Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has confirmed the presence of Ansaru terrorists, Boko Haram fighters, and other criminal elements operating within the state.
The governor revealed that the increasing activities of these groups, as well as their growing collaboration with armed bandits, were responsible for the March 28 attack on the Abuja-Kaduna bound train. Many passengers abducted during the incident remain in captivity.
According to El-Rufai, terrorists are shifting base from the Northeast to the Northwest and have begun recruiting young people from vulnerable communities across Kaduna State.
Security Council Briefing on Rising Attacks
Speaking during the State Security Council meeting on Thursday, El-Rufai received a quarterly security briefing from the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan.
Aruwan reported that between January and March 2022, at least 360 people were killed, while 1,389 persons were kidnapped in the state. He added that the Kaduna Central Zone was the most affected by banditry and violent crimes.
Governor Calls for Military Theater Command
El-Rufai expressed deep concern about the terrorists’ use of landmines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in attacks. He urged the Federal Government to establish a military theater command in the region to tackle the growing insurgency.
Ansaru and Boko Haram Regrouping in Birnin-Gwari
Earlier reports indicated that Ansaru and Boko Haram elements were regrouping in Birnin-Gwari Emirate, a development security experts warn could endanger peace and stability in Kaduna State if not swiftly addressed.
