At a time when Nigerians are anxiously
counting the last days of the
protracted Boko Haram insurgency in parts of the North-East and elsewhere, the attempted visit of leader of one of the world’s most notorious terrorist armies, ISIS, to Nigeria, should worry the country’s intelligence, community.
Radical Muslim cleric, Ahmed Al Assir was arrested August 15, this year by Lebanese security operatives at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport, while, trying to board a flight to Cairo, Egypt, enroute Nigeria.
Lebanon’s General Security Directorate which was quoted as saying, the terrorist leader was planning on flying into Nigeria also said that the traveller already had a valid Nigerian Visa in his possession.
Also brandishing a Palestinian passport, one of the world’s most wanted terrorists, would have found himself in the country, but for the vigilance of the Lebanese security operatives.
Since President Muhammadu Buhari, charged newly decorated Service Chiefs to end the Boko Haram Insurgency within three months, Nigerians have been up beat and optimistic that the days of senseless killings, wanton destruction of property and heightened insecurity would soon be over. Nigerian troops, on their part have recently demonstrated true readiness to accept the presidential challenge.
In the light of the same, there had been improved air bombardments in the most dangerous Sambisa Forest with very impressive gains. Troops have also recovered military equipment abandoned by terrorists on the run.
This is why news of the attempted sneaking into Nigeria, by Al Assir ought to be examined thoroughly. We are happy that President Buhari has already ordered full investigation into the circumstances that resulted in the issuance of a Nigerian visa to such a terrorist leader, who has been on the wanted-list of several governments.
Such a probe is necessary if for nothing else, to nip in the bud any recurrence. It should help ascertain also, if others like Al Assir had gained entrance into the country and to what extent such illegal presence may fuel the insurgency.
There is no gainsaying that a collaboration between ISIS and Boko Haram would change the face of the battle Nigerian troops are gearing win.
It is to avoid such international collaboration that Nigerian officials have recently been very strict with some Nigerians trying to travel abroad. It is feared that some Nigerian youth may have also been making frantic efforts to sneak out of the country to enlist in terrorist armies.
These indeed call for extra vigilance not only on the part of the country’s intelligence community, but also all Nigerians. Our borders are indeed too porous and require improved policing by the various security operatives.
Our people must watch out for persons asking for directions and overtly generous. They must review their attitude to suspicious characters no matter the nationality or colour.
The citizenry must be more security conscious. They must indeed be very careful, how they allow strangers into their homes, for domestic chores like water supply and waste removal. The prevailing security atmosphere cannot afford such carelessness.
Nigerians should be more vigilant and report suspicious characters to law enforcement authorities. That way, they too, will be contributing their own quota to national security.
More importantly, The Tide expects all Nigerian Embassies abroad to face their job with the seriousness, the times require. They must improve on their intelligence profile so as to be able to replicate the success of the Lebanese Security Directorate.
These indeed are strange and challenging times, when, all hands must be on deck to ensure the security of lives and property.
That assignment should no longer be left in the hands of the police and the military alone.