Islamic State defections rise 200% in Nigeria
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Businessday
Defections from Islamic State in Nigeria have increased by more than 200% since the joint military operation carried out in May by Nigerian and US forces. AFRICOM commander Dagvin Anderson attributes the increase to Abu-Bilal al-Minuki’s death and operations against armed networks, according to Businessday.
Defections by Islamic State members in Nigeria have increased by more than 200% since an operation conducted in May by Nigerian and US forces, Dagvin Anderson, commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), said on Monday 26 October, according to Businessday. He attributed the increase to the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the organisation’s second-in-command worldwide, and subsequent operations by the Nigerian army.
Speaking on the sidelines of the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos, Dagvin Anderson also reported a decline in attacks and violence. He said that intelligence-sharing and the combination of Nigerian forces’ local knowledge with US expertise on terrorist networks had contributed to the results. The United States will continue to provide Nigerian services with intelligence, specialised capabilities and training.
Nigerian and US forces conducted operations in northeastern Nigeria in May, during which Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was killed. In June, AFRICOM announced the withdrawal of most US personnel deployed for the operation, while maintaining intelligence support. Anderson nevertheless warned that military intervention alone could not resolve Nigeria’s security problems.
