British security agencies are investigating Nigerians living in the United Kingdom for possible links with fundamentalist Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

SUNDAY PUNCH learnt last week that the investigators were seeking to determine if the sect had sleeper cells or members that could launch attacks on the UK, particularly, during the forthcoming Olympic Games in London.

Our correspondent gathered that the investigations were parts of the measures taken by the British authorities to protect competitors and audiences at the London Olympics which holds in July.

The number of Nigerians living and working in the UK is not currently known because of the presence of thousands of illegal Nigerian immigrants on British soil. However, experts say that the Nigerian community in the UK is a little over 250,000.

A source in the British security establishment who pleaded for anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the case told our correspondent that the UK domestic intelligence agency, the M15, had commenced the investigations recently.

The source added that the British were determined not to leave anything to chance, preparatory to the influx of tourists during the Olympics.

In the British intelligence community there are suspicions already that operatives of the sect could travel to the UK under the guise of attending the event.

“It is certainly the case that Britain’s security services are concerned about Boko Haram and the possibility that it might link up with Nigerians living in the UK. There is a Nigerian community here of about 250,000. The fear is that Boko Haram could find supporters here to ignite an attack on the UK,” the source who is familiar with the investigations said.

The source further told our correspondent that immediately after Boko Haram’s attack on the United Nations office in September last year, the UK took steps to better understand the sect and protect its cities against terror attacks.

“Boko Haram showed with an attack on the UN in Abuja last year that it has international ambitions. There are ethnic differences between Nigerian groups — Muslims, Christians — that complicate things.

“I think the threat to the UK is seen as medium term amid fears that Boko Haram is proving highly active and will probably develop,” the source said.

Our correspondent sent an electronic mail to the M15 asking for details of the investigations it was conducting on Nigerians living in Britain. However, the security service had yet to respond to the inquiry when this report was filed.

A similar mail sent to the Press Office of the Home Office, UK, was not responded to.

The source however said the M15 would not be eager to officially respond to SUNDAY PUNCH’s inquiry because the investigations were discreet.

“There is no way the UK authorities would confirm any investigation to you or anybody,” she said.

When SUNDAY PUNCH also got in touch with the Political and Press Secretary, British High Commission, Abuja, Hooman Nouruzi, he said he could not comment on the matter.

“I am sorry, I cannot comment on intelligence and security matters,” Nouruzi said.

Last Tuesday, the UK’s Travel Advisory warned foreigners in Nigeria to be careful because terrorism was at its peak.

It said, “There is a high threat from terrorism in Nigeria. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places such as markets, hotels, shopping centres, places of worship and other areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Government and security institutions as well as international organisations have been attacked by Boko Haram.

“Localised outbreaks of civil unrest can occur at short notice. You are advised to avoid large crowds, demonstrations and obvious political gatherings. Trouble on the streets can be spontaneous, and can quickly lead to violence.

“Details and advice are circulated via the British High Commission’s Community Liaison Officers’ network. We advise British nationals staying in Nigeria for three months or more to register with the British High Commission.”

Early this year, the National Security Adviser, Owoye Azazi, in an article published in the Washington Times said the Boko Haram sect was bent on carrying out a ‘global mission.’

“Like other Islamist extremists, Boko Haram sees itself fulfilling part of a global mission. It is striving to spark a religious war the way racist extremists in the past have tried to provoke race wars,” he said.

Recently, also, the Federal Government appealed to western powers to assist Nigeria in its anti-terrorism battle.

On Wednesday, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, called on the British government to help Nigeria in tackling the current spate of insecurity.

He said this when the visiting British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Lloyd, and the delegation of Department for International Development paid him a visit.

“They should understand our situation because the phenomenon we are facing in Nigeria in terms of security challenge is not only peculiar to Nigeria as a country. It is becoming a global phenomenon. So while you are making efforts in ensuring that you address the phenomenon in your own home country, also consider your brothers who are probably far away from you in terms of geographical expression but very close to you in terms of relationships,” the Speaker said.

Already, Britain has pledged to help Nigeria tackle the Boko Haram menace.

Shortly after Boko Haram’s attack on Kano city that left over 200 people dead, the United Kingdom Foreign Secretary, William Hague, said the international community must be united to effectively nip the activities of the sect in the bud.

Hague said, “I am shocked and appalled by the large scale terrorist attacks in Kano, Nigeria yesterday. The full horror of last night’s events is still unfolding, but we know that a great many people have died and many more have been injured. The nature of these attacks has sickened people around the world and I send my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of those killed and to those injured.

“There is no place in today’s world for such barbaric acts and I condemn in the strongest possible terms those who carried them out. These events underline the importance of the international community standing together in the face of terrorism in all its forms.”

France, Israel, the United States, among others, have also pledged their support.

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