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Tag: boko haram

  • Military, space agency collaborate to fight Boko Haram

    The Nigerian military and National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) are collaborating in the fight against insurgency and insecurity.

    The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, who broke the news, said a lot of valuable information had been generated from the collaboration.

    Onu also said the investments in space research would give the country great returns.

    The minister spoke yesterday during the inauguration of projects at the Obasanjo Space Centre in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    He said: “I am very happy that 20 years ago Nigeria made the important decision to commence space research and development. NASRDA has had a very positive impact on agriculture, the environment, industry, communication and our defence.

    “The investment we are making in space research is one that will give us great returns. We will make more from our investments than what we put in. Nigerian engineers designed one of our satellites and we must give them the opportunity to design not just ours but for other nations. So, we will have the capacity to launch our own satellites ourselves and for other countries.

    “One of the classrooms we opened was filled with military men undergoing training on NIGCOMSAT and NASRDA in all the arms of the Armed Forces. We have specialised units generating a lot of information, which is valuable for use. So, Nigeria needs this space agency.”

    NASRDA’s Director General Prof. Seidu Mohammed said the agency, in its 20 years of existence, had justified its essence from its great achievements, which include the launch so far of six satellites.

    He said: “By May 5, the space agency of Nigeria will be 20 years. Twenty years ago, Nigerians and the international community mocked our space programme, asking what business a developing country has in space. Today, we have more than justified our existence. We have launched six satellites. We can beat our chests as the premier space agency in Africa.”

  • Nigeria seeks Russia’s help to build nuclear plants, others

    The Federal Government yesterday sought the assistance of the Russian Federation to build nuclear power plants, petroleum pipelines, railways and other infrastructural investments in the oil and gas sector.

    It expressed grave concerns about the security situation in the Gulf of Guinea, saying global attention was focussed in the region due to the dangerous security situation there.

    The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mansur Muhammadu Dan-Ali, spoke in Moscow, Russia, while addressing delegates at the eighth Moscow Conference on International Security.

    He said Nigeria would appreciate the support of Russia to enable it overcome some of the security and infrastructural challenges facing it.

    Adan-Ali said: “The pervasive security challenges include piracy and armed robbery against ships in the Gulf of Guinea region.

    Read also: Russia, Nigeria collaborate on nuclear energy

    “The region remains increasingly dangerous for seafarers. From the International Maritime Bureau Report of 2019, the Gulf of Guinea accounts for all six hijackings worldwide, 13 of the 18 ships fired upon, 130 of the 141 hostages taken globally and 78 of the 83 seafarers kidnapped for ransom in 2018.

    “These figures depict the inherent danger to commercial shipping activities in the region.”

    The minister, who admitted that Nigeria, like other African countries, was facing series of security challenges, including terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, cultism, poverty, piracy, and electoral violence among others, noted that the efforts of the Lake Chad Basin Commission was paying off.

    According to him, troops from the commission have substantially decimated the Boko Haram terrorists in the region.

    Dan-Ali said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria looks forward to the promotion of friendly and cordial relations that will progress to excellent socio-economic partnership and the establishment of business ties that will be beneficial to both countries.

    “On the security front, Nigeria counts on Russia’s continued partnership in eliminating the Boko Haram insurgents from our sub-region. We wish to leverage on Russia’s experience in counterterrorism operations to bring this scourge to an end. Military and technical assistance in this respect would be highly appreciated.”

  • Boko Haram: Military partners space agency on security

    The Nigerian military in partnership with National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) are collaborating in the fight against insurgency and insecurity in the country.

    Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu revealed that a lot of valuable information has been generated from the collaboration.

    Onu also said that the investments being made in space research is one that will give the country great returns.

    The Minister said this yesterday in Abuja, at the commissioning ceremony of projects at the Obasanjo Space centre.

    His words, “I am very happy that twenty years ago, Nigeria made the decision to the important decision to commence space research and development. The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has had a very positive impact on agriculture, the environment, industry, communication and our defence.

    “The investment we are making in space research is one that will give us great returns, we will make more from our investments than what we put in. Nigerian engineers designed one of our satellites and we must give them the opportunity to design not just ours but for other nations, so we will have the capacity to launch our own satellites ourselves and other countries.

    “One of the classrooms we opened was filled with military men undergoing training on both NIGCOMSAT, NASRDA in all the arms of the armed forces, we have specialized units generating a lot of information which is valuable for use, so Nigeria needs this space agency.”

    READ ALSO: How to crush Boko Haram, bandits, by Buratai

    Director General, NASRDA Prof. Seidu Mohammed said that the agency in its twenty years of existence have justified its existence from its great achievements which includes the launch so far of six satellites.

    His words, “By the 5th of May the space agency of Nigeria will be 20years, twenty years ago, Nigerians and the international community mocked our space program, asking what business a developing country being in space. Today we have more than justified our existence, we have launched six satellites, we can beat our chests as the premier space agency in Africa.

    “We have made our engineers design and build satellite which can compete with anybody anywhere in the world. A year and half ago, the nano satellite was launched at the Kennedy center in Florida to build environmental characterization, the small satellite sings the National anthem on an amateur radio and the ground station was designed entirely by Nigerian engineers and from the study alone we have had a number of breakthrough on a number of projects.”

  • Shortage of personnel affecting fight against Boko Haram – Presidency

    The Presidency has disclosed the war against insurgency is being affected by shortage of personnel.

    President Buhari Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said this when he appeared as a guest on Wednesday on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

    The presidential spokesman also blamed the National Assembly for the shortage of funds affecting the fight against terrorism, decrying the quietness of the lawmakers on the President’s request of withdrawing $1 billion dollars from the Excess Crude Oil in purchasing arms for the troops.

    He said: “The Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) is doing “an exceedingly good job.”

    “The thing about law enforcement is that they are not present 24 hours of the day in all of these communities because of the inadequacy of their numbers,” he said.

    When asked if the soldiers fighting terrorists have been instructed not to fire first unless being attacked, Shehu denied knowledge of it.

    “Well, to the best of my knowledge, I am not aware there is a policy. And I don’t think policy in that regard can be justified.”

    He also praised the troops fighting bandits in Zamfara.

    “The troops are flushing out the bandits and their informant”.

    “I am appealing to religious and community leaders to cooperate with the security agencies by availing them of useful information”.

  • How to crush Boko Haram, bandits, by Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has identified measures to end Boko Haram terrorism, armed banditry and kidnapping bedeviling Nigeria.

    Buratai, who reiterated the link between Boko Haram Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), identified combined holistic approach by the countries of the Lake Chad as the surest way to total defeat of both Boko Haram and ISWAP.

    The Army Chief stated these in Jaji Military Cantonment on Wednesday as he flagged-off the First Quarter COAS Conference and Combat Arms Training Week.

    Buratai also said for the military and other security agencies to win the war against kidnapping, robbery and armed banditry ravaging Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Sokoto states, the media and other stakeholders must stop glorifying the criminals.

    He lamented stakeholders like religious and traditional leaders, security analysts and the media portray armed robbers, kidnappers and ethnic militias as stronger than the military and other security agencies.

    The Army boss stated categorically: “The criminals and bandits are only as strong as the society paints or view them and further propagated by the media.

    “There is no doubt that we are engaged in asymmetric operations against terrorists side by side with the resurgence of kidnapping and armed banditry in the North West as well as the North Central Zones of our country.

    “The strategy we used in the past to address such ugly trends in the South East and the South South regions must therefore be rejuvenated with new “out of the box” ideas to address the current security challenges.

    “This has necessitated the launching of OPERATION HARBIN KUNAMA III. The concept of this operation will require the combat arms as well as all combat support and combat support services working in synergy with other security agencies, the traditional institutions and other stakeholders to get rid of criminal elements. “

    He added: “We must ensure information flow that will be converted into actionable and timely intelligence for troops to take proactive measures and to support and drive targeted operations.

    “It is important that commanders in the field relate with the society and other security agencies in their efforts to bring the high rate of kidnapping, acts of banditry and attacks on villages leading to killings in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna and Katsina States to an end.

    “At this point, I will seize this opportunity to caution the media and the general public not to glorify bandits, armed robbers, kidnappers and ethnic militias to the extent that they are seen as stronger than the military and other security agencies.

    “The criminals and bandits are only as strong as the society paints or view them and further propagated by the media.

    “It is important to state that information and intelligence flows from the people and indeed from the press and the public.

    “Such criminal activities are intelligence based and the people, are in this regard to provide timely information and clear identifications of the perpetrators.

    “Undue publicity and praise singing of the bandits and other criminal elements would only motivate them to commit more criminal acts at the detriment of the society.

    “Therefore, the press, the general public, security analysts and public commentators are advised to show more maturity and due diligence in this collective effort of ridding the country of criminals and criminalities.”

    On Boko Haram, Buratai said, Boko Haram has aligned with ISWAP to make Northern Borno and the general area of the Lake Chad Basin an enclave straddling the 4 countries in the region.

    He however said that, to ensure the total defeat of both Boko Haram Terrorists and ISWAP, the fight requires a combine holistic approach by the countries of the Lake Chad Commission.

  • Buhari failed on security, says Soyinka

    Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has slammed President Muhammadu Buhari for his “slow response” in dealing with the terror caused by Fulani herdsmen across many parts of Nigeria.

    He said Buhari has failed on the security threat posed by herdsmen, adding that he was repeating the mistakes of his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, in not dealing with the Boko Haram menace in a timely and adequate fashion.

    “The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny”, he said.

    Soyinka appeared on the BBC’s Hardtalk programme on Monday and anchored by Zeinab Badawi.

    Read Also: Why Buhari is yet to act on NJC’s recommendation

    Reacting to Badawi’s question that he backed Buhari in 2015 describing the ex-army general as a “reformed democrat”, Soyinka said Buhari “won by default” in 2015 because it was difficult to back Jonathan and which meant supporting a continuation of the corruption associated with that regime.  Nigerians were caught “between the devil and the deep blue sea”.

    Soyinka criticized Jonathan’s ineffective response to Boko Haram, but placing the blame for failing to nip the problem in the bud at the feet of Olusegun Obasanjo, who was president from 1999 to 2007.

    He said; “Obasanjo contributed to the emergence of Boko Haram by not preventing the first governor in one of the northern states from establishing a “theocratic state”.

    Soyinka said that the president failed to act because he was “compromised” by his ambitions to continue in office beyond the second term limit.

    He was however silent about why Buhari’s response to the killings of the herdsmen was so inadequate and said little about how the problem could be tackled effectively.

  • Boko Haram: Air Force takes delivery of two Agusta power attack

    THE Air Force has taken delivery of two Agusta 109 power attack helicopters to boost the fight against insurgency, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar announced yesterday.

    He added that the helicopters are currently being assembled and would be inducted during the forthcoming 55th anniversary of the Air Force.

    According to a statement by the Air Force spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the CAS broke the news to front line troops in Maiduguri while celebrating Easter.

    Air Commodore Daramola explained that the Air Chief reminded the troops that there is so much at stake hence the need for troops to clear up remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents from their hideouts.

    The statement reads: “The luncheon, which is in keeping with the CAS’ tradition of celebrating festive periods with frontline troops, afforded him the opportunity to interact with the troops in an informal setting to appreciate them for their sacrifices in the fight against insurgency, thereby boosting their morale while also filling the void created by their inability to celebrate the season with their families.”

    He added that Air Marshal Abubakar expressed delight to be in Maiduguri and commended the resilience and commitment of the troops in ensuring that Nigeria and Nigerians are safe.

    The CAS was as saying that with the support of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as the National Assembly, the Air Force would continue to acquire new platforms and build human capacity whilst ensuring the welfare of personnel, in order to effectively and efficiently respond to national security imperatives.

    He specially commended the Commander, officers, airmen and airwomen of the ATF for the successes recorded in the fight against the terrorists within the OPLD Theatre as well as in the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Operation YANCIN TAFKI.

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “He equally commended the ATF Commander for the various value adding welfare projects that had been executed to enhance the wellbeing of personnel.

    “The CAS reminded the personnel that so much was at stake in the fight to rid the Nation of insurgents, terrorists, armed bandits and other criminal elements.

    “Accordingly, he urged them to remain resolute while intensifying their efforts and maintaining continuous vigilance to defend the liberties and values Nigerians hold so dear.

    “Air Marshal Abubakar seized the opportunity to thank the government and people of Borno State as well as the Shehu of Borno and other traditional rulers in the State for their continued support to the NAF through the ATF OPLD.

    “He equally appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for his unflinching support to the NAF by ensuring the enabling environment and providing the necessary resources for the Service to perform its assigned duties.”

  • Boko Haram : Air Force takes delivery of two Agusta power attack helicopters

    The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar on Monday announced delivery of 2 Agusta 109 power attack helicopters to boost the fight against insurgency in the country.

    He added that the helicopters are currently being assembled and would be inducted during the forthcoming 55th anniversary celebration of the Air Force.

    According to the spokesman of the Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the Air Chief broke the news to front line troops in Maiduguri when he celebrated Easter with them.

    Air Commodore Daramola explained in a statement that the Air Chief reminded the troops that there is so much at stake hence the need for troops to clear up remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents from their hideouts.

    “The luncheon, which is in keeping with the CAS’ tradition of celebrating festive periods with frontline troops, afforded him the opportunity to interact with the troops in an informal setting to appreciate them for their sacrifices in the fight against insurgency, thereby boosting their morale while also filling the void created by their inability to celebrate the season with their families”, Daramola explained further.

    He added that the Air Chief expressed delight to be in Maiduguri and commended the resilience and commitment of the troops in ensuring that Nigeria and Nigerians are safe.

    Read also: We have depreciated Boko Haram’s efficacy – FG

    He quoted the Chief as saying that with the support of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as the National Assembly, the Air Force would continue to acquire new platforms and build human capacity whilst ensuring the welfare of personnel, in order to effectively and efficiently respond to national security imperatives.

    He specially commended the Commander, officers, airmen and air women of the ATF for the successes recorded in the fight against the terrorists within the OPLD Theatre as well as in the Multi-National Joint Task Force Operation YANCIN TAFKI, Daramola noted.

     Daramola said :”He equally commended the ATF Commander for the various value adding welfare projects that had been executed to enhance the wellbeing of personnel.

    “The CAS reminded the personnel that so much was at stake in the fight to rid the Nation of insurgents, terrorists, armed bandits and other criminal elements.

    ” Accordingly, he urged them to remain resolute while intensifying their efforts and maintaining continuous vigilance to defend the liberties and values Nigerians hold so dear.

    “Air Marshal Abubakar seized the opportunity to thank the government and people of Borno State as well as the Shehu of Borno and other traditional rulers in the State for their continued support to the NAF through the ATF OPLD.

    ” He equally appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for his unflinching support to the NAF by ensuring the enabling environment and providing the necessary resources for the Service to perform its assigned duties.

    ” He noted that the delivery of the 2 Agusta 109 Power attack helicopters was a testimony of this immense support. He remarked that the NAF, working in concert with sister Services and other security agencies, would continue to reciprocate by sustaining its operations, not only in the Northeast but also in the Northwest, in order to ensure that Nigerians are able to pursue their legitimate aspirations, without fear.”

  • We’re not relenting over Leah Sharibu’s release – Cleric

    Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, Most Rev Hilary Okeke has expressed hope on the apparent fading fate of the abducted Chibok and Dapchi school girls, in North East Nigeria.

    The cleric was particularly optimistic of the rescue of Miss Leah Sharibu who is celebrating her fifth year in Boko haram captivity.

    Speaking with journalists in Nnewi, Okeke assured that the Catholic Bishops were not relenting in efforts to recover the girls.

    He said, “The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria had formally involved the Holy Sea -Pope Francis on the matter.

    “The papacy has reached out to President Muhammadu Buhari on the issue. So, we are not relenting.”

    READ ALSO: Chibok Girls, Leah Sharibu can still return, says Buhari

    The cleric further berated the rising spate of idol worship and neo-paganism especially among contemporary Christendom.

    He urged Christians to return to God and to jettison idolatry in every ramification.

    Acknowledging that the people had traditions and cultural practices before the advent of Christianity, the bishop however noted that most of them had been refined.

    “That is the reason the Church accepts only culture and traditions that have no form of idolatry. Idolatry remains the greatest sin against Christianity.

    “Any Catholic who wishes to take any title must sign an undertaken that no pagan rituals or idolatrous sacrifices would be involved, or such person would be excommunicated,” he stressed.

  • Buratai says Boko Haram activities now restricted

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, says the Boko Haram terrorists are being contained with the recent renewed joint military offensive against them in Northern Borno and border areas.

    Buratai said the offensive had pushed them to the remote Islands on the Lake Chad basin.

    Represented by Maj.-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, the Chief of Training and Operations, the chief of army staff disclosed this in an interview with newsmen at Monguno in Borno North after celebrating the Easter with troops.

    He said the containment of the terrorists was made possible by joint operations by troops of the Lake Chad Basin countries, including the Multinational Joint Task Force – MNJTF.

    “You will discover that the Boko Haram terrorists are now lurking around the borders, especially the dangerous and inaccessible areas of the Tumbun and Islands (of Lake Chad).’’

    “And the best way to handle them is to have concentration of forces,’’ he said.

    On the ongoing joint operations between Nigerian and Chadian troops in Northern Borno, Buratai said that the coming of the Chadians had given a boost to troops and equipment concentration in the area.

    He said that this was necessary to route the terrorists from their hiding places in the Islands.

    Earlier, while addressing troops of Sector 3 of the Operation Lafiya Dole, Buratai expressed satisfaction that they had turned the tide against the terrorists, adding that it was no longer business for them as usual.

    “I urge you not to relent; you must continue to heat the iron now that our iron is very, very red so that we can beat the iron to the shape that we all like.

    Read Also: Boko Haram kills seven soldiers in Chad, says Army

    “You must maintain the momentum; we must never ever allow the reverse to be the case again. Now that we are moving, we must continue to move.

    “Now, we are pursuing, we must continue to pursue, we are on the offensive, we should never withdraw to defensive position.

    “You must remain bold and continue to do all that it takes to take the power, life and breath out of Boko Haram,’’ the army chief charged the troops.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buratai also visited the Chadian troops deployed alongside their Nigerian counterparts for a joint operation at Cross Kauwa, the Headquarters of Sector 2 of Operation Lafiya Dole.

    In an address, he commended them for their zeal, courage and commitment, saying that they were not only working for the safety of Nigeria and their country, but humanity.

    He described the Chadian troops as brave soldiers, and assured them that their requirement in terms of logistics would be provided.

    While he prayed for the repose of soul of personnel among them that had paid the supreme sacrifice, he also prayed for quick recovery of those wounded in action.

    Col. Bokit Ali Dijar, the Commander of Chadian troops in the sector, expressed happiness that countries in the Lake Chad basin were working in unity to tackle the Boko Haram menace which he described as a common enemy.

    Ali Dijar thanked Buratai for the visit, saying that they were honoured by the gesture.

    He also lauded the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Benson Akinroluyo and Brig.-Gen. O.T. Akinjobi, the Commander Sector 3, for always meeting their request.

    NAN also reports that on April 18, troops of the MNJTF killed 39 Boko terrorists, captured many equipment from them as they attempted to attack military position at Cross Kauwa.

    Cross Kauwa is located in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno.

    Between December 2018 and January 2019 a faction of Boko Haram led by Al Barnawi and Islamic State West African Province or ISWAP infiltrated Baga and surrounding towns, including Cross Kauwa and attacked military positions.

    They were, however, pushed out by sustained ground and air offensives after a few days.

    NAN