The offer of a ceasefire agreement by the Boko Haram Islamist sect has made the Federal Government to start focusing on nipping in the bud the activities of the Jamatul Ansaril Muslima fi Biladis Sudan (JAMBS) which translates to Vanguard for the Aid of Muslims in Black Africa, or Ansaru, by mandating its security agencies to unravel the mysterious sect.
The sect claimed responsibility for attacks last month in Kogi State on Nigerian soldiers heading to Mali.
Sources say that the government is careful not to enter a blind agreement with Boko Haram, while the threat from JAMBS remains potent.
They also say that initial investigations confirm that JAMBS is a breakaway sect of Boko Haram, and most of its commanders were formerly commanders of Boko Haram who got disillusioned with the leadership style of the Boko Haram leader, Sheikh Abubakar Shekau.
Information pieced together indicated that the JAMBS leadership fell out with Mallam Shekau due to a number of allegations they levelled against him.
JAMBS is said to be affiliated to Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb (AQIM), and is led by Mallam Abu Usamatul Aansari, who is known as the Supreme Leader or (Amir JAMBS).
Most of its recruits are between the ages of 16 and 22, who are then sent for training in armed and unarmed activities, as well as terrorist support trainings.
“JAMBS capitalised on this to source for funding and training needed for commencement of terrorism acts in the country,” an official communication read.
It was further confirmed that government had decided to watch the peace offer by Boko Haram carefully, so as not to create further problems for the peace process.
“The Federal Government is committed to ensuring peace and harmonious relationship among Nigerians but it should not be seen to be rushing to embrace peace deals in a way that would not last. We will check out the history of the splinter groups to ensure no stone is left unturned,” a source said on Monday.