The Nation Newspaper

Tag: boko haram

  • Boko Haram remainants  pushed to boarders- Buratai

    Boko Haram remainants  pushed to boarders- Buratai

    Nigeria Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has said that the remnants of Boko Haram insurgents have been pushed to the boarders of Nigeria with Niger Republic, Chad and Cameroon.

    According to him, the pockets of those insurgents operating in the borders are being cleared by the Multi-National TaskForce.

    Lt. Gen. Buratai who spoke to journalists in Damaturu after paying  courtesy call on the Deputy Gov of Yobe State who stood in for Gov Ibrahim Gaidam said the Army  is consolidating on the peace in the region by opening up strategic roads that were hitherto closed due to the Boko Haram activities, adding that they will continue to give confidence to the civil population in the region by chasing out the remaining insurgents in the fringes.

    His words: “We are further consolidating the successes by opening roads to allow people move about freely without the fear of any attack. We will continue to do that. Yesterday I was in Maiduguri and a day before yesterday  We have been able to open the DIKwa road up to Gamboru Ngala. We will continue to do that. We must certify that all the routes are safe and to also get people to be more confident and we have to assure them of that. Otherwise virtually all parts of the Northeast can be moved in but people are still apprehensive but you can see that the Multi-National Joint TaskForce is operating in the northern part of Borno and southern parts of Niger Republic and parts of Chad. These is where you see must of the remnant of Boko Haram are concentrated now.

    “But I must tell you that joint efforts are on the way to make sure that these terrorists are further pushed away from these areas. That is the clearance operation we are doing. I was in Kangarwa just a few meters to the boarders and that is where our troops have been operating and they would continue to advance to clear the remnants there.  It’s a joint effort now where you see the Chadian, Nigerien, Cameroonians and our troops doing the clearance operations,” Lt. Gen. Buratai said.

    Earlier at the courtesy call, the Army Chief praised the commitment and contribution of the Yobe State Government in the fight against the insurgency.

    He announced that a large sum of money has been earmarked in the 2016 budget for the building of the Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi and a logistics military hospital in Damaturu which he noted the choice of the location wasn’t by accident but for the strategic nature of Buni Yadi,Mahilyow thanking the state government for providing the land for the school and for a logistics military hospital in Damaturu?

    Buni Yadi is one of the towns in Yobe State that was taken over by the Boko Haram insurgents before it was liberated by the military.

    The deputy governor in his remarks said the greatest problem of the state at the moment is to resettle the displaced people as peace returns to the state.

    He maintained that Yobe government will continue to solicit assistance from wherever possible for the reconstruction of the destroyed communities, schools, hospitals, and other government facilities which is put at over N30 billion.

     

  • Borno: Troops foil attack on displaced persons

    Troops of the Nigerian Army on Monday morning foiled a suicide bombing attack in Monguno town in Borno State.

    The incident occurred at about 6:15am when three female Boko Haram suicide bombers attempted to attack Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) fetching water at a borehole located about three kilometres from the town.

    The vigilant troops detected the plan and killed two of the suicide bombers instantly.

    The Army Acting Director of Public Relations, Usman Sani, said “unfortunately, the explosive they were strapped with exploded and injured two civilians nearby. The injured persons have been evacuated and are receiving medical attention at the 8 Task Force Division’s medical facility.”

     

  • GOC: we arrest Boko Haram suspects in Lagos daily

    •Army probes alleged coup plot

    The Nigerian Army yesterday said suspected Boko Haram insurgents are daily arrested in Lagos and Ogun states.

    General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Gen. Isidore Edet stated this during an interdenominational church service at Saint Charles Lwanga Catholic Church, Ikeja Cantonment, to mark the Army Day celebration.

    He said the army is investigating an alleged coup against the government, warning soldiers to be mindful of the things they say and do.

    “That is why we are asking soldiers to be on the alert. We have reasons to be on the alert more than before when we fought Boko Haram fiercely.

    ‘’Almost on a daily basis, we arrest Boko Haram members in Lagos. They have seen that the war is being won so they are running. The army in conjunction with other security agencies arrest them almost daily.

    ‘’Initially, they deny when we ask them questions, but when we profile them, they start revealing where they fought, how they killed soldiers, how they detonated bombs in post office, Maiduguri, and so on.

    ‘’By this, we do what we need to do by sending them to the higher authorities to do what the laws and the constitution of Nigeria says it will do with them. So, you must be on the alert and watch out for strangers who may stroll into the barracks. Ask them questions and report such persons to security agents to know the person’s mission.”

    ‘’Many of our colleagues have died in this war against Boko Haram. Some of them, we have seen their graves and some we did not see. So, we have every reason for those that are still alive to thank God for giving us victory against Boko Haram.

    ‘’So many others are amputated, some are even using crutches because they fought against Boko Haram so that we would have one country. About a year ago, we were the object of public ridicule, those of us in uniforms, if we talk, the public will say go and fight Boko haram and stop making noise.

    ‘’But we thank today that the Almighty God, who trained our hands for war, has taken the shame away. And now, the Nigerian people are proud of us again as their soldiers, saying we are in the front line.”

    Sounding a strong warning to officers and soldiers on the alleged coup, Edet said: “Within the military where there are rumours of coup, whether they are perceived or real; soldiers should be careful in the company they keep and the things they say. “Army is investigating the coup rumour. Even during military rule army investigated to know the veracity of coup rumour.

    “Be watchful of the people that come to our barracks and enter our mess. Be careful what they say because when people want to plan such things, they come into our barracks and incite soldiers.

    “Be careful of such people and report them. Do not allow yourself to be in their company because you may be in the wrong place.

    “Even in your telephone conversations you should be careful. Whatever you say on air is being monitored and being collated. We expect a 100 percent loyalty. Avoid the company of people who come with misguided utterances against the government.”

  • Troops kill fleeing Boko Haram terrorists

    Troops kill fleeing Boko Haram terrorists

    Troops of the Nigerian Army on Friday encounter some escaping Boko Haram Terrorist in Kangarwa. There was a fierce battle between the troops and the terrorists which left large of them dead with 8 soldiers and 2 Civilian JTF wounded.

    Army spokesman Sani Usman said this was as a result of combined clearance operations against the terrorists from other parts of the neighbouring countries.

    He said the escaping terrorists attempted an incursion into the troops position while in harbour at Kangarwa.

    “The troops dealt decisively with the fleeing terrorists and recovered arms and ammunitions from them in an encounter that lasted for about 3 hours. Quite a number of the Boko Haram terrorists were killed, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, 8 soldiers and 2 Civilian JTF were wounded in action during the encounter”.

    “In addition, one of the troop’s Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle caught fire following a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) shot that affected the fuel tank and other electrical fittings. The troops however quickly put off the fire. The  troops captured a number of motorcycles,  1 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), 3 AK-47 Rifles, 6 Mortar Bombs, 4  Rocket Propelled Grenade Bombs, 3 Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Chargers, various types of ammunitions a 16/750 tyre and assorted types of drugs,” he concluded.

     

     

  • Suicide bomber kills 11 in Cameroon

    A suspected Boko Haram bomber killed at least 11 people when he blew himself up near a mosque in Cameroon, military sources and local officials said on Thursday.

    The attack took place late on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

    “After evening prayer, the faithful gathered under a tent in Djakana. A suicide bomber exploded and killed 11 people. Four others were injured,” a local official told Reuters.

    A Cameroonian army officer said the attack was carried out by a young boy.

  • Task force arrests Boko Haram suspects in Cameroun

    Task force arrests Boko Haram suspects in Cameroun

    The Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) troop of Sector 1 with its Tactical Headquarters in Makary, Northern Cameroun, has arrested 24 suspected Boko Haram terrorists, while clearing villages along the Nigeria/Cameroun border.

    According to the Army Chief Military Public Information Officer, Colonel Muhammad Dole, the cleared villages are Sagui, Kirta-Woulgo, Gore Mahamat, Gore Blangafe, Chaugry and Damboure.

    20 outboat engines, two motorcycles, nine power generating sets, one solar panel, one grinding machine, one mobile phone, flags and some Islamic religious books, were recovered in the raid.

    One soldier died and another lost one of his lower limbs.

    “The terrorists in an attempt to escape the firepower of the MNJTF troops, were migrating to villages adjacent to the Sector 1 AOR.

    “Acting on credible information, the troops successfully cleared the six villages occupied by the terrorists, seized some logistic equipments and apprehended 24 suspected accomplices,” Col. Dole said.

    Addressing the troops during his operational assessment tour of Makary, MNJTF’s Commander, Major-General Lamidi Adeosun praised their display of exceptional bravery and urged them to keep up the good work.

    He urged the traditional authorities to set up vigilance groups to complement the effort of the security forces.

  • Buratai! Quietly repositioning the army

    Justin Amuna

    Lt General Tukur Yusuf Buratai! Some call him the soldier’s soldier others call him the gentleman soldier. One thing that is endearing to all about him is the gentle smile he beams every time he appears and the mien of confidence and competence.

    He caught my attention when he served as commander Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo shield in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. The mandate then was to restore peace in the restive Niger Delta area and the General demonstrated his capacity to deliver as he efficiently mobilized the task force under his control to achieve peace in the area, and in record time. I watched a few interviews he granted subsequently after the “victory” and I was impressed by the humility in the tone of his words, which is a trait not too common in this part of the world; especially when you bear a gun.

    By the time he was done with the task, security had improved tremendously in Rivers and Bayelsa state. Oil theft, kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes had been contained tremendously. Soldiers that served under him then could testify to how seriously he took the issue of welfare of men and women under him. Several renovations and rehabilitations were carried out in their barracks to ensure an ideal level of comfort for the officers within the task force.

    When I heard he has been announced as the force commander of the multi-national joint task force(MNJTF) to tackle the Boko Haram menace , I was very elated, those who know this Soldier will attest that he is a complete no nonsense soldier who discharges his duties with the highest form of professionalism and discipline.

    I am certain that President Muhammadu Buhari expressed a sign of full confidence in his competence by appointing Tukur Yusuf Buratai as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Just like I had thought, he got down to business immediately and backed by a new commander in chief, the stage was now set for the full onslaught thereafter unleashed on Boko Haram.

    At this point the stage was set for a revolution in the fight against Boko Haram; Buratai was now fully in charge of the army and he was not going to be the type of chief that will be commanding operations from a cozy office in Abuja. Within days of his appointment as COAS he was back in Maiduguri, he also travelled within different formations in the north east to boost the morale of the troops at the fore front of the fight.

    He did not only assure them of improvements on their welfare but backed it up with action, within a few weeks the same army that fled from Boko Haram terrorists a few month ago were now doing the chase, taking back territories that had hitherto been possessed by Boko Haram for years.

    Within months of being appointed as chief of army staff things, the entire outlook on the terrorism war changed, with the Nigerian troops leading the onslaught and rescuing several hostages, the success achieved within a short period was like a miracle even to an individual like me who has always been aware of Gen Buratai’s antecedent.

    Suddenly Nigerians started to believe in the Nigerian army again with several commendations from Individual and places that had earlier criticized them for not doing enough against the insurgents.

    Some people say Nigeria needs strong institutions and not strong men, true! However, in some cases strong men are required to help rebuild our institutions and then restore the confidence required in running such institutions going forward; after all, weak people are not likely going to possess the competence to build strong institutions.

    In the short while he has been COAS, just like every other human he has had his dark moment. One of such is the clash with the Shiite group in Zaria and as much as I sympathize with the families of those that lost loved ones, I will also say that it is foolhardy for any group of people to attack soldiers violently and also threaten to kill them without expecting self -defense from the soldiers, more so in a convoy conveying the COAS.

    I am sure they were not expecting to get a pat on the back for that especially when the nation was still battling with an extremist group Boko Haram that almost succeeded in running over the whole country. The army, given that scenario was definitely not going to be taking any chances with the open and violent Shiite group.

    That said, I think the military can measure its reaction next time to reduce the number of collateral damage. The military though has submitted itself for investigation by the panel set up by the Kaduna state government; let us hope that the truth behind this incident is unraveled quickly.

    Despite the Kaduna case, I think COAS has performed way above average to put it in modes terms of human right and civil-military relations. I have also observed that the allegations of abuse of human right against the Nigeria army which hitherto was a regular occurrence has lately disappeared despite the significant victories recorded against the Boko Haram sect in recent times. I cannot recall a word of complain from Amnesty International or our own National Human Rights Commission and this is largely because Lt Gen Buratai from the onset made it clear that he will not support any of such abuse by the army under him.

    This leadership trait is what has trickled down to the rank and file of the army as the COAS continues to emphasize the need for the army to stick to their rules of engagement at all time irrespective of the level of provocation.

    The General who hails from Buratai town in Biu local government area of Borno state has had his fair share of the Boko Haram dose , his house was attacked by Boko Haram terrorist whilst he was commander of the joint task force in the Niger Delta, such was the situation then in Borno, Yobe and in fact Adamawa states. No one and nowhere was safe Including a General’s house, but today all of that is almost history.

    The residents of places like Maiduguri, Gamborou, Dalori and other such places are best positioned to tell the difference in the last one year, if anyone is happy about the progress made by the army, no one can be happier than the residents of these areas, some of which were under Boko Haram controls for several months.

    The army has achieved a lot in just about a year of Lt Gen Buratai’s appointment as COAS, we certainly look forward to more progress and exploits as he settles in to transform the Nigerian army into the strongest and most formidable army in Africa at first and subsequently one of the strongest armies in the world.

    Amuna is an environmental activist based in Port Harcourt.

     

  • This weird and laughable distraction

    By Dr Khalifa Dikwa

    Distraction is the ultimate aim of Nigeria’s attackers of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government and military commanders who have achieved the first phase in dismantling Boko Haram to restore peace within one year while preparing to confront the other emerging phases in other parts of Nigeria. We are no longer stupid to play the game of the bad losers.

    The ranting is linked to the corrupt and pitiless establishment otherwise known as cabal or political Boko Haram who had earlier bailed out the arrowhead of BH, Imam Muhammad Yusuf in the past until he was caught and extra judicially killed to bury their secret agreement.

    These detractors are equally connected to those who have cornered funds meant for arms procurement for our troops, thereby unable to defend us from the insurgency they sponsored till they were replaced by President Buhari. We all knew that service chiefs like Ihejirikas and other field commanders were selected to prolong the war for a complete genocide.

    The rant is connected to the enemies of Nigeria who hid public funds now on trial or afraid of getting caught by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or other security outfits since there is no obvious guarantee that they can conceal the proceeds of their crimes for long. So far, their millions of naira in stolen public funds have been trailed to suspicious bank withdrawals, on their farms, water tanks, toilets, and wells after they stole from the states and federal treasuries or diverted funds meant for the fixing of basic infrastructure needed for the development of Nigeria. When they realized that hiring senior advocates to delay or truncate their trials as usual was not working they became desperate.

    They are connected to those that collected blood money in foreign funds to dismantle Nigeria for its global influence in peace missions in Africa and the world. They are connected to those who don’t want PMB government to at least implement 70% of the budget so that all 36 states can bring something to the table. This would allow them free themselves from relying on a single source of income, from the sale of crude oil through economic diversification particularly in the spheres of agriculture and mineral resources. The guts of insurgency in the oil producing states would be broken if this were to happen.

    Militants in that part are asking for complete control of resources as if they are theirs and that no other regions contributed to its exploration.

    The noise makers are connected to the hitherto untouchable sacred cows who are now on trial for subverting our security, stealing public funds and other atrocities. They are connected to those who were not happy with the wonders of INEC’s Card Reader that defeated their rigging machines, stemming them from using moles who were spread all over including the leading parties, APC and PDP. They are good at mischievously quarrelling in public or the media in the morning when they actually dine and wine at night at their meeting points in Nigeria and abroad.

    These media hands are of the same root as those who took issues with Aisha Buhari’s wrist watch and now Buratai’s wives. They omitted the fact they were self-reliant prior to the election of Buhari to be president of Nigeria who swiftly elevated and appointed Gen Buratai and other great military heads to annihilate Boko Haram to the satisfaction of the terribly frightened Nigerians. These paid media contractors are not likely to stop their mischief, deceits out of endless shamelessness in going after the remaining service chiefs and their family members, EFCC, DSS, ICPC, the president and his cabinet, just as they doctored a fight between the Chief of Staff Abba Kyari and EFCC’s Ibrahim Magu and ministers who refuse to play double agents.

    They run from one court to another to blackmail decent judges who refuse to play game with them in order to delay their trials.

    As far as defense and security agents are concerned, PMB can only listen to frank advice from friends within and outside, to choose only from among officers with little or no dent due to their previous ex-officio positions according to the zombie ‘obey before complain rule’ phrase of the force even if such directives were against the rules of engagement as subverted by some of the previous corrupt top military brass since absolute loyalty to superior officers and playing along was the only way to survive the treacherous weeding out of the few remaining skilled professionals and their replacement by mediocre officers to permanently kill the defense and security systems of our potentially great Nigeria.

    President Buhari was bound to appoint only trustworthy field commanders who whose background checks showed their sense of professionalism and patriotism even if they came from one family to defeat Boko Haram regardless of political correctness because Nigeria was about to disintegrate. They recall  Gen Buratai from the International Joint Task Force based in Ndjaména, the Chadian capital, to come home and head the Army and search among the younger Air Force officers’ rank for Marshal Sadik Abubakar to effectively coordinate with the army to deal with Boko Haram from the air, and for the famous intelligence officer Gen BG Monguno as the National Security Adviser (NSA). President Buhari’s background and sharp thinking paid off by appointing service chiefs from the most directly affected areas by Boko Haram insurgency coupled with their knowledge of the terrain. The same background research on incorruptibility and professionalism was conducted to get  the new Police Inspector General (IGP) by jumping the DIGs rank and pick an AIG, Ibrahim IDRIS from Central Nigerian State of Niger following the retirement of Solomon ARASE after the maximum 35 years of service while retiring his DIG seniors for obvious reasons.

    Nigerians must not be fooled to toe the line of uncertainty from the already visible certainty of peace and prosperity that proved to be a gargantuan task for many decades by the arrogant establishment cronies who hate to see Nigeria develop or to prevent others who may dump them in favour of Nigeria and perform without fear or favour. These rogues sit on the tail of the tiny 1% who thinks that they could continue to buy everybody and own Nigeria despite their bad record in order to perpetuate in power at all times with the desire to influence things. Even their ego and arrogance frustrate Nigerians.

    Therefore, Nigeria will never be controlled by the greedy establishment concocting stories to ridicule our hard earned CHANGE under President Buhari. But the Buhari we know is ready for them with his patience, impeccable character and intelligence. Nigerians should continue to pray for Nigeria as well as laugh at the antics and ranting of the tiny establishment who pay the media and intelligence with stolen commonwealth. It is over In sha Allah.

    Dikwa, a public affairs commentator contributed this from Yola.

     

  • Boko Haram militants now disguise as vigilantes – DHQ

    Boko Haram militants now disguise as vigilantes – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters on Monday said Boko Haram militants now disguise as vigilante members and hunters to evade the military.

    The Defence Spokesman, Brig. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, said the military discovered the Boko Haram militants’ latest antics during a coordinated offensive against remnants of the terrorists in Sambisa forest.

    He said, “The fleeing terrorists now disguise as vigilantes or hunters to evade easy detection. The terrorists, after they have been smoked out of Sambisa forest and in their desperation to wreak havoc on innocent Nigerians and to remain relevant, devised a new tactics of dressing like vigilantes or hunters to deceive unsuspecting members of the public on their true identity.

    “The case of Kuda-Kaya Village in Madadali community of Adamawa State where a group of Boko Haram terrorists, dressed like vigilantes, opened fire on elated people during a ceremony readily come to mind. The general public is hereby advised to be wary of unsubscribed services or presence of vigilantes or hunters in their neighbourhood in order not to ignorantly harbour killer gang in their midst.”

     

  • Displaced persons can live anywhere in Nigeria – UNHCR

    Ms Brigitte Mukanga-Eno, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)’s Deputy Representative on Protection, on Monday said that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) had the right to live anywhere in Nigeria.

    Mukanga-Eno told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that since the situation in the North East had forced them from their communities, they could move to safer communities.

    ‘’The situation in the North East due to activities of Boko Haram has resulted in about 2.2 million Internally Displaced Nigerians.

    ‘’We need to know that these internally displaced persons are in vulnerable situation and do need support to survive.

    ‘’So, these internally displaced persons have the right to live in any part of Nigeria, because they are also Nigerians.

    ‘’We need to know that these IDPs are also citizens of Nigeria, and have the right to move to and settle wherever in Nigeria they wish to settle,’’ she said.

    The UNHCR official said that about 15,000 displaced persons had relocated from camps in the North-East to Abuja, while some others had moved to the South-West for survival.

    She said that many of the IDPs were already leaving their camps voluntarily, in search of means of livelihood and support, from their friends and family members.

    Mukanga-Eno, who added that most of the IDPs that were still in the camps because they had no means of livelihood outside the camps, said they urgently needed more support.

    She said that UNHCR and other UN agencies were working with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Commission for Refugees, and the National Human Rights Commission, in providing the IDPs with support.