The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Boko Haram insurgency

  • Troops rescue 29 women, 25 children in Borno

    Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in collaboration with Local Vigilantes said they have rescued 29 women and 25 children from the clutches of Boko Haram in a village in Borno State.

    Acting Director Army Public Relations Colonel Sagir Musa in a statement explained that the rescue followed a clearance operation carried out by troops of 22 Brigade, Operation Lafiya Dole at Ma’allasuwa and Yaga-Munye Villages in Borno State.

    The Statement added that some group of Boko Haram terrorists abandoned their camp at Zari-Kasake and Jumachere villages in Damasak in Mobbar Local Government area of Borno State.

    In another development, a mobile police sergeant, Markus John has been nabbed by security at the Njimtilo Check-point along Damaturu-Maiduguri road in possession of illegal ammunition.

    The Statement reads: “Troops of 22 Brigade, Operation LAFIYA DOLE in collaboration with local vigilantes have continued moving into the hinterland on clearance operation to destroy Boko Haram terrorists. Consequently, on the 11th of May 2019, troops effectively cleared Ma’allasuwa and Yaga – Munye villages in Borno State. No encounter with Boko Haram terrorists was made as they run away before troops’ arrival leaving behind 54 suspected kidnapped victims. Out of the number, 29 are grown up women and 25 are children of various ages and sex. They have all been rescued.

    “Similarly, at Zari – Kasake and Jumachere villages in Damasak general area of Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State, troops of 145 Battalion Operation LAFIYA DOLE on clearance operation discovered and destroyed two Boko Haram terrorists’ logistics vehicles. Deserted BHTs make up shift accommodation was also destroyed.

    Read Also: Troops eliminate scores of terrorists in Borno

    “Additionally, Mopol Sergeant Markus John – Personal Number – PNo 383106 was arrested at Njimtilo check point along Maiduguri – Damaturu road in possession of 2 magazines, 146 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition and one round of Anti-Aircraft Gun concealed in his bag while on transit to Lagos State.

    “Recall that on the 10th of May 2019, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in conjunction with the Nigerian Police, arrested 14NA7113208 Private Paul Ojochegbe and 12NA672586 Lance Corporal Oko Eke in possession of one disassembled AK 47 Rifle at the same N’jimtilo check point.

    “Nigerian Army will remain resolute in ending terrorism and other forms of insecurities across the country, and reiterate its appeal to the public to continue to provide useful information about suspicious movement of terrorists/criminals wherever they are seen hibernating in Nigeria,” the statement reads.

  • Buratai to media: Avoid unverified reports in national interest

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has appealed to media houses to always verify reports on insurgency in the interest of the country.

    He spoke while inaugurating buildings for corporal and below at the Bonny Camp, Victoria Island Lagos at the weekend.

    The army chief who also inspected the permanent site for the Nigerian Army School of Logistics, Ojo as well as inaugurated the reconstructed hospital at the Army Reference Hospital, Yaba, noted that most unverified stories turn out to be untrue and negatively affect troops battling the insurgents in the northeast.

    “The insurgency we are facing is something that we will continue to address as they appear and manifest in different forms and shapes.

    “I call on the media to be very cautious and make efforts to verify reports before publishing them,” he said.

    Buratai said he was glad that the welfare of officers and men were being taken care of, adding that it will boost their morale in these times of war.

    Commending the welfarist drive of the commanders of various army units, Buratai pledged the Army headquarters’ relentlessness to assist where necessary.

    “We will not stop addressing the welfare challenges of officers and men with their families. We are still addressing the dilapidated structures in our command schools,” he said.

    Acknowledging the peace in Lagos and Ogun States, Buratai commended the General Officer Commanding 81 Division Maj.-Gen. Musa Yusuf for reining in criminal elements.

  • How to end insurgency, by Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, yesterday listed measures for ending Boko Haram insurgency, terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

    Gen. Buratai said a combined holistic approach by the countries of the Lake Chad was the surest way to defeat Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

    The army chief spoke at the Nigerian Military Cantonment in Jaji, Kaduna State, where he flagged-off the 2019 First Quarter Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Conference and Combat Arms Training Week.

    He said the media and other stakeholders must stop glorifying criminals for the military and other security agencies to win the war against kidnapping, robbery and banditry in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Sokoto states.

    Religious and traditional leaders, security analysts and the media, he claimed, portrayed armed robbers, kidnappers and ethnic militias as stronger than the military and other security agencies.

    The army boss said: “The criminals and bandits are only as strong as the society paints or view them and further propagated by the media.”

    He added: ”There is no doubt that we are engaged in asymmetric operations against terrorists side by side with the resurgence of kidnapping and armed banditry in the North West and the North Central.

    “The strategy we used in the past to address such ugly trends in the South East and the South South must therefore be rejuvenated with new “out of the box” ideas to address the current security challenges.

    “This has necessitated the launching of Operation Harbin Kunama III. The concept of this operation will require the combat arms as well as all combat support services working in synergy with other security agencies, the traditional institutions and other stakeholders to get rid of criminal elements.

    Read also: Terrorism war is complex, says Buratai

    “We must ensure information flow that will be converted into actionable and timely intelligence for troops to take proactive measures and to support and drive targeted operations. It is important that commanders in the field relate with the society and other security agencies in their efforts to bring the high rate of kidnapping, acts of banditry and attacks on villages leading to killings in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna and Katsina States to an end.

    “At this point, I will seize this opportunity to caution the media and the general public not to glorify bandits, armed robbers, kidnappers and ethnic militias to the extent that they are seen as stronger than the military and other security agencies. The criminals and bandits are only as strong as the society paints or views them and further propagated by the media.

    “It is important to state that information and intelligence flows from the people and indeed from the press and the public. Such criminal activities are intelligence based and the people, are in this regard to provide timely information and clear identifications of the perpetrators.

    “Undue publicity and praise singing of the bandits and other criminal elements would only motivate them to commit more criminal acts at the detriment of the society. Therefore, the press, the general public, security analysts and public commentators are advised to show more maturity and due diligence in this collective effort of ridding the country of criminals and criminalities.”

    Gen. Buratai said Boko Haram had aligned with ISWAP to make northern Borno and the general area of the Lake Chad Basin an enclave straddling the four countries in the region.

    To ensure the defeat of both Boko Haram and ISWAP, the fight requires a combine holistic approach by the countries of the Lake Chad Commission.

    “That is why Operation Yancin Tafki was launched to effectively ensure the total destruction of the insurgents hibernating and operating from the ‘tumbuns’ with a view to crippling their ability and capability to wage any form of war.

    “The operational successes recorded in this first quarter 2019 in this fight have further underscored the Nigerian Army’s resolve to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

    “It is gratifying to note that the army within the first quarter 2019 has performed creditably well starting with the seizing of initiatives and turning the battle momentum against the Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast and rounding off with the professional manner with which the army supported the civil authorities, as part of our constitutional role, to ensure the successful conduct of the 2019 general elections.

    “I must also acknowledge the resilience and doggedness of our troops in reversing the ugly trends that almost marred our concerted efforts in the North East.

    “As you are all aware, Boko Haram has aligned with the ISWAP to make Northern Borno and the general area of the Lake Chad Basin an enclave straddling the four countries in the region.

    “Thus, the fight requires a combined holistic approach by the countries of the Lake Chad Commission to ensure the total defeat of both Boko haram and ISWAP,” he stressed.

    The conference is being attended by senior army officers, including serving and retired Generals. It is designed to appraise the activities of the army in the first quarter of 2019 and design strategy for future operations.

  • Boko Haram in disarray, fighters stranded without supplies – MNJTF

    The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in Chad, says the leadership of the Boko Haram terrorists group is currently overwhelmed and in disarray.

    Col, Timothy Antigha, the Chief of Military Public Information of the MNJTF, confirmed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Antigha said the group was overwhelmed after a sustained air and land attacks in the ongoing “Operation `Yancin Tafki’’ in the Lake Chad region.

    He also said ex-fighters, who were “receiving humane attention divulged that morale and fighting spirit of the group’s fighters is very low.’’

    Antigha further quoted ex-fighters as saying that development is as a result of growing insecurity and inability to replenish stranded fighters in the islands with food, medicine and ammunition.

    The MNJTF spokesman said an integral part of the operation is a series of well “coordinated day and night Human Intelligence as well as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.’’

    He said the missions were being conducted by the Air Forces of the Lake Chad Basin countries- Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria.

    Antigha explained that this led to devastating air interdiction which destroyed Boko Haram logistic facilities and fighters in Tumbum, Gini, Abadam, Arege, Tumbun rego and Dagaya environs between March 7 and March 11.

    He added that in the last four weeks of the operation, 70 Boko Haram vehicles; mostly gun trucks and facilities such as fuel dumps, weapons and ammunition were destroyed.

    “Furthermore, since the commencement of operation Yancin Tafki, several terrorists have surrendered while others are battle-weary and have indicated interest to surrender.

    “Morale of fighters is at its lowest, while desperation has also set in, leading to intrigues and in-fighting,’’ Antigha said.

    He said reliable sources confirmed that internal crisis led to change of Boko Haram leadership on March 3.

    Antigha said the Islamic State West Africa Province or ISWAP sacked the Boko Haram factional Chief, Abu Mus’ab Al Barnawi and replaced him with Abu Abdullahi Ibn Umar Al Barnawi.

    According to him, the frequent execution of Boko Haram commanders and fighters which have been observed in the past few months as well as recent replacement of its leadership are clear indications of effectiveness of past and ongoing operation Yancin Tafki.

    Antigha said the joint task force is poised to sustain current operations until Boko Haram capitulates and its leadership is brought to justice. (NAN)

  • BREAKING: FG launches fresh onslaught against Boko Haram, ISIS

    The Federal Government has launched a campaign in support of the military war against Boko Haram.

    It also said the campaign has become necessary because Boko Haram has grown beyond homegrown insurgency.

    The Minister of Information Lai Mohammed, who unveiled the campaign in Abuja, said ISIS has a strong foothold in West Africa – with Nigeria at the forefront of the battle against them.

    He urged Nigerians to give total support to troops in North-West.

    Mohammed said: “Recall that on January 8th 2019, we announced that we would soon launch a campaign to seek the support of the citizens for our troops, especially in the fight against insurgency. Today marks the fulfilment of that promise as we are here to formally launch the NATIONAL CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF THE MILITARY.

    “It is a follow-up to the hugely-successful National Campaign Against Insecurity which we launched on Feb. 16th, 2016, with the punchline: ”If you see something, say something.”

    “Why are we launching this campaign? Because we believe that the men and women in uniform who are risking all, including making the supreme sacrifice, to keep us safe deserve the support and prayers of all Nigerians, not vilification, insults and other acts that are capable of dampening their morale.

    The Minister also said the campaign has become necessary because Boko Haram has grown beyond homegrown insurgency.

    Read Also: Boko Haram kills three in Adamawa attacks

    He added: “And why are we launching the campaign now? Because, as our gallant men and women in uniform clear the remnants of the home-grown insurgency called Boko Haram, they are confronting a fresh crisis, a global insurgency.

    “A faction of Boko Haram has aligned with the global terror group, ISIS, to form ISWAP, the Islamic State’s West African Province. In other words, ISIS now has a strong foothold in West Africa – with Nigeria in the forefront of the battle against them.

    “With ISIS largely dislodged from Iraq and Syria, there is undoubtedly a flush of fresh fighters and weapons to ISWAP.

    “Therefore, our military is fighting a global insurgency, without the kind of global coalition, including the United States that battled ISIS in Syria and Iraq”

  • Boko Haram kills five in Adamawa

    Boko Haram insurgents attacked three communities in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State Monday night, dislodging policemen on routine duty and wreaking havoc on the town.

    A security officer who spoke on the incident on condition of anonymity Tuesday morning said the insurgents killed three people, destroyed 20 shops and three cars and carted away valuable items.

    The anonymous security officer named the communities affected as Shuwa, Kirshingari and Shuari.

    This latest attack confirms fears over the security situation in Madagali, the only local government area in Adamawa State where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier said voting would take place in only three communities, including Shuwa.

    Residents said the insurgents who arrived in several vehicles about 7pm Monday, took over Madagali until soldiers from Gulak and Michika intervened to engage the insurgents in a battle that lasted for about two hours.

    The Commander of 28 Task Force Battalion in Mubi, Lt Col Haruna, said the insurgents had been repelled.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State, DSP Othman Abubakar, assured that a combined team of security personnel had brought the situation under control.

    Madagali is one of the seven LGAs in Adamawa State that Boko Haram once seized. The situation remained so bad in the area just before elections in 2015 that the elections did not hold there and the neighbouring Michika LGA.

  • ‘Past leaders were deceitful in handling Boko Haram, Niger Delta crisis’

    A non-governmental organisation, Newstime International Company, Tuesday blamed past leadership in the country for showing gross incompetence and deceitfulness in handling the issues of Boko Haram insurgency and Niger Delta militancy.

    The group said the situation in Nigeria on the twin challenges of Boko Haram and Niger Delta militancy were a legacy of many years of problems.

    President of the group, Tony Oyatedor, said these at a briefing on Tuesday, in Abuja.

    Oyatedor said Boko Haram and Niger Delta militancy will move from bitter fighting to close friendship with the federal government through the help of Nigerians.

    He called on the Federal Government to make peace with aggrieved Nigerians to end killings and the continuous destruction of properties of innocent Nigerians.

    He said: “The situation in Nigeria on the twin problems is a legacy of many years of problems. It is not something that happened overnight. We are not going to be able to resolve it overnight with a snap of the finger.

    ‘’We must not take sides. Our work is not to condemn, but our work is to accomplish reconciliation and peace.

    ‘’The twin problems in Nigeria is a serious problem and no one is working to fix it, they only talk about it but Newstime has the solution and will roll up our sleeves to work and fix it for good.”

    Oyatedor said previous administrations in the country proved their priorities were to look the country instead of creating an enabling environment for peace, security and development.

    ‘’Niger Delta leaders always complain about the terrain in the area while, northerners and so many other countries are begging God to give them water. Niger Delta have water but the people make it sound like it is a disease to have water, instead to give thanks, praise and glory to God for a land flowing with oil, gas, milk and honey due to water and the terrain.

    ‘’People complain about unemployment, power outages, bad roads, lack of potable and clean water to drink and clean environment. Government should rather employ people to handle this infrastructural deficit properly,” he added.

  • Nigeria’s democracy improving steadily – Buhari 

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Abuja said Nigeria’s democracy is steadily improving with deeper understanding of the culture and tenets among the people, and strengthening of the institutions that guarantee free and fair elections.

    Receiving Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency Rt. Hon. Julie Payette, at the Presidential Villa, President Buhari said he saw the evolving strength of democracy in the country by contesting for elections three times before winning at the fourth trial in 2015.

    Read Also:Anenih gave so much to party politics, democracy in Nigeria, says Tinubu

    The President, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, told the Governor General that Nigeria had been learning from the mistakes of those who practiced democracy for a longer period, and by looking inward at its own peculiarities.

    “I emphasize free and fair elections at all times,’’ he said.

    The President said the bilateral relations with Canada will continue to be improved considering the huge interest of the country in Nigeria and growing economic ties, with many Nigerians schooling and working in the country.

    He said Canada played a brotherly role in helping displaced persons in the North East, following Boko Haram insurgency.

    In her remarks, the Governor General said Nigeria and Canada enjoy a warm and strong partnership that has translated into ease of migration, large trade relations and cultural exchanges.

    Rt. Hon. Payette, who is an astronaut, said it was important for nations to pool resources together to start exploring the benefits of space in providing solutions to some problems on earth.

    The Governor General noted that the world would achieve more by de-emphasizing geographical differences and refocusing its energy on the commonality of humanity, pointing out that from space one can only see an earth without borders.

    Rt. Hon. Payette said her visit was about showcasing “youth, innovation and technology’’, adding that Canada would like to partner with Nigeria in the ongoing diversification of the economy.

    “We wish you free and credible elections in 2019,’’ she said.

    Speaking with journalists at the end of the meeting, she disclosed that the two countries have resolved to deepen bilateral relation in the areas of Trade and Commerce, education, security, Science and space technology advancement.

    Payette, who is accompanied on the visit by eminent Canadians including government officials, members of parliament and members of the business sector, noted that Nigeria and Canada had been friends and partners for decades

    Describing Nigeria as the largest trading partner in Africa and largest investor in Canada, she said Canada had a strong base in Nigeria as the number of companies doing business in the country had grown significantly in recent years.

    She said “Many opportunities exist for deepen cooperation as you mentioned to me during our conversation there is a lot of room for growth for the bilateral relation between Nigeria and Canada.

    “Fortunately, we already have a strong base and we will continue to build on this.

    “Nigeria is Canada’s largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa and as well Nigeria is the largest investor from Africa in Canada.

    “The number of Canadian companies doing business here, have grown significantly in recent years and we really hope that this delegation would foster even more trading and commerce between our two countries,’’ she said.

    Payette said that, at the height of the Nigeria – Canada relationship, more than 10,000 Nigerian students were studying in Canada.

    She further revealed that another set of over 5,000 Nigerians residing in Canada had been contributing positively to the growth of the Canadian textile industry.

    She said that one of the priorities of her visit to Nigeria was to meet and celebrate the vibrant youths of the country.

    Payette said the visit would also focus attention on the National Space Research and Development Agency in Abuja.

  • Insecurity: Buhari gives military pass mark 

    …says, Boko Haram requires multinational approach

     

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Boko Haram insurgency and other security challenges facing Nigeria require sustained multinational security operations to finally end them.

    This was as the President gave the Nigerian Armed Forces a pass mark in its response to the numerous security challenges confronting the nation.

    Buhari stated these during the graduation of 182 Senior Course 40 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji in Kaduna State on Thursday.

    President Buhari said, “As the world shrinks into a global village with advancement in technology, nations cannot afford but work closely with each other in pursuit of their national interests. Even at the level of individuals or groups, the barriers have been broken. This has also brought in its wake an increase in international trade, commerce as well as security cooperation.”

    Read Also:Insecurity biggest threat in the north, says Emir

    He said the numerous security challenges facing the world today are trans-border in nature, involving actors in different sub-regions and regions. Adding that; “The West African sub-region and indeed the African continent are not immune to the negative impacts of globalization.”

    The President therefore said that, “to effectively combat the prevalent security threats demands that African countries continue to work together at all levels including operational and tactical levels.

    “We recognise that security challenges abound in all countries of the world including Nigeria. I am certain, with the consistent efforts of our security agencies, these challenges shall be considerably mitigated and minimised. I am sure you are aware of the collaboration of the armed forces of Nigeria, Cameroun, Niger Republic and Chad in a multinational operation to combat Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin region.”

    While noting that, capacity building remains the bedrock of combat ready for effective and efficient military which this government remain committed to, the President said, the Federal Government will continue to give priority to the training and welfare of officers and men of our Armed Forces.

    “This is not only because we salute their courage and sacrifice for the safety and stability of our country but because the Armed Forces of Nigeria have continued to be the bastion of our unity.”

    While commending the armed forces, he said, “over the years, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have provided the appropriate response to the numerous security challenges facing our country.

    “Their response to Boko Haram insurgency, militancy, kidnapping, activities of separatists and armed militias amongst others have been very commendable.

    According to him, the Nigerian Armed Forces has also committed huge resources towards stability of the West African sub-region and world peace in general.

    “Our efforts in Liberia and Sierra Leone which stabilized the West African sub-region readily come to mind, more recently, our Armed Forces have also contributed to the peace in The Gambia, Mali and South Sudan.”

    Buhari said the significance and importance of joint training of members of the armed forces of friendly and allied countries cannot be over-emphasized and Senior Course 40 is not an exception. “The Course would have afforded you the chance to break barriers and build bridges of friendship amongst yourselves as individuals. It would have also afforded you the rare opportunity of appreciating each other’s lifestyle, culture and doctrines.

    “This unique understanding and bond is expected to come handy in forging closer co-operation when occasions demand that you are deployed together “in multinational operations.” he said

    He called on the graduating officers to realize that the nation has made a lot of investment into their training. Likewise the nation is expecting the best from them in terms of commitment to duties and their fatherland.

    He also assured of his administration’s effort to return Nigeria on the path of peace and prosperity, saying that, “At the inception of this administration, I made 3 key promises to Nigerians. First is to address the various security challenges facing our country, second, to reposition our economy and third to fight the serious challenge of corruption which had eaten so deep into the very fabric that sustains our nation,” The President said.

     

  • ‘Insurgency completely defeated’

    ‘Insurgency completely defeated’

    The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno State, Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, has said Boko Haram insurgency has been completely defeated.

    He spoke at the inauguration of the Nigeria-Cameroun Military Joint Mission, at the weekend, in Maiduguri.

    According to him, troops of Operation Deep Punch II, on Friday, dislodged and occupied the insurgents’ tactical ground “Camp Zairo”.

    Hundreds of insurgents surrendered and many fled, while over 100 civilians were rescued, Gen. Nicholas said.

    He said: “My soldiers are in the heart of Boko Haram enclave, “Camp Zairo” and have taken total control of Sambisa Forest.

    “We have broken the heart and soul of Shekau’s group, taking over the camp and its environs. They are on the run and we are pursuing them to wherever they go. This time around, there is no place for escape anywhere.

    “We earlier asked them to surrender, and we are still asking them to surrender, otherwise they will meet it the hard way.”

    Gen. Nicholas called on the insurgents and abducted persons to come out and surrender to the troops, saying they would not be harmed or killed.

    He noted that the partnership between the two militaries was critical to the successful completion of the counter-insurgency campaign.

    “We share information and intelligence to enable us map out strategies to fight Boko Haram insurgents on our common borders,” he added.

    Head of the Camerounian military delegation Brig.- Gen. Djonkep Fredrick said the collaboration would strengthen military ties to enable them win the war against insurgency.

     

    Army to abductees: surrender

    The Army has called on persons in Boko Haram captivity to surrender.

    The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, spoke at the weekend, while handing over 82 rescued victims to the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    His words: “This is the last phase of the operation; we are asking everybody in Borno State to cooperate by giving information about fleeing Boko Haram insurgents.

    “People need to be vigilant; if you see any suspected person, report to the military or security agents.

    “As I speak now, many of them have surrendered and many more will surrender. The most important thing is that we are treating this people very humanely because they are Nigerians.

    “And the message is to say we are not killing people, we are receiving them because they are Nigerians. We are trying to rescue them and that is why we are on this operation, as against the narrative by the insurgents that we will kill them.”

    Gen. Nicholas added that the rescued persons would undergo medical examinations, rehabilitation and de-radicalisation.

    SEMA’s Head of Rescue Operation Bello Danbatta hailed the military for rescuing the victims.

    He said the agency would assist the victims and reunite them with their families.

    Some of those rescued were happy at their freedom after years of being enslaved.

    A teenage girl said she was forced to marry four times during her four-year captivity.

    “We have no food, water and drugs. Many people died in the camp due to starvation. I was abducted from my village four years ago and I suffered various inhuman treatments in the camp.

    “I am free now and happy to be reunited with my family. The military is taking care of us,” she said.