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Tag: boko haram

  • Boko Haram kills scores in Gamboru Ngala

    Boko Haram kills scores in Gamboru Ngala

    After the Chadian Army claimed to have recaptured Gaboru Ngala from the Boko Haram terrorists, the residents on Thursday were thrown into confusion with another deadly Boko Haram attack.

    Residents informed that the recent attack left not fewer than 32 people killed and dozens wounded.

    According to eyewitnesses, the insurgents wrecked havoc Fuyi, Fatakol and other communities bordering Cameroon, Kala Balge and Gamboru Ngala local government areas of Borno state.

    Kala Balge and Gamboru Ngala are located 120km and 150 km respectively away from Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

    A source informed that the Chadian troops after dislodging the insurgents from the area  advanced towards Dikwa town leaving Gamboru and its environs vulnerable to attacks.

    Shehu Algoni told told our correspondent in Maiduguri on phone that the insurgents invaded the town at about 4.00am on Wednesday morning in large numbers and spread to neighboring communities slaughtering innocent villagers and setting houses ablaze.

    “We heard them shouting Alllah hu Alkabar with heavy shooting in different directions People started  running up and down for safety. Some fled back to the Cameroon Republic villages and towns that they earlier took refuge while others met their untimely death because the insurgents were just shooting anyhow at people chasing people away and even setting houses and shops on fire again as they did in the past,” Algoni informed.

    He blamed the incident on the absence of the military in the area.

    “And all this is happening because there is no presence of Nigerian military in Gamboru Ngala since the period the town was recaptured from the Boko haram insurgents and the Chadian troops have also left the country.  I should think this gave the Boko Haram insurgents the opportunity to enter the town or recapture the town which residents have started returning in hundreds if not thousands,” he said.

    He also informed that it was the Cameroonian troops that came to repel the terrorist in the town.

    “Anti Aircraft Guns mounted on some Hilux vehicles, with large number of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and locally made petrol bombs invaded the communities and wrecked havoc, before Camerounian troops responded gallantly and engaged them in exchange of fire since morning till this afternoon. We have also fled to Fatakol and hearing exchange of gunshots still from the town indicating that the Cameroon troops are engaging the Boko Haram insurgents,” Algoni informed.

    Hassan Ibi a livestock trader said he was nearly caught up in the attack as he left the visited the town the previous day before the attack on Wednesday.

    “I was there on Tuesday and returned to Fotokol in the afternoon. We started hearing gunshots again at about 5pm and it continued for a long time. Some Cameroon soldiers at Fotokol told us Boko Haram has returned to Gamboru though they pursued them. There was a gun battle with some Cameroon soldiers but some of the Boko Haram may still be in Gamboru now.

    “I would have been caught up in the fight but my instinct told me to return to Fotokol and go back the following day since i did not finish what I went there to do,” Hassan informed.

  • Boko Haram kills one in Cameroon

    Boko Haram kills one in Cameroon

    A group of Boko Haram insurgents attacked a village in the far north region of Cameroon on Tuesday, killing at least one civilian, a senior military officer said.

    The militants rode on motorbikes into Golfo, about 3 km (1.86 miles) from the Nigerian border and started shooting at a crowd, the officer told Reuters.

    “They killed a civilian and wounded two others before riding back into Nigeria,” he said by telephone from Maroua.

    A local newspaper, L’Oeil du Sahel, reported that two people were killed in the attack.

    Armies from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger have launched an offensive to end Boko Haram’s six-year insurgency which has killed thousands and threatened the stability of the region.

    The Nigerian army said on Tuesday it had repelled Boko Haram from all but three local government districts in the northeast, claiming victory for its offensive against the insurgents less than two weeks before a presidential election.

     

  • The war against Boko Haram

    SIR: Africa’s leadership deficit is hitting Nigeria hard. The country, ab initio, was scheduled to hold her general elections for presidential, governorship and other elective political offices in February, 2015. But, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) used the Army to shift the election for six weeks, claiming a renewed determination to wage intensive war against the Boko Haram terrorists so as to demonstrate that he is able to defeat the terrorists.

    Why he did that? It must have been because his arch rival, General Mohammadu Buhari, promised to crush the Boko Haram when he gets to power. Currently, Nigerian Army is said to be routing Boko Haram, and taking back the areas occupied by Boko Haram. Yet, many questions are begging for answers. At the end of six weeks, hostility against Boko Haram is expected to cease, so that Nigeria can hold her elections. What happens to the Boko Haram remnants and suicide bombs? The Yoruba say when you cut a live snake into two; the other half can be furiously harmful. A witch dies and you are rejoicing; aren’t you oblivious that the daughter left behind by the witch can bewitch your children?

    The foregoing explains the quality of persons ruling Nigeria. The situation has been worsened by overt sinister efforts of external predators that benefit from the war waged by Boko Haram against the country. Basically,  the western imperialists iclude America and Britain, not forgetting to mention Asian Tigers like China and Japan, amongst others that sell war equipment to “Nigeria”. We have just been told that Japan gave a –deceptive- award to a Nigerian Pastor for campaigning against Boko Haram. Did that Pastor go to war against Boko Haram, or he is just a rabble-rouser?

    Otherwise, it is not surprising that it was a Pastor who got rewarded for campaigning against Boko Haram. GEJ professes to be a Christian, and after he truncated rotational presidency to become Nigeria’s President, the impression was created that Boko Haram terrorism arose because GEJ is a Christian. That is typical of how Christianity and Islam are used to create confusion in Nigeria.

    The Senate and House of Reps are said to be praising the Army for successful attacks against Boko Haram. But, have they reflected on suicide bombs, and what happens after the expiration of the six weeks’ war? They don’t, because what matters to them is that they are the most rewarded legislators in the world. Nigeria’s situation is not different from Somalia and similar places where there is endless crisis. Nigeria lacks leaders who can engender peaceful co-existence, a la Nelson Mandela. The current leadership is making terrorism inevitable. Terrorism is not a universal reality; it does not exist in Botswana, Senegal, Ghana, etc. Nigeria’s omens are bleak.

     

    • Pius Oyeniran Abioje, PhD,

    University of Ilorin.

  • Troops reclaim Bama from Boko Haram

    Troops reclaim Bama from Boko Haram

    After a six-month occupation, troops yesterday regained the control of Bama from Boko Haram insurgents.

    The insurgents on September 2 last year seized the town, including a military barracks.

    They hoisted their flags and imposed their rule on the indigenes.

    The battle forced the Brigade Commander of Mohammed Kur Barracks, Police Area Commander, DPO, Commandant of MOPOL 53 and more than 500 troops  in Bama to relocate to Maiduguri to re-strategise.

    But the troops, backed by powerful air strikes, yesterday reclaimed Bama from Boko Haram.

    A tweet by the Defence Headquarters said: “Nigerian troops this afternoon routed terrorists from Bama. Mopping up operation is ongoing.”

    A defence headquarters source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Nigerian troops have taken over Bama. Official statement later today.

    “This is one of the strongest bases of Boko Haram in the Northeast. It is a significant achievement for our troops. The insurgents had attempted to use Bama and Konduga to launch attacks on Maiduguri.”

    Another source said: “For about three days, troops were locked in battle against Boko Haram insurgents until Monday afternoon when the military reclaimed the town, which is located in the South-East of Maiduguri.

    “Most of the warlords of Boko Haram were born and bred in Bama. The regaining of the town has restored the pride of the Nigerian Army.

    “For about six months, these rag-tag insurgents held sway in Bama, but we have routed them out.”

    In September 2014, United States, through its Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Amb. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said it was troubled by the capture of Bama and some towns in Borno and Yobe states by Boko Haram.

    But the DHQ said there was no cause for alarm because the military was on top of the situation.

    The statement said: “In the light of the present challenges in the counter-terrorism efforts in the Northeast, which has elicited a sense of apprehension among citizens and even foreign allies, the DHQ wishes to reiterate the pledge and commitment it made while briefing the Joint Committee on Defence of the National Assembly to the effect that everything will be done to reverse the situation and defeat the  terrorists.

    “While welcoming the concerns shown by Nigerians and a section of the international community, following the increased menace and activities of terrorists, it is necessary to reassure all that the Nigerian Armed Forces is  determined and committed to the defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria, regardless of any odd.

    “It is not only the pride and reputation of the military that is at stake but that of the nation.

    “We, therefore, urge our citizens not to lose hope or be disenchanted, but to remain steadfast and supportive of the military, as steps are being taken to ensure the success of the counter-insurgency operations, especially at this crucial time when our sovereignty is being challenged.

    “With this in mind, it is important to reiterate that the military is conscious of its obligations to the Nigerian state and remains willing and ready to perform its duties with utmost diligence.”

    The Defence Headquarters said last night that troops survived many landmines to reclaim Bama from Boko Haram.

    It said the mission was accomplished with “heavy casualty inflicted on the terrorists.”

    The DHQ said Goniri, the last major stronghold of the terrorists operating in Yobe State, was on Monday morning taken over completely by troops after days of manoeuvre

    The Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, in a statement on how Bama was liberated from Boko Haram, said: “Troops this afternoon finally succeeded in routing terrorists from Bama in Borno State.

    “The mission, which was accomplished with massive casualty inflicted on the terrorists before the remnants finally fled the town, lasted days of careful manoeuvre and efforts to scale a series of obstacles and land mines planted by terrorists, who have occupied the town for months.

    “The Chadian partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force have been mandated to undertake a pursuit of the terrorists, who are believed to be heading for the borders after being dislodged from Bama.

    “Nigerian troops are continuing with cordon and search of the town and surroundings. Arms and ammunition are being recovered as troops conduct an aggressive patrol of the entire vicinity on the looking out for any terrorists, who may be stranded or trying to operate elsewhere in the area.”

    The statement added: “In a related development, Goniri, the last major stronghold of the terrorists operating in Yobe State, was this morning taken over by troops after days of manoeuvre.

    “Cordon and search is continuing in and around Goniri town, which is in the same local government with Buni Yadi where a bomb making facility was discovered in the course of cordon and search recently.

    “This completes the clearing of Gujba Local Government Area, one of the two local governments occupied by the terrorists in Yobe State. The other local government, Gulani, was finally cleared earlier in the month. This makes Yobe the second to be successfully cleared among the three states slated for the mission to dislodge terrorists’ bases.

    “The comprehensive offensive aimed at clearing the terrorists from all parts of the mission area is continuing with coordinated air strikes on identified terrorists hideouts and enclaves along with ground assaults.”

     

     

     

     

  • France increases efforts in fight against Boko Haram

    France increases efforts in fight against Boko Haram

    France is providing intelligence to  Nigeria and neighbouring Chad, Cameroun and Niger Republic, all of which are at war with Boko Haram.

    Paris says it has also reoriented its military efforts in the region to focus more on the fight against the terror sect.

    France specifically supports the Chadian offensive.

    About 30 French troops have been deployed in Niger since last month near the Nigerian border, and French jets frequently fly over the area to provide intelligence, according to two French top diplomatic officials, who were not authorised to speak publicly.

    The country also provides fuel and food supplies to Chadian troops, said one of the officials.

    France has a big air base with 600 troops in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, close to Cameroon’s border and northern Nigeria.

    It has deployed 3,000 troops in five countries of the Sahel in an operation aiming at fighting Islamic extremists in the region.

    The operation to fight Boko Haram is “flexible,” which means that some troops can be redeployed from one country to another, one of the officials said, without giving more details.

    France’s defence minister said last week that the country would “slightly” increase its number of troops in the Sahel region by the end of the year, but does not intend to take active part in the fight, against Boko Haram.

  • Boko Haram: Cameroon promises humane treatment for detainees

    Cameroon says it is treating hundreds of suspected Boko Haram militants in its prisons humanely regardless of the death of 25 in a prison cell last December, a government minister said at the weekend.

    Rejecting a rights group report that accused the army of abuses, Information Ministers Issa Tchiroma, said several of the Boko Haram suspects were arrested with arms in their possession, while others were caught with mobile phone videos in which they were filmed slitting the throats of their victims.

    He denied that the Boko Haram suspects were summarily executed.

    “They will be tried according to the laws of the land,” Tchiroma told reporters.

    He rejected a January report by the regional human rights organisation (REDHAC) that accused the army of rights abuses in the northern region where it was battling Boko Haram.

    Cameroon soldiers, alongside armies from neighbouring Chad, Niger and Nigeria have launched an offensive against the terror group, whose six-year insurgency in Nigeria’s Northeast is threatening the stability of the region.

    REDHAC said in its report that some soldiers had carried out acts of intimidation and torture to obtain information about Boko Haram, and in some cases, some soldiers had looted properties from the population in the north.

    REDHAC also said that some 50 prisoners suffocated in a prison cell. Tchiroma said, however, that 25 out of 56 suspected militants were discovered lifeless in a prison cell on Dec. 28, and an investigation was ongoing to determine the cause.

    Tchiroma did not say exactly how many Boko Haram suspects were being held in total. A senior Cameroon military officer told Reuters in February that nearly 1,000 suspects were in various prisons in the north.

  • Battling Boko Haram

    The string of successes recorded by the Nigerian military forces in clearing Boko Haram insurgents from towns they occupy in some states of the North East region of the country is heart-warming.

    Last Friday, the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade announced the capture of the Madagali, said to be the last major town held by the terrorists in Adamawa State.

    The Nigerian troops had reportedly routed terrorists from different towns and communities in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe and Gombe.

    The six-weeks operation launched by the military, which was the excuse for not being able to guarantee security during the earlier dates fixed for the general elections, seems to be yielding results and there is cause to be hopeful that terrorists days of unhindered takeover of communities are over.

    Although the insurgents have continued their deadly attacks in some cities in the region, indications are that the Nigerian army may have finally found the strategies to dislodge them or at best curtail their activities.

    The involvement of the African Union regional forces has undoubtedly aided the success of our soldiers, they deserve commendation for halting the worrisome advancement of the insurgents who are determined to possibly carve out their own Islamic state from the country.

    Last weekend, Boko Haram’s pledge of alliance with the Islamic State of Syria and Iran (ISIS), which has been globally accepted as a terrorist group is a clear indication of how far the group intends to go in order to  achieve whatever cause it claims to be campaigning for.

    The Nigerian forces have proved that they have the ability to combat the terrorists if they get the ammunitions required for such sophisticated desert battle against the terrorists.  It is unfortunate that it has taken this long to adequately equip our soldiers, many of whom have been killed and wounded along with thousands of other civilians.

    Now that we seem to be having an upper hand, everything necessary should be done by the Federal Government  to sustain the momentum and once and for all, cut the insurgents to size. The regional efforts should be fortified and there should be no room for any disagreement that can hamper the joint efforts required to win the battle against the terrorists.

    If the claim by the Chadian President – Idriss  Deby that he knows the whereabouts of Shekau, the Boko Haram leader is true, whatever is required to capture him dead or alive should be done. Whatever disagreement exists between the Nigerian and Chadian governments over how to prosecute the anti-terrorist battle should be resolved in the interest of fighting a common enemy group like Boko Haram.

    More than ever before, there is need for regional cooperation particularly among countries directly affected by the crisis, and backed by the international community. National pride over territorial issues and credit for who is doing what in the battle should not becloud danger involved in allowing lack of unity of purpose on this matter.

    Terrorism is a global problem that has to be tackled urgently before it consumes all of us.

  • Group holds support rally for Nigerian troops over Boko Haram

    Group holds support rally for Nigerian troops over Boko Haram

    Youths under the aegis of iSupport group on Saturday staged a support rally for the Nigerian troops battling Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast.

    Numbering about 500 and wearing a green t-shirt uniform bearing the inscription: ‘iSupport our troops,’ they danced through Mokola to Jembewon Road to Sabo area of Ibadan, Oyo State capital to express support for the troops.

    The Convener, Mr Olatunde Caxton-Martins, said the military men fighting against the insurgents were doing well, pointing that they needed to be praised for motivation purposes.

    He said: “We are a group of young entrepreneurs, creative and innovative people in Ibadan. We have come in this time and season when everybody is talking about politics and what they can gain from the next dispensation. We have come out to celebrate men and brethren who are laying down their lives daily in support of the peace and unity of this country, fighting the insurgents. Some of them have lost their lives leaving their friends and family.  We want to let them know that we appreciate them and grateful for their sacrifice on our behalf and our children.

    “This rally is of more profit now so that  people can come to understand that even though people are going about what they can gain from the next dispensation,  some people are still laying down their lives daily for the good course of the people in the country and this is the course we have come to support.”

    Asked if the group was not being sponsored by any political party, Caxton-Martins said: “We are not in support of any political party and we don’t have political backbone. We are only here to fight for a good cause. The group is about two months old and the membership strength is 5000 spread across all walks of life. We are celebrating this soldiers and we want to use the army as point of contact.”

    On how the group is funded, he said members make contributions and receive donations from some philanthropists.

  • Troops discover Boko Haram bomb factory in Yobe—DHQ

    Troops discover Boko Haram bomb factory in Yobe—DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters yesterday announced the discovery ,by  troops ,of a  Boko Haram bomb-making factory in Buni Yadi , Yobe State.

    Also, military sources said the alleged foreign mercenaries in the North-East are technical advisers providing trainingand instructions on the use of new armaments recently procured by the Nigerian military.

    The  Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said  improvised explosive devices (IEDs) uncovered in Yobe State were those commonly used by suicide bombers.

    “The ongoing cordon and search by troops in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State has led to the discovery of a Bomb Making factory, where improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used by terrorists were being produced,”he said in a statement.

    “Large quantities of IEDs including those commonly used by suicide bombers were recovered from the site.

    “The factory, which was located in a fertilizer company, has also converted some of the materials therein for production of all types of IEDs.

    “Troops are still evacuating the materials which include a large quantity of suicide bomber vests from the facility to their base. It is believed that the heavy calibre bomb used in blowing up the bridge between Damaturu and Buni Yadi was produced in the factory.

    “The terrorists were sacked from Buni Yadi after a military assault that was conducted last Saturday.

    “The troops advance was delayed by the series of IEDs planted on the highway leading to Buni Yadi. Four soldiers died from such IEDs in the course of the operation to clear terrorists from the town.

    “This discovery is expected to degrade the capability of terrorists in the production of explosives, which they have been using lavishly in the area until they were dislodged from their stronghold.”

    Also yesterday,military sources  said the foreign mercenaries in the North-East are technical advisers providing trainings and instructions on the use of new armaments recently procured by the Nigerian military.

    The military commanders said the stories in major international media and culled by local newspapers reporting that Nigeria was  deploying hundreds of mercenaries against Boko Haram terrorists amounted to “a joke taken too far.”

    According to a source: “The foreigners are technical advisers that are providing training and instructions on the use of new armaments recently procured by the Nigerian military in the war on terror. “

    Sources said  it was part of the propaganda to paint Nigerian military as incompetent to deal with the insurgency by desperately ascribing recent spate of successes to ‘others’ rather than the gallant troops’ efforts.

    They said only recently, some news agencies ascribed such successes to Cameroonian, Nigerien and “battle hardened” Chadian forces but when it became obvious that the forces of those countries were mainly fighting along their own border areas blocking free movement of terrorists, “it became necessary to look for others” who are helping Nigerians to fight.

    Sources also  cited the “particular example of the maintenance technician, who died recently,  that he was not even a combatant but a professional in fixing armoured  vehicles.

    President Goodluck Jonathan said  recently on  Voice of America (VOA)  that Nigeria was receiving training assistance  to get troops well acquainted with the recently acquired weaponry.

    Jonathan said: “We now have this technical people who are trainers and technicians, who are to train our people on how to use them, and technicians that help the maintenance, at the same time training our people how to maintain this equipment.”

    Sources recalled with regrets, the several years that Nigeria wasted while negotiating and appealing for equipment supply from the Western allies which were not only rebuffed but prevented other countries under their direct influence from selling to Nigeria.

    “The fact that we have foreign experts outside the United States helping to train our troops is not a secret but it is not fair for them to embark on this blackmail simply because we got assistance from other places when they turned us down at a critical period”, the source stated.

    When contacted the Director Defence Information, Maj-General Chris Olukolade said:  “Sorry, I don’t have anything about that claim.  I just know that Nigerian military and security forces are putting in all their resources, training and experience acquired over the years to address the security challenges.

    “Our neighbours operating under the auspices of the Multinational Joint Task Force are also backing our efforts from all our borders with them

    “. We also have some offer of training and intelligence assistance from foreign countries. Some of these arrangements even predated the present operations.”

  • Troops discover Boko Haram bomb factory in Yobe – DHQ

    Troops discover Boko Haram bomb factory in Yobe – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters Friday said troops have discovered Boko Haram bomb-making factory in Buni Yadi in Yobe State.

    Also, military sources said the alleged foreign mercenaries in the North-East are technical advisers providing trainings and instructions on the use of new armaments recently procured by the Nigerian military.

    According to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said  improvised explosive devices (IEDs) uncovered in Yobe State were those commonly used by suicide bombers.

    The statement said:  “The ongoing cordon and search by troops in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State has led to the discovery of a Bomb Making factory, where improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used by terrorists were being produced.

    “Large quantities of IEDs including those commonly used by suicide bombers were recovered from the site.

    “The factory, which was located in a fertilizer company, has also converted some of the materials therein for production of all types of IEDs.

    “Troops are still evacuating the materials which include a large quantity of suicide bomber vests from the facility to their base. It is believed that the heavy calibre bomb used in blowing up the bridge between Damaturu and Buni Yadi was produced in the factory.

    “The terrorists were sacked from Buni Yadi after a military assault that was conducted last Saturday.

    “The troops advance was delayed by the series of IEDs planted on the highway leading to Buni Yadi. Four soldiers died from such IEDs in the course of the operation to clear terrorists from the town.

    “This discovery is expected to degrade the capability of terrorists in the production of explosives, which they have been using lavishly in the area until they were dislodged from their stronghold.”

    Also, some military sources yesterday said the foreign mercenaries in the North-East are technical advisers providing trainings and instructions on the use of new armaments recently procured by the Nigerian military.

    The military commanders said the stories in major international media and culled by local newspapers reporting that Nigeria was deploying hundreds of mercenaries against Boko Haram terrorists amounted to “a joke taken too far.”

    According to a source: “The officers insisted that the foreigners are technical advisers that are providing trainings and instructions on the use of new armaments recently procured by the Nigerian military in the war on terror.

    “The officers said it was part of propaganda to paint Nigerian military as incompetent to deal with the insurgency by desperately ascribing recent spate of successes to ‘others’ rather than the gallant troops’ efforts.

    “They said only recently, some news agencies ascribed such successes to Cameroonian, Nigerien and “battle hardened” Chadian forces but when it became obvious that the forces of those countries were mainly fighting along their own border areas blocking free movement of terrorists, “it became necessary to look for others” who are helping Nigerians to fight.

    The source further cited the “particular example of the maintenance technician, who died recently, that he was not even a combatant but a professional in fixing armoured  vehicles.
    President Goodluck Jonathan was recently quoted in an interview with Voice of America (VOA) confirming that Nigeria has some trainers helping to get troops well acquainted with the recently acquired weaponry.

    Jonathan said: “We now have this technical people who are trainers and technicians, who are to train our people on how to use them, and technicians that help the maintenance, at the same time training our people how to maintain this equipment,” adding that two companies were involved in the training.

    The source recalled with regrets, the several years that Nigeria wasted while negotiating and appealing for equipment supply from the Western allies which were not only rebuffed but prevented other countries under their direct influence from selling to Nigeria.

    “The fact that we have foreign experts outside the United States helping to train our troops is not a secret but it is not fair for them to embark on this blackmail simply because we got assistance from other places when they turned us down at a critical period”, the source stated.

    When contacted the Director Defence Information, Maj-General Chris Olukolade said:  “Sorry, I don’t have anything about that claim.  I just know that Nigerian military and security forces are putting in all their resources, training and experience acquired over the years to address the security challenges.

    “Our neighbours operating under the auspices of the Multinational Joint Task Force are also backing our efforts from all our borders with them.

    “We also have some offer of training and intelligence assistance from foreign countries. Some of these arrangements even predated the present operations.”