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Tag: boko haram

  • ‘We can’t forget the anguish of Boko Haram victims’ – UK

    ‘We can’t forget the anguish of Boko Haram victims’ – UK

    The United Kingdom has said that it was difficult to forget the stories of anguish that Boko Haram terrorists perpetrated against innocent people in the northeast.

    The Permanent Representative of UK to the UN, Amb. Matthew Rycroft, stated this at the Security Council briefing on ‘Peace and Security in Africa’ with focus on Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    Rycroft recalled the Council’s visit to the Lake Chad region in March, saying “I’m sure that none of us who are on that visit will forget the stories of anguish that we heard there”.

    “So many of them from mothers or daughters who had lost everything – their children, their families, their homes, their hope – all to Boko Haram. Sadly, it seems that these stories are still being told.

    “In spite of the efforts of the UN, and the AU and governments of the region, the suffering continues – with over two million people still displaced in the Lake Chad region; over 96 per cent of them because of the insurgency.”

    According to him, it was high time everything was done to break the cycle of violence being perpetrated by the Boko Haram terrorists in the country.

    “Put simply Mr President, we need to break the cycle. And by we, I mean all of us, including this Security Council, but responsibility must fall, first and foremost, to the governments affected,” Rycroft said.

    “It means governments holding to account those who have committed these crimes; showing that there can be really no impunity and no escape; that the rule of law applies to everyone.

    “And we need to help them in that effort. And that’s why the UK, together with our UN and NGO partners, are supporting the Nigerian government to re-establish basic social services to areas they have stabilised.”

    “It’s why we provide training to the Nigerian Armed Forces and to African Peacekeeping contingents on protecting civilians and on preventing sexual and gender based violence,” the UK envoy said.

    He said at the heart of addressing the huge humanitarian challenges caused by the Boko Haram crisis meant women’s equality in all aspects of politics, government and society.

    “It’s unacceptable that women continue to be so poorly represented in formal governance and peace processes when time after time studies show that women’s participation in these processes aids their ultimate success.

    “In Nigeria, for instance, women’s participation in the House of Representatives and Senate has fallen since 2011; it now stands at around five per cent,” he said.

    The UK envoy advocated for the full, active participation of women saying “women have spent too long enduring and surviving these crises; it’s long past time for them to play their fullest part in solving them”.

    “I’m looking forward to Amina Mohammed’s briefing on her visit to Nigeria and to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, two crucial countries, including for the Women, Peace and Security agenda which was the reason for her visit that she will be briefing us on.

    “And on Northeast Nigeria, I was very glad to co-lead the Council there as part of our  Lake Chad Basin visit back in March.

    “One of the things that we concluded that it was important not to have a one off visit but to have a series of sustained engagement, really getting under the surface of the interconnected problems there.

    “It’s not just climate change, it’s not just terrorism, it’s not just governance, it’s not just a famine, it’s everything interconnected with everything else,” Rycroft said.

  • GOC to Nigerians: pray for military men fighting Boko Haram

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, has admonished Nigerians to continually pray for military men fighting Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast.

    Udoh, in a statement yesterday in Port Harcourt by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, stated that the military men at the battlefield needed the support and prayers of Nigerians to be victorious.

    The GOC said: “In line with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai’s determination of rotating overstayed troops operating in the Northeast, as part of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, soldiers of 29 Battalion, based in Port Harcourt, have been rotated and returned to their main unit, amid cheers and jubilation from their families and colleagues.

    “The troops have served in various units under Operation LAFIYA DOLE, where they contributed immensely to the successes of routing out and defeat of the Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast.”

    Udoh, in his address to the returnee troops, welcomed them back to their unit, after a successful tour of duty in the Northeast.

    He enjoined them to pray for their colleagues still in the theatre for God’s protection and victory over Boko Haram terrorists.

    The GOC reassured the troops of their welfare and that of their families, urging them to remain professional, saying they will soon be deployed for  routine operations, after their disembarkation leave.

    Udoh noted that rotation of overstayed soldiers in Operation LAFIYA DOLE was ongoing.

     He said more troops were being inducted, while those that stayed long were being de-inducted from the theatre of operations.

  • WFP begins transportation of food to IDPs

    WFP begins transportation of food to IDPs

    The World Food Programme (WFP) has commenced transportation of food assistance to the northeast, where people displaced by Boko Haram violence need urgent food assistance.

    The WFP said it has already begun moving the first batch of rice donated by Nigerian government, which contributed 5,000 metric tonnes of rice and pledged a further 2,000 metric tons of millet.

    “This donation once again testifies to the quality of relations between WFP and Nigeria,” WFP’s interim Country Director, Ronald Sibanda, said in a statement issued by the United Nations.

    Sibanda noted that the assistance by the UN humanitarian agency fighting hunger would help feed nearly half-a-million internally displaced people in the conflict-ravaged northeast.

    “The United States will cover the associated costs of getting the donated rice to those displaced in the hardest-hit states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, as part of its 100 million dollars contribution to WFP’s Nigeria response.

    “Nigeria’s crisis has spilled over borders, leaving millions in the broader Lake Chad Basin region uncertain of where their meal is coming from.

    “Experts have warned that without sufficient and timely humanitarian assistance, northeast Nigeria risks tipping into famine,” he said.

    He said since launching operations in 2016, WFP has rapidly expanded its offer of food, nutrition and cash to reach more than a million people a month.

    NAN

  • Many feared dead in fresh Adamawa attack

    Many feared dead in fresh Adamawa attack

    Many people were feared dead on Thursday in a fresh attack by Boko Haram Islamists in Ghumbili community in the Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa.

    The attack comes a few days after a similar incident in a neighbouring village in the Local Government, known as Mildu, where seven people were killed by the insurgents.

    Confirming the attack, the Chairman of Madagali Local Government Council, Mr Yusuf Muhammed, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the attack lasted from 11 p.m. on Wednesday to 3 a.m. on Thursday.

    He said that the jihadists burnt no fewer than 60 houses and looted foodstuff.

    “They looted foodstuff, killed livestock and burnt the village completely,” he stated.

    Muhammed said that the exact number of dead and injured people had yet to be ascertained and that villagers who escaped the attack were currently taking refuge at Gulak, the headquarters of the council.

    But the Spokesman of the Police Command in Adamawa, Mr Othman Abubakar, who also confirmed the attack, said that no life was lost.

    He said, however, that houses were destroyed in the attack–the latest in a string of deadly blows on mainly soft targets in Nigeria’s troubled northeast.

    Speaking on the development, the Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Haruna Furo, said that only one person was killed and that many houses were destroyed.

    Boko Haram appears to have raised its onslaught in recent weeks in its eight-year bloody insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives.

  • FG channels assistance to troubled Northeast through WFP

    FG channels assistance to troubled Northeast through WFP

    The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a donation of 5,000 metric tons of rice from the Federa Government.

    A statement from WEP said this initiative will help feed nearly half-a-million internally displaced people in the conflict-ravaged northeast of the country, where the threat of famine endures.

    The statement added that WFP has already begun moving the first batch of donated rice – and expects a further 2,000 metric tons of millet pledged by the Nigerian authorities.

    “As a responsible government, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in recognition of the efforts of humanitarian actors and the need to ensure food security for the people affected by insurgency in the north east, has not only approved the distribution of 35,905 metric tons of grains to the people, but has also approved the release of 5,000 metric tons of rice for distribution by World Food Programme (WFP) in some communities affected by insurgency,” said Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja, Director General of Nigeria’s emergency relief agency, NEMA in the statement.

    Since launching operations last year, WFP has rapidly expanded its offer of food, nutrition and cash to reach more than a million people a month. Having overcome a funding challenge, it has now set its target at 1.36 million people during the current pre-harvest lean season, the hungriest time of the year.

    “This donation once again testifies to the quality of relations between WFP and Nigeria,” said Ronald Sibanda, WFP’s interim Country Director. “Our partnership with the Government’s specialized emergency agencies, both at the federal and state level, have been crucial in allowing us to assist those who need it most.”

    As part of a US$100 million contribution to WFP’s Nigeria response, the United States will cover the associated costs of getting the donated rice to those displaced in the hardest-hit states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

    Nigeria’s crisis has spilled over borders, leaving millions in the broader Lake Chad Basin region uncertain of where their meal is coming from. Experts have warned that without sufficient and timely humanitarian assistance, northeast Nigeria risks tipping into famine.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Herdsmen seek inclusion in FG’s health programmes

    Herdsmen seek inclusion in FG’s health programmes

    The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has appealed to the Federal Government to include pastoralists in its health programmes to avoid transfer of diseases from humans to animals.

    The National Secretary of the association, Alhaji Baba Ngelzarma, made the appeal while speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

    Ngelzarma who expressed regret over the neglect of the livestock sector, said that pastoralists were not usually considered  while designing government health programmes.

    The national secretary said that the population of pastoralists and herdsmen across the country was over 30 million and should not be neglected in any government programme.

    “Pastoralists do not benefit from government health programmes. Today, if they are sick, they only go to the patent medical stores in nearby communities to get treated.

    “They and their families are not captured in the immunisation, maternal health and meningitis programme.

    “When people are designing these government health programmes, they do not put pastoralists’ into consideration, and this is the easiest way to transfer diseases from humans to animals because they move from one place to another,’’ he said.

    The MACABAN scribe called on the government to collaborate with the association to sensitise and educate pastoralists across the country to reduce vices among them.

    According to him, the value chain in the livestock industry is contributing immensely to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    The national secretary said that some members of the association were victims of the insurgency in the North-East, with more than two million cattle lost to the crisis.

    Ngelzarma however said some of the herdsmen have been included in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) programme of the Federal Government.

    He said that the group was compiling information on members affected by the Boko Haram crisis, which it would forward to the Presidential Committeeon North-East Initiative.

    Ngelzerma appealed to government at all levels to accord maximum attention to the livestock sector to encourage them.

  • Boko Haram: Northern governors donate N360m to Borno

    Boko Haram: Northern governors donate N360m to Borno

    The governors of 18 Northern States on Wednesday donated the sum of N360 million to support Borno State government’s efforts  at rebuilding communities destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents.

    Governors Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina), ‎Nasir El-Rufai  (Kaduna), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) and Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa) presented the cheque to Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, at the Government House in Maiduguri.

    They said each of the 18 states, excluding Borno, donated N20 million.

    The governors also interacted with displaced persons in one of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the state and paid a courtesy call on Governor Shettima.

    Masari, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said they were picked to visit Maiduguri and commiserate with Shettima and the people of Borno State over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in the state.

    He said: “At the last meeting of the Northern Governors, it was resolved that a committee be set up to visit Borno. We were nominated as members of the committee. We are here to show sympathy to the good people of Borno and in solidarity with our brother, Governor Kashim Shettima. We are solidly behind him in this trying time.

    “We have also resolved to be more united than ever before. What affects any of us, affects all. Each of the 18 northern states is donating N20million totaling N360million. Some have already issued cheques while others are sending theirs soon. We will stand in solidarity with each other and do everything humanly possible to ensure that this kind of crisis that affected the northeast does not affect any other part of the north and by extension the country.”

    In his remarks, Governor Shettima hailed the support of his colleagues, saying their empathy has been a source of encouragement.

    He said: “As your brother and colleague in this state, one of the things that has kept me strong despite the calamity of Boko Haram, is the genuine empathy and encouragement I constantly receive from all of you.

    “Most Governors have solidly identified with us even when Borno suffered its most severe neglect between 2011 and 2014. It was at this period that Boko Haram took over most of our local government areas after very audacious and bloody attacks. They killed thousands, destroyed communities, abducted and raped our sisters and daughters.

    “They destroyed nearly one million residential houses; destroyed over five thousand classrooms and other school buildings. They destroyed over 200 healthcare centres and bombed water and electricity installations.”

     

  • Army to Boko Haram militants: Surrender now

    Army to Boko Haram militants: Surrender now

    … Troops neutralize six insurgents

    The Nigerian Army on Wednesday asked remnant members of the Boko Haram sect to surrender, saying the “the game is up.”

    The call came just as six members of the sect were neutralised in an ambush by troops of the 22 Brigade Dikwa under 7 Division of Operation Lafiya Dole in conjunction with some Civilian Joint Task Force.

    A statement issued by the Director of Army Information, Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman, said it is imperative for the terrorists to give up because there is no hiding place for them anymore.

    The statement reads: “This is to call on the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists wherever they are hiding to give up forthwith. This is because your ideology of Boko Haram is dead and no longer tenable.

    “There is no reason to be suffering or fighting a lost cause. As you are aware, your leaders have abandoned you and could no longer be of any help to you. Therefore you should all surrender to avoid dying like dogs because of the ongoing concerted military clearance operations.”

    On the Dikwa operation, the army said: “Troops of 22 Brigade Dikwa under 7 Division of Operation Lafiya Dole in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force on Monday, August 7, 2017, ambushed suspected members of Boko Haram terrorists between Bulabirin and Mongole villages of Dikwa local government area of Borno State.

    “During an encounter, the troops neutralized six terrorists, while several others sustained various bullet wounds.

    “Troops also recovered six bicycles, three dane guns and one machete from the terrorists. The Nigerian Army will sustain the clearance operation until unrepentant terrorists are eliminated from the shores of Nigeria.”

     

  • NAF raids Sambisa forest, kills Boko Haram fighters

    NAF raids Sambisa forest, kills Boko Haram fighters

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Tuesday raided Boko Haram hideouts in Sambisa forest and killed several insurgents.

    A statement issued by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, said few terrorists were seen evacuating the remains of dead Boko Haram fighters after the strikes.

    The NAF statement which was supported with a video footage reads: “In furtherance of operations to completely defeat the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) Organization, on August 7, 2017, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Component of Operation Lafiya Dole conducted an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission over Parisu, in the Sambisa general area.

    “During the ISR mission, a large group of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) was seen converging under a tree close to a prominent zinc-roofed structure. Part of the structure was concealed by the foliage of a tree, making it a seemingly unobtrusive gathering point for the terrorists.

    “A confirmatory ISR mission indicated that the structure was indeed a BHT hideout, housing a large number of terrorists. Accordingly, on August 8, 2017, the Air Component detailed fighter aircraft to strike the target in succession.

    “Following the first and second strikes, the building was completely destroyed and the location was strafed during the third attack. The fourth attack was re-directed to a close by building, where BHT activity was also noticed.

    “Subsequent Battle Damage Assessment revealed that the BHT hideout was completely reduced to rubble and several BHTs were killed while a few of them were seen evacuating the casualties.”

  • UN commends Cameroon’s generosity to Nigerian refugees

    UN commends Cameroon’s generosity to Nigerian refugees

    The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Amina Mohammed, has commended Cameroon for its generosity towards the Nigerian refugees who fled to the country to escape the destructive activities of Boko Haram terrorists.

    Mohammed gave the commendation during a meeting with Cameroon’s delegation led by Prof. Paul Ghogomu, Director of Cabinet of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Cameroon, a readout from the meeting, stated.

    “The Deputy Secretary-General commended Cameroon for its generosity towards refugees from Central African Republic and Nigeria.

    “She conveyed that the United Nations looks forward to working with Cameroon, Nigeria and Chad to reintegrate those affected, especially women, youth and children.

    Mohammed and Ghogomu also discussed the situation in the Bakassi Peninsula and the fight against Boko Haram as well as the 2030 Agenda and the UN development system reform.

    They similarly discussed the internal situation in the Republic of Cameroon, particularly in the Anglophone regions.

    The UN deputy scribe welcomed the efforts being undertaken by the Cameroonian government to de-escalate tensions and highlighted the importance of further confidence building measures.

    These measures include ensuring that justice is given to all and that human rights are upheld and respected, and noting that those responsible for rule of law are to be held to a higher standard.

    Mohammed also reiterated the willingness of the UN to assist, through the good offices of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa and Head of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa, Mr François Fall, and the UN country team.

    According to the deputy Secretary-General, the UN will support include efforts to address the outstanding root causes of the tensions in the affected regions.