KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 — A wanted Malaysian militant is believed to be working with 40 Islamic State (IS) terrorists to abduct locals to strengthen their influence in the east coast of Sabah, according to security sources.

The Star reported intelligence sources as asserting the Tawau-born Amin Bacho evaded the Philippine military last year and is hiding in Jolo with his father-in-law, Abu Sayyaf commander Hatib Hajab Sawad.

“So far, they (the militants) have carried out local kidnappings in Jolo itself but they are likely to look beyond soon,” the sources were quoted as saying.

The news report said the group has been terrorising the Sabah’s east coast with numerous abductions in the past decade.

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The most recent case happened last Wednesday where Enrico Nee, an engineer with the Public Works and Highways, was kidnapped by a sub-group of the Abu Sayyaf — Ajang Ajang group.

Sources said Amin, who is wanted for his involvement with outlawed extremist Darul Islam Sabah group, partnered with key figure Owayda or Abu Dar in the Marawi City siege in May 2017.