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Tag: Boko Haram terrorists

  • Boko Haram terrorists hit another community in Hong, Adamawa

    Boko Haram terrorists hit another community in Hong, Adamawa

    Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have hit a community in Hong, a local government area in the northern part of Adamawa State attacked by the same sect only about three days earlier.

    Witnesses said yesterday that the terrorists stormed Dabna, a village in Yadul/Dugwaba District of the Hong LGA, between 10pm on Friday and 3am Saturday, bearing guns and improvised explosive devices.

    They burnt houses and other properties and then left with food items which they looted.

    According to sources, Garaha, a larger community three kilometres away from Dabna, would very probably have been included in the attack except for military, mobile police operatives and vigilantes who mobilised and repelled the attackers.

    The invasion of Dabna came barely three days after Bangah, a suburb of Garaha, close to Sambisa forest was attacked.

    Seven people were killed and several houses and cars destroyed in the attack on Bangah.

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    Providing information on the fresh attack, an angry source who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the people of Dabna and surrounding communities have started to feel that they had informants among them who are encouraging Boko Haram incursion, considering that the communities have been falling into the hands of Boko Haram in recent years.

    A prominent citizen of Dabna and Adamawa State Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC)  Dr Raymond Chidama who spoke on the latest attack on Dabna, said the attacks have reduced his birthplace to a ghost of itself.

    “The  attacks on these communities now have become a daily affair, bringing fear and terror into the remnants of people there,” Chidama lamented, adding that most of the residents had indeed fled.

  • Court convicts 200 Boko Haram terrorists

    Court convicts 200 Boko Haram terrorists

    More than 200 terrorists were  prosecuted and convicted during the  Phase six terrorism trials at the Kainji Detention Facility, Niger State.

    The trials were conducted from December 9 to 13, according to a statement from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), yesterday.

    The statement said that the convicted individuals received various sentences, ranging from  death penalty to life imprisonment and terms of 20 to 70 years, reflecting the severity of their crimes.

    The statement said: “Among those sentenced to the maximum penalty were individuals found guilty of heinous offences, including attacks on women and children, destruction of religious sites, the slaughter of innocent civilians, and the abduction of women and children in brutal assault at Gina Kara Kai community in Borno State.

    “Additionally, individuals involved in terrorism-financing – a critical enabler of violent activities – were sentenced to life imprisonment, underscoring the Federal Government’s unyielding resolve to dismantle all aspects of terrorist networks.”

    “This achievement highlights the government’s commitment to delivering justice for victims of terrorism and safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians.

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    “The trials, presided over by five Federal High Court judges, were conducted in strict compliance with international standards of justice, mark a critical step in restoring peace and stability in affected regions across the country.”

    The statement said that the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, under the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation oversaw the trials in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    It said: “The coordinated effort ensured a transparent and efficient judicial process, the sustenance of effective administration of justice. While the Department of the Public Prosecution of the Federation continues to lead and mobilize for a fair, transparent and efficient judicial process which is a critical step in reinforcing public trust in the country’s justice system, reinforcing public trust in Nigeria’s justice system.

    “While the Department of the Public Prosecutions led the legal process, the NCTC-ONSA coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic counterterrorism measures, reaffirming the Federal Government’s determination to hold perpetrators accountable, protect victims’ rights and uphold the rule of law.”

    The statement said that the current administration had significantly strengthened the capacities of institutions, including the military, police, intelligence, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to facilitate the swift and effective administration of justice.

    It said that measures had also been implemented to ensure the safety of judicial officers, witnesses and other stakeholders involved in the trials.

    “This initiative reflects Nigeria’s commitment to global best practices in prosecuting terrorism-related cases and aligns with international conventions aimed at protecting fundamental rights,” the statement said.

    It added that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu had hailed the judiciary, military, police, and other security agencies for their dedication to this landmark achievement.

    The Phase five of the terrorism trial that took place in July and 143 cases were heard with 125 convictions.

  • Court convicts 125 Boko Haram terrorists, financiers in mass trial

    Court convicts 125 Boko Haram terrorists, financiers in mass trial

    The Federal Ministry of Justice has disclosed that no fewer than 125 Boko Haram terrorists and financiers have been convicted in the resumed mass trial held over two days in Kainji, Niger State.

    Kamardeen Ogundele, the spokesman to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi made this public in a statement on Friday, July 26.

    Ogundele said the 125 were convicted on “charges bordering on terrorism, terrorism financing, rendering material support, and cases relating to International Criminal Court (ICC) criminality.

    “The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is superintending over the trial in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser.

    “The trials held under Giwa Project Kanji Phase Five, between Tuesday and Wednesday, were before five Federal High Court judges led by Justice Binta Nyako.

    Others are Justices Joyce Abdulmalik, Emeka Nwite, Obiora Egwuatu, and Mobolaji Olajuwon.  

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    “The prosecution team was led by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, while the defence team was led by Mr Abdulfatai Bakre from the Legal Aids Council. 

    “Others in attendance as international observers are the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) etc.

    “The courts convicted 85 persons for terrorism financing, 22 for ICC-related crimes while others were convicted for terrorism. They were sentenced to various jail terms.

    “It is also noteworthy that 400 defendants who have completed their sentence have also been moved to Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State for rehabilitation, deradicalisation, and subsequent reintegration.”

  • Air Force strikes Boko Haram terrorists in Sambisa, kills scores of insurgents

    The Nigerian Air Force on Friday said it neutralised more terrorists in Alafa, Borno State, while their hideouts have been destroyed by air strikes.

    Its spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said in a statement that the strikes were launched after intelligence platforms had established the presence of the terrorists in the area.

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “ In continuation of its sustained efforts to wipe out remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in the Northeast of Nigeria, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has destroyed a BHT hideout and killed some fighters at Alafa on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State.

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    “The air strike was conducted yesterday, following Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions that revealed the presence of the terrorists along with their logistic supplies and equipment in a group of structures within the settlement.

    “Accordingly, the ATF dispatched 2 Alpha Jets to attack the location, scoring accurate hits in the target area, which led to the destruction of some of the structures and equipment as well as the killing of several terrorists.

    “The NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, will sustain its operations against the terrorists in the Northeast.“

  • Air Force, troops kill scores of insurgents in Borno, Yobe

    The Air Force has launched Operation Green Sweep II against Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast, killing several insurgents in the first day of the operation.

    It came as the Army said the troops of 120 Task Force Battalion have eliminated several Boko Haram terrorists at Goniri in Yobe State and recovered arms, including five gun trucks.

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, who has been leading operations in the war for sometimes, hailed the efforts and successes of the troops in recent encounters with the terrorists

    Buratai, who urged the troops to sustain and upscale the tempo of the operation, also enjoined them to be more vigilant.

    In line with the extant military traditions, customs and ethics, he spoke while holding a durbar with the troops at the Command and Control Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    About 300 troops drawn from the various units and formations across the Theatre Command attended the occasion, where, as a rare privilege, the troops freely interacted one-on-one with the Chief of Army Staff.

    At the event, the troops were allowed to bare their minds on issues bothering them either as a group or individually, especially on professional matters like administration, welfare, logistics and general operational situation, including progress and challenges.

    He assured them of continuous support to ensure the looming defeat of the dying Boko Haram terrorists and the eventual destruction of the Islamic State West Africa Province battling to establish a dominant presence in Nigeria.

    Also, NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, who announced the launch of Operation Green Sweep II in a statement, said structures of the insurgents were destroyed, following the air interdiction carried out with two Alpha Jet aircraft.

    The statement reads: “The Air Interdiction Operation, which commenced on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, will target selected locations within the Northeast to further degrade the remnants of the terrorists as well as deny them safe havens and freedom of action.

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    “In the morning of Day One of the operation, air strikes by NAF aircraft resulted in the obliteration of an Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) tactical headquarters and neutralization of several terrorists at Kollaram in Northern Borno State.

    “The attack was executed following a series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions that showed the presence of a significant number of ISWAP fighters in buildings under trees spread across the settlement along with communication facilities with roof-mounted solar panels, defensive parapets around the settlement as well as suspected tunnels at various locations.

    “Consequently, the ATF dispatched two NAF Alpha Jet aircraft to attack the location recording accurate hits in the target area, leading to the destruction of some of the structures and equipment as well as the killing of several terrorists.”

    Army’s spokesman Col. Sagir Musa said in a statement that the terrorists were clinically dealt with by troops as they approached the location of the soldiers at Goniri in Yobe State with fighters on motorcycles and seven gun trucks.

    Col. Musa said: “Following aborted attempt by terrorists to infiltrate 120 Task Force Battalion location at Goniri, Yobe State, Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole, at about 1833 hours on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, troops of the Battalion, in a professional manner, tactically waited for the terrorists to close into the killing range and opened a heavy volume of fire on the criminals who came with seven gun trucks and several other fighters on motorcycles.

    “Consequently, this encounter/ambush resulted in the annihilation of dozens of terrorists, many fled with some levels of injuries and the following equipment were captured, five gun trucks, one Vehicule Blinde Leger (VBL) – a French wheeled 4×4 all-terrain vehicle built by Panhard, assorted quantity of ammunition and an unconfirmed number of motorcycles were destroyed.

    “Generally, in comparable terms, the security situation within the Northeast zone is relatively calm and under control, as troops remain committed and resolute to conducting robust multiple aggressive operations to end the insurgency,” the statement said.

  • UN, EU special envoys hail multinational task force troops

    THE United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) have sent special envoys to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) troops against Boko Haram terrorists in the Lake Chad region.

    It followed the success recorded by the regional military body.

    The special envoys, who visited the headquarters of the MNJTF in N’Djamena, Chad, described the success recorded by the troops against Boko Haram terrorists as encouraging.

    According to a statement issued by the Force spokesman, Colonel Timothy Antigha, the special envoys met with the MNJTF Commander, Maj-Gen. Chikezie Ude, applauding the feat of the troops in quick succession.

    Colonel Antigha said: “A high level United Nations and European Union delegation comprising the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General to Central Africa, Francois Fall, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General to West Africa and Sahel, Mohammed Ibn Chambas and the Special Representative of the European Union to the Sahel, Angel Losada, have visited the MNJTF Headquarters in N’Djamena, Chad.

    “Speaking during the visit, Special Representative Fall thanked the Force Commander for the successes recorded in the ongoing ‘Operation Yancin Tafki’, noting that the progress made so far was encouraging.

    “He observed that the Boko Haram problem requires more than a military solution, stressing that there is a need to also examine and address the socio-economic underpinnings of the crisis.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Troops kill 41 suspected Boko Haram terrorists

    FORTY-ONE suspected Boko Haram terrorists were at the weekend killed by the Multinational Joint Task Force Troops (MNJTF), the military announced yesterday.

    The terrorists were neutralised in clearance operations by troops who destroyed six gun trucks and other equipment belonging to the insurgents.

    According to the Chief Military Information Officer of the Force, Col. Timothy Antigha, the feat was achieved following the launch of Operation Yancin Tafki last month.

    Col. Antigha explained in a statement that the troops of the MNJTF, comprising of air and land components, would continue to pursue and raid the hideouts of fleeing terrorists until they are wiped out.

    The Force spokesman said: “In continuation of Operation YANCIN TAFKI which was launched last month, troops of the MNJTF, comprising Air and Land Components from Chad, Cameroon, Niger Republic and Nigeria have for the second time in about 10 days, dealt a devastating blow on Boko Haram Terrorists.

    “Last night, Boko Haram Terrorists operating on the Kamadougou River, between Niger and Nigeria, attacked troops location in Gueskerou, about 30 kilometers from Diffa in Niger Republic.

    “However, troops showed valour and gallantry by fiercely defending their location and killing 27 terrorists, destroying six gun trucks and capturing equipment, arms and ammunition.

    “A few terrorists who escaped the fire fight were observed running towards Gashigar in Nigerian territory and were being pursued as at the time of issuing this press release.

    “In a related development, between 3 and 6 pm today (Saturday), MNJTF troops also confronted Boko Haram Terrorists around Abadam, in the general area of Mallam Fatori.

    “A summary of human and equipment casualty suffered by Boko Haram during the engagement is stated below:

    13 Boko Haram Terrorists killed;

    20 AK 47 Rifles, five AA Gun, and another 12 AK 47 Rifles were seized from them.”

    He listed others as: 1000 by 7.62 MM ammunition and 500 by 12.7MM ammunition, adding that one Boko Haram Terrorist was captured alive.

    Col. Antigha also said five motor cycles were seized and another one destroyed by troops.

    According to him four gun trucks were destroyed, three gun trucks captured, three general purpose machine guns captured and three hand grenades were also captured from the terrorists.

    He said: “It would be recalled that about 10 days ago, MNJTF troops also struck Boko Haram Terrorists in Dorou in Niger Republic, neutralising many of them in the process.

    “The MNJTF is therefore determined to intensify subsidiary operations such as raids, ambushes and fighting patrols among others until the last strong hold of Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin is neutralised.”

  • One year after, Dapchi community cries for release of Leah Sharibu

    Friends and members of Dapchi community in Yobe on Tuesday gathered at the home of Leah Sharibu, who was abducted exactly a year ago by Boko Haram terrorists with other girls at Government Girls Science Technical College.

    They demanded for the release of Leah, the only Christian girl left in captivity for refusing to deny her Christian faith.

    Muslims and Christians also offered prayers for the release of Leah at her parent’s home in Dapchi.

    Secretary of Association of Parents of Abducted Dapchi Girls, Kachalla Mohammed regretted the Federal Government’s efforts to rescue have not yielded dividends.

    Kachalla noted the government needs to act fast to save her from Boko Haram and bring joy to the traumatised family.

    “We are fasting and praying in the mosques and churches for Leah. Her parents are also praying in Yola.

    “We have organised ourselves to show our displeasure over the slow rescue of Leah from Boko Haram by the Federal Government. We are looking forward to Leah’s releases

    “We have gathered at Leah’s House in Dapchi today to show our solidarity to the mother and parents of Leah. As it is today, we don’t know the kind of condition that Leah is inside. Whether she is alive, health or sick, we don’t know.”

    He went on: “I recalled three months ago, Mr. President sent a delegation to this House to come and promise to the parents of Leah and up to now, we have not seen Leah come back to her parents.

    “Today is 19 February, 2019 exactly one year when Leah was taken with her mates.”

    Some of the residents, who spoke with The Nation, also expressed displeasure over the inability of the Federal Government to secure the release of Leah a year after giving so many assurances to the parents and the community.

    “I personally cannot understand or believe that like joke this little girl has spent one year in the hands of Boko Haram and nobody is sure yet what will happen despite all the people that President Buhari has sent to Dapchi here to the family. This is not fair,” Adamu, a resident said.

    Another resident, who identified himself as Yerima, informed that Dapchi will remain an unhappy community without the return of Leah.

    “We also feel sad that this girl has not been returned to us. It’s a very sad development for us.

    “This community will not have its complete joy until the day Leah will be released. Many parents were happy the day the other girls were returned but today, the news of Leah always make our joy seem incomplete,” Yerima said.

    Leah’s aunty, Hyelakumi Mannaseh, amidst tears appealed to Boko Haram to free her niece, while calling on the Federal Government do what it takes for Leah’s freedom.

    “We are pleading with Boko Haram. Let them release Leah as they released other. We are calling on the Federal Government to do something very fast so that the poor girl will be released.

    “It is like we are all in captivity with Leah in this one year. We are not happy.

    “We don’t know what we are doing, sometimes; we are behaving like mad people because of the condition that Leah is inside.

    “We are still sure that Leah is not dead. We hope the death rumours is not true. We are still expecting to have her back by the grace of God Almighty,” She said.

    The Pastor of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Rev. Musa Ibrahim said the entire Church in Dapchi is grieving over the development.

    “We are crying to government to hear our cry so that the family and the entire community will rejoice,” he said.

    Chairman of Association of Parents of Dapchi Abducted Girls, Bashir Manzo, called on the Federal Government to pay whatever ransom Boko Haram demands to free Leah.

    “The president should expedite actions on the release of Leah. Let the president pay whatever Boko Haram is requesting so that this little girl will be set free.

    ‘’They would have done anything within their powers to release this girl if it’s their own child,” Manzo said.

  • Troops neutralise five terrorists in Borno

    The Nigerian Army on Thursday night said that troops have neutralized five Boko Haram terrorists in Gwoza,  including a notorious one known as Adamu Rugurugu.

    A statement signed by Colonel Ado Isa, Deputy Director Army Public Relations,
    said the troops recovered weapons from the terrorists.

    The statement reads: “Troops of 192 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Sector 1, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, while on patrol in conjunction with the Civilian JTF, along Gwoza-Yamteke on Wednesday 30th January 2019, came across some Boko Haram terrorists attempting to infiltrate the general area.

    “On sighting the troops, the terrorists opened fire on them. which lead to a heavy exchange of fire.

    “The gallant troops applied superior fighting skills and overpowered the terrorists and neutralised 4 Boko Haram terrorists including Adamu Rugu Rugu a very notorious terrorist, an indegene of Gwoza town, who had been troubling the law abiding citizens of Gwoza and its environment for many years.

    “The gallant troops also recovered 2 Machine guns and 2 AK-47 Rifles.

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    “When the good news of the unprecedented feat by the gallant troops filtered into town, the residents of Gwoza trooped out jubilating and thanking the military particularly for neutralising Adamu Rugu Rugu and urged them to clear more such terrorists wherever they might be.

    “Impressed by their performance, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, who is also Commamder Sector 1, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, commended the troops for the gallant efforts.

    “In a related development, troops of 152 Battalion, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, today while on patrol and based on credible information, ambushed suspected Boko Haram terrorists along
    Kumshe-Usmanari road.

    “During the ambush they neutralised one Boko Haram terrorist, while two of his accomplices escaped with gunshot wounds.

    “Similarly, troops of 195 Battalion, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, in conjunction with Police Mobile Force and Civilian JTF, while on cordon and search operation today at Umalari general area, arrested a suspected Boko Haram terrorist, named Mohammed Maina.

    ” He was found to be in possession of military kits and Mobile Police Force uniform. He has since been handed over to 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further interrogation. “

  • Air Force strikes insurgents in northern Borno

    The Nigerian Air Force on Monday said Boko Haram terrorists have been neutralized in Limberi, northern parts of Borno State.

    Accordingly to the spokesman of the Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, air strikes were conducted against the insurgents following credible intelligence reports on their presence in the area.

    He said in a statement that their structures were also destroyed.

    He said:  “The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has destroyed another terrorists’ hideout and neutralized some terrorists at Limberi, a cluster of small, co-located settlements made up of mud and thatched roof structures located about 92Km Northwest of Monguno in Northern Borno State.

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    The air strike was conducted on 26 January 2019 following credible Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports indicating that the location was being used by the terrorists as a staging area.

    “This was later confirmed by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions which tracked a group of terrorists heading to a location about 3km North of the settlements, where they had converged.

    “The ATF therefore dispatched 2 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft to attack the location as the fighters were emerging from their meeting venue; hitting them in successive passes and recording successful strikes resulting in the destruction of several structures, which were seen engulfed in flames.

    “Each pass was targeted at the various compounds where the terrorists had dispersed resulting in the neutralization of several terrorists. ”