TheCable

The Islamic State in Syria and Iraq (ISIS) has accepted the allegiance offer of Boko Haram.

Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, spokesman of the group, which has large parts of Syria and Iraq under its control, announced the acceptance in a message entitled ‘kill and be Killed’.

On Saturday, Abubakar Shekau, leader of Boko Haram, declared that his sect would be going into an alliance with ISIS.

“We announce our allegiance to the caliphate and we will hear and obey in times of difficulty and prosperity, in hardship and ease,” Shekau said.

However, in addition to accepting Boko Haram’s loyalty to ISIS, al-Adnani threatened Jewish and Christians.

“We announce to you to the good news of the expansion of the caliphate to West Africa because the caliph… has accepted the allegiance of  our brothers of the Sunni group for preaching and the jihad,” al-Adnani said.

On Wednesday, a delegation from the United States met with some Nigerian officials to discuss on possible security measures to adopt in tackling the issue of extremism in Nigeria.

Stephen Lynch, a member of the US congress, who led the delegation, expressed concern over the high of insecurity in the country.

“This is a critical time for Nigeria and this region,” Lynch said.

“The bombings and other Boko Haram activities are sure to further destabilise some areas in the run up to the election. It’s a precarious situation.

“The situation can change quickly and we have to continue to find ways to collaborate with our African partners as they battle against regional terrorist organisations.”

In a recent interview with the Voice of America, President Goodluck Jonathan disclosed that Boko Haram members have been undergoing training in ISIS camps.

“We know the links are there,” he said.

“Some of the Boko Haram members go to have their training in the ISIS camp and come back.”