Al-Qaeda-Linked Terrorists Settle in Northern Nigeria’s Kainji Lake National Park: Report

A recent report by the Clingendael Institute as reported by AP News reveals a troubling development in northern Nigeria, where Al-Qaeda-linked militants have allegedly crossed from the Republic of Benin into Kainji Lake National Park. This park, once a thriving tourist hub known for its rare wildlife, including one of West Africa’s dwindling lion populations, has now become a hotspot for armed groups.

The report highlights the park’s growing vulnerability, as it has been closed for over a year due to escalating security threats from these militants. Local residents and sources from The Associated Press describe a region under siege, where once-bustling pathways and tourist activities have ground to a halt amid fears of violence and instability.

Kars de Bruijne, a senior researcher at the Clingendael Institute, emphasizes the severe implications of this situation. He points out that the presence of these armed groups marks a dangerous connection between Nigeria’s internal insurgents and extremist elements in the Sahel linked to Al-Qaeda. This nexus is increasingly worrisome for both regional stability and conservation efforts.

The deteriorating security landscape is not just a local issue but part of a broader pattern across northwest Nigeria. Here, limited governmental oversight, rich mineral resources, and pervasive poverty create a fertile ground for extremist infiltration. The porous borders between Nigeria and its neighbors exacerbate this problem, allowing militants to move and operate with relative ease.

Security experts, like James Barnett, warn of the dual threat posed by local banditry and the growing influence of jihadi groups. Occasional alliances between these factions have already led to deadly consequences, further destabilizing the region…..See More 

The Noise Will Favor Fubara, But The Law Is Likely To Favor Nyesom Wike And His Group—Oby Ndukwe