The Nation Newspaper

Tag: boko haram

  • Kwara CAN commends FG for proscribing Boko Haram

    Rev. Cornelius Fawenu, the Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kwara, has commended the Federal Government for proscribing the Boko Haram sect.

    Fawenu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Ilorin that the proscription was long overdue.

    The clergyman said the Boko Haram insurgency was giving the country and its citizens a bad image outside the country.

    The CAN scribe described the proscription of the militant sect as a welcome development that would bring lasting peace to the northern part of the country.

    Fawenu, who urged the Federal Government to also ban other militant groups in the country, appealed to religious leaders to work for peace.

    “We should all support the Federal Government’s efforts in its quest to wipe out terrorism in the country,” he added.

    He advised adherents of Christianity and Islam not to hide under religious cover to commit crime, adding that both religions preach peace.

  • Emergency…People still fear Boko Haram

    Emergency…People still fear Boko Haram

    Despite the war on terror, the fear of Boko Haram still remains the beginning of wisdom for pupils and other people in Maiduguri and other parts of Borno State, writes
    Washington Post

    At the Ali Al Yaskari primary school, the classrooms are silent. In the morning, teachers sign their names on an attendance sheet to receive their salaries, then quickly leave without teaching a single course. A few students sit under a tree, idling away their time in the sandy schoolyard.

    “People are afraid to come,” said Lawana Bura, 47, the only teacher in the school on a recent day. “That’s why the classes are empty.”

    It has been that way, he said, since gunmen entered the school one morning in March and shot and killed a teacher. Three other schools were attacked that day in Maiduguri, leaving a total of six teachers and four students dead.

    For the past four years, the Islamist Boko Haram militia has been known to target schools, burning them down at night in its fight to install sharia law in Nigeria’s mostly Muslim north. But in recent months, the group, whose name translates to “Western education is a sin,” has escalated its campaign to cripple the region’s education system.

    Militants raid schools in broad daylight, killing teachers and students. They kidnap professors and order schools to shut down, forcing thousands of children to seek an education in safe zones protected by soldiers or outside the region if they can afford it.

    The schools are being destroyed in an impoverished, long-neglected part of the country, where children were already struggling to receive an education. Many of the schools attacked didn’t have desks, textbooks and other resources.

    “The schools are the bedrock to change the minds of people,” said Babangida Labaran Usman, a senior investigation officer with Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission. “They are perfect targets for the Boko Haram.”

    The assaults underscore how dramatically the conflict in Africa’s most populous nation has changed this year – from a simmering homegrown insurgency to a guerrilla conflict that has spread into neighboring countries and entered its most violent stage. Nigerian officials and analysts say Boko Haram militants are using more sophisticated military tactics and weaponry brought back from the battlefields of Mali.

    Since 2009, militants have attacked churches, mosques, police stations and government buildings across the north, killing an estimated 3,000 people in more than 700 attacks. During the past few months, hundreds more have died as the militants have launched bold incursions into small towns and villages, prompting retaliatory attacks by Nigerian security forces. The insurgents have also kidnapped Westerners and government officials for ransom and have attacked military bases and soldiers heading to help quell the Islamist insurgency in northern Mali.

    Much of the violence has occurred in Borno state. Eight schools have been burned there this year, said Musa Inuwa Kubo, the state education commissioner. Maiduguri is the state’s capital and the cradle of the insurgency.

    Some Nigerian government officials say the attacks on schools reflect Boko Haram’s increasing number of recruits and shifting tactics. An overstretched government security force, which has gone after the militants in their jungle bases, has been unable to protect the schools in towns and villages.

    “You cannot be everywhere,” said Isa Umar Gusau, a spokesman for the Borno state government. “Every terrorist organisation grows in strategy, they grow in tactics, and they grow in weaponry. If they adopt a strategy of launching attacks in the night and they realize that you place emphasis on targeting them at night, they will launch daylight attacks. And they know these schools are everywhere, even in the remotest villages.”

     

    A hail of bullets at school

     

    The text message sent to Sherif Daggash’s cellphone read: “We know you. We know your hours. You are teaching the students government subjects. We want you never to come to school again.”

    The message ended with the full Islamic name of the Boko Haram.

    Daggash, a 28-year-old teacher at Sanda Kyarimi Government Day Secondary School, informed his co-workers. But most dismissed the warning. They had read similar text messages, but the militia had never followed through on its threats. “We never believed they would attack,” Daggash said. “They had never killed teachers before.”

    A few days later, several gunmen entered the school. They wore no masks as they walked across the schoolyard, waving their Kalashnikov rifles. They shot a teacher in front of his office, witnesses said, and then began firing randomly at students fleeing for cover.

    “When I heard the gunshots, I jumped out of the window and ran,” recalled Ali Muhammed Abdullahi, 18. “Up until now, I haven’t found my school bag.”

    After the assailants fled, students carried wounded classmates to the principal’s office. Four were seriously injured and later died, students and teachers said.

    “I helped carry Malam Kachala,” said Ahmed Usman, 21, a student, referring to the teacher. “He was shot in the head. His brain had burst open.”

    At the Mafoni Day Secondary School, bullets are still visible in the walls, near where two teachers and an administrator were killed.

    Six days later, the militants burned down three schools in a nearby town, human rights activists say.

    “They want the students to go to Islamic schools,” Daggash said. “They don’t want us to teach them any forms of Western knowledge.”

    In other instances, the militia has kidnapped teachers of Arabic – a subject that Boko Haram approves of – because they wore Western clothes, said Usman, the activist. Many teachers and university professors have fled the state for Abuja, the capital, or farther south to Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city.

    In some parts of Borno state, the militants simply tear up textbooks to shut down the schools. “They are so strong in these areas,” Usman said. “They don’t need to attack the schools.”

     

    A region under fire

     

    Today, Maiduguri and much of the north is under emergency law, which was imposed by the government last month. Cellphone and Internet networks have been cut to prevent communication among militants. Long lines of vehicles wait at military checkpoints that have been erected across town.

    In some areas, shops have closed or been reduced to rubble after attacks by Boko Haram or Nigeria’s security forces, whom human rights group accuse of committing abuses in their efforts to quell the insurgency.

    Many schools close by noon. Children are taking their state and national exams at schools in safe areas, protected by Nigerian soldiers. The only schools that appear to operate without concern are Islamic schools, where students study subjects approved by Boko Haram.

    The trauma is visible long after the attacks. At Ali Al Yaskari, Zara Abubakr trembles at any mention of Boko Haram. She saw the gunmen through her classroom window as they killed the teacher. “I never heard of them,” she said, her voice quivering. And then she quickly ran away.

    At Sanda Kyarimi, only a few hundred of the roughly 5,000 students have returned to school. Classes are being taught by inexperienced trainee teachers because most of the regular teachers have not returned. Students said many of their classmates now attend Islamic schools or have left the state. Others said they had no choice about returning.

    “We just come to school because our parents order us to,” said Mustapha Bulama, a student. “In reality, we fear that the Boko Haram will attack again.”

     

  • Boko Haram kills 13 in Maiduguri

    Boko Haram kills 13 in Maiduguri

     Hides guns in coffin

    Suspected members of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, who hid their assault rifles inside a coffin launched an attack against informants in Maiduguri on Friday, killing 13 people, witnesses said yesterday.

    The suspects were soon found out and shot by security forces.

    Soldiers, had on Thursday, also shot dead another eight suspected Boko Haram fighters in the city, leaving their bodies in a ditch in the restive city.

    Friday’s attack by Boko Haram targeted members of a new youth vigilante group that has sprung up in Maiduguri, pointing out suspected members of the sect to the military.

    The gunmen hid their Kalashnikov assault rifles inside a coffin draped in white cloth as if being prepared for a burial, allowing them to drive through the city’s numerous military checkpoints without being searched, witness Sheriff Aji said.

    When they approached the vigilantes in a van, they pulled the rifles out from the coffin and opened fire, killing the civilians, Aji said.

    “They continued shooting until they ran out of ammunition, then some courageous youth rounded them up and handed them over to the soldiers, who shot them dead as they attempted to escape,” Aji told The Associated Press. Aji said he counted eight dead suspected Boko Haram gunmen after the shooting.

    Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, a military spokesman in the city, could not be reached for comment yesterday as security forces have shut down mobile phone networks throughout the northeast as part of the offensive.

    The shooting comes after President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency on May 14 in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.

    Friday’s attack likely was retaliation for vigilantes pointing out eight Boko Haram fighters to soldiers on Thursday. A security official told the AP that soldiers shot dead eight of the suspected Boko Haram members on Thursday night. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to journalists.

     

  • Northern governors’ panel tables 22-action plan to stop Boko Haram

    Northern governors’ panel tables 22-action plan to stop Boko Haram

    The Northern State Governors’ Forum (NSGF) Committee on Reconciliation, Healing and Security has recommended that the Federal Government should mandate security agencies to unmask individuals and groups using Boko Haram as a franchise to settle political and economic scores.

    The panel, however, asked the Federal Government to end alleged impunity within security forces and review its counter-insurgency strategy to protect innocent citizens.

    It demanded the establishment of special border patrol units, consisting of a combined operation of military,  immigration and customs, to check influx of aliens promoting insurgency.

    It also urged Northern governors to abolish all discriminatory state policies towards religious  groups.

    These recommendations are the highlights of the report of the panel which was submitted to the Chairman of the NSGF, Governor Babangida Aliyu, in Kaduna on Thursday.

    The panel was headed by a former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim.

    In the report, exclusively obtained by our correspondent, the panel asked Northern governors to carry out a comprehensive assessment of losses and damages to insurgency between 2007 and 2012.

    It made a strong case for compensation to victims of violence in the North in the last five years.

    The report said: “Security agencies must work to unmask and bring to justice the  individuals and groups using the Boko Haram insurgency as a franchise for political violence, economic rivalry and criminal  activities in the states in the North.

    “The NSGF should liaise with the Federal Government of Nigeria to end impunity within the security forces by  undertaking a review of its counter-insurgency strategy and conducting independent  investigations and expediting  the prosecution of cases of those against whom there is evidence in accordance with the tenets of the rule of law.

    “Restoration of confidence in government and the justice system as well as compliance with the rules of engagement

    “This is urgent and must be sustained. Accountability of officers  or institutions must be demonstrated to the full extent of the law in line with natural justice, equity and good conscience.

    “The NSGF should demand for the immediate release of innocent persons (individuals and institution representatives) from detention centres across the country, as well as where appropriate, to expedite the completion of investigations  for prosecutions.

    “There most be enforcement of the rule of law and accountability standards. This is a priority if the trust and confidence of any aggrieved party is to be gained for sustainable peace.

    “A letter may be written to Mr. President conveying the demand and relevant government and civil society entities copied in.”

    The panel asked Northern governors to prevail on the Federal Government to ameliorate the conditions of victims of counter-insurgency against Boko Haram.

    The report added: “The NSGF should demand  of the Federal Government to assume its responsibility to ameliorate the condition of victims of collateral damage arising from the counter -insurgency operations

    “To ensure accountability of the  Central Government  to the acts of commission and omission of security agents. This recommendation is in line with international best practice. It is also in cognizance of the constitutional responsibility  where deployment and control of security apparatus is the exclusive preserve of the Federal Government.”

    The panel, however, urged Northern governors to raise an independent body to facilitate dialogue and reunite Northerners.

    It said: “To chart a common  vision for the development and  unity of the Northern Region, The NSGF should facilitate the emergence of an independent  body to promptly facilitate dialogue/mediation/ reconciliation among all aggrieved groups.

    “The body/membership of the NSGF Committee could (on voluntary terms) form the nucleus of this independent body.

    “The NSGF should, therefore, extend recognition and liberty to the committee to undertake the complementary interventions that support any other in initiative of the NSGF. Activities proposed here are for an inaugural meeting and one meeting by the end of 2013.

    “The NSGF should convene a  high-powered dialogue of key stakeholders of the North.  This dialogue could be facilitated by a post -implementation  committee or coordinating group with a specific mandate from  the NSGF.

    “Among those to be invited are key actors, past and present, in  the judiciary, executive, legislature and organized private sector.

    “The NSGF should promote interstate visits, dialogue and co -operation among governors. The NSGF may consider hosting its earliest statutory meeting in Borno during which both Borno and Yobe states can be visited. Subsequently the meeting rotates to Bauchi or Plateau  such that two states can be covered at any meeting.

    “The NSGF should promote the  culture of exchange of visits  among top-class traditional rulers; the students exchange programmes and other business and agricultural groupings.

    “The budgetary implication of this should be part sponsored by the NSGF and the structure of the hosting community/institutional/social platform.

    “State governments should also embark on symbolic reparation  by extending psychological and social support to victims,  including erecting headstones, building memorials, renaming  public facilities and establishing days of remembrance.

    “Initiate a comprehensive  study on the damages and  losses incurred as a result of violence throughout the region in the last five years (2007-2012) to document and guide the provision of token monetary and non -monetary relief.

    The panel  came up with 22-point solutions to the crisis in the North.

    The report added: “The NSGF should implement this recommendation in phases as follows:

    •First, commission a desk review/audit of documentation of losses and recommendations for compensation from previous reports/white papers to generate data for concrete and symbolic actions.

    •Commission study into whole regime of violence to guide the  establishment of long-term structures/interventions, including establishing a Rehabilitation Fund under the aegis of sons and daughters of the North and with contributions from all levels of government, the private sector, donor agencies and  individuals.

    •Sponsor 10,000 youths  from each of the 19 northern states within a year  for leadership and development training.

    •Engender rehabilitation, de-radicalization, empowerment and inculcation of positive family values

    •Preparations and logistics for this can be done in 2013 with a strengthening of any existing youth empowerment initiatives. In  2014, the budgetary provisions for this can be made and the first batch of trainees enroll and graduate in 2014. Batch will be admitted in the 1st quarter of 2016.

    •Put in place mechanisms for regulating registration of marriages  and the reckless abuse of divorce to protect and preserve family values and the sanctity of marriage.

    •Each state government  should secure existing grazing reserves, and where expedient, create new ones, thereby, defining their own cattle grazing routes which will then be harmonized with those of adjacent states.

    •To accommodate the livelihood of pastoral  Fulani and reduce the frictions and recurring tensions between them and farmers.

    •Institute process for securing existing grazing reserves with  active participation of both Fulani and farmers in affected areas. Determine the need for additional or new grazing reserves and create them in consultation with adjacent state(s)

    •Appoint a committee to work with the FGN to come up with a long-term research -driven framework of settling nomadic  Fulani pastoralists and changing the methods of raising their livestock.

    •Support security agencies to commence community-based intelligence systems. Promote the utilization of safe spaces like palaces, public schools, LG  secretariats, zauren shawara to engender dialogue between security forces and citizens.

    •To engender citizen participation in  security management  and peace building while using less costly mechanisms

    •Delegate partial responsibility to traditional rulers whose  structure fits the intent and methodology for the attainment of the recommendations. Tangible motivation and empowerment of all the traditional  rulers in the North to support them in the effective and efficient performance of their complementary roles in the maintenance of law and order, security management and, most especially, monitoring the influx of people within and across their domains. Existing community monitoring initiatives should be strengthened.

    •Liaise with the Federal Government to find practical  and non -confrontational ways of addressing the  indigene/settler divide  nationwide.

    •Attainment of the  constitutional  freedoms for citizens. The ongoing constitutional review process presents an opportunity for addressing the underlying issues of this challenge.

    •The Northern governors should support religious  organizations to develop a code of ethics to self-regulate their behaviour. Enhance accountability and curtail incidences of incitement of adherents/followers of the different faiths. Self-imposed regulations will reduce apprehensions against government, especially oversight agencies.

    •Enforcement to be secured by the legal endorsement of the  regulations as integral charter of incorporation.

    •Urgent expansion of the structure and scope of the NIREC and  similar interfaith agencies within Nigeria to all levels of government in the Northern states.

    •Guarantee the rights of all citizens to the freedom  of religion and ensure that the constitutional rights of those who convert to one  religion or the other are protected.  Northern governors must promote a sense of belonging  for all and protect the rights  equitable treatment of all citizens

    •Abolish all discriminatory state policies towards religious  groups, particularly in the areas of access to lands for places of worship, or access to media spaces for religious broadcasts. The teaching of Islamic and Christian religious education must become an enforceable part of the curriculum of all schools,  irrespective of how many children there are of each faith.

    •Discourage the use of derogatory and offensive language  which has the effect of denigrating human dignity and  freedoms of any person in all northern states.

    •Federal Government to urgently establish special border patrol units consisting of a combined operation of military,  immigration and customs  equipped with tracking and monitoring devices.  Effectively respond to the challenges of human infiltration and movement of arms and ammunition into and across border states.

  • Northern governors’ panel tables 22-action plan to stop Boko Haram

    Northern governors’ panel tables 22-action plan to stop Boko Haram

    The Northern State Governors’ Forum (NSGF) Committee on Reconciliation, Healing and Security has recommended that the Federal Government should mandate security agencies to unmask individuals and groups using Boko Haram as a franchise to settle political and economic scores.

    The panel, however, asked the Federal Government to end alleged impunity within security forces and review its counter-insurgency strategy to protect innocent citizens.

    It demanded the establishment of special border patrol units, consisting of a combined operation of military,  immigration and customs, to check influx of aliens promoting insurgency.

    It also urged Northern governors to abolish all discriminatory state policies towards religious  groups.

    These recommendations are the highlights of the report of the panel which was submitted to the Chairman of the NSGF, Governor Babangida Aliyu, in Kaduna on Thursday.

    The panel was headed by a former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim.

    In the report, exclusively obtained by our correspondent, the panel asked Northern governors to carry out a comprehensive assessment of losses and damages to insurgency between 2007 and 2012.

    It made a strong case for compensation to victims of violence in the North in the last five years.

    The report said: “Security agencies must work to unmask and bring to justice the  individuals and groups using the Boko Haram insurgency as a franchise for political violence, economic rivalry and criminal  activities in the states in the North.

    “The NSGF should liaise with the Federal Government of Nigeria to end impunity within the security forces by  undertaking a review of its counter-insurgency strategy and conducting independent  investigations and expediting  the prosecution of cases of those against whom there is evidence in accordance with the tenets of the rule of law.

    “Restoration of confidence in government and the justice system as well as compliance with the rules of engagement

    “This is urgent and must be sustained. Accountability of officers  or institutions must be demonstrated to the full extent of the law in line with natural justice, equity and good conscience.

    “The NSGF should demand for the immediate release of innocent persons (individuals and institution representatives) from detention centres across the country, as well as where appropriate, to expedite the completion of investigations  for prosecutions.

    “There most be enforcement of the rule of law and accountability standards. This is a priority if the trust and confidence of any aggrieved party is to be gained for sustainable peace.

    “A letter may be written to Mr. President conveying the demand and relevant government and civil society entities copied in.”

    The panel asked Northern governors to prevail on the Federal Government to ameliorate the conditions of victims of counter-insurgency against Boko Haram.

    The report added: “The NSGF should demand  of the Federal Government to assume its responsibility to ameliorate the condition of victims of collateral damage arising from the counter -insurgency operations

    “To ensure accountability of the  Central Government  to the acts of commission and omission of security agents. This recommendation is in line with international best practice. It is also in cognizance of the constitutional responsibility  where deployment and control of security apparatus is the exclusive preserve of the Federal Government.”

    The panel, however, urged Northern governors to raise an independent body to facilitate dialogue and reunite Northerners.

    It said: “To chart a common  vision for the development and  unity of the Northern Region, The NSGF should facilitate the emergence of an independent  body to promptly facilitate dialogue/mediation/ reconciliation among all aggrieved groups.

    “The body/membership of the NSGF Committee could (on voluntary terms) form the nucleus of this independent body.

    “The NSGF should, therefore, extend recognition and liberty to the committee to undertake the complementary interventions that support any other in initiative of the NSGF. Activities proposed here are for an inaugural meeting and one meeting by the end of 2013.

    “The NSGF should convene a  high-powered dialogue of key stakeholders of the North.  This dialogue could be facilitated by a post -implementation  committee or coordinating group with a specific mandate from  the NSGF.

    “Among those to be invited are key actors, past and present, in  the judiciary, executive, legislature and organized private sector.

    “The NSGF should promote interstate visits, dialogue and co -operation among governors. The NSGF may consider hosting its earliest statutory meeting in Borno during which both Borno and Yobe states can be visited. Subsequently the meeting rotates to Bauchi or Plateau  such that two states can be covered at any meeting.

    “The NSGF should promote the  culture of exchange of visits  among top-class traditional rulers; the students exchange programmes and other business and agricultural groupings.

    “The budgetary implication of this should be part sponsored by the NSGF and the structure of the hosting community/institutional/social platform.

    “State governments should also embark on symbolic reparation  by extending psychological and social support to victims,  including erecting headstones, building memorials, renaming  public facilities and establishing days of remembrance.

    “Initiate a comprehensive  study on the damages and  losses incurred as a result of violence throughout the region in the last five years (2007-2012) to document and guide the provision of token monetary and non -monetary relief.

    The panel  came up with 22-point solutions to the crisis in the North.

    The report added: “The NSGF should implement this recommendation in phases as follows:

    •First, commission a desk review/audit of documentation of losses and recommendations for compensation from previous reports/white papers to generate data for concrete and symbolic actions.

    •Commission study into whole regime of violence to guide the  establishment of long-term structures/interventions, including establishing a Rehabilitation Fund under the aegis of sons and daughters of the North and with contributions from all levels of government, the private sector, donor agencies and  individuals.

    •Sponsor 10,000 youths  from each of the 19 northern states within a year  for leadership and development training.

    •Engender rehabilitation, de-radicalization, empowerment and inculcation of positive family values

    •Preparations and logistics for this can be done in 2013 with a strengthening of any existing youth empowerment initiatives. In  2014, the budgetary provisions for this can be made and the first batch of trainees enroll and graduate in 2014. Batch will be admitted in the 1st quarter of 2016.

    •Put in place mechanisms for regulating registration of marriages  and the reckless abuse of divorce to protect and preserve family values and the sanctity of marriage.

    •Each state government  should secure existing grazing reserves, and where expedient, create new ones, thereby, defining their own cattle grazing routes which will then be harmonized with those of adjacent states.

    •To accommodate the livelihood of pastoral  Fulani and reduce the frictions and recurring tensions between them and farmers.

    •Institute process for securing existing grazing reserves with  active participation of both Fulani and farmers in affected areas. Determine the need for additional or new grazing reserves and create them in consultation with adjacent state(s)

    •Appoint a committee to work with the FGN to come up with a long-term research -driven framework of settling nomadic  Fulani pastoralists and changing the methods of raising their livestock.

    •Support security agencies to commence community-based intelligence systems. Promote the utilization of safe spaces like palaces, public schools, LG  secretariats, zauren shawara to engender dialogue between security forces and citizens.

    •To engender citizen participation in  security management  and peace building while using less costly mechanisms

    •Delegate partial responsibility to traditional rulers whose  structure fits the intent and methodology for the attainment of the recommendations. Tangible motivation and empowerment of all the traditional  rulers in the North to support them in the effective and efficient performance of their complementary roles in the maintenance of law and order, security management and, most especially, monitoring the influx of people within and across their domains. Existing community monitoring initiatives should be strengthened.

    •Liaise with the Federal Government to find practical  and non -confrontational ways of addressing the  indigene/settler divide  nationwide.

    •Attainment of the  constitutional  freedoms for citizens. The ongoing constitutional review process presents an opportunity for addressing the underlying issues of this challenge.

    •The Northern governors should support religious  organizations to develop a code of ethics to self-regulate their behaviour. Enhance accountability and curtail incidences of incitement of adherents/followers of the different faiths. Self-imposed regulations will reduce apprehensions against government, especially oversight agencies.

    •Enforcement to be secured by the legal endorsement of the  regulations as integral charter of incorporation.

    •Urgent expansion of the structure and scope of the NIREC and  similar interfaith agencies within Nigeria to all levels of government in the Northern states.

    •Guarantee the rights of all citizens to the freedom  of religion and ensure that the constitutional rights of those who convert to one  religion or the other are protected.  Northern governors must promote a sense of belonging  for all and protect the rights  equitable treatment of all citizens

    •Abolish all discriminatory state policies towards religious  groups, particularly in the areas of access to lands for places of worship, or access to media spaces for religious broadcasts. The teaching of Islamic and Christian religious education must become an enforceable part of the curriculum of all schools,  irrespective of how many children there are of each faith.

    •Discourage the use of derogatory and offensive language  which has the effect of denigrating human dignity and  freedoms of any person in all northern states.

    •Federal Government to urgently establish special border patrol units consisting of a combined operation of military,  immigration and customs  equipped with tracking and monitoring devices.  Effectively respond to the challenges of human infiltration and movement of arms and ammunition into and across border states.

  • Military claims ‘terror kingpin’ Kambar is dead

    The Nigerian military claimed on Thursday that United States-designated “global terrorist” Abubakar Adam Kambar was killed in an operation last year, though Washington had not confirmed the death.

    Lt. Col. Mohammed Suleiman said Kambar, believed to have links to al-Qaeda’s North African branch and the Boko Haram sect, was killed on March 18 last year.

    That would have been before the United States listed him and two other Boko Haram leaders Abubakar Shekau and Khalid al-Barnawi, as “global terrorists” in June last year.

    The Defence spokesman, Brig. General Chris Olukolade, said that may have been because information had not been properly passed along, but could not give further details.

    Another military spokesman, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, also confirmed the death but declined to give details on why the U.S designation would have been issued afterwards.

    “We trailed him to somewhere. He didn’t want to be arrested, so we gunned him down,” Suleiman told AFP after a briefing to journalists in Maiduguri in which he mentioned Kambar’s killing.

    AFP says U.S officials in Nigeria were not immediately available to comment.

    During the briefing, Suleiman called Kambar “the main link with Al-Qaeda and al-Shebab,” referring to Somalia’s Islamist insurgent group.

    Security sources had previously estimated Kambar to be in his mid-30s and a native of Borno State, where Maiduguri is the capital.

    He was said to have been an active member of Boko Haram at the time of a 2009 uprising in Maiduguri, which was crushed by the military.

    According to security sources, he fled Nigeria after the uprising was put down but eventually returned.

     

  • Troops arrest Boko Haram recruitment agent

    Troops arrest Boko Haram recruitment agent

    … 49 suspected terrorists nabbed in Yobe

    The military Special Forces have arrested a recruitment agent for the Boko Haram sect, the Defence Headquarters said on Wednesday.

    A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade said the unnamed terror agent was arrested in a cordon and search operation in Maiduguri.

    According to the spokesman, the suspect used to be in charge of the sect’s armoury.

    He added that the troops also arrested five Nigeriens at a hideout in Mallam Fatori as they attempted to escape in two Toyota Cruiser Jeeps.

    The statement said troops were still patrolling the notorious Sambisa forest and cordoned off the Alou forest and Gwoza Hills.

    “More abandoned vehicles, weapons and other items are being recovered in the camps of the insurgents.

    “Among the recent finds are rifles, double barrel guns, various charms and amulets, machine guns as well as pairs of camouflage uniforms, bows and quiver and assorted rifle magazine.

    “Others are handset, walkie talkie, car number plates and some food items. Abandoned vehicles recovered include a Golf car, a Honda, Customs pickup van, Honda (2003 Model) and a Volkswagen Monte Carlo”, the statement added.

    The DHQ said police stations were being reopened in some parts of Borno State, adding that detachments of police anti-terrorists unit had been deployed to complement security in Kirenowa area of Borno.

    Olukolade said a team of local and foreign journalists have commenced a tour of the operational areas of the Joint Task Force.

    According to him, the tour, organised by the DHQ was meant to ensure that the media have first-hand information on the situation in the operational areas.

    Meanwhile, No fewer than 49 suspected Boko Haram members were arrested at various locations in Yobe State by Special Forces following a tip off by locals in some communities.

    Olukolade said the suspects were arrested during cordon and search operation.

    According to him, weapons including AK 47 rifles, locally made pistols and ammunitions were recovered from the suspects when federal troops combed Rugan Fulani, Arikime, Afghanistan and Ngandu villages and communities.

    “The team led by Air Commodore BE Inyang was also briefed that all the camps of the terrorists in the area had been dislodged as some of the insurgents fled towards Niger Republic.

    “The DHQ team was also informed of a trend whereby some particular crimes have now taken the place of terrorism as the criminals now resort to brigandage, robbery and attempted assassination of business rivals.

    “All law abiding Nigerians were however assured of the safety of their lives and property as troops of the Special Forces comprising of various security agencies including the Police Anti Bomb Squads are working round the clock to nip the negative trend in the bud.

    “Citizens were further encouraged to continue to volunteer information on activities of terrorists in order to help troops rid the state of insurgents,” the statement added.

     

  • Boko Haram: Arrest Buhari now – Oritsejafor

    Boko Haram: Arrest Buhari now – Oritsejafor

    The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, on Tuesday expressed sadness over former Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari’s support for the Boko Haram sect whom he described as blood sucking group.

    According to CAN, Buhari should have advised the sect to stop their ‘evil’ deeds instead of justifying their activities.

    The National Leader of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) had recently questioned the “special treatment” given to the Niger-Delta militants by the Federal Government while the Boko Haram members were being killed and their houses destroyed by government.

    Buhari was quoted to have said: “They (the Niger-Delta militants) were trained in some skills and were given employment, but the ones in the north were being killed and their houses were being demolished.”

    But Oritsejafor disagreed with Buhari’s stand and advised President Goodluck Jonathan to immediately order his arrest as part of efforts to find lasting solution to the crisis.

    In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Kenny Ashaka, the CAN president said “I have several times been vindicated that Boko Haram is not inspired by pecuniary motives, the latest of which is the statement by Robert Fowler, the released former United Nation’s envoy to Niger Republic who said in a BBC programme, “Hard Talk”, aired on Tuesday, June 4, 2013, that his captors never talked of poverty but Islamisation of Africa.

    “Spent and defeated politicians with outburst of temper and elders like Buhari who take delight in inflaming religious and ethnic passions should, therefore, be arrested and made to explain some of the issues raised by them. This is why I call for the arrest of Buhari now. Buhari is a big security risk to Nigeria’s cooperate existence.”

     

     

  • The gazette on proscription of Boko Haram, Ansaru

    The gazette on proscription of Boko Haram, Ansaru

    The Federal Government has issued a gazette on the proscription of Jamaatu Ahlis-sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad (otherwise known as Boko Haram) and Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis Sudan (JAMBS).

    The gazette, titled “Terrorism (Prevention) (Proscription Order) Notice 2013 was signed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN).

    The gazette reads: “Order declaring the activities of ‘Jamaatu Ahlis-Sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad and ‘Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan ’ as terrorism and illegal, proscribing their existence and restraining any person or group of persons from participating in any manner whatsoever in any form of activities or concerning the prosecution of the collective intentions or otherwise of the said groups.

    “Notice is hereby given that by the Order of the Federal High Court Abuja, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/ 368/2013 dated 24th May, 2013 as per the Schedule to this Notice, the Activities of ‘Jamaatu Ahlis-Sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad and ‘Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan’ are declared to be terrorism and illegal and that the existence of Jamaatu Ahlis-Sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad and ‘Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan’ are proscribed, pursuant to Section 2 of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 20111(As Amended).

    “Consequently, the general public is hereby warned that any person or group of persons participating in any manner whatsoever in any form of activities involving or concerning the prosecution of the collective intentions or otherwise of the said groups will be violating the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011(As Amended) and liable to prosecution.

    “This Notice shall be cited as the Terrorism (Prevention) (Proscription Order) Notice 2013.”

    A top source in the presidency, who spoke in confidence last night, said: “The proscription of the two groups is without prejudice to the ongoing dialogue and amnesty process.

    “We have to take legal steps as provided by the enabling Act on prevention of terrorism. If you look at the Act, it has provided a clause that the AGF may withdraw the order if satisfied that such proscribed organization has ceased to engage in act of terrorism.

    “So, if they embrace dialogue and renounce violence, the government may deem it fit to de-proscribe these groups in future.

    “As it is now, their activities are inimical to the interest of this nation.”

     

  • We were paid N5, 000 to burn schools —Freed Boko Haram kids

    We were paid N5, 000 to burn schools —Freed Boko Haram kids

    About 58 pardoned Boko Haram suspects were yesterday released by the military and handed over to Governors Kashim Shettima and Ibrahim Geidam of Borno and Yobe states.

    Those granted reprieve, as part of the first batch of freed detainees under Federal Government’s amnesty deal, included 23 women and 35 children.

    But the release was emotional as one of the children admitted that they were being paid N5, 000 to set schools ablaze.

    According to the fact-sheet obtained by our correspondent, 20 detainees, comprising six women and 14 children, were released in Borno State.

    The 20 suspects, arrested between 2012 and 2013, were freed and handed over to Governor Kashim Shettima for rehabilitation and reintegration by the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Restore Order, in Maiduguri.

    The document said: “The children are between the ages of 9 and 15 years. The 20 detainees were mostly arrested in Maiduguri, Bama in Borno and Damaturu in Yobe State.

    “The six freed women include Hajjia Zainab Mohammed (40); Hajjia Karagama Mohammed (55); Hajjia Zari Mohammed (40); Aishatu Mohammed Aji (62); Hadiza Ahmad (40) and Yakaka Goni Habib (16).

    “The 14 children include Abba Modu Aji (10); Mohammed Musa (12); Ibrahim Mohammed (15); Umar Bukar (1)5; Mustapha Umaru (14); Bashir Ali (12); Musa Grema (13); Abba Mohammed (14); Baba Alhaji (13); AbdulAziz Umar (14); Ari Masa’a (14); Bayi Mustapha (14); Mohammed Ibrahim (14) and Alhaji Goni (14).

    In Yobe State, 17 women and 21 children were also released by the JTF to Governor Ibrahim Gaidam in Damaturu.

    Responding to questions from journalists, most of the women freed in Borno State claimed innocence.

    “One of them, Aishatu Mohammed Aji (62), said she was arrested because of her son’s involvement.

    Although she said her son was still at large, military sources said the woman was regularly keeping guns for her son after he carried out attacks.

    “Another woman, Hajiya Zainab Mohammed, claimed she was a food vendor and was arrested after a raid in Bama town, some 40 kilometres away from Maiduguri.

    A reliable source at the handing over ceremony in Maiduguri said: “There was drama at the council chambers venue of the handover when three children revealed that some sect members recruited them mostly to gather information, especially to bring report on troop movement and behaviour of soldiers at duty posts.

    One of them said: “We were taken to Damaturu. We watched out for the soldiers at their units and reported back to them. We were reporting when soldiers were at ease or enjoying themselves and when they were off guard, and we were paid for doing that.”

    One of the teenagers also revealed that they were paid N5, 000 and provided with fuel in kegs to set schools ablaze in Maiduguri .

    He said: “We were given a keg of petrol by our bosses to set some schools ablaze, which we did within Maiduguri, and we were paid N5, 000.”

    One of the children also revealed that he was usually sent to steal clothes from houses for use by insurgents.

    “They, however, said after they were arrested and interrogated by the men of the JTF, they volunteered information that led to the arrest or killing in gun battle of their pay masters.

    “The three boys also said they were in Almajiri schools. They, however, said they were willing to be enrolled into formal education to be combined with Islamic education, with a pledge to be of good behaviour.

    The Commander, 21 Armoured Brigade, Maiduguri, Brig. Gen. Bamigboye, who did the handing over, said he was acting on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Saad Ibrahim, following President Goodluck Jonathan’s directive to the army.

    He explained that the detainees were arrested in connection with their roles in the insurgency.

    The Special Adviser on Media and Communication to the Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Isa Gusau, confirmed the release of the 58 detainees last night.

    Gusau said: “Governor Shettima presented fabrics to the pardoned detainees to assist them. He noted that with the President’s offer, they were like every innocent Nigerian so long as they remained of good behaviour.

    He quoted the governor as saying: “We most sincerely thank Mr. President for his magnanimity for releasing our sisters and children. This marks a milestone in our quest for peace through a dialogue and to restore normalcy.

    “We will do our part by ensuring that they are integrated into the larger society after rehabilitation to become better citizens.

    “The Federal Government has shown commitment by releasing these women and children under detention. We would admit the women into our vocational training centres for rehabilitation.

    “As for the children, we are going to hand them over to the Ministry of Women Affairs and social welfare. We will advertise for their parents to come and claim them after they might have signed a written undertaking to inculcate good behaviour and to enroll them in schools.”

    Gusau added: “The governor also said for each released child that is enrolled in school, their parents would get N10, 000 for 30 days of uninterrupted stay in school

    . “He said it is a foreign model that he is borrowing as a campaign to boost education. The governor also urged the women to turn a new leaf and not walk back to the wrong alley. He commended the security agents for keeping the detainees hale and hearty.

    “He assured that the state government wiould do everything to rehabilitate them to be better citizens, promising that the women wiould be trained at the various vocational training centres in the state to acquire skills, while the children would be sent to schools.”