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Tag: Boko Haram insurgents

  • Troop’s ambush, kill 7 Boko Haram insurgents in Borno

    The Nigerian Army yesterday said its troops killed seven Boko Haram insurgents in the ongoing clearance operation in separate ambushes in Borno.

    The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, made the disclosure in a statement in Maiduguri.

    Nwachukwu disclosed the troops also arrested a suspected Boko Haram insurgents’ spy, Modu Chari and recovered arms in multiple encounters with the fleeing terrorists on April 13.

    He said that the troops killed two insurgents fleeing from military onslaught in Sambisa Forest at Kusheri-Ardodam along Magumeri in Borno, adding the troops recovered two AK 47 rifles, three magazines and 18 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO type ammunition.

    Nwachukwu revealed troops also neutralised two insurgents in an ambush along a remote track in Mafa, recovering one AK 47 rifle, two magazines and a bicycle.

    In another ambush, he said, three fleeing insurgents were killed by troops at Multe-Lawanti, South of Furfur in Damboa, Borno, and recovered one AK 47 rifle, three motorcycles, two bicycles, spanners and dresses.

    The army spokesman disclosed that the troops on Friday arrested a member of the Boko Haram terrorists group, Madu Chari, while transiting along Cross Kauwa in the northern region of Borno.

    He explained that the suspect was on an espionage mission when he was nabbed by troops, adding that investigations indicated that Chari was an active member of the Al Barnawi faction of the terrorists group.

    “The ferocity of the ongoing Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Operations to rid the northeast of Boko Haram hideouts and enclaves has further suffocated the terrorists group hence they resorted to suicide attacks on innocent civilians.

    “It is crucial, therefore, to draw the attention of the general public to the terrorists’ callous resort to the use of diverse types of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), to attack vulnerable civilians in their bid to instil fear amongst the populace in order to remain relevant.

    “Members of the public are advised to be vigilant and report suspicious persons, movements and activities to security agencies”.

     

  • Troops kill five Boko Haram insurgents, recover arms in Adamawa

    Soldiers have killed five Boko Haram insurgents in a gun battle at Barkin-Dutse Area of Adamawa State.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Texas Chukwu,  said yesterday  that the troops  engaged the insurgents following a distress call by hunters on Friday.

    “The terrorists on sighting the troops opened fire which resulted in exchange of fire,” he said.

    “Five Boko Haram terrorists were neutralized while some of them escaped into nearby caves during the encounter. Also, one hunter lost his life during the operation.”

    Chukwu said the troops recovered five AK 47 rifles, five magazines and 22 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition.

    He added that troops were in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists, and called on the people to report any suspicious movements in their area to security agencies.

    Meanwhile, troops have arrested two suspected insurgents in Bauchi and Borno in separate operations.

    Chukwu said in Maiduguri that troops of 33 Artillery Brigade on April 5 arrested one Saidu Jenga, 33, on Maiduguri Byepass Road, Bauchi, in connection with Boko Haram activities.

    He said that the suspect was allegedly overheard discussing movement of arms and ammunition on phone.

    “Items recovered include one techno phone with two sim cards as well as N6, 870 cash,” he said.

    Chukwu added that troops of operation Lafiya Dole also arrested one Umar Ali, 59, a suspected Boko Haram insurgent at Galdimare ward in Biu Local Government Area of Borno.

    He explained that the suspect who hailed from Miringa village of Biu, was accused of participating in Boko Haram activities in the area.

     

  • Troops kill four Boko Haram insurgents, neutralize four suicide bombers

    •Suicide bomber kills self, wounds 13

    the army said yesterday its troops killed four Boko Haram insurgents at Malumti village on the fringes of Sambisa Forest in Borno State.

    Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole, said  in a statement in Maiduguri that the insurgents were killed in an ambush while trying to escape the ongoing clearance exercise under “Operation Deep Punch II” on Friday.

    This occurred as one person was killed and 13 others wounded in a suicide bomb attack in Muna area of Maiduguri on Friday night.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Eder Okon, said the victims were hit when four female suicide bombers stormed the Muna Zawuya village in the outskirts of Maiduguri.

    He said, “At about 21.49 p.m. on March 30, 2018, four female suicide bombers infiltrated Muna Zawuya village in Mafa Local Government Area, an outskirt of Maiduguri.

    “The bombers detonated explosive devices killing themselves and one other woman and injured 13 other persons.

    “The 13 injured persons are receiving treatment in hospital.”

    In a different version of the incident, Nwachukwu said soldiers deployed at a checkpoint at Muna Garage neutralised four suicide bombers on Friday.

    He explained that the bombers – a male and three females – were killed while attempting to infiltrate Maiduguri metropolis.

    The insurgents, according to him, were attempting to infiltrate Maiduguri metropolis through Muna Zawiya area at about 9.30 p.m., when they were spotted by vigilance troops who “fired shots, hitting one of them, thereby triggering simultaneous explosions which killed all of them.”

    He added: “Regrettably, 18 persons were injured in the incident and have been evacuated for medical attention.”

    On Operation Lafiya Dole, Nwachukwu said troops recovered a Toyota Land Cruiser, one AK 47 Rifle, 15 Rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, one magazine and 47 Jerry cans of petrol from the insurgents.

    “The insurgents were routed out of the Sambisa Forest by troops under Operation Deep Punch II, rummaging for food and logistics when they met their Waterloo,” he said.

    Nwachukwu urged the public to be vigilant and report suspicious persons and activities to security agencies.

     

  • Yobe girls’ school attack one too many – Saraki

    Yobe girls’ school attack one too many – Saraki

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Wednesday condemned in strong terms the attack on Government Girls Secondary School, Dapchi, in Yobe State by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

    Saraki in statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, described the attack as one too many.

    He urged the security agencies to get to the root of the matter, bring the perpetrators to book and ensure that all students of the school are properly accounted for.

    He called on security agencies to reinforce security around academic institutions in the country in order to prevent criminal elements from taking advantage of such soft targets to disrupt academic activities and wreak havoc at a time the Federal Government is working assiduously to end the incidents of terror in the Northeast and other flash points in the country.

    Saraki also urged the security agencies to be proactive in protecting lives and property in the country and also ensuring that accurate information about attacks such as the one recently witnessed in Dapchi, Yobe State, is promptly made available to members of the public to prevent unnecessary speculation and panic by family members of victims and citizens alike.

    He expressed sympathy with the affected students, parents, school authorities and the government and people of Yobe State over the unfortunate incident.

  • Troops kill 14 Boko Haram insurgents, rescue 30 civilians in Borno

    Troops kill 14 Boko Haram insurgents, rescue 30 civilians in Borno

    The Nigerian Army on Tuesday said it’s troops had killed 14 Boko Haram insurgents in clearance operations in Bama Local Government Area of Borno.

    Brig.- Gen. Sani Kukasheka, Director Army Public Relations, said this in a statement issued in Maiduguri.

    Kukasheka said that the troops also rescued 30 persons, captured one insurgent and recovered various caliber of ammunition from the insurgents.

    He said that the troops had also cleared insurgents in their hideouts at Abusuriwa, Newchina, Bonzon, Usmanari, Goyayeri, Shitimari, Gashimari and Awaram villages in Bama local government area.

    Kukasheka explained that 8 insurgents were killed while many of them escaped in the affected villages, adding that three males; 12 females and 15 children were rescued from the insurgents.

    The army spokesman also disclosed that the troops also ambushed and killed six insurgents at Kumshe and Darel-Jamel villages.

    According to him, the arrested insurgent was handed over to the appropriate authorities for intonation.

    “Troops of 202 Battalion of 21 Brigade Nigerian Army in Conjunction with elements of Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs) on Operations LAFIYA DOLE, in furtherance of clearance and blockade Operation DEEP PUNCH II, on Saturday Nov. 25, 2017, cleared Boko Haram terrorists’ enclaves in Abusuriwa, Newchina, Bonzon, Usmanari, Goyayeri, Shitimari, Gashimari and Awaram amongst other villages in Bama Local Government Area of Borno.

    “The troops whose continuous resolve in routing out the remnants of the suspected terrorists hibernating within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility ensured that their superior fire power made the terrorists to flee in disarray, leading to the capture of one suspected terrorist while eight Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised.

    “The gallant troops recovered four AK-47 rifles, three magazines, seven Dane guns, machetes, amongst other items.

    “In addition, the troops also rescued three men, 12 women and 15 Children, among whom were an aged man and a woman held captives by the Boko Haram terrorists.

    “The suspected terrorist has been handed over to the relevant authorities for further interrogation, while the rescued civilian captives are being attended to.

    “Similarly, troops of 152 Battalion of the Brigade deployed as a blocking force at the Forward Operations Base, Kumshe, to aid a successful clearance operation ambushed some fleeing unsuspecting Boko Haram terrorists and neutralised five fleeing terrorists, while troops of 151 Battalion also deployed at the Forward Operations Base, Darel Jamel, neutralised a terrorist in an ambush”.

  • Troops kill four insurgents in Northeast

    Troops kill four insurgents in Northeast

    Four Boko Haram insurgents were killed at the weekend by troops of the Nigerian Army operating under the auspices of Operation Lafiya Dole in the Northeast of the country.

    The insurgents who were killed in two different operations were also involved in cattle rustling, while different categories of weapons were seized from them.

    A statement endorsed by the Nigerian Army Director of Public Relations, Brig.General Sani Usman explained that “in furtherance of clearance operations in Operation LAFIYA DOLE, troops of 8 Division Mobile Strike Team deployed at Forward Operations Base Mairari, on Sunday 8th October 2017 ambushed a Boko Haram terrorists’ cattle rustling syndicate trying to cross into Maiduguri to sell the rustled cattle, at Lingir village.

    “During the encounter, the ambush party neutralized 3 Boko Haram terrorists, while some of them have escaped with gunshot wounds.

    “The troops recovered 5 AK-47 rifles, 5 Magazines, 11 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 1 metal box containing clothes and a horse. Unfortunately, one of our soldiers sustained an injury during the operation.

    “The injured soldier has been evacuated to 8 Task Force Division Hospital and Medical Services at Monguno where he is receiving further medical attention.

    “The Mobile Strike Team also followed up with pursuit up to Buruwa village around Gassawa general area where they neutralized an additional Boko Haram terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle from him”.

    General Sani further said “On Saturday 7th October, 2017 following a tip off from the locals on the presence of suspected Boko Haram terrorists and cattle rustlers at Kirbiri village, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, troops of 120 Battalion in conjunction with vigilantes mobilized to the general area.

    “On arrival, the gallant troops engaged the terrorists, neutralizing one of them while several other terrorists flee in disarray with gunshot wounds.

    “The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle with registration number 34364 and 2 empty rifle magazines”.

  • Catholic bishops condemn Ozubulu massacre

    Catholic bishops in the Southwest have condemned Sunday’s massacre at St. Philip’s Church, Ozubulu in Anambra State, urging governments at all levels to do more on security of life and property.

    Describing the Ozubulu mass murder as “callous and horrendous”, the bishops who expressed sadness on the security situation in Nigeria, also regretted what they called the resurgence of terrorism in the Northeast with the recent attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.

    Acting under the aegis of Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Province, the clerics who canvassed genuine restructuring of the country said “it is regrettable that an issue of such importance that should be an issue of justice can be subjected to so much intellectual gymnastics, political sentiments and personal interest.”

    The communique signed by the President, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin and Secretary, Most Rev. John Oyejola, was made available to reporters in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday by the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye. It was titled: “The Church and the Travails of a Growing Nation.”

    The bishops said, “We commiserate with the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Hillary Okeke, and the faithful of the Diocese, the government and people of Anambra State and several families directly affected by the mass murder which occurred on Sunday 6th August, 2017, at St Philip Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Anambra State.

    “We uphold still the sanctity of every human life given by God and notto be taken away by anyone and therefore can never denounce enough the evil of such a horrendous and callous killing of innocent worshippers right in the Church during the Holy Mass.

    “Different accounts have been given to analyse the mayhem. The bottom line is that the security situation in Nigeria remains at best, tenuous. We strongly condemn whatever may be at the root of this and similar occurrences. Those who are charged with securing human life and property in the nation must simply do more to protect the citizens.

    “One must ask how murderers like the perpetrators of the Ozubulu mayhem came about such deadly weapons. The proliferation of arms in Nigeria deserves urgent and decisive action. We call on all our faithful to pray that the souls of the departed may rest in perfect peace and that God may bring enduring peace to Nigeria.”

    On renewed attacks by insurgents, the bishop said: “We regret the recent resurgence of Boko Haram activities in the North Eastern part of Nigeria. The criminal group seems to have returned with double strength. We commend the Presidential order that has returned the Nigerian Military Service Chiefs in full force to the centre of the battle.

    “Sadly the wanton destruction of lives and property in Southern Kaduna is also yet to abate. While commending the military and other security agencies in Nigeria for their commitment to the integrity of the nation, we urge them to eschew all forms of corruption, nepotism and betrayal and fight for the unity and integrity of Nigeria.

    “History and humanity will honour their sacrifice and commitment. All Nigerians have the responsibility to collaborate with the security agencies by giving information where necessary and obeying the rules of vigilance and personal security at all times.”

    On restructuring, they said: “The ongoing discourse about restructuring in Nigeria has gathered considerable momentum. In the process, different definitions have emerged on what restructuring could mean and what form such a process should take.

    “It is regrettable that an issue of such importance that should be an issue of justice can be subjected to so much intellectual gymnastics, political sentiments and personal interest. Most people in Nigeria agree that, as it is currently constituted, our country is simply not serving the development and self-realization of most of its citizens and therefore needs to be revisited.

    “In other words, let all of us, leaders and people agree to jettison political machinations and self-serving interests and restructure Nigeria according to the laws of equity and justice. We will thus be saving our own lives and the future.”

  • Boko Haram: Group commend troops of Operation Lafiya Dole

    Boko Haram: Group commend troops of Operation Lafiya Dole

    A Coalition of over 50 Civil Societies Organizations from Abuja has praised troops of Operation Lafiya Dole over their doggedness and resilience in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents in the North Eastern part of the country.

    The Coalition who visited the headquarters of Operation Lafiya Dole was received by the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru at the Military Command and Control Centre (MCCC), headquarters of the Operation Lafiya Dole, Maimalari Army Cantonment, Maiduguri in company of other top military and security commanders in the theatre.

    In his presentation, the leader of the group Comrade Okpakwu Ogenyi expressed happiness over the high spirit fitness of the troop and their combat readiness to crush the Boko Haram insurgents.

    “Members of this group met and interacted with Nigerian troops you lead under the various Commands of the Operation Lafiya Dole and were really impressed with our experiences. We were particularly elated to see the gallant Nigerian troops in the counter-terrorism war in the Northeast in high spirits,

    “Dear Commanders, we were also pleasantly baffled with the evidently high sense of professionalism, discipline, patriotism,   commitment and hard work you have brought to bear on troops under your control. It is an indication that all of you have keyed into the vision and agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari and the leader of the counter-insurgency war, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur  Yusufu Buratai in prosecuting the anti-terrorism campaigns in our country, Nigeria,” Comrade Ogenyi said..

    The group was particularly pleased with the overwhelming presence of troops and their activities both in the rebuilding process and social activities  in the region which according to them has brought confidence especially to the rural communities, stressing that it is the first time the army is uniquely carrying out her corporate social responsibility for the country.

    “ The overwhelming presence of soldiers in the Northeast and the constant staging of military activities in the region , like the 2017  Nigerian Army Day Celebration have consistently imposed an atmosphere of serenity in communities and dismantled the psychological fear of threats of terrorists.

    “During our on-the-spot assessment of some military formations in Borno state, we were delighted at the noticeable impact or shadows of the Nigerian Army in the rebuilding process of ravaged and devastated communities in the Northeast through roads and other infrastructural projects.

    “We stand to be corrected, but we believe this is the first time the Nigerian Army is exhibiting its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to host communities very uniquely.  There is every reason to appreciate the leadership acumen of the COAS, Gen. Buratai and indeed, all of you his subordinate commanders in assisting him to redefine and casting of a new positive image on the Nigerian Army”.

    The group praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for his recent redeployment in the army as a way of strengthening the operations while calling on the new commanders to maintain the tempo of the fight.

    Comrade Ogenti said: “At this juncture, please permit us to appreciate the wisdom of the Army Chief for the internal redeployments he recently effected in the Nigerian Army. These routine changes are necessary to expose officers to new realms of experience to broaden their knowledge in military operations.  We wish to charge the newly redeployed Commanding Officers to keep the candle burning.

    “Particularly, those of you posted to Command Theatre of Operation Lafiya Dole have an onerous duty  and patriotic obligation to Nigeria, not to only sustain the tempo in the counter-insurgency campaigns, but strive to surpass the records of your predecessors by standing up for our country at all times. This is a “mission of no return,” until victory is fully secured.

    “We want to assure you that you have won the battle on terrorism. The ceaseless heat you mounted in mopping out the remnants of  Boko Haram insurgents in clearance operations in the Northeast compelled about 700 terrorists,  among them, top commanders on wanted list,    to call for armistice and surrender to the Nigerian Army . We are proud of your performance and you deserve to be celebrated as all of you are heroes.  We cannot afford to negotiate this celebration with anyone, anywhere in the world. Its victory for our country and only us shall celebrate this victory. We shall soon roll out drums for this elaborate celebration.

    “Finally, permit us to specially celebrate your Superior Commander, the COAS, Gen. Buratai for his cerebral tactics and strategies in prosecuting the counter-insurgency war. His wizardry in knowing when, where and how to apply any strategy on terrorists humbled insurgents to earn us the victory we all celebrate today. He knows when to change the narrative against the terrorists to keep the camp of his enemies in perpetual disarray. The Army Chief is a soldier dreaded by Boko Haram insurgents and as master of the game, Gen. Buratai knows when to tell insurgents to sit or stand up and they comply. He is truly the African best. Thank you, the “People’s General.”

    In his remarks, The Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Ibrahim  Attahiru, Theatre  Commander of Ops Lafiya Dole  thanked the coalition  for first thinking it wise to come to the north east to get firsthand information of the operations of the troops and the progress been made in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists.
    He noted that the victory over Boko Haram requires collective efforts and not just the military, adding that   such a visit by the CSO today has helped to strengthen them to do more for the country.

    Maj. Gen. Attahiru equally  affirmed the commitment of the military to flush out the  remnant of Boko Haram from their hideout anywhere in the country, just as he promised  a to convey the message to all the troops in the Command.

     

  • Boko Haram infiltrating my state, Gov. Ishaku cries out

    Boko Haram infiltrating my state, Gov. Ishaku cries out

    Taraba state governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku has said that fleeing members of the Boko Haram insurgents were taking refuse in the Bali forest area of the state, posing potential security threat to residents of the state.

    Speaking when he received the Brigade Commander of the 23 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Yolanda, General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed, Governor Ishaku said the presence of the fleeing insurgents who were displaced from the Sambisa forest has led to increase in crime rate in the state.

    He said that as a result of the heat on them by military, the insurgents have fled the Sambisa forest and are now occupying the Bali forest which is equally a vast forest, adding that as a result of that, robbery, kidnapping, rape and other forms of crimes have now become a daily occurrence in all the local governments close to the forest.

    Governor Ishaku also drew the attention of the military to the increasing state of insecurity at the Gashaka Gumpti National Park which is threatening tourism in the state.

    He said criminals have infiltrated the Park, thereby making it unsafe for tourists and called for intervention by the security forces to flush out the criminals to make the Park which has been attracting a lot of local and foreign tourist safe again.

    He commended the military for its role in helping to restore peace to communities affected by communal crises in the state in the past, saying that they were always there any time they were called, even in the wee hours of the night and under  poor weather conditions.

    “This has to be so, because the scope of the crises, sometimes is beyond the police to tackle. The situation now is such that herdsmen carry sophisticated weapons instead of sticks which they were known to carry and they now often overwhelm security agencies sent to confront them”, he said.

    While lamenting the incessant crisis between farmers and herdsmen, Governor Ishaku said in the past, “herdsmen and farmers enjoyed a cordial and symbiotic relationship.

    “Farmers wanted herdsmen to leave their cattle on their farms long enough to eat up grass and remnants of harvested crops and in the process fertilize the farms by excreting their wastes there.

    “Even when the cattle ate the farmers’ crops, the matter was always amicably resolved with the herdsman paying a token compensation. These never resulted in any fight or crisis”, he said

    Speaking earlier, the Brigade Commander, General Mohammed assured the Governor of the preparedness of the army to assist the state in the pursuit of its agenda for peace in the state.

    “Our men are always ready and willing respond any time they are called to help restore peace. He said he will consult with the Governor for advice and guidance in handling security matters always”, he said.

     

  • Boko Haram: Borno resumes road construction as peace returns

    With the return of relative peace in southern parts of Borno state after the degrading of the Boko Haram insurgents, the state government has embarked on the rehabilitation and re-construction of bad road that were abandoned due to the high wave of insurgency in the area.

    The Commissioner of Works and Transport in the state Alhaji Adamu Lawan disclosed this at Biu when he paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Biu Alhaji Mai Umar Mustapha Aliyu at his Palace.

    Alhaji Adamu was very specific that the ongoing projects for rehabilitation of township road and drainages in Biu and the construction of 40 kilometer Miringa-Gunda road and bridges that were abandoned due to insecurity will be completed before the end of first quarter of next year.

    His words: “We are in your domain to spend at least a week to inspect projects being executed by the Borno State Government through Borno Road Maintenance Agency (BORMA).

    “As you are aware that this government had embarked on massive projects in your area, but due to activities of Boko Haram, the roads and drainages as well as other meaningful projects were at a point abandoned. Now that peace has returned, we have no option than to see to their completion.

    “We have visited the newly acquired Quarry Plant near Kwaya Kusar Local Government Area, and the decision by government to acquire this plant became necessary, as it will reduce cost of construction of roads to at least 50%. We have been to 40KM Miringa- Gunda and other road projects that were abandoned to activities of insurgency, and very soon we will mobilize our people back to sites for speedy completion”, the commissioner informed.

    The Royal Father in his response expressed gratitude to governor Shettima for resuming work on abandoned projects in his domain.  He added that Biu Emirate deserve full attention of the present administration in providing dividends of democracy and infrastructural development in view of its economic potentials.

    He also expressed worry over cases of gully erosion and other ecological threats in the area, while calling for urgent government attention.

    Emir however called on the State Government to quickly intensify efforts in controlling the increasing cases of fully erosion and other ecological hazards threatening settlements, infrastructures and other sources of livelihood in his domain.