By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
A former Nigerian presidential aide has raised a stark alarm, claiming that terrorist groups are actively attempting to seize a vast swath of territory across four nations to establish a new global headquarters for terrorism.
Hakeem Baba Ahmed, who previously served as a Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, made the declaration in a televised interview.
He asserted that intelligence circles are aware of the threat to carve out a large territory encompassing parts of Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger.
“There are attempts by interests to take over huge territory… and turn it into the global headquarters of terror,” Baba Ahmed stated.
“Those in intelligence circles know this. I’m saying this publicly now. A lot of people know this.”
He emphasized the dire consequences of such a takeover, stating, “We must never allow that kind of thing to happen. We don’t want to live under ISWAP. We don’t want to live under Boko Haram.”
While his warning included a critique of US policy, Baba Ahmed also stressed the importance of the Nigeria-US relationship.
He called for more constructive American support, suggesting targeted sanctions on corrupt leaders instead of broad policies that negatively impact citizens.
He described actions that sow division among Nigerians as the “worst possible approach” to tackling the nation’s challenges.