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Tag: Abubakar Shekau

  • I can make Shekau, others surrender: Ex-Boko Haram commander

    A 32 year-old former Boko Haram Commander, Rawana Goni, has appealed to the Nigerian military authorities to allow him make a phone call to the elusive leader, Abubakar Shekau and at least 137 other terrorists to make them surrender.

    Goni, who is undergoing rehabilitation at a military detention camp in Maiduguri, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    The former Boko Haram commander is an indigene of Bama in Borno state. He surrendered to the military in Cameroon after escaping from Sambisa Forest eight months ago.

    He claimed to have held several positions in ten different cells of Boko Haram in Sambisa. He said the last position he held was as the Chief officer of Dispute Resolution for the group. He explained that many militants came to him to settle problems ranging from family matters. He also reconciled Boko Haram factions.

    “I rescued people sentenced to death and minimised punishment of those who committed crimes. I am one of the most influential persons in the group and they always listened and abided by what I said.

    “I  joined Boko Haram because of the condition I found myself in the last five years. When the insurgents invaded Bama town, I ran with my family to Cameroon thinking I was in a safe destination. But on reaching Cameroon, I was shocked to realise that I brought myself into another Boko Haram camp. By that time, I knew I would not survive without joining the group.

    “Days after my induction, we opened a permanent camp at the Cameroon border and named the forest “Aluska”. It was in that camp that I learnt all types of trainings including handling weapons.

    “After the training,  we embarked on our first mission.We invaded a military formation in Cameroon, dislodged the soldiers and took many weapons from their armoury. We couldn’t take any vehicle because the area was surrounded by river.

    “We took the weapons we recovered to our leader Abubakar Shekau and briefed him on our success. He was happy that five of us could dislodge a military formation. After congratulating us, he appointed me to lead the group and returned our weapons to us.

    “Few days later, I recruited many fighters, because as a commander, you are expected to have no fewer than 250 fighting troops.

    “With the new fighting force, we invaded Waza village, Damaga and Banki. We also invaded Bama which is my hometown.

    “I was touched to see my people being tortured and killed, while many women and children were living in excruciating hardship. So I decided to pass a message to my fellow insurgents from Bama and we formed a group comprising of about 137 persons to help our people in prison to escape.

    “I was able to rescue about 300 hostages at the prison facility in Bama. I usually lied to the guards at the prison that I was going to kill the inmates. But I would take them to a safe place in Konduga and ask them to run to a safer destination.

    “Many of the prisoners were exposed to hard labour while some were used as guinea-pigs at shooting range by new arms handlers among Boko Haram,”he said.

    On Abubakar  Shekau’s health status, Goni told NAN that the insurgents’ leader was healthy as against a report that he was ill.

    “Nothing happened to him. He broke his leg five years ago while riding on a horse. But he had since recovered. Any one saying Shekau is sick is only deceiving himself. We used to communicate through radiophone but not any more,”he said.

    Goni who believed that the war was coming to an end, urged  the military to let him tell Shekau and other insurgents that he is still alive.

    “My 137 boys are on standby to hear I am still alive and I can assure you they will run out of Sambisa Forest and surrender to the military. I once told them to surrender and they said we shall all get killed.But I told them that I will surrender and they said if nothing happened to me, they will all come out,” he said.

    Goni commended the military for the special treatment given to inmates who surrendered.

    “They received us with joy and interact with us at all time. They feed us well and always want to know our problems. If other Boko Haram members knew how we are being treated, they will never want to remain where they are,”he said.(NAN)

  • Update: 15 out of 113 remaining Boko Haram abducted Chibok schoolgirls alive – Salkida

    Ahmad Salkida, a journalist known to have access to the leadership of the Boko Haram, says only 15 out of the remaining 113 kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls with Abubakar Shekau insurgents group are alive.

    Salkida made this known in a series of tweet on his official twitter handle, revealing that 98 of the 113 remaining abducted schoolgirls had died as a result of cross fires and bombardments of the security forces.

    He also disclosed that the remaining 15 girls are no longer in the control of Abubakar Shakau, further revealing that they are now ‘married’ and only their ‘husbands’ can decide their fates.

    “Today, my painstaking investigations on the Chibok schoolgirls revealed that just a handful of the 113 Chibok Girls are alive. Many of the girls have died as a result of cross fires and bombardments of the security forces that no doubt were intent on rescuing them. I regret to state here that only 15 out of the 113 Chibokgirls are alive today, based on my investigations in the last 3 months and we have already seen some of them in a video, which I exclusively obtained”he said.

    “What is the status of the remaining 15 girls as far as negotiations are concerned? My investigations also revealed that, they are no longer under the control of Abubakar Shekau. According to sources, they are now ‘married’ and only their ‘husbands’ can decide their fates. If they are divorced or the men are killed that is when Shekau’s decision takes precedence, and in this instance, since the girls have been indoctrinated, their leader has no right to negotiate for their release, no matter the ransom offered, reliable multiple sources said”.

    “It will be unbearable to share the names of the 15 that are alive here, this is the responsibility of Govt. When I was involved I regularly provided proof of life. Govt must demand that to prove me wrong or stop negotiating for many of the girls that don’t exists.

    The way out for these girls, is a military rescue or negotiate with individual captors to release their ‘wives’ in return for some kind of deal, but this will mean death to these fighters because the terror group now sees the girls as part of their own and must be protected”.

    He also challenge the government to prove his claims wrong or stop negotiating the release of girls that don’t exist.

    “It will be unbearable to share the names of the 15 that are alive here, this is the responsibility of Govt,” he said.

    “When I was involved I regularly provided proof of life. Govt must demand that to prove me wrong or stop negotiating for many of the girls that don’t exist.

    “My heartfelt condolences to the parents of the near 100 that have perished or have not returned home and apparently not with their captors. But you must always remember that your daughters were stronger than the rest of us that couldn’t do more to avert this catastrophe”.

    Over 200 female students of government college Chibok were kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists group four years ago while preparing for their examination.

    While the government has been able to rescue 163 girls through negotiations with the leadership of the group, 113 are still believed to be held captive by the Shakau terrorists group

  • Army refutes report on suspension of offensive to aid Shekau’s escape

    Army refutes report on suspension of offensive to aid Shekau’s escape

    The Nigerian Army on Friday said troops movement under Operation Deep Punch II was temporarily halted in line with military plan and strategy and in view of the exigencies of time.

    Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, made this known in a statement issued in Maiduguri.

    He dismissed media report that the temporary halt of troops movement was intended to aid the escape of the faction Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, from the Sambisa Forest.

    Nwachukwu said the ongoing clearance operation by troops under the operation Deep Punch II was being carried out according to official plans.

    The deputy director described the media report as “frivolous”as it is capable of demoralising the troops and hampering progress of the ongoing exercise.

    According to him, such misinformation does not reflect the strong character and courageous disposition of troops of Operation Lafiya Dole and it is untenable and misleading.

    The army spokesman urged the public to disregard such information and cooperate with the military to enable it to succeed in its clearance campaign against the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents.

    The statement of the Nigerian Army reads:

    “The attention of Theatre Command, Operation Lafiya Dole has been drawn to unfortunate mainstream and social media report insinuating that troops advance at the ongoing Operation Deep Punch II was deliberately halted to allow the escape of the purported Boko Haram terrorist faction leader, Abubakar Shekau in Sambisa forest. This is not true.

    “Contrary to the mischievous allegations, no such order or directive was given by anybody to any of the units and formations in the operation.

    “It is crucial to point out that there are several factors in planning and conduct of military operations, whether kinetic or otherwise.

    Read Also: Army Names Brig-Gen. Chukwu As New Spokesperson

    “The ongoing Operation Deep Punch II, which is aimed at clearing Boko Haram insurgents from the Sambisa forest and the northern fringes of Lake Chad region, was planned to be executed in phases.

    “It is a phase operation, therefore, requires that at a predetermined point or stage, troops will be halted either preparatory for transiting to another phase or the other depending on the threat situation.

    “During the operation, troops’ movement could be put on halt when vehicles or other mobile equipment are bugged down due to the difficulty of the terrain and for recovery purposes.

    “In military operations avenues are deliberately provided for troops to harbour, where they rest and carry out refitting of weapons and other equipment before resuming the operations.

    “Additionally, booby traps and land mines could also compel advancing troops to halt to enable some specialized squad or scouts assess the situation before movement resume.

    “These and several other factors could precipitate the halting of troops during operations.

    “It is, therefore, very appalling and unimaginable that a fundamental operational procedure could be misinterpreted and be mischievously used as a psychological weapon to indirectly dampen the morale of our troops.”

    NAN

  • Army places N3m bounty on Shekau

    Army places N3m bounty on Shekau

    The Nigerian Army on Thursday offered a N3million cash reward for anyone with credible information that would lead to the arrest of the factional leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig-Gen. Sani, said in a statement issued in Abuja that anybody with credible information on Shekau should contact the Military Command and Control Centre of Operation Lafiya Dole or the Nigerian Army Call Centre number 193.

    According to the military authorities, Shekau, who has be on the run now disguises as a woman in hijabs due to the heat turned on him by troops in the Sambisa general area.

    The statement reads: “The Nigerian Army will give out Three Million Naira (N3,000,000.00k) cash reward for any credible information that leads to the arrest of the fugitive factional Boko Haram terrorists’ group leader, Abubakar Shekau.

    “Anybody with such credible information can either contact the Military Command and Control Centre, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, any military location, security agencies  or call the Nigerian Army Information and Call Centre 193.”

  • Shekau disguises as woman in attempt to escape – Army

    Shekau disguises as woman in attempt to escape – Army

    The Nigerian Army says credible information indicates that factional leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau, now dresses as a woman in an effort to escape from the Theatre of Operation.

    Army Spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, who confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday, said Shekau could no longer bear the heat and had abandoned his followers.

    “He is running for his dear life. He is desperately trying to escape the theatre, disguised as a woman and dressed in Hijab.

    “We reliably gathered that to avoid detection, Abubakar Shekau alternates between blue and black coloured hijabs. He was last seen in a black hijab.

    “We, therefore, call on all those remaining Boko Haram terrorists to know that they are following a coward moving about in hijab and disguising as a woman.

    “We also request all the remaining Boko Haram members to come out from hiding and lay down their arms and be treated humanely,’’ Usman said.

    He said concerted efforts were ongoing to track and apprehend the fugitive terrorist leader.

    The army spokesman, therefore, appealed to members of the public, especially the residents of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe to be more vigilant and security conscious.

    He also asked them to be on the lookout for Shekau and other terrorists who might disguise as women to escape.

    NAN

  • How Boko Haram changed tactics, strike Maiduguri at curfew dateline

    How Boko Haram changed tactics, strike Maiduguri at curfew dateline

    …14 killed, 65 injured 

    There are clear indications that the last dastardly suicide attack at Alai Fubawu Market at Muna Garage in Maiduguri may have caught residents and security agents off guards as the insurgents equally changed their planning amidst the reviewed curfew in place.

    A security source who does not want to be mentioned told our correspondent that the insurgents ‘not resting on their oars’ took advantage of the improved security, targeted the curfew timeline,  what he described as the rush hour of the curfew to infiltrate the crowd and subsequently unleash terror causing havoc resulting to heavy casualty and injuries on innocent people.

    “This fight is not yet over but the people and we the security agencies forget very easily. Once there is a break in attacks, the residents’ vigilance drops and security operatives too become relaxed.

    “Staying in the northeast and Maiduguri especially requires maximum alertness and prayers for one not to be caught by these heinous acts of terror from the Boko Haram terrorist”, the source said.

    The attack at Muna Garage on the 17/01/2018 marked one of the first major attacks on maiduguri for this year, 2018.

    “You can see clearly that it was the time the curfew was about to close that these insurgents hurriedly smuggled themselves into the people to strike. This shows that they are equally changing their strategies alongside with security agents. Those times of the curfew are very critical time. It’s always good to finish your business in time and avoid the rush hours,” another security source informed.

    Not fewer than 10 innocent civilians were killed and 65 others were injured in blasts which took place on the 17/01/2018 in the evening. 

    The four suicide bombers who also lost their lives brought the total figure of death casualties to 14. 

    According to the  Borno State Police Command, at least 12 persons were killed and 48 others injured on in the attack.

    The police narrative of the account , the Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, said a male suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at a crowded market killing himself and 10 other persons.

    “One other suicide bomber out of panic detonated explosive and blew himself alone into pieces,” he said.

    Mr. Chukwu said the wounded persons were evacuated to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

    The police commissioner called on the people to be vigilant and report suspicious persons in their communities to security agencies.

    “People should be vigilant because Boko Haram insurgents have not surrendered”.

    The Nation reports that the Maiduguri  attack came three days after Boko Haram’s leader Abubakar Shekau released a video of the Chibok girls still held by Boko Haram claiming that they will never return again.

    The video also showed Shekau said his group last year “willingly” released 107 schoolgirls who refused to accept his creed, but the estimated 100 who remain are pleased to stay with Boko Haram and unwilling to return to their parents.

    The clip also showed images of military vehicles, armored tanks and a helicopter that Shekau claimed his men had destroyed during a shootout last week.

  • Shekau’s wife feared dead after air strikes, Says NAF

    Shekau’s wife feared dead after air strikes, Says NAF

    The wife of Abubakar Shekau, leader of the Boko Haram terrorist organisation appeared to be one of those killed by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) air strikes on Durwawa settlement in Urga, near Konduga, Borno state, the Nigerian Air Force has announced.

    Her name is Mallama Fitdasi.

    A statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya said intelligence reports indicated that she appeared to have been killed in the air strikes.

    The statement reads: “Human Intelligence indicates that the wife of the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) Organization, Mallama Fitdasi, appeared to have been killed in recent successful airstrikes on DURWAWA settlement on the outskirts of URGA, near KONDUGA.

    “Mallama Fitdasi was reported to have been representing her husband in a coordinating meeting with other terrorists at the location of the airstrikes.

    “It is recalled that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) had reported the successful aerial attack of a large number of BHTs at DURWAWA on 19 October 2017. Battle Damage Assessment had indeed revealed that the aerial attack set off a fire, causing damage to the BHT structures within the settlement and neutralized most of the BHTs with a few of them fleeing the location.

    “Efforts are ongoing to confirm the reported killing of Shekau’s wife, alongside other BHTs.”

    Read Also: NAF deploys fighter jets to Plateau to check violence

  • Army kill two Shekau’s deputies on Sallah

    Army kill two Shekau’s deputies on Sallah

    The Nigerian Army on Tuesday said that two Boko Haram commanders were killed in a successful military operation at Alafa in Borno on Sallah day.

    Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen Sani Usman, said in a statement that the commanders who were killed in the onslaught were deputies to Boko Haram factional leader, Abubakar Shekau.

    The Boko Haram commanders were Afdu Kawuri and Abubakar Banishek.

    “This is in addition to Ba’Abba Ibrahim and two other Boko Haram commanders that died after sustaining injuries during their last ambush at Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno,” he added.

    Five other key leaders of the group and close associates of Shekau were neutralised in joint bombardment in August.

    Usman described Shekau’s latest video in which he taunted the army as an act of desperation and lies by remnants of the insurgents to instil unnecessary fear in law abiding citizens.

    In the video, the group denied the killing of its five key commanders and claimed it had wonderful Sallah celebration in the Sambisa forest.

    “We wish to challenge the so-called terrorist leader to produce the five key commanders earlier killed or the video of those Ameers he claimed not dead and are still with him.

    “It is also instructive to note that Shekau is scared and rattled by the 40-day ultimatum issued by the Chief of Army Staff to Operation LAFIYA DOLE to fish him out,’’ Usman said.

  • Shekau: Buratai extends capture deadline

    Shekau: Buratai extends capture deadline

    The deadline given to the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, to capture Abubakar Shekau, leader of the Boko Haram terrorist group,dead or alive has been extended.The extension which was approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, after a request for extension by the Theatre Commander, at the expiration of the 40-day deadline. The approval however didn’t specify the period of extension.Shekau: Buratai extends capture deadline

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, said in a statement on Friday that the commander requested for an extension of the order to capture Shekau, which was granted by Buratai.

    He said, “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. T.Y. Buratai, has commended the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, his sector commanders and all troops of Operation Lafiya Dole for pursuing the COAS directive of capturing the purported Boko Haram terrorists’ leader, Abubakar Shekau, dead or alive, within 40 days beginning on July 21, 2017, which elapsed on August 30, 2017.

    “Although the leader has not been captured, the COAS noted with satisfaction the zeal and determination with which the directive was pursued. He congratulated the commander for eliminating five key leaders of the terrorist group that were the closest associates and right-hand men of the terrorist group leader.

    Usman therefore urged citizens to go about their business and have confidence in the capacity of the troops to protect them, stating that with the killing of the 82 terrorists and the top five Boko Haram commanders, Shekau was no longer of any consequence.

  • Renewed Boko Haram Attacks is caused by Economic Sabotage – Group

    Renewed Boko Haram Attacks is caused by Economic Sabotage – Group

    An anti-terror group, Coalition Against Terrorism (NCAT) has said the renewed hostility by boko haram terrorists in the northeast is being fuelled by  economic motivations of crude oil in the Lake Chad Basin and not religious philosophy.
    The National Co-ordinator of NCAT,Comrade Gabriel Onoja made the statement while addressing journalists in Jos, the Plateau state capital. He said “The intermittent suicide bomb attacks particularly around the Chad Basin region, as evident in the recent terrorists’ ambush of oil geologists on research mission in the area are prompted by economic considerations,”
    The group also said the the religious philosophy of the terrorists has been dumped for economic motivations, even as it alleged that the terrorists are suspected to be sponsored by forces opposed to Nigeria’s exploration of crude oil within her territorial boundaries in the Lake Chad Basin.
    Onoja who insisted that the Boko haram terrorists led by Abubakar Shekau has been defeated by the military however advised that
    Nigerians should not lose track of this dynamism in the focus of Boko Haram terrorists confrontation of Nigeria.
    While commending the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai and other Service Chiefs who have complied with the relocation order by the President to the Northeast  with every zeal to terminate the journey of terrorism finally, the NCAT coordinator expressed confidence in the ability of the military to relentlessly continue to monitor to keep outsmarting terrorists in their changed strategies.
    He said, “this would ensure they defeat every form of new ideology or strategies that the remnants of terrorists and veiled agents may wish to adopt in the nearest future to create an impression of resurgence again.”
    He said this respite is not only felt in the Northeast region, but it has berthed in other states/cities in the country previously tormented and terrorized by the Islamic extremist sect, Boko Haram terrorists.