JNIM's First Attack in Nigeria Prompts President Tinubu to Order Decisive Military Action

JNIM Marks First Attack on Nigerian Soil

The Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group, has claimed responsibility for its first known attack within Nigeria. The incident, which occurred on October 29 in Kwara State near Nigeria's western border with Benin, resulted in the death of a soldier and the seizure of ammunition, cash, and equipment. This development signals a significant expansion of the group's operational reach and poses a grave new challenge to Nigeria's already complex security landscape.

Following the attack, President Bola Tinubu swiftly ordered his newly appointed military leaders to confront emerging armed groups across north-central, northwest, and parts of southern Nigeria. Speaking after a decoration ceremony at the presidential villa, President Tinubu stated, 'We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right at the head.'

JNIM's Growing Presence in West Africa

JNIM, formed in March 2017 from a merger of Mali-based extremist groups, has been a dominant force in the Sahel region, primarily operating in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The group aims to establish a Salafi-Islamist state across West Africa and expel Western influences. Over the past few years, JNIM has steadily expanded its operations southward, conducting attacks in neighboring countries such as Benin, Togo, and Côte d'Ivoire.

Experts indicate that JNIM terrorists may have been establishing a presence in Nigeria as far back as 2021, particularly in the Kainji forest, which borders Benin and includes parts of Kwara and Niger states. The group's expansion strategy often involves tactical intrusions to identify security gaps and local allies, potentially leveraging existing networks with groups like Ansaru, another al-Qaeda-linked entity in Nigeria.

Implications of the Kwara State Attack

The attack in Kwara State is considered strategic due to its location in central Nigeria and its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory. Nigerian political scientist Folahanmi Aina noted that 'Given JNIM's strength and capabilities, the group now poses an existential threat to Nigeria, which already faces multiple security threats.' The incident suggests JNIM might be testing Nigeria's security architecture to create new fronts in the central region.

The entry of JNIM further complicates Nigeria's security challenges, which already include ongoing battles against:

• Boko Haram
• The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)
• Various bandit groups and other non-state actors

President Tinubu's Firm Directive to Military Leadership

On October 30, President Tinubu decorated newly appointed Service Chiefs, including General Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff), and Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke (Chief of Air Staff). During the ceremony, he charged them with demonstrating urgency, courage, and innovation in tackling the nation's security challenges.

President Tinubu emphasized that security is fundamental to national development and that Nigerians expect results. He pledged full support and resources to the military, stating, 'We need to clean them up, clear them out, and make our nation safe again.' This directive underscores the government's commitment to a renewed effort to ensure peace and stability across the country.

A Broader Security Overhaul

The President's orders are part of a broader security overhaul, which includes plans to classify violence by any armed groups as terrorism and a significant increase in the defense budget. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the military's fighting capability, recruit more personnel, and acquire advanced equipment to counter the evolving threats. The government seeks to prevent the entrenchment of JNIM and other groups by combining military and governance tactics.