The Nation Newspaper

Tag: boko haram

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Troops inflict more casualties on Boko Haram terrorists

    The Nigerian Army said on Tuesday that troops have inflicted heavy casualty on fleeing Boko Haram terrorist after an attack at Gajigana on Saturday.

    Its Deputy Director of Public Relations, Colonel Ado Isa, said in a statement that the troops recovered weapons from the terrorists.

    Colonel Isa said :”Following the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) attack at Gajigana on Saturday 16 February 2019 at about 1850hrs and successfully repelled and fatally dealt with by the gallant troops deployed at Gajigana Forward Operating Base (FOB), an early hours exploitation operation was conducted today 17 February 2019 through their withdrawal route to mob up and clear the general area of the remnant elements of the BHTs.

    “During the exploits, it was confirmed that members of the BHTs suffered heavy casualty based on the splits and flow of bloods around the parapets and the tracks where their deads were dragged away through the escape route.

    “Items recovered along the route includes: One 36 hand grenade, Five 60 Millimetre (mm) Mortar rounds, 13 X 12.7mm rounds, 142 X 7.62mm rounds, one AK 47 magazine and a Night Vision Goggle.

    “Based on the occurrence, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole, Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu and his team visited the location on Sunday 17 February 2019 to assess the situation and the success of the operation.

    “General Bulama addressed the troops and salute their fighting spirit and urge them to maintain the momentum with assurance that the Division will promptly support them at all times.

    “In that regards, the troops were replenished with more ammunitions and other logistical support on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai to boost their morale and effort in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.“

  • Troops neutralise five Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe

    The Army Special Forces has lost one officer and three soldiers in a battle between troops and Boko Haram terrorists at 27 Task Force Brigade at Buni Yadi in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

    In a statement yesterday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, Army spokesman Col. Sagir Musa said scores of terrorists in gun trucks attempted to attack a Buni/Yadi military base on Saturday evening.

    “Unfortunately, an officer and three soldiers lost their lives during the encounter,” he said.

    Musa added that five soldiers were injured and were receiving treatment in the brigade.

    The spokesman said during the gun battle, five Boko Haram terrorists were killed while dozens escaped into the bush in gun trucks and weaponry with gunshot wounds.

    According to him, nine AK-47 rifles, an anti-aircraft gun and ammunition were recovered in the battle.

    The statement said: “Though the terrorists appeared prepared for the attack – as they approached the military location in four gun trucks, a mine resistant ambush protection, one MOWAC and assorted arms and ammunitions – but they suffered heavy losses.

    “Five of the terrorists were effectively deleted.”

    On recovered arms, he said: “Nine AK-47 rifles, an anti-aircraft gun, 121 rounds of 12.7 mm anti-aircraft ammunitions, two 36 hand grenades, 295 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), an IED cylinder, an RPG bomb, an RPG bomb charger, a gun truck and a Bajaj motorcycle were also recovered from them.

    “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has lauded the successes recorded by troops in recent times. The operations were in Forward Army bases in the Northeast.”

    The Army advised its personnel to remain resolute, alert and decisive as well as professional in discharging its onerous national assignment.

    “The Army expressed appreciation to all those who passed credible timely information that aided our successful abortion of the deliberate terrorists’ attacks on Buni/Yadi military base in Yobe,” the statement said.

    The Nation reports that this was the second time the insurgents attacked the brigade in less than two months.

  • Troops neutralise two Boko Haram terrorists in Borno

    The Army said yesterday that two Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno State.

    A statement by the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations Officer (PRO), Colonel Ado Isa, said the troops engaged the terrorists, who laid in ambush on the Jebbra-Frigi Banki axis in northern Borno.

    The statement by Colonel Isa reads: “In their resolve to dominate their general area of operation as well as deny the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) freedom of action, the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, 151 Battalion, around 1921hours (7.21 p.m) on February 16 embarked on aggressive fighting patrol and mounted an ambush on the Jebbra-Firgi Banki axis of Borno State, a notable crossing point of the BHTs.

    “The terrorists, in a crafty move, bypassed own troops through another route but were noticed by the ever vigilant and dogged troops who followed in a hot pursuit with fire power on target, thereby inflicting heavy casualties on the runaway terrorists. They scampered for their lives in disarray. During the operation, troops neutralised two BHTs and unconfirmed number of terrorists fled with gunshot wounds.

    “Items recovered were two motorcycles, seven bicycles, charms and other assorted drugs. Further exploitation of the general area was conducted at first light on 17 February.

    “Troops returned to base in high morale.”

  • 11 killed, 15 injured in suicide bombing at Maiduguri mosque

    Suspected members of Boko Haram yesterday killed at least 11 people in a mosque around Jidari polo area of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

    The dead include  the three terrorists who carried out the attack. Fifteen other worshippers were injured. The terrorists struck at about 5.40am during the dawn prayers, according to Police Commissioner Damian Chukwu.

    The suspects include two suicide bombers and a gunman, who sneaked into  the mosque located at Kushari village behind old CBN quarters. Two suicide bombers were reported to be part of the casualty with several others suspected to be early morning worshipers  sustaining  various degrees of injuries. The State Coordinator of Civilian JTF, Abba Aji Khali  has confirmed the attack said one of the attackers was killed and his weapon recovered.

    The police chief said the suspects  “infiltrated Gwozari/Kushari in Polo general area, Maiduguri shooting sporadically & detonated IEDs strapped to their bodies.” Chukwu said security operatives had been deployed in the area while investigation was ongoing. The attack came  four days after insurgents opened fire on the convoy of Kashim Shettima, governor of the state.

    The JTF coordinator said “This attacks will not change any thing, although 8 persons killed and 15 others injured; we killed one of the attacker’s and suicide bomber also died in the attacks. They can not prevent people to come out or deter them not to  vote. I want to say that wherever they hid our troops will get them and flush them out. However, we call on residents to be vigilante and support the troops with useful information.”

  • 3 terrorists, 4 civilians killed in fresh Boko Haram attack

    The Nigerian Army yesterday said three Boko Haram terrorists and four civilians were killed as troops engaged the insurgents who launched attacks to scuttle the general elections in Jere local government area of Borno state.

    Its acting Director of Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, said in a statement that the troops of 251 Task Force Battalion in conjunction with Civilian JTF repelled the attacks from the terrorists and conducted mop up operations in the area.

    Colonel Musa said: “In the early hours of today, there was an attack by unconfirmed number of Boko Haram terrorists using Person Borne Improvised Explosive Device (PBIED) at Jidimari community in Jidari Polo area of Jere Local Government Area of Borno State. This is in their highly desperate, orchestrated and collaborative resolve with their cohorts and sponsors to scuttle the 2019 General Elections.

    “Consequently, troops of 251 Task Force Battalion in conjunction with Civilian JTF immediately repelled the attack, mopped up and cleared the general area. The encounter led to the elimination of 3 Boko Haram terrorists and recovery of 2 AK 47 rifles. Unfortunately, 4 innocent civilians lost their lives as a result of terrorists gun fire in addition to lethal explosion arising from PBIED mainly targeted at a mosque at a prime time of early morning prayers.

    “The carrier of the PBIED and a CJTF who strived to prevent the suicide bomber from accessing the mosque also lost their lives due to the IED explosion. At the moment, troops have dominated the area, cordon and search as well as exploitation are concurrently ongoing. Situation in the area is now calm. Normal routine activities are gradually going on. The army wishes to reiterate its resolve to bring an effective and enduring end to terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria”.

  • Troops neutralise three Boko Haram terrorists

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday said three Boko Haram terrorists and four civilians were killed as troops engaged the insurgents who launched attacks to scuttle the general elections in Jere local government area of Borno state.

    Its Acting Director of Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, said in a statement that the troops of 251 Task Force Battalion in conjunction with Civilian JTF repelled the attacks from the terrorists and conducted mop up operations in the area.

    Colonel Musa said: “In the early hours of today, there was an attack by unconfirmed number of Boko Haram terrorists using Person Borne Improvised Explosive Device (PBIED) at Jidimari community in Jidari Polo area of Jere Local Government Area of Borno State. This is in their highly desperate, orchestrated and collaborative resolve with their cohorts and sponsors to scuttle the 2019 General Elections.

    “Consequently, troops of 251 Task Force Battalion in conjunction with Civilian JTF immediately repelled the attack, mopped up and cleared the general area.

    “The encounter led to the elimination of 3 boko haram terrorists and recovery of 2 AK 47 rifles. Unfortunately, 4 innocent civilians lost their lives as a result of terrorists gun fire in addition to lethal explosion arising from PBIED mainly targeted at a mosque at a prime time of early morning prayers.

    “The carrier of the PBIED and a CJTF who strived to prevent the suicide bomber from accessing the mosque also lost their lives due to the IED explosion.

    “At the moment, troops have dominated the area, cordon and search as well as exploitation are concurrently ongoing.

    “Situation in the area is now calm. Normal routine activities are gradually going on. The army wishes to reiterate its resolve to ending the remnant of Boko Haram criminals thereby bringing an effective and an enduring end to terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria”.

  • Breaking: INEC holds press conference in Abuja

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission is currently having a press conference with journalists in Abuja

    This is in connection with the postponed general elections

    Details shortly……….

     

     

  • Group uncovers how Iran, IMN plan to terrorize Nigeria

    The Coalition for Nigeria, a civil society orgnaisation, said it has uncovered plots by Iran and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) to terrorize Nigeria.
    The coalition claimed that Iran is discreetly breeding another terrorism sect in Nigeria through IMN extremists, saying that the group allegedly received over  $20 million donation recently from the country to fund terrorism activities in the country.
    Patriot Sabo Odeh, National convener of the coalition at a press conference on Saturday, said IMN is an affiliate of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and should be declared a terrorist group.
    He, therefore, called on the Nigerian government and particularly, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice to expedite action on designating the IMN sect  a terrorist’s organization to finally lay to rest the tormenting “ghosts of these monsters and religious extremists.”
    Text of his speech below.
    Surely, we are germanely motivated to draw the attention of Nigerians and the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the world at large to the solidified mutation and grooming of another terrorist’s sect in the country. It’s members have disguised under the canopy of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).
    3.      No one is in doubt that the Islamic Movement in Nigeria are affiliated to the Islamic State (ISIS), a dangerous terrorism group based in the Republic of Iran, with a knack for sponsoring terror sects in countries all over the world.  We must not forget that Nigeria has had a taste of their venomous swords in Boko Haram insurgency.
    IMN’s leaders from Sheik Ibraheem El Zakzaky to those at the lower rungs of leadership of this religious extremists or violent sect have never hidden its affiliation to ISIS and the Republic of Iran. All have boasted publicly and at different times of importing the Iranian Shia ideology into Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region.
    In recent times and with the lawful detention  of the Spiritual leader of IMN, Sheik El-Zakzaky, the sect members have engaged security agents in countless violent confrontations in Abuja or elsewhere under the pretext of protests over the detention of  their leader.  But the protests in all verifiable instances defile civic conventions of public protests.
    Therefore, we are aghast at the tolerance and continuous celebration of the glaring importation and practice of the Iranian religious extremism in Nigeria by the so called Shiites. It’s a serious potential threat to national security and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
    Unfortunately, the federal authorities are handling it with kid gloves.  Yet, the IMN members have been caught many times in possession of illegal fire arms and ammunitions while on the so-called public protests.  And the notoriety of the sect members has continued, unchecked, unabated and blossoming, in spite of the other subsisting and dire insecurity challenges facing Nigeria.
    Nigerians were again assailed by the impudently ferocious, cruel and crude exhibition of violence against the Nigerian state and security agents a few days back. The IMN sect members in hundreds of thousands sneaked into Abuja and besieged the gates of the National Assembly Complex in the guise of protests to commemorate the 68th birthday anniversary of IMN’s spiritual leader, El-Zakzaky.
    But as usual and consistent with the character of the IMN, the supposedly peaceful protests turned violent as they forcefully broke into the gates of the National Assembly complex, chanting   anti-government songs and “Alahu  Akbar.” They also   brandished dangerous weapons, compelling the Police sentinels to take to their heels to avoid another clash with the sect members.

    Read Also: ASUU, NANS and democratic imperative

     

    It is very clear to all discerning minds that El-Zakzaky is standing trial over alleged acts of terrorism which in the past resulted into mass murders, alongside other adherents of his sect in possession of illegal fire arms in quantities and sophistication only permissible in the hands of Nigerian security agents or state recognized agencies.

    We have no iota of doubt that the IMN  are operating a republic within a republic, which is insalubrious for the security and peace of law-abiding citizens. Therefore, the failure of the relevant federal authorities to tame this emerging terror sect in Nigeria at its embryonic stage has bolstered their courage to relentlessly harass  the state and security agents. Many Nigerians have met their untimely deaths in the hands of the IMN sect members.
    The Coalition for Nigeria is alarmed  and thunderstruck on why such a deviant  organization like IMN, outlawed by the Kaduna State Government  over two years ago  has been allowed to still exist without the proper designation of the group as a terrorist  sect by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
    The hesitance of the FGN  to declare IMN  a terrorists group is responsible for its sustained acts of threats to public security and safety. It has stretched to the extent it  is  now  ominous  that  the continues existence of the Nigerian state and its civilian populations are under threats by the nebulous and overt criminal actions of the sect members.
    We appraised the sequence of the IMN’s recent violent outings, and came to the painful conclusion that the group  in Nigeria plots  to  compound  Nigeria’s already daisy  security situation and that of the Wes African sub-region. It is steadily and covertly breeding a terror sect to replace Boko Haram.
    It is evident that the ISIS affiliated Boko Haram, which tormented Nigerians for years has been severely weakened by the Buhari Presidency. And an irked ISIS has gone underground to sponsor other terror sects in Nigeria. We gathered reliably that the IMN group  in Nigeria allegedly received over  $20 million donation recently from the Islamic Republic of Iran to fund  terrorism activities in Nigeria.
    Our findings revealed that ISIS’s experiment in Nigeria using IMN  is fashioned after the model used in the Sri Lanka bombings of Churches and hotels on April 21st, 2019, which killed over 320 people on Easter Sunday.
    In fact, media reports credited to the Sri Lanka authorities said, “the attackers were affiliated with a local terror group. The attackers were radical Muslims. Their motives were religious. Their targets were Christians. “And two days later, ISIS in a statement, claimed responsibility for the Sri Lankan suicide attacks on Christian populations.
    With the manner the IMN sect members are progressively becoming violent and the extent they have stockpiled arms and ammunitions, which they openly display each time they confront the Nigerian state, we fear a possible replication of the Sri Lankan scenario in our country. And lawful steps must be taken to curb the excesses of this sect.
    We dare say, the Nigerian Government particularly the AGF/Minister of Justice is senselessly romancing an emerging terror sect in the country.  This is unacceptable and condemnable.  IMN headquartered in Kaduna State has been outlawed. And logically, nobody has the legal right to operate under its banner anywhere in Nigeria as they constantly assemble to violently invade Abuja.  No new association of its ilk has been registered anywhere in the country.

     

  • Shettima: why I was attacked

    Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima yesterday explained why Boko Haram insurgents swooped on his convoy on Tuesday, killing three civilians and a soldier.

    The governor said the attack was a mere propaganda strategy by the insurgents to attract global media attention and instill fear in citizens and troops.

    Shettima, who reacted through his Special Adviser on Media & Strategy, Isa Gusau, sympathised with those who lost their loved ones in the attack.

    The governor’s convoy was ambushed and attacked by the terrorists on his way to a political campaign rally in the northern part of the state.

    Gusau confirmed the death of three people in the incident.

    A splinter group of Boko Haram loyal to the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for the attack.

    Reuters reported that Islamic State on Wednesday claimed responsibility for an attack on the convoy of the governor of northeastern Borno State, according to the group’s Amaqnews agency.

    “The group said at least 42 people were killed in Tuesday’s attack. Sources told Reuters the death toll was between three and 10 people, though an unknown number of others were beheaded,” the report said.

    According to Gusau, the governor has launched a probe into the circumstances that led to the incident, stressing that the attack will not dampen his commitment and confidence of troops.

    A statement by Shettima’s spokesman reads:

    “Governor Kashim Shettima mourns, with the deepest thoughts and heartfelt condolences, the demise of some fellow citizens, brothers, associates and loyal supporters following an unfortunate ambush of some vehicles in his convoy by suspected insurgents on Tuesday evening on Gamboru Road, headquarters of Ngala Local Government Area.

    “While the governor is expecting full security briefing to get accurate information on the incident, preliminary report on Wednesday, confirmed the killing of three persons during the attack, which principally aimed to attract local and global media attention in order to sustain propaganda strategy and to instill fear in citizens and gallant troops.

    “Governor Shettima, who returned at night yesterday, will today (Thursday) meet families of those affected by the attack. The governor will also meet some security heads to review the incident and, more importantly, to continue his determined collaboration with all security agencies and volunteers in remaining committed to the ongoing fight against Boko Haram.

    “The unfortunate incident will not make the governor to doubt  the capacity of the gallant and patriotic personnel of the Nigerian armed forces who have dedicated their lives fighting for peace and the freedom of Borno people.

    “The governor has absolute confidence in the armed forces and given his access to raw updates, he is aware of the successes being recorded by the armed forces despite Tuesday’s and previous attacks by the insurgents.

    “For one success recorded by the insurgents, the armed forces record dozens against them. The Governor remains optimistic and urges citizens to be calm, prayerful and supportive of the Nigerian armed forces and volunteers through means that include (as they have been doing) the sharing of useful information.

    “Tuesday’s incident happened while the Governor was on his way to Gamboru in continuation of campaigns for the presidential and national assembly elections coming up on Saturday.

    “The governor had left Maiduguri on Tuesday morning and stopped for campaigns in Mafa and Dikwa local government areas before heading to Gamboru where he passed the night and returned to Maiduguri on Wednesday. He had on Monday travelled to Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area in northern Borno.

    “Before then, he had previously held campaigns in most parts of northern Borno, including Monguno where he spent the night. He had also been to all the nine local government areas of southern Borno, including Chibok, Gwoza, Askira-Uba and Biu, where he spent days.

    “The governor extends his deepest gratitude to friends, associates and other well-meaning Nigerians that have shown concern over the incident,” the statement said.