ISIS targeting Nigerian children through mobile app

THE Federal Government, on Thursday, alerted citizens to a newly-launched mobile application which the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) developed for propagation of Jihad in children.

It said the app teaches children Arabic alphabets with the aid of guns, military tanks and cannons.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the mobile application is tagged ‘Huroof’ (Arabic alphabets or letters.)

According to him, the application utilises colourful illustrations that attract and engage the attention of young children.

The minister urged members of the public in general and parents in particular to be vigilant and prevent their children and wards from being indoctrinated?

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army, on Thursday, said Boko Haram terrorists now evade drones and aircraft surveillance by hiding in makeshift camps covered with shrubs.

Colonel Sani Usman, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, revealed this new tactic in a statement in Maiduguri.

Usman said in the statement that the discovery was made during a clearance operation in the North Eastern area of Kumshe in Borno.

“Troops of 7 Division Strike Group Team B, attached to 21 Brigade have braved harsh climatic conditions to clear seven villages of Boko Haram terrorists’ presence in the North East of Kumshe village.

“The villages are Mulfuta, Baibawa, Jenere, Bembem, Maksamari, Bula Kafie and Bula Bodi.

“The troops discovered that the Boko Haram terrorists have evolved new tactics of evading surveillance by drones and aircraft. They now hide in makeshift camps covered with shrubs,” said the statement.

It added that the troops recovered some motorcycles, two Dane guns, large quantity of foodstuffs stored in a well constructed storage facility and solar panels.

It stated that the troops proceeded to Bembem, “where the suspected Boko Haram terrorists also laid an ambush for them.

“It was, however, cleared successfully although a soldier sustained gunshot wound during the clearance. He has been evacuated and receiving treatment.

“The team discovered and rescued some hostages held by the Boko Haram terrorists in the area.’’