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Goodluck Jonathan

Abuja – Nigeria’s Islamist sect Boko Haram released a video purporting to show it beheading two men, its first online posting using advanced graphics and editing techniques reminiscent of footage from Islamic State.

The film, released on Monday, shows militants standing behind the two men who are on their knees, their hands tied behind their backs, with one man standing over them, holding a knife.

One of the men is made to tell the camera that they had been paid by authorities to spy on the militant group, before the film moves to another scene showing their decapitated bodies. It was not possible to confirm the film’s authenticity or date.

The footage will stoke concerns that Boko Haram, which evolved out of a clerical movement focused on northeast Nigeria, is expanding its scope and seeking inspiration from global militant networks including al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

The militants who have killed thousands and kidnapped hundreds in their bid to carve out an Islamist state in their homeland, have in recent months stepped up cross-border raids into Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan has said Boko Haram is allied to both al-Qaeda and its offshoot Islamic State, though that has not been confirmed by the group itself.

The Boko Haram film’s use of graphics, the footage of black-clad militants with a black flag, and the editing to show only the aftermath of the beheading, were particularly reminiscent of footage from Islamic state, which has seized large parts of Iraq and Syria and killed several hostages.

In the film, one of the men says he comes from Baga in Borno state, and the other says he is from Michika in Adamawa state, both areas where the army says it has recently recaptured territory from Boko Haram.

Past Boko Haram films have been much cruder affairs, often featuring a man identified as leader Abubakar Shekau talking more about local gripes than global jihad. A number of recent releases have included much more gruesome footage of beheadings.

Meanwhile, Canadian special forces participating in military training in southeast Niger were ordered to withdraw recently to avoid battling with Boko Haram Islamists, the military said Thursday.

The troops had been posted to the town of Diffa, where the government of Niger declared a state of emergency on February 11 following attacks in the region that borders Boko Haram’s stronghold in northeast Nigeria.

The Canadians are participating in US-sponsored counterterrorism training that started on February 16 and is due to wrap up on March 9.

The annual program has 1,300 troops from 19 countries training militaries in five African countries in shooting, movement, communications, and mission planning.

Dominique Tessier from Canada’s defence department did not say how many Canadians were at risk of confrontation with Boko Haram, but noted in an email to AFP that “several members” were relocated from Diffa to other areas such as Agadez and Niamey in Niger and N’Djamena in Chad “due to security issues.”

“This was seen as a prudent measure given the current security situation in the region,” Tessier said, adding the exercise continues.

“Recent events in Niger involving Boko Haram do highlight training such as this to help collective efforts against violent extremist organisations.”

The Canadian special forces also stand ready to provide humanitarian or other assistance, should Ottawa decide to offer help, Tessier said. – AFP