ISIS: FG puts security forces, citizens on red alert

Following the pledge of loyalty to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria by Islamist terror group, Boko Haram, the Federal Government has put security forces on red alert to prevent infiltration by the foreign terror organisation.

Coordinator of the National Information Centre, Mr. Mike Omeri, who disclosed this in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the war against terrorism in the country, also said eight alleged masterminds of bombing were arrested in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

He said although there was no evidence that operatives of ISIS were in Nigeria, it was necessary to raise the alert to the security system to prevent any possible infiltration.

Omeri said, 'The centre has noted the latest audio recording posted online by the insurgent group, Boko Haram, where they pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.

'We wish to state that there is no evidence that the IS operates in Nigeria and the latest attempt by Boko Haram to identify with the group is an act of desperation aimed at seeking attention and possible assistance from outside in the face of the crushing defeat they are suffering in the hands of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other regional collaborators.

'The fact of the matter is that Nigeria and her neighbours are pushing the insurgents away from their strongholds, capturing many of them and destroying several of their facilities.

'The government, therefore, wishes to assure Nigerians that this tempo will be sustained until every presence of Boko Haram insurgency is totally obliterated in Nigeria.  The only nation that will exist in Nigeria is a united Federal Republic of Nigeria which demands the cooperation, commitment and patriotism of all its citizens.'