A recent report has revealed that jihadi fighters, previously active in Africa's Sahel region, have now established a presence in northwestern Nigeria after crossing from neighboring Benin. The militants, believed to be linked to al-Qaida, have migrated from Benin's northern region to settle in the Kainji Lake National Park, one of Nigeria's largest parks that has been facing security threats.
Local residents near the park have reported increased security concerns, with armed groups attacking nearby villages and roads, leading to the closure of the park for over a year. The situation has made it dangerous for people to access the area, impacting both tourism and wildlife conservation efforts.
The report highlights the escalating security situation in the park and along the border with Benin, emphasizing the unexpected connection between Islamic State group-backed extremists in northern Nigeria and al-Qaida-linked militants from the Sahel region.
Security analysts warn that the remote territories in northwest Nigeria, rich in mineral resources but lacking government presence, provide a fertile ground for jihadi groups to expand their operations. The presence of armed groups in the park poses a threat not only to security but also to the dwindling lion population due to climate change and poaching.
Concerns have been raised about the motives of the Sahel extremists in the park and their potential collaborations with other armed groups in the region. The report suggests that the Sahelian jihadis could leverage northwestern Nigeria for fundraising, logistics, and exerting influence over local jihadi groups, amidst a growing illegal trade network across porous borders.
While banditry remains a significant security threat in Nigeria's northwest, occasional collaborations between bandits and jihadi fighters have resulted in deadly consequences. The evolving security landscape in the region underscores the complex challenges faced by authorities in combating extremism and safeguarding wildlife conservation efforts.
