A recent report by the Clingendael Institute, a Dutch think-tank known for its extensive research in the Sahel, reveals substantial evidence that jihadi fighters from the Sahel have entered Nigeria via the Benin Republic border.
Released on Wednesday, the report highlights the surge in terrorist attacks and extremism in the Sahel, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The tri-border area of these countries has been severely impacted, with groups like Al Qaeda and the Islamic State expanding their influence and launching attacks against government forces and civilians.
The situation has been exacerbated by an increase in military coups, leading to worsened insecurity as West African nations sever ties with the US and France, opting instead for assistance from Russia.
Benin, bordering Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has also experienced a rise in violent extremism in its northern region.
”That violence has now seeped into Nigeria,” the Clingendael Institute said.
The report indicates that banditry is re-emerging in areas controlled by Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), a militant jihadist organization, in Benin and that these bandits appear to have connections to Nigeria.
Additionally, the report notes that the extremists have established themselves in Kainji Lake National Park, located in Niger and Kebbi states.
“Evidence suggests this involves Sahelian extremists (likely JNIM). Another group would be Darul Salam – a group linked to Boko Haram, if not fully affiliated — with an open attitude towards bandits,” the report said.
“Bandits and unidentified armed groups are known to move towards Kebbi State from Sokoto. It is alleged that these include various Darul Salam fighters with links to the Sahel.”
The Clingendael report stated that the motives of the Sahel extremists in the park are unclear, as is their relationship with other armed groups in the area.
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