AFRICA/NIGERIA - Are there connections between the Islamic Movement of Nigeria and Boko Haram?

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - "In Nigeria we wonder why the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN tried to kill the army Chief of Staff, General Yusuf Buratai, under whose guidance our military is inflicting hard defeats to Boko Haram", says Fr. Patrick Tor Alumuku, Director of Social Communications of the Archdiocese of Abuja. In Zaria, northern Nigeria, between 12 and 13 December, there were violent clashes between militants of the movement and the Nigerian military. Fighting erupted when the convoy carrying the army Chief of Staff, General Yusuf Buratai, visiting Zaria, found himself blocked because of a religious event organized by IMN. According to the army, the intention was to attack the convoy to assassinate the Chief of Staff. "The final toll of the clashes is 100 dead", said Fr. Patrick. The founder of IMN, Ibrahim Zakzaky and his wife were arrested by the military.
"Several Nigerians are wondering why the IMN was trying to attack general Buratai, who is himself a Muslim", said Fr. Patrick.
"It is suspected that the IMN supports Boko Haram. The latter lost, thanks to the efforts of the army led by General Buratai, almost all the territories it controlled. Under the pressure of the military, survivors of Boko Haram took refuge in neighboring countries, in Chad and Niger; then when the pressure decreases, they go back to Nigeria to carry out attacks, but they no longer have the ability to control entire territories", said the priest. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 15/12/2015)

Share:

armed groups

---

---