Nigerian terrorists now work in alliance with ISIS – Osinbajo

Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo has disclosed that terrorists operating within the country are working in alliance with the militant Islamic group, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

Osinbajo called on other countries affected by activities of the terrorists to put hands on deck in tackling the evil collaborations.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, the Vice-President spoke while receiving the Bangladeshi Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Abu Belal Muhammad, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said networking among terrorists groups had increased the need for countries to close ranks to counter the threats posed by their activities.

He said, “We are concerned about terrorism not just within our borders, we have also seen the influence of terrorists across borders and how terrorist organisations have cooperated with each other.

“We are aware for instance that some within our own borders are cooperating with ISIL and we think that this sort of evil collaborations must have a response from countries that share similar experiences and can present a credible force against terrorists.

“Terrorism is a major problem and perhaps the most significant problem that the free world will face in the coming years.”

On the Nigeria-Bangladesh relations, the Vice-President said improved cooperation between the Bangladeshi and Nigerian military would go a long way in curbing threats posed by terrorist groups within and around borders of the two countries.

“We have benefitted a lot from some of your experiences in fighting insurgency in Bangladesh and we hope that we benefit even more from those experiences.

“We have had similar problems with Boko Haram and I know that you have also had problems of some sort with terrorist groups within the borders of Bangladesh,” he added.