He said investigations by the Special Branch revealed that the group involved only Bangladeshi nationals, and was aimed at spreading extremist ideology of the militant Islamic State organisation.

“Their activities were focused on violent extremism with the objective of toppling the government in their country of origin (Bangladesh),” he told reporters at the Hulu Terengganu district council hall here.

“It is important to inform the public that our security forces are on high alert. If such activities are not addressed firmly, they could pose a serious threat to national security,” he added.

Saifuddin had earlier revealed that police dismantled a foreign militant network with the arrest of 36 Bangladeshi nationals suspected of direct involvement in the radical movement.

The arrests were made in a three-phase security operation in Selangor and Johor from April 24.