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Tag: boko haram

  • Nigeria to refer Boko Haram to Security Council

    Nigeria to refer Boko Haram to Security Council

    Nigeria is likely to refer the Islamist militant group Boko Haram to the United Nations Security Council for sanctions, a Western diplomatic source said  yesterday in Paris on the sideline of the summit  to curtail Boko Haram.

    “Nigeria has agreed in principle to a draft resolution at the U.N. Security Council to impose sanctions on Boko Haram,”  the source said.

    Nigeria, currently a member of the 15-country council, will have to make the request first before possible sanctions can be examined, the source said.

    Until now, Abuja has been reticent about seeking help from the United Nations in its struggle with Boko Haram.

     

  • 2014 not a good year for Nigerian arms

    2014 not a good year for Nigerian arms

    AN unwholesome impression has been created in many foreign capitals that Nigerian soldiers are afraid to engage Boko Haram militants in the ongoing war in the Northeast. While it is evident that our troops have retreated almost consistently in every engagement with the suicidal sect, it is hardly because they are afraid. They may have become complacent and enervated by years of peace, luxury and the easy privileges their uniforms undeservedly confer on them in the towns and cities of Nigeria, however, their unwillingness to fight may have nothing to do with any intrinsic cowardice. They may be reluctant to start a battle with the sect in the vast and impossible terrains of the Northeast, but that indolence may not be related to the harshness of the weather or the strangeness of the host cultures. The reason for their diffidence may in fact not be far from their instinctive abhorrence of the chaos and decay that have overwhelmed the federal government, not to say the corruption and chaos from which the military itself is not insulated. Why, they ask themselves, should anyone sacrifice his life for a country where oil, pension and power contracts thieves, among many others, are celebrated and canonised?

    However, what is even more shocking about the past four weeks in particular is not the continuing decline of governance, something we already embraced with deep resignation, or the presidency’s lack of virtue and principles cruelly epitomised by both the Olusegun Obasanjo and Jonathan governments, but the poignant and unsparing vituperations against the person of Dr Jonathan by foreign media and governments. There is not one medium or foreign government that has not derided Dr Jonathan. They deplore his style, and they gape at his amazing lack of attention. They are bemused by his policies, which they describe as universally inept, and they are galled by his unimaginative responses to the creative destructiveness of militant organisations in Nigeria. While highly critical foreign governments are more tactful in deploring Dr Jonathan’s methods, the foreign media all but describe him as a mannequin in power.

    That Dr Jonathan has attracted universal opprobrium is not particularly surprising; after all, the Nigerian media, save a few writers inured to reality, have been merciless on the president. But the country had managed Dr Jonathan so gingerly over the years that he looked set to romp into the next polls quite as remorseless and unperturbed as ever. He would have secured the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party as an average and undistinguished incumbent, but nonetheless as a president. He would have gone on to campaign with the ordinary effusiveness of a politician gifted with an undeserving ticket, mouthing achievements that were hard to find, let alone feel. He would have, as usual, good-humouredly embraced and defended every electoral chicanery the more relentless and ruthless of his party apparatchiks could muster without the prickly restraint of his delicate conscience that has morphed over the years in the distorted milieu of his acquired theology.

    But now if he runs, he will do so as a hostage to the money power around him. He will run not because he has anything to give, and campaign not because he has anything to say, but because to do otherwise would be unthinkable and costly for his rapacious caucus. The reason for this drastic change of circumstances is the year 2014, and in particular, the past four weeks. If the reader will permit my adapting a Churchillian metaphor about French wines and military defeat, it is clear that 2014 is not a good year for Nigerian arms. Not only has Boko Haram punished us relentlessly and audaciously, it has masterminded the brazen kidnap of schoolgirls with all the dangerous and revolting connotations of sexual slavery. The sect has demonstrated an astonishing capacity for evil, and more adeptness at infiltrating the Nigerian military. By reason of the activities of moles, the Nigerian camp is as open to the rebels as the rebel camp is closed to the Nigerian troops.

    The Jonathan government celebrates what it describes as the restriction of Boko Haram to the Northeast instead of the sporadic attacks the sect was making some years back. But the sect has merely changed tactics by repudiating its previous tendency to overextend its operational matrices, while concentrating on a more manageable theatre of battle for maximum impact. In that self-imposed cocoon, Boko Haram has deployed more viciousness and inflicted horrendous punishment on the civil society and to some extent the military marooned in their barracks. The consequence is that it is in fact the Nigerian troops that are overextended and demoralised, and are sometimes outgunned and outmanoeuvred. Before the Chibok schoolgirls were abducted, there was little tactical wizardry on display by the Nigerian Army, and no remarkable battles won. According to some sources, the soldiers were running into ambushes wielding low-calibre and misfiring weapons, and were even allegedly short-paid their allowances. The problem came to a head last week at Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri when some of the soldiers violently disobeyed orders, leaving commanders scrambling to determine whether the soldiers’ behaviour constituted mutiny or not.

    Dr Jonathan has passively acquiesced to foreign military help from over five countries. Soon after it became obvious that external help had materialised, the president glibly declared that Boko Haram was on its way to defeat. He also tactlessly ruled out negotiations with the sect over the abducted girls when he should have left his options open. I loathe negotiating with terrorists, but considering the fact that world unanimity and support looked set to compel Boko Haram to let the girls go, the president ought to have been more circumspect. The president’s newfound vitality evoked a World War II scenario when allied powers managed to evacuate from French beaches hundreds of thousands of their troops entrapped by the advancing German Army. On that occasion, the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, cautioned his exuberant countrymen that wars were not won by evacuations.

    It is now common knowledge that Nigerian troops have no answer to Boko Haram. It is not an enviable reputation to have. The foreign help Nigeria is receiving at the moment is essentially to rescue the schoolgirls. But even if the help transmutes into a longer and larger effort to help contain the sect, it would still amount to merely dealing with the symptoms. Given the way Dr Jonathan has spoken and acted, an approach the world has roundly condemned as unimaginative and superficial, there is absolutely nothing to indicate he, his aides and military commanders understand what to do about the sect or any other militant group still hibernating. In terms of policy, the government is vacuous. In terms of fighting unconventional warfare, the effort has so far been shambolic. And in terms of winning the confidence of the populace, the government’s repressive and insensitive approach to law enforcement has made its efforts appear dubious and desultory.

    The challenges of the modern era, whether military, economic, societal or religious, require the highest form of intellectual appreciation of very complex and interconnected issues. The Jonathan government has not shown any iota of competence in that regard, nor have his cabinet and military shown the qualification and intuition necessary to tackle the challenges of the day. If he wins in 2015, is there hope that Dr Jonathan’s six years of impotence on the throne would abate in the next four years after 2015? I doubt. Indeed, it is highly unlikely.

    There is no proof that Boko Haram or its independent splinter groups can be permanently defeated even with foreign help. If Dr Jonathan had the requisite competence, and the Nigerian military deployed the right measures in the sect’s early years, Boko Haram would not have metamorphosed into the dragon it has become. Foreign troops will not help Nigeria beyond exercising the military option; and as everyone knows, military option alone, even if we were capable of delivering it with the expertise and ingenuity the times demand, will not resolve the increasing disposition of Nigerians to violent resistance to fundamental or state-inspired disequilibrium. The Nigerian civil war produced its heroes; so far the Boko Haram war has produced none. Indeed, it seems that in the end, only villains will be produced. But perhaps I exaggerate.

  • ‘God is using Boko Haram to purge us’

    ‘God is using Boko Haram to purge us’

    The Senior Pastor of Great Commission Bible Church Lagos, Rev Olu Johnson, believes the current insurgency has positive takeaways for Nigeria. He spoke with Sunday Oguntola

    When was the last time you were on a crusade outreach?

    The last time was in 2012, I think.

    Why is that, considering you were called to be an evangelist?

    We had to stop because the church building project was starting then. Crusades take a lot of funds and you cannot raise money then. You spend quite a lot to organise crusades but we needed to concentrate on the building project.

    However, we held some little outreaches here and there since then. Now that the church building is completed, we are going back to the field.

    When will that be?

    We should hold one in October in Yewa. We are considering Ilaro and Iboro before we spread to other parts.

    People say crusades have a way of slowing down evangelists. What has been your experience as a church leader?

    Well, I will say yes and no because one has to be driven by vision. I agree coping with both can be tough but then that is where organisation comes to play.

    I am a called evangelist. I started a church because God told me to have a base. He said every soldier has a barrack where they are trained and sent forth for impact. So, we run an evangelical church but what I have been able to do is to run both independently.

    I have a crew and a team independent of the church. The church runs on its own. We have pastors and administrators running the church. So, one has been able to keep the balance and focus.

    How has it been, raising funds for outreaches, considering it’s always easier for people to pay tithes and offering?

    Let me say firstly that my crusades are not funded by the church. The church sometimes offer assistance but the bulk of our supporters is outside the church. Some of them are even general overseers, who believe in what I am doing. Some of them are captains of industries who believe in my ministry.

    My experience basically is that when God is involved, funding is never an issue. Some of the people we evangelised have turned around to support us. So, when God touches people, it becomes easier.

    Apart from once or twice that we raised offering for our outreaches, we have ensured the church stays out of funding. The reason is crusade expenses are always huge. If you put it on a church, you will kill that church. That church has its commitments and financial needs too. It has to look after members and provide their needs.

    You support churches looking after members?

    Of course, I do. You see many destitute, orphans and less-privileged in the church. You have to support them; you can’t pretend not seeing them. There are widows, widowers and needy in church you must raise and teach to fish.

    The church tries to support and even establishes small scale businesses for needy members. We offer educational supports and scholarships too.

    Then, that is besides operational costs and overheads of the church as well as the needs to upgrade infrastructure. So, you can’t put crusade expenses on the same church again considering all these heavy commitments.

    But if churches don’t support evangelism, what else do they exist for?

    What I am saying is that holding crusades is not the only way to evangelise. Churches must evangelise but it can’t be by crusades alone. Some are on TV and radio and evangelise. But if you are into crusades like I am, it’s not advisable to put the costs on the church.

    Many believe if churches are heavy on welfare, it can breed dependence and attract too many needy people. What do you say on this?

    Well, those who say that might not have thought too deeply. I believe that God supplies the needs of the people. If God sees that a church has to cater for more needs, he will provide more resources. Then, we should not limit welfare to money alone.

    Some people only need counselling, not handouts. Some unemployed graduates have gadgets like plasma and washing machines in their rooms. But they have what they can dispose of to start businesses; such people don’t need money but direction.

    So, you don’t just throw money at people. You need to know what they need. A jobless man does not need an AC or plasma TV. If he sells those things, he can start a business until he upgrades.

    Churches who don’t want to help should remember that the poor will always be in the land and he who lends to the poor lends to the Lord. I remember some of our members came in destitute with bathroom slippers. Today, they are up there and even helping the less privileged. So, we don’t know who can help out tomorrow. We have to overlook the dependence culture and empower people to move up.

    It’s over a month since the Chibok girls were abducted without a trace. What does that say about the nation?

    With what we have seen on the terrorism challenge, I think I won’t pass judgment at all. I think God is using this insurgency to reveal the real Nigeria. He is bringing us to the point where all our hidden agendas are now being exposed. God is purging us. You know when we came together, there was no negotiation.

    Now, we have to make up our mind whether we want to remain together again. Many hidden things have been exposed by the insurgency. For example, we see that some of our military authorities have been compromised. There are infiltrators in their rank.

    Also, some elements in the north are now learning to tolerate others. Muslims and Christians are coming together to fight a common enemy. Before, one group was happy the attacks were on the other but now no one is spared. Now, we run to mosques and churches for shelter.

    We are learning to relate with love among one another, even though it is happening with much pains for us. After this Boko Haram issues are gone, I believe we will work better together. Nobody will kill anyone again in the name of defending one’s faith.

    I feel that Nigeria will be stronger for it. I am sorry for these girls and I believe that God will bring them back. We have learnt a lesson through this insurgency; that we must love each other by force. Muslims must love Christians and vice versa. We have to respect the faith of the other person. If you want someone to follow your faith, your good works and deeds will convince him. You don’t have to force or impose it on him.

    So, God could be using Boko Haram to purge us?

    You see God is not the author of evil but sometimes He allows it for His purpose. Boko Haram is a devilish agenda but God can use that intention to better the country. I believe God loves Nigeria so much.

    Can we ever get out of it?

    My brother, we are already getting out of it. Boko Haram will become history in no time. We are seeing its end already. You see how villagers rose up and defended themselves against the insurgents. We are ready and everyone is ready to phase them out. Everyone is speaking against Boko Haram and we will get them out soonest.

  • Boko Haram has killed over 12,000 persons- Jonathan

    Boko Haram plans to use Nigeria as operational base against Africa, world, says Jonathan

    *Says Boko Haram has killed more than 12000 lives

    *Seeks Multinational Task Force on Lake Chad Basin to tackle terror

    *Seeks international sanctions against Boko Haram, Ansaru and their principal leaders

    *Wants Boko Haram designated as Terrorist Organization

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday  maintained that Boko Haram is not only a terror threat in Nigeria but also to the other countries in the continent and the world.

    Speaking at the regional summit on security in Nigeria held in Paris, France, Jonathan said that Boko Haram plans to over run Nigeria and use it as an operational base against the continent and the world.

    Stressing that Boko Haram has killed over 12,000 persons in Nigeria and maimed and injured many, he pushed for international sanctions against Boko Haram, Ansaru and their principal leaders.

    He said: “But let me state clearly from the outset that what started as a local insurgency in North Eastern Nigeria has now evolved into the new frontier of the global war of terrorism against our civilization, our way of life, and against the many prospects of stability in our region. This is not anymore a challenge to Nigeria alone; it is a threat to each and every one of us in this room.”

    “The Boko Haram Sect emerged in 2002 while its insurgency phase started as far back as 2009. Officially known as the Jamaa’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’wati Wal Jihad, which in English means “people committed to the propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad”, the group is more commonly identified with its motivating principle, and referred to as Boko Haram which literally means, Western or non-Islamic education is prohibited.”

    “The group is hostile to democracy; it uses every means to indoctrinate its members; its ultimate objective is to destabilize the country, and take over Nigeria in order to turn it into a base of operation in West Africa and the entire continent.”

    “Since 2009, we have had to contend with many attacks and killings, which have now developed into a full-scale war targeting the stability and integrity of our Nation. Boko Haram has launched a vicious guerrilla-style campaign against the government and the people of Nigeria. It has attacked schools, slaughtered students in their dormitories, destroyed villages, communities and government infrastructure and has wreaked havoc on the economic and social life of our people.”

    Continuing, he said: “This unconventional war has so far claimed over twelve thousand lives, with more than 8, 000 persons injured or maimed, not to mention the displacement of thousands of innocent Nigerians.”

    “We have developed intelligence, which indicates clearly that global terrorist networks are deeply involved in the recent activities of Boko Haram, which has now turned into an integral part of the Al Qaeda network as the West African Branch. More tellingly, the group runs an international network of training and incubation centres in such places as Gao and Kidal areas of Mali, the Diffa, Maradi and Maina Soro areas of Niger Republic, Maroua and Garoua areas of Republic of Cameroun, the Zango and Ridina quarters in Ndjamena, Chad, the Ranky-Kotsy area of Sudan, and also some cells in the Central African Republic.”

    “As a responsible Government, we felt compelled to declare a State of Emergency in three of Nigeria’s North Eastern States of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. This became necessary to give the security forces the required scope and authority, to enable them operate more efficiently in the affected areas in order to gain victory.”

    The security agencies, he said, were directed to adhere strictly to clearly spelt out rules of engagement and avoid any excesses that may amount to a violation of human rights.

    “Careful regard for human rights has always been central to our counter-terrorism strategies, resulting in the adoption of rules and procedures to protect the civilian population from excessive collateral damage.”

    “Last year, I had ordered the release from detention of women and under-aged persons who had been involved with terrorists and also, persons against whomprima facie cases could not be established. Proven incidents of human rights violation which may have involved our security forces are always promptly investigated and dealt with in accordance with our laws.”

    In addition to military operation, he said that his administration has adopted what is termed “a soft approach” to combatting the insurgency, which includes short, medium and long-term measures to mitigate the impact on the people and the entire country.

    “Our focus along this line, has been mainly in form of the introduction of a robust educational programme in the Northern states, to reduce the number of out-of-school children and empower the youths.” He added

    “We have launched economic recovery programmes to create jobs, while also providing infrastructure, which unfortunately is heavily threatened by the terror attacks. Other measures include the introduction of de-radicalization programmes for convicted terrorists and suspects awaiting trial, and the promotion of opportunities for dialogue and collaboration with critical stakeholders from the region.”

    Despite the efforts of the government, he said that Boko Haram has continued to attack innocent Nigerians without regard to religion, ethnicity and gender.

    “Christians have been killed; churches have been destroyed, Muslims have also been murdered and mosques destroyed.”

    “The reprehensible abduction of innocent school girls in Chibok, Borno State is another manifestation of this criminality.

    “We believe that it is the success of our administration’s Transformation Agenda, evident in the growth of our economy and increasing opportunities for our people, that has prompted the terrorists to intensify the war against Nigeria, because our success is their failure.”

    “The activities of the terrorists have also been felt across Nigerian borders particularly in Chad, Niger and Cameroon. Border and cross-border attacks have taken place with Boko Haram terrorists seeking refuge in our neighbouring countries. So many Nigerians, fleeing from terror attacks, have also become refugees in our neighbouring countries creating additional burden (security and financial) in those countries.”

    “It is the regional and global character of the terrorists’ campaign that makes it imperative that we explore and adopt a regional and global approach to addressing this insurgency and menace. Indeed, in the spirit of collective regional security, it is important that we accept that an attack on one country is an attack on all of us, and our common humanity.” He said

    “It is equally important that we accept the principle of hot pursuit of terrorists in the context of joint border patrols and cooperation in order to deny them sanctuaries and make it impossible for them to take refuge in each other’s territory. I note with satisfaction that some mechanisms for joint border patrols including customs and immigration administration have commenced.”

    But he stressed on the need for more effort to restore security along the common borders with the neighbouring countries.

    This, he said, should focus on the actualisation of the mandate of the Multinational Task Force on the Lake Chad Basin.

    “In addition, we have intensified the exchange of intelligence and information on cross-border movements of goods and services of illicit origin, especially small arms and light weapons as well as human trafficking.”

    “At the multi-lateral level, we are developing a regional strategy to win the war against terror within the region. The importance we attach to combating terrorism informed our decision to invite African leaders during our Centenary celebrations to deliberate on ‘Human Security, Peace and Development: Agenda for 21st Century Africa.’”

    “We have signed bilateral agreements with our neighbouring countries on security and are engaged in Joint Operations with Benin Republic, Chad and Niger. In this regard, we welcome the support and assistance of all our partners from the region, the continent and around the world in providing technical expertise, training programmes and support for border-area management programmes.”

    “At the international level, we should take concrete steps to designate the Al Qaeda in West Africa, alias Boko Haram, as a Terrorist Organisation on the basis of the Proscription Order that my government has already imposed on the organisation.”

    “We should also accelerate the implementation of other international sanctions, particularly under the auspices of the United Nations, on Boko Haram, Ansaru and their principal leaders.”

    “We are already making thorough intelligence efforts to identify their sponsors and their sources of funding and arms supply. I have no doubt that with the cooperation of Nigeria’s neighbours, it would be possible to rein in these organisations until this scourge is ultimately eliminated and defeated. We will not succumb to terrorists and their dangerous tactics. Terrorists will not be allowed to define who we are or instil fear in our people and cause destruction and mayhem. The time has therefore come for all peace-loving peoples of the world to unite against this new threat to global peace and stability.”

    “The abduction of young innocent school girls in Chibok represents a watershed, and a turning point, in the global terrorist war against human civilization. The escalation by the terrorists should not go unanswered by us. The world is entering a new stage and we must stand firm to protect our civilization.”

    “I will like to seize this opportunity to express the gratitude of the Government and the people of Nigeria to all countries who are actively participating, side by side, with our country, in seeking the rescue of these school girls. I must commend the efforts of countries like France, the United States, the United Kingdom and Israel, among other partners who have offered technical assistance to my Government in our joint efforts to rescue these innocent children.”

    “The major challenge that we have faced in our search and rescue operation so far has been the deluge of misinformation about the whereabouts of the girls and the circumstances of their disappearance.”

    “We have deployed about 20,000 troops to the area, intensified aerial surveillance, and strengthened local intelligence resources. We shall spare no effort, we shall explore every avenue; we shall turn every stone, to ensure the return of the girls to their families and that the terrorists are defeated.”

    “Once again, I wish to thank all participants for your attendance at this Conference.”

    “I am confident that the outcome of our deliberations will go a long way in assisting us to address both the immediate challenges and root causes of Boko Haram insurgency in order to restore enduring peace and stability, not just to Nigeria but also to our sub-region.”

  • African leaders agree on plans against Boko Haram

    African leaders agree on plans against Boko Haram

    African leaders meeting in Paris have agreed to wage “war” on Nigeria’s Boko Haram Islamic militants.

    BBC reports that French President Hollande, who hosted the summit, said regional powers had pledged to share intelligence and co-ordinate action against the group.

    The Paris summit brought together Mr Hollande, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, and their counterparts from Benin, Cameroon, Niger and Chad.

    As it opened, Mr Hollande called Boko Haram a “major threat to West and Central Africa”, and said it had links with al-Qaeda’s North-African arm and “other terrorist organisations”.

    After the meeting, he said participants had agreed on a “global and regional action plan”.

    This included sharing intelligence, monitoring borders and co-ordinating action, including possible operations involving French troops in the region, Mr Hollande said.

    President Idriss Deby of Chad said regional powers would “tackle this situation head on” and wage “total war on Boko Haram”.

    Representatives from the UK, US and EU also took part in the meeting.

  • Boko Haram: Britain offers military advisers to Nigeria

    Boko Haram: Britain offers military advisers to Nigeria

    Britain has offered to send advisers to help Nigeria’s military structure its efforts to fight Boko Haram, Foreign Minister William Hague said on Saturday, ahead of a meeting to hammer out a strategy to tackle the sect.

    West African leaders are meeting in Paris to try to improve cooperation in their fight against the group which last month kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls and threatens to destabilise the wider region.

    Outrage over the girls has prompted President Goodluck Jonathan, criticised at home for his government’s slow response, to accept United States, British and French intelligence help in the hunt for the girls.

    “Nigerian security forces have not been well structured for this kind of thing and that has been shown by the problem getting worse,” Reuters quoted Hague as saying to reporters ahead of the meeting.

    “We can help with that which is why we are offering to embed military advisers within the Nigerian headquarters.”

    U.S. officials have said the effort to retrieve the girls is now a top priority, but has been complicated by Nigeria’s early reluctance to accept assistance, and U.S. rules banning aid to foreign forces that have committed human rights abuses.

    “It is very important (Nigeria) upholds high standards of human rights and are well coordinated in their actions,” Hague said. “Nigeria has the main responsibility and must be the leading nation in tackling this and that includes to mount an effective security response and improve development.”

    France, itself a target of Islamist militants for its military intervention against rebels in Mali, is bringing together Nigeria’s neighbours  – Chad, Cameroon, Niger,  Benin, and Western officials to the summit.

  • One Chinese killed in Boko Haram’s raid on Cameroon

    A Chinese national was killed and 10 others were abducted in an overnight attack in northern Cameroon believed to have been carried out by Boko Haram sect, a police told AFP on Saturday.

    “Boko Haram militants attacked a camp (of road workers). A Chinese was killed. 10 Chinese cannot be found since the attack. We think they have probably been kidnapped,” a local police chief said on condition of anonymity.

     

  • Summit on Boko Haram opens in Paris

    Summit on Boko Haram opens in Paris

    A security summit to discuss strategies to tackle the threat from Boko Haram has opened in Paris, France.

    The meeting was called by French President, Francois Hollande, after the sect abducted more than 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, last month.

    President Goodluck Jonathan, who is attending the talks, had to call off a visit to the town where the girls were seized for security reasons.

    As West African leaders arrived, reports emerged of suspected Boko Haram attack in Cameroon.

    Ten people are reported missing.

    One person was hurt when militants attacked a Chinese camp near Cameroon’s porous border with north-eastern Nigeria.

    Those missing had been working for Chinese company Sinohydro, China’s state news agency Xinhua said.

    The BBC reports that militants have staged several attacks in Cameroon; last year they kidnapped several members of a French family, who were later released.

    Boko Haram released a video earlier this week showing more than 100 of the girls and offering an exchange for prisoners. Their relatives have called for their unconditional release.

    The girls, a mixture of Christians and Muslims, were seized on April 14 from their hostels at the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibook.

    President Jonathan has ruled out negotiations over their possible release, government officials say.

    President  Hollande will open the Saturday’s summit, and the leaders of Nigeria’s neighbours – Benin, Cameroon, Niger and Chad – were scheduled to attend the talks. Representatives from the United Kingdom, United States and European Union were also taking part.

    A statement before the summit said delegates at the meeting will “discuss fresh strategies for dealing with the security threat posed by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in West and Central Africa.”

    UK Foreign Secretary William Hague told the BBC from Paris that Cameroon and Nigeria in particular had an important role to play in pooling their intelligence.

    “There are many borders here and they are porous. The first focus of everything we’re doing is about the girls now, but that requires these countries to work together. Cameroon and Nigeria… have not enjoyed strong positive relations in recent years.”

    Mr. Hollande discussed the issue on Friday in a phone call with US President Barack Obama.

    The safe return of the 223 girls was now one of America’s main priorities, with US specialist teams and drones being involved in the rescue operation, the White House said.

     

     

  • Boko Haram: NIS arrests illegal alien in Abeokuta

    Boko Haram: NIS arrests illegal alien in Abeokuta

    Operatives of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has arrested a young man suspected be a Chinese.

    The suspect was arrested by two NIS officials while loitering around the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.

    The Nation gathered that the arrest followed his inability to give a satisfactory reason as to why he is in Nigeria.

    It was also said to have been discovered that the man lacked the ability to express himself in English language or any of the nation’s local languages.

    It was learnt that the suspect initially put a up a stiff resistance to his arrest but surrendered when a reinforcement came from NIS state headquarters, Oke Mosan and whisked him away.

    One of the Immigration officials who would not disclose his identity said the arrest of the Chinese was part of the efforts of his agency to step up surveillance in the state to prevent illegal immigrants who could constitute security risk to the country.

    However, a man, who gave his name as Moruf Tijani said the suspect was a hired hand at an agricultural-based firm in Omu-Ijebu, Odoogbolu Local Government Area of the state

  • Close our borders with Cameroun, Niger, Chad

    Close our borders with Cameroun, Niger, Chad

    AS I write this, I am in pain because of the evil activities of the criminals calling themselves Boko Haram members.

    They killed many innocent Nigerians and they are still killing them. They kill human beings as if they kill rats. This is a bad time for all of us.

    To stop these heartless elements, I will want our Minister of Foreign Afffairs and President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to close our borders with Cameroun, Niger and Chad because Boko Haram members are operating from these countries.

    It is true that closing the borders will bring about suffering for some people, but if this will stop their evil deeds, there is nothing bad with it.

    I am expecting an urgent action from these two leaders.

    Tunde Akinpelu,

    Sango-Ota,

    Ogun State.