Boko Haram, Ansaru Terrorists Are Now In Kaduna – El-Rufai Raises Alarm

Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has raised an alarm over the presence of the Boko Haram and the Ansaru terrorists in the state.

El-Rufai disclosed that the terrorists have established their camps in Birnin-Gwari and Giwa Local Government Areas of the state.

He said that while the state is still battling bandits, the presence of the terrorist groups in the state shows that the problem of insecurity has moved from the North-East to the North-West.

The governor called on the military and other security agencies to quickly address the presence of the terrorists and not allow them to move their base to the North West.

He said the government got the information about the presence of the terrorists in the state from one of the kidnap victims that was released recently.

El-Rufai stated on Thursday this while receiving the 2022 First Quarter Security Report from the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan.

He said, “It is unfortunate that in spite of our investment in human, material and other resources to stem the tide of criminality in the state, the levels are still a source of concern.

“This presentation has brought out new emerging concerns that I will want the security council to take note of and discuss and maybe to proffer some suggestions.

“The first great concern is the emergence of Boko Haram terrorists enclave as well as activities of Ansaru, particularly in Birnin-Gwari and Chikun Local Government.

“Among those kidnapped from the train, was a former roommate and classmate of mine who was released upon payment of a ransom and throughout the period that he was in captivity, it was very clear that the terrorists were making comments like the forests in Kaduna are even better than Sambisa, so, they should all relocate here. I think this is an area we should all be concerned about.

“And that is why we have been making the point that the problem of insecurity now has moved from the North-East to the North-West. What is happening in North-West is far more serious and potentially more dangerous than we have ever had in the North-East and we will like the military and other security agencies to take notice of this before it gets out of control.”

The governor also disclosed that the terrorists had started using Improvised Explosive Devices (EIDs) and mines in the state, which the bandits were not using before.

He, however, revealed that 360 persons were killed either by bandits, terrorists or communal violent clash in the state between January and March 2022.

He said: “The second which is related to the first is the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (EIDs) and mines in the state. We have been lucky thanks to the Police we have been able to defuse most of them without causing major loss of lives.

“This is still a major concern. Because this shows very clearly the movement from banditry to terrorism with expertise in making explosive devices. Again this is because Boko Haram and Ansaru elements have moved into the state.”