The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Boko Haram members

  • Court convicts 113 Boko Haram members

    The special court trying detained Boko Haram suspects has convicted another set of 113 sect members.

    Sitting on Monday and Tuesday at a military formation in New Bussa, Niger State, the courts sentenced the sect members to various terms of imprisonment.

    Ther three judges handling the cases are drawn from the Federal High Court in the trials witnessed by rights advocacy organisations like the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Amnesty International (AI).

    There was also a team from the Legal Services Department of Nigerian Prison Service (NPS), which included ACP Godwin Okosun.

    The prosecution and defence teams were made up of lawyers drawn from the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACN).

    A total of 111 suspects were set free because there were no sufficient evidence to prove their guilt. They were recommended for rehabilitation before release.

    All the cases heard involved defendants who could only speak either Hausa or Kanuri, thereby requiring the assistance of translators.

    The ages of the suspects varied, the lowest being 16-year-old Saudatu Zarhadeen, who was arrested at 13 years by security agents, who had gone to their home to arrest her husband, a suspected Boko Haram leader, but picked her in his absence.

    The oldest was 73-year-old Mamman Lawan, who was among a set of five men convicted for concealing information from security agents, about the activities of Boko Haram and offering assisting members of the sect with foods and other items.

    Lawan was, along with other four – Modu Bulama (40 years), Mallam Dupochi (50), Mallam Ali Mami (63) and Musa Mohammed Dawa (60) – sentenced to three years each per count of a four-count charge.

    There was the case of Banzana Yusuf, who admitted being part of some Boko Haram members, who kidnapped the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls in Borno State in 2014.

    Yusuf also admitted stealing a military vehicle in Mungunu, part of which they used to convey the abducted girls.

    He said his parents in 2008, sent him to Lagos to prevent him from joining. Boko Haram, but that he chose to return to be part of the group.

    He was convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, to run from when he was arrested in 2015.

    Thirty-year-old Kabiru Mohammed got the highest sentence of 30 years per count of a seven-count charge in which he was accused of among others, being a member of Boko Haram and participating in series of fatal attacks on communities.

    Mohammed was said to have joined the sect in 2013 and rose to become a leader in 2014. He was said to have participated in the attack on Bama (Borno State), Konduga, Baga and Damaturu. He pleaded guilty to the charge.

    Adamu Muhammed (22), was arrested when he was19 years. He was charged with being a Boko Haram member, participating in terrorism activities and killing six people with a gun.

    He pleaded guilty to the six-count charge on which he was arraigned. He was convicted and sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.

    Mohammed Musa Audu bagged 15 years for admitting being a member of a terrorist organisation called Mujahideen. He admitted attending the group’s meetings in Mali. He denied being a member of Boko Haram.

    The much anticipated trial of Mohammed Zakariya (aka Butcher) was postponed when the judge learnt that the 50-year-old man was mentally unstable.

    A military medical personnel told the court that Zakariya suffers from “post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorder.”

  • Group commends Army over 700 surrendered Boko Haram members

    The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has commended the Nigerian Army over the recent surrender of Boko Haram top commanders in Borno State.

    The centre noted that the feat was a clear indication that the military had truly won the battle against insurgents in north east.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, had on Monday revealed that about 700 Boko Haram insurgents around Sambisa Forest in Borno, had surrendered.

    “A short while ago, I received the good news that about 700 Boko Haram terrorists within the fringes of Sambisa Forest have surrendered.

    “Some others are in the process to surrender, This is a clear indication that the Boko Haram war is clearly being won,” the army chief had said.
    Reacting to the development at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, Joyce Adamu, CESJET’s Executive Director, said the organisation was happy with the progress recorded so far in the war against terrorism in the volatile north east.

    Adamu, “We have always reposed an untainted confidence in the Nigerian Army to defeat Boko Haram terrorism completely on our land and this is the turning in that history.

    “We echoed loudly after soldiers dismantled Sambisa forest in December 2016 that terrorism in Nigeria has ended. But many of our compatriots doubted us, especially as terrorist bombs  still intermittently detonated in parts of Maiduguri, Borno state.

    “But we were precise that the counter-insurgency war has reached a stage where the sounds of guns or marching boots of soldiers would soon pave way to less combativeness in ending the terror war. That terrorists could no longer withstand the sheer force of the army, pleaded for armistice and en masse surrendered to troops of 26 Task Force Brigade, Nigerian Army, Operation LAFIYA DOLE on the fringes of the Sambisa forest is a worthy accomplishment. Coming out in that amazing number to renounce terrorism is Nigeria’s ultimate and strategic victory in the anti-terrorism and counter-insurgency war.

    “Of particular importance to us is the commitment of terrorists to the pledge of armistice as according to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, 70 of such Boko Haram insurgency including top commanders and terrorists on the Army’s list of most wanted terrorists have turned themselves to the Nigeria Army and are being profiled. The number is expected to swell in the coming days until the target is exhausted.”
    Adamu added that the surrendering of that huge number of terrorists attests to the effectiveness of the soldiers mop-up operations in the Northeast, hence terrorists could no longer find convenient hiding places.

    “It is indication of our military’s  superiority over the insurgents and it is express illustration of the penchant of the Nigerian Army under General Buratai in keeping with its promise to uphold and respect the human rights of all actors in the counter-insurgency war.

    “Again without any doubt, those of us who have keenly and painstakingly followed the counter-insurgency war in the Northeast can certify that the Nigerian Army had never at any point in time relaxed  in the war against insurgency in Nigeria.

    “It has always lived up to expectations and the netting of 700 Boko Haram  surrendees is just icing of the cake. Even in April 2017, a terrorists kingpin Bulama Kailani Mohammed Metele,  affiliated to the Mamman Nur’s faction of Boko Haram led  by Abu, let himself off terrorism hook when the heat became unbearable by surrendering to troops of the 145 Task Force Battalion, 5 Brigade at Damasak. He was also on Nigerian Army’s list of most wanted  terrorists,” he said.

    She further stressed the singular act has put to shame the ignominious campaigns’ of vested external interest in the destabilization of Nigeria and the blind accusations of the Nigerian military of betraying the people in the counter-insurgency war through unwholesome acts.

    Ends……..

    Group commends Army over 700 surrendered Boko Haram members

    The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has commended the Nigerian Army over the recent surrender of Boko Haram top commanders in Borno State.

    The centre noted that the feat was a clear indication that the military had truly won the battle against insurgents in north east.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, had on Monday revealed that about 700 Boko Haram insurgents around Sambisa Forest in Borno, had surrendered.

    “A short while ago, I received the good news that about 700 Boko Haram terrorists within the fringes of Sambisa Forest have surrendered.

    “Some others are in the process to surrender, This is a clear indication that the Boko Haram war is clearly being won,” the army chief had said.
    Reacting to the development at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, Joyce Adamu, CESJET’s Executive Director, said the organisation was happy with the progress recorded so far in the war against terrorism in the volatile north east.

    Adamu, “We have always reposed an untainted confidence in the Nigerian Army to defeat Boko Haram terrorism completely on our land and this is the turning in that history.

    “We echoed loudly after soldiers dismantled Sambisa forest in December 2016 that terrorism in Nigeria has ended. But many of our compatriots doubted us, especially as terrorist bombs  still intermittently detonated in parts of Maiduguri, Borno state.

    “But we were precise that the counter-insurgency war has reached a stage where the sounds of guns or marching boots of soldiers would soon pave way to less combativeness in ending the terror war. That terrorists could no longer withstand the sheer force of the army, pleaded for armistice and en masse surrendered to troops of 26 Task Force Brigade, Nigerian Army, Operation LAFIYA DOLE on the fringes of the Sambisa forest is a worthy accomplishment. Coming out in that amazing number to renounce terrorism is Nigeria’s ultimate and strategic victory in the anti-terrorism and counter-insurgency war.

    “Of particular importance to us is the commitment of terrorists to the pledge of armistice as according to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, 70 of such Boko Haram insurgency including top commanders and terrorists on the Army’s list of most wanted terrorists have turned themselves to the Nigeria Army and are being profiled. The number is expected to swell in the coming days until the target is exhausted.”
    Adamu added that the surrendering of that huge number of terrorists attests to the effectiveness of the soldiers mop-up operations in the Northeast, hence terrorists could no longer find convenient hiding places.

    “It is indication of our military’s  superiority over the insurgents and it is express illustration of the penchant of the Nigerian Army under General Buratai in keeping with its promise to uphold and respect the human rights of all actors in the counter-insurgency war.

    “Again without any doubt, those of us who have keenly and painstakingly followed the counter-insurgency war in the Northeast can certify that the Nigerian Army had never at any point in time relaxed  in the war against insurgency in Nigeria.

    “It has always lived up to expectations and the netting of 700 Boko Haram  surrendees is just icing of the cake. Even in April 2017, a terrorists kingpin Bulama Kailani Mohammed Metele,  affiliated to the Mamman Nur’s faction of Boko Haram led  by Abu, let himself off terrorism hook when the heat became unbearable by surrendering to troops of the 145 Task Force Battalion, 5 Brigade at Damasak. He was also on Nigerian Army’s list of most wanted  terrorists,” he said.

    She further stressed the singular act has put to shame the ignominious campaigns’ of vested external interest in the destabilization of Nigeria and the blind accusations of the Nigerian military of betraying the people in the counter-insurgency war through unwholesome acts.

  • Military: 8,000 Boko Haram members surrender

    Military: 8,000 Boko Haram members surrender

    The military yesterday in Abuja said 8,000 Boko Haram members voluntarily surrendered to its “Operation Safe Corridor” in the Northeast.

    Director of Defence Information Brig.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar spoke at a lecture organised by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Correspondents’ Chapel.

    Abubakar said the surrendered insurgents were in a camp in Gombe waiting to be “de-radicalised” by the military.

    He also said over 10,000 Boko Haram captives were  rescued by the military.

    The Defence spokesman  said some of them were reunited with their families, while others were taken to Internally Displaced Person’s (IDP) camps.

    Abubakar said Boko Haram had been decimated by the military, and that the Federal  Government would rehabilitate victims and rebuilt affected areas.

    He also hinted that the military would launch “Operation Safe Corridor” to address the menace of herdsmen across the country.

    The Defence spokesman promised that the military operation would put an end to the killings by herdsmen.

    Responding to questions on the action by the military declaring some journalists wanted, he urged the media not to allow sentiments to influence their judgment on the issue.

    He said the military should be allowed to do its work, while assuring them that no journalist would be victimised.

    Abubakar said good military-media relationship was crucial to winning the war against insurgency.

    He said the media drove public support for the militar, which had boosted the morale of officers and the rank-and-file.

     

  • FG concludes plans for Boko Haram rehabilitation

    FG concludes plans for Boko Haram rehabilitation

    Arrangements have been completed for the deployment of 800 repentant Boko Haram members to Gombe state for rehabilitation and onward integration back into the society.

    Brigadier General Bamidele Shafa, Coordinator, Operation Safe Corridor, the Federal Government programme for the rehabilitation of repentant Boko Haram militants spoke in Gombe when the Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Malam Muhammed Sani Sidi visited the camp on Monday to supply food items.

    General Shafa said the operation was not an entirely military as there are 14 other government agencies, and Non-Governmental Organisations involved in it.

    He said the operation was humanitarian but being led by the military at the moment because “operations in the north-east of Nigeria are largely handled by the military.”

    “I want to believe that as soon as the military operations are wind down, Operation Safe Corridor could be ceded to civil authority which by constitution is supposed to handle such operation,” he added.

    He said Operation Safe Corridor is a programmed designed by the Federal Government to de-radicalise, rehabilitate and reintegrate members of Boko Haram who have repented and willingly surrendered their arms.

    He said the programme would be conducted in line with the international standards and about 12 different trades and vocations would be taught them while they undergo rehabilitation so that they could be self-reliant by the time the exercise is over.

    He said the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) which would avail their facilities training and some NGOs would be on hand to help in for the skills acquisition aspect of the Operation.

    Malam Sani Sidi, Director General, NEMA who was at the campsite to present foodstuffs to be used during the rehabilitation said what the Agency presented was enough to last for three months.

    He said there were enough foodstuffs in their store to last for atleast on whole year, but that it would be released on quarterly bases.

    Some of the food items handed over are: 410 bags of rice, 400 bags of beans, 200 bags of millet, 200 bags of sorghum, 750 cartons of spaghetti, 50 cartons of Maggi cubes and 810 cartons tomato paste..

    Others include: 101 Vegetable oil in 20 liter jerry-cans, 101 palm oil in 20 liter jerry-cans, 50 bags of salt, 100 bags of sugar, 420 cartons of milk and 420 cartons of Milo chocolate.

    The non food items include: 800 pieces of mattress, 500 hundred pieces of blanket, 500 pieces of nylon mats, 1000 plastic buckets, 1000 plastic spoons, 1000 plastic cups 1000, plastics plates, 1000 plastic pairs of slippers, 2000 men’s wear, 63 cartons of bath soap and 1000 bath towels.

    Sidi said the Federal Government through NEMA was ready to provide all the needed support and collaboration in the area of food supplies, to ensure the success of the programme.

    The camp Commandant pledged total commitment to the programme’s success as well as to use the items provided for the purpose they were meant for.

  • 16 Boko Haram members surrender

    16 Boko Haram members surrender

    •Troops clear seven more villages of terrorists

    Sixteen suspected members of Boko Haram have surrendered to soldiers in Balazala and Ahamdaga Makaranta villages in Dure district of Borno State.

    They include three ameers (leaders) in the sect hierarchy: Hamidu Buba (emeer of tailors), Musa Buba (ameer of mechanics), and Ali Idrissa,  (ameer of  carpenters), according to the Army Acting Director of Public Relations, Colonel  Sani Usman.

    The rest, the army claimed, confessed to be “Rijan” (fighters) who have participated in various Boko Haram attacks on villages and towns.

    The repentant terrorists said the ongoing crackdown operation was taking a toll on them as they could barely survive.

    They also stated that the sect has run out of food and members now survive on roots and unripe mangoes. They also said two of their colleagues who were sent for food were killed at the Frigi crossing point some days earlier by troops.

    Usman said:”the troops of 122 Task Force Battalion injunction with some elements of 26 Task Force Brigade on receipt of information from some escapees, embarked on a clearance patrol to Fadagwe Muni, along Yamtake-Gwoza road.

    “On sighting the troops, the suspected Boko Haram terrorists fled and left behind an abducted 16 year old female cripple. The terrorists also abandoned a large stock of grains stored in underground pit.

    “Other items recovered include a grinding machine, two tricycles and one photo printer. The troops nevertheless pursued the fleeing insurgents and killed some of them.

    “Similarly, troops of 121 Task Force Battalion also conducted clearance operation at Kadera Dam and Anguwar Fulani, while troops of 192 Battalion that conducted similar operation to Guduf,  Nagadio, Duma and Kusarha.  The Boko Haram terrorists ran to the top of the mountains and they were engaged with heavy mortar fire.”

    The army also announced yesterday that troops of 28 Task Force Brigade successfully cleared enclaves of Boko Haram terrorists along Galtha Baba, Galtha Musa, Bulakurma, Shatimari, Chukruk, Bulangaje, and Disa villages.

    During the operation, a suspected Boko Haram terrorist was captured alive and three motorcycles, bags of grains, their flags and uniforms were recovered.

    The troops also rescued 15 persons that were held hostages by the Boko Haram terrorists in the area.

     

  • Journalists barred from Boko Haram members’ arraignment

    Journalists were on Thursday barred from covering proceedings at the Federal High Court, Lagos, when 17 alleged members of the Boko Haram sect were arraigned.

    The suspects were charged with eight –count charge of belonging to the proscribed organisation and for being in possession of explosives and dangerous weapons.

    They were brought to the court presided over by Justice Musa Kurya at about 9.45am by a combined team of riot policemen and Department of State Security Services (DSS) officials who were armed with sophisticated weapons.

    As proceedings were to begin, an SSS official asked everyone who was not a lawyer to leave the courtroom.

    When the court reporters identified themselves and explained why they were in court, the security agent said the press had been barred from covering the case.

    He said the SSS got a directive from the presidency to stop journalist from covering the proceedings.

    When the journalists complied and stood outside the courtroom, another armed SSS officer asked them to leave and not stay anywhere around the corridor.

    “I give you five minutes to leave this place, or you will be handcuffed,” the security agent threatened.

    Earlier, a lawyer who was caught taking photographs of the accused persons with his mobile phone as they marched into the court had it seized.

    When the case ended at about 11.58am, journalists approached the prosecutor Mrs. E. I. Alakija of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to get details of what transpired in court, but she was unwilling to speak to the press.

    She directed the journalists to ask the court officials for a copy of the charge, saying she had none to spare.

    She added that she had only one copy, but did not release it to be photocopied when asked.

    One of the lawyers in the prosecution team told the journalists to be “patient” as “the case is very sensitive.”

    It was, however, learnt that the arraignment could not go on because the first to fifth accused persons had no legal representation.

    Two lawyers were said to have represented the rest.

     

     

  • CAN insists on prosecution of Boko Haram sponsors, members

    CAN insists on prosecution of Boko Haram sponsors, members

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Thursday in Abuja renewed its call on the Federal Government to start the immediate prosecution of identified sponsors and members of the Boko Haram sect.

    The CAN General Secretary, Rev. Musa Asake, said this at a news conference while reacting to the sect’s recent onslaught on Christians in parts of the North.

    He said the call became necessary following the recent revelations after the arrest of some members of the sect in Lagos.

    Asake urged the Federal Government to adopt strategies to permanently end the spate of attacks on innocent Nigerians in parts of the North.

    “The assertion in some quarters that the north is at war does not represent the reality on ground, from our records; it is innocent people that are being killed in the north by a gang of armed youths.

    “The state of our nation calls for concern and so is the state of Christendom, the situation demands urgent action.

    “We are calling on the Federal Government to start prosecuting those who have been identified as sponsors and top ranking members of the Boko Haram sect, we want the whole world to know that we are getting tired,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the CAN official as saying at the conference.

    Asake said that CAN was disappointed in government’s failure to prosecute those alleged to be sponsors of insurgents in the region.

    He said that government should make efforts to regain the confidence of the people that it could protect their lives and property.

    “Government must acquire a reputation for being taken seriously on this matter by the populace.

    “It must also acquire the spine to prosecute any member of the sect already in government’s net as doing otherwise will make most Nigerians believe that some classes of Nigerians are untouchable,’’ he added.