Nigerian Police Remove Muslim Sect Members From Compound

Concerned about a repeat of religious violence that occurred last month (see prior posting), authorities in Nigeria yesterday raided the compound of a Darul Islam sect in the central state of Niger and removed some 4000 members. AFP reported yesterday that 1500 police from Abuja carried out the operation after state officials expressed concern that the existence and activities of the sect in the town of Mokwa could cause a "religious crisis." The sect members were taken to a technical college building for questioning. Members of the sect did not resist and no weapons were found.