TheCable

Mike Omeri, director-general of the national orientation agency, has raised the alarm that Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is radicalising and recruiting Nigerian youths, most especially children of the rich, through the social media.

Omeri, who raised the alarm at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, advised affluent Nigerians whose children are abroad to keep a close eye on them, citing the radicalisation of Farouk Abdulmutallab, the underwear bomber, abroad.

“The centre also wishes to alert the nation of intelligence reports indicating the radicalisation of our youths through the social media and a variety of other sources,” he said.

“The reports show that these youths who are mostly children of the rich and affluent are being recruited into ISIS.

“We, therefore, call on parents and guardians, especially those whose wards are schooling abroad, to closely monitor the activities of these students who may be susceptible to the antics of the promoters of the ISIS ideology.”

Omeri also spoke on the successes recorded by the Nigerian military in the northeast, assuring Nigerians that very soon, all the territories under Boko Haram would be retaken.

“Since our last briefing on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 some remarkable success has been recorded by the Nigerian military forces in the ongoing war against terror in the northeastern part of the country.

“This success includes the stiff resistance against insurgent incursion into the country at several locations and the recapture of several towns and settlements, which had Boko Haram presence earlier. These include Gabchari, Abba Jabari, Gajigana, Gajiram, Damakar, Kumaliwa, Bosso, Wanti, Jeram and Karisungul, which are currently under the firm control of our gallant troops. (see the map).

“These are in addition to Hong, Mubi North/South, Maiha, Michika, Shuwa, Wuro Gyambi, Gombi, Vimtim, Uba and Bazza (Adamawa); Mafa, Gamboru-Ngala, Malam-Fatori, Abadam, Marte, Monguno and Baga (Borno); Gujba and Gulani (Yobe) which had earlier been liberated.”

He called for patriotism on the part of citizens, saying the war against terrorism would be won through the effort of all Nigerians.

“The centre calls on Nigerians to be patriotic and appreciate the effort and sacrifice of our military and security personnel for the selfless manner in which they are prosecuting the anti-terror war,” he added.

“We also call on our citizens to shun the trend of cynicism among some unpatriotic Nigerians who have chosen to ascribe the recent success in the anti-terror war to external efforts, instead of the untiring efforts of Nigerian troops.”

He urged Nigerians to be vigilant, warning that Boko Haram militants being dislodged in the northeast, might be dispersing into other states across the country to launch attacks on soft targets.