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Tag: Boko Haram terrorists

  • Four suicide bombers killed in failed attack in Borno

    The Police Command in Borno said four Boko Haram terrorists were killed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) strapped to their bodies in Mainari Kanuri and Shua villages in Konduga Local Government Area of the state.

    The Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Edet Okon, disclosed this in a statement released in Maiduguri on Friday.

    “Three of the suicide bombers detonated their IEDs killing themselves only, while the fourth person killed herself and three others,’’ Okon said.

    He said seven other persons were injured during the attack and had been taken to the hospital.

    He said that security had been beefed up in the area and all other places around Maiduguri city to safeguard the public from Boko Haram attacks.

    “Meanwhile, a suicide bomber was sighted on Thursday by security agents and was promptly neutralised in Bama Local Government Area, but no casualty was recorded.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, assures the general public of the commitment of the Force to continue to protect lives and property,’’ the spokesman said.

  • Air Force kills Boko Haram terrorists in Borno

    •Suspects, collaborator held in Yobe

    The Air Force yesterday said it killed several Boko Haram insurgents in Yuwe, Borno State, following air strikes on the sect’s facilities.

    A statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, said the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole conducted the air interdiction.

    The statement reads: “The Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole, on April 28, neutralised scores of Boko Haram Terrorists at Yuwe in Borno State, through air strikes.

    “The mission was conducted following intelligence report that terrorists were hibernating in the settlement. Consequently, the ATF detailed Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft and one Mi-35 Helicopter gunship to conduct air interdiction on the location in two waves.

    “Overhead the location, the NAF fighter aircraft acquired and attacked the terrorists in the settlement with bombs, rockets and canons while a NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) conducted Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) of the mission.

    “The BDA revealed that at the end of the attack, some of the buildings in the location were destroyed while the terrorists were neutralised.

    “Thereafter, some of the surviving terrorists were seen scampering for safety, with various degrees of wounds. The fighter aircraft then attacked them in subsequent waves.”

    The Army has said it arrested three Boko Haram suspects and a collaborator in Yobe State.

    A statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu, said the operation was carried out by troops of 233 Battalion on Operation Lafiya Dole.

    He added that the suspects were arrested on April 27 at Mingel and Damagum, Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.

    He, however, said they all hailed from Borno State.

    The statement reads: “Troops of 233 Battalion deployed on Operation Lafiya Dole, on April 27, while on raid to Mingel and Damagun in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State, nabbed four Boko Haram terrorists with their collaborator.

    “The suspects, who hail from Borno State, include Chari Masaa (40); Gonbuzu Abar (30); Modu Moduchollo (20); Titta Masawa (20) and their collaborator, Gambo Idrisa (30).’’

    Items recovered include four mobile phones and 150,000 cash.

    The statement added that: “Troops of Forward Operation Base, Potiskum, while on routine patrol on April 26, arrested a suspected Boko Haram terrorist, Sailsu Musa (30), of Sabon Gari Duddaye in Nangere Local Government Area.”

  • …Arrest wives of Boko Haram terrorists

    THE Nigerian Army last night said it has arrested three women who have confessed to be wives of Boko Haram terrorists.

    Its Director of Public Relations, Brig Gen Texas Chukwu said in a statement that the women were intercepted by troops of operation Lafiya Dole in Borno State.

    He said, “Troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, Operation LAFIYA DOLE while on clearance patrol intercepted three women and children.

    “The women on interrogation confessed of being wives of Boko Haram terrorists who escaped from Mangusun following the ongoing clearance operation in the area by troops.

    “The women are currently in military custody and preliminary investigation is ongoing.”

     

  • Army begins operation last hold in Borno, Lake Chad

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai Friday said the army would commence Operation Last Hold in northern Borno and parts of Lake Chad Basin to complete the decimation of the Boko Haram Terrorists and ensure the restoration of normal economic activities in the Zone.

    The COAS who addressed journalists at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, said the operation would commence on the 1st of May and end by August.

    Lt.Gen Buratai who was represented at the briefing by the Chief of Operations and Training, AHQ, Maj. Gen David Ahmadu said the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Navy as well as other security agencies would be participating in the four-month operation. He urged the people in the area not to panic as they would witness heavy movements of troops and equipment during the operation.

    Buratai said:” You may recall that the Nigerian Army has been engaged in the conduct of counter insurgency operation tagged Operation LAFIYA DOLE in the North East region for some years with considerable successes. However, the complex and adaptive nature of the Boko Haram insurgency has resulted in the dissident group still sometimes being engaged in abductions, attack on soft targets, Improvised Explosive Device attacks and suicide bombings.

    “It has become expedient for the Nigerian Army to change operating tactics, techniques and procedure in the North East region. Accordingly, the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2018 will be commemorated with the conduct of an operation tagged Operation LAST HOLD in Northern Borno within the North East Theatre. The design is to deploy personnel and equipment to showcase the combat efficiency of the NA and thereafter conduct operations to totally destroy Boko Haram locations in the Lake Chad Basin.

    “Operation LAST HOLD is expected to last for 4 months and it will entail deployment of 6 additional manoeuvre brigades and other critical assets in Borno State. The operation is intended to facilitate the clearance of the Lake Chad waterways of sea weeds and other obstacles obstructing the movement of boats and people across the water channels.  It will also ensure the destruction of Boko Haram Terrorist camps and strong points in the Lake Chad Basin.

    “The operation will also facilitate the rescue of hostages. The operational end-state of Operation LAST HOLD is the total defeat of the Boko Haram Terrorist Sect.  Strategically, the conduct of Operation LAST HOLD will facilitate the restoration of fishing, farming and other economic activities in the Lake Chad Basin. Additionally, it will facilitate the relocation of Internally Displaced Persons from IDP camps to their communities.

    “Operation LAST HOLD is conceptualised to involve the conduct of population influence activities targeted to improve Civil-Military relations in the North East region. It is pertinent to note that Operation LAST HOLD is set to record remarkable achievements that would make the nation proud of the Nigerian Army’s determination at sustaining its constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation as well as its commitment to aid the civil authority to bring about peace and security.

    “In this regard, law abiding members of the public in Northern Borno State are enjoined not to panic as their safety and well-being have been deliberately factored in the operation. The general public is requested to remain vigilant and be security conscious, as suspected insurgents may be fleeing from military operations in the North East and finding safe haven amidst our communities. The public is also reminded to report any suspicious activity or movement to the nearest military formation or other security agencies for prompt action. ”

    Read Also: Nigerian Army still proving its strength on the counter-insurgency campaigns

  • Troops arrest three Boko Haram terrorists

    The Nigerian Army on Thursday said 3 Boko Haram Terrorists have been arrested by troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole in the northeast of the country.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen Texas Chukwu said in a statement in Abuja that the terrorists, Adam Yagga, Musa Kamsulum and Abba Djidoum are all from Darajimal in Bama Local Government of Borno state.

    Brig. Gen. Chukwu said: “Troops of 23 Brigade Nigerian Army under Operation LAFIYA DOLE on 28th March 2018, acting on a tip off arrested 3 suspected Boko Haram terrorists at Ngurore. The suspects, Adam Yagga, Musa Kamsulum and Abba Djidoum are all from Darajimal in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

    “One of the suspects, Abba Djidoum, with series of Gunshot wounds on his thigh, confessed to have operated with the Boko Haram terrorists at fringes of Izza, Wudula and Blakule in Bama LOk cal Government Area of Borno State.  Suspect is undergoing preliminary investigation with 23 Brigade Provost Company.

    “We commend patriotic members of Civilian vigilante (Civilian JTF) for their resilience and continued cooperation with troops, and urge members of the public to emulate their vigilance and security consciousness by reporting any suspicious persons or objects to the nearest military location.

    “We wish to remind repentant Boko Haram fighters that the window of opportunity to embrace the Federal Government Amnesty program is still open for them to surrender and lay down their weapons. It is also gratifying to report that the troops’ morale remains high as they dominate the general area with a robust fighting patrol in continuation with the clearance operations.”

    Read Also:Troops kill four militia men in Bauchi

  • Leah Sharibu won’t be abandoned – Buhari 

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said that he is as committed to the freedom of the only Dapchi schoolgirl still in captivity as he was to the girls’ freedom when all 110 were in the captivity of Boko Haram terrorists.

    According to him, his administration will not relent in efforts to bring Leah Sharibu safely back home to her parents as it has done for the other girls after she was held back by the terrorists over her reported decision not to convert from Christianity to Islam.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, said that Buhari is fully conscious of his duty under the constitution to protect all Nigerians, irrespective of faith, ethnic background or geopolitical location and will not shirk in this responsibility.

    It reads “The President is equally mindful of the fact that true followers of Islam all over the world respect the injunction that there is no compulsion in religion.

    “* To this effect, no one or group can impose its religion on another.

    “His heart goes out to the isolated parents who must watch others rejoice while their own daughter is still away.

    “The lone Dapchi girl, Leah, will not be abandoned.

    “President Buhari assures the Sharibu family that he will continue to do all he can to ensure that they also have cause to rejoice with their daughter soon.”

    Read Also: Buhari to receive released Dapchi schoolgirls Friday

  • Air Force bombs Boko Haram weapons in Sambisa

    Air Force bombs Boko Haram weapons in Sambisa

    The Nigerian Air Force Wednesday said it has destroyed artillery guns belonging to the Boko Haram Terrorists in Sambisa forest with a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).

    The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, said in a statement supported with a video clip that the operation was conducted after an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance platform had confirm the presence of the terrorists weapons in the area.

    AVM Adesanya said: “A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), on 6 February 2018, successfully destroyed an artillery gun belonging to the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in the vicinity of Sambisa Forest.

    “A NAF Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform had sighted the artillery gun while on a routine surveillance around the outskirt of the Sambisa general area.

    “Consequently, the surveillance ISR aircraft requested for an immediate air strike and a NAF RPA was deployed to interdict the target.

    “Overhead the target location, the RPA acquired and attacked the target, completely destroying the artillery gun and setting it ablaze.

    “NAF aircraft continue to survey the Sambisa Forest and environs as part of the ongoing coordinated air and land operations aimed at ridding the nation of the remnants of the insurgents”

  • Police arrest top Boko Haram kingpin in Borno

    Police arrest top Boko Haram kingpin in Borno

    A security source has informed that a top Boko Haram commander was arrested Thursday by the intelligence unit of the Borno State Police command following a tip off.

    The Boko Commander, who is known as Ibrahim Audu Diye alias Romeo according to the source was arrested at about 2pm Thursday at an undisclosed location in Borno state.

    The source also revealed that Romeo has recently threatened to kill the District Head of Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

    He has equally been terrorizing that axis before his arrest Friday.

    Read Also: Army removes commander over Boko Haram attacks

    In another development, the source also revealed that military have closed up on Boko Haram terrorists that attacked Mainok town along Damaturu/Maiduguri Highway on Wednesday.

    The source informed that the insurgents were chased to Zari Village of Mobbar Local Government.

    Details of the encounter with the insurgents were however not revealed.

  • Air Force replaces Commander in Northeast

    Air Force replaces Commander in Northeast

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out a major reorganisation of its Air Operations in the Northeast by replacing the Air Component Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole with a new Commander of the Air Task Force.

    Accordingly, the New Commander of the Task Force is Air Vice Marshal Idi Lubo.

    He replaced Air Commodore Tajudeen Yusuf.

    The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Saadique Abubakar who made the announcement said the development was aimed at achieving increased efficiency in the operations of the Air Force against the Boko Haram Terrorists. He added that the new commander would report to the Theatre Commander.

    Air Marshal Abubakar also said the NAF has acquired a total of five combat helicopters and activated new platforms in the Northeast to clear the remnants of the terrorists from the zone and ensure effective and efficient military operations that would engender peace in the country.

    He made the remarks at the opening of the Chief of the Air Staff Fourth Quarter Conference holding at the Blue Room of the NAF Headquarters, Abuja.

    The Conference had in attendance Branch Chiefs from Headquarters-NAF, Air Officers Commanding, Commandants of NAF and some tri-Service institutions, all Air Vice Marshals serving in Abuja, Directors from HQ NAF and NAF field commanders from its various bases.

    The Air Chief said a number of pilots had completed their trainings and deployed for operational duties across the country, while about 500 Special Forces have been trained and deployed as well to ensure operational efficiency in the service.

    Said he: “This conference is to appraise progress made in the NAF since the end of the Third Quarter. The last was held in Kaduna three months ago. The idea is also to obtain ideas from the bottom to the top such that ideas would be shared towards moving the NAF forward.

    “A number of pilots had completed their training and deployed for operational duties. A female pilot, for the first time in the history of the NAF, was on the way to the United States Air Force for training as a fighter pilot, having graduated as the overall best pilot during ab-initio training at 401 Flying Training School Kaduna.

    “The NAF had activated additional platforms which had been deployed for operations in the Northeast. For example, one Bell 412 Helicopter had been activated while work on the second one would be completed before the end of the month.

    “One Mi-35P Helicopter is being reactivated and should be ready for operation by January 2018 ending. The overhauled engines needed for the reactivation had already arrived in Nigeria. The reactivation is being done locally to further build the capacity of NAF technical personnel and also save cost. So, foreign technical experts had been invited to execute the project in conjunction with NAF engineers and technicians.

    “The 2 additional Mi-35M helicopters recently procured for the NAF by the Federal Government had been test flown in Russia and should be operational in Nigeria by February 2018. Therefore, total of 5 combat helicopters are being added to the NAF counterinsurgency efforts.

    “The NAF air operations in the Northeast has been reorganized for increased efficiency. The Air Component Commander has been replaced with a Commander Air Task Force, an Air Vice Marshal (2-star General), who reports to the Theatre Commander.

    “The NAF has also appointed three Divisional Air Liaison Officers (DALO) for the Nigerian Army’s 3 Armourer Division as well as 7 and 8 Divisions in the Northeast. The whole idea is to ensure a better coordination of air efforts with ground operations”, Air Marshal Abubakar asserted.

  • Boko Haram: Buratai lists achievements in two years

    Boko Haram: Buratai lists achievements in two years

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. General Tukur Buratai said on Monday that the Boko Haram terrorists have been completely degraded that they are no longer in control of any Nigerian territory.

    Buratai said it was heart-warming that the battle tide was turned against the insurgents within the past two years following his appointment and the support of President Muhammadu Buhari for the military.

    The army chief made the remarks while declaring open a Retreat for Past Commanders of the on-going Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Operations in the Northeast at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

    Buratai said: “As we are all aware, the emergence of the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) led insurgency that began in 2009 in the Northeast has been  one  of  the  most  daunting  national security
    challenges that have threatened and undermined the peace and security of Nigeria.

    “The activities of the Group have inflicted overwhelming negative and destructive consequences on human lives, property, infrastructure and development in the entire landscape of North-Eastern (NE) Nigeria.

    “The situation was so bad when I was appointed COAS in June 2015 that about 14 local government areas in Borno State were under the full control of the BHTs.  Furthermore, their activities have reduced the socio-economic activities in the states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe almost with concomitant hardship on the citizenry.

    “This national security challenge that the BHTs pose to the Nigerian State informed Mr President’s directive to the Armed Forces to end the Boko Haram menace in three months from  when  he  was sworn-in in May 2015.

    “Additionally, I took over the mantle of leadership at a time troops morale in the NA was at its lowest ebb and the battle tide almost in favour of the BHTs. The need to swiftly respond to this challenge informed the fashioning of my mission statement which is “to have a professionally responsive NA in the discharge of its constitutional roles”.

    “I am glad to say that Commanders have all keyed in to this vision, with the resultant effect of a change in battle tide against the BHTs, which led to the successful degradation of their military capability to hold any portion of the Nigerian territory.

    “In the same vein, with the support of the Commander in Chief (C-in-C), despite the economic downturn, we have recorded significant achievements in improving the welfare of troops particularly those in the frontline in particular and the entire NA in general, ” Buratai  asserted.

    The COAS expressed the commitment of the nation’s military to ensure that the normalcy that has returned to the Northeast is sustained, and urged the military to remain vigilant as “asymmetric warfare has become a defining feature of the 21st Century security challenges that we will be contending with”.