The Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluations at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) of the Nigerian Army, Major General Adekunle Ariyibi, has confirmed that terrorists groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State in West African Province (ISWAP), have been enjoying foreign sponsorship which has made it possible for the groups to continue their sustained assault on Nigeria.
Gen Ariyibi who made the assertion while appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s programmed, ‘The Morning Brief’ on Monday, insisted that the lingering terrorists acts in the country was as a result of the backing the groups have enjoyed from foreign bodies.
Aribiyi who was reacting to allegations made by U.S. Congressman, Scott Perry, that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), had been actively involved in funding terrorist organisations including Boko Haram, said it was obvious that the group was enjoying both financial and tactical support which is one of the reasons the war against terrorism has lingered in Nigeria.
“There’s no doubt about it that this sort of operation cannot be sustainable for the past 15 years without some sort of external collaboration and assistance,” the Army chief said.
“It’s obvious that the operations of Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West African Province (ISWAP) have metamorphosized since their allegiance with ISIS, and they have had access to international funding which is beyond the shores of Nigeria. It’s obvious in the caliber of weapons you see them display.
“It’s obvious in the sort of sustainability plans that they have. Right now, they are moving into drones and not only surveillance drones but also drones that can deliver leather weaponry.
“So, there’s no doubt about it that; this is the lifeline which is sustaining these operations beyond the local collections that they make on taxing and all of that,” Gen. Ariyibi insisted.