nigeria.”
Yusuf pointed to the nature of recent attacks on government installations and public systems in Kaduna State that show these bandits have joined forces with the Islamist State of the West African Province.
“The moment we saw that (Kaduna) train attack, we knew this was not the job of the ragtag bandits we met; this is the modus operandi of ISWAP. What we’ve been scared would happen has happened; the unholy alliance between bandits and ISWAP.
“Nigerians need to take a deep breath; we are in a very serious situation. The security situation in this country has gone out of hand.”