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Tag: boko haram

  • ‘Boko Haram no longer holds our territory’ – Nigeria tells UN

    Nigeria told the UN General Assembly in New York that the Boko Haram terrorists no longer held any territory in the country.

    Nigeria’s Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Samson Itegboje, stated this while presenting Nigeria’s message at the ‘High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace’ at the UN headquarters.

    Itegboje said the meeting was being convened at a time when the global community was facing unprecedented threats, geo-political tensions, social dislocation, cyber attacks, threat of climate change and terrorism.

    “Nigeria has had her fair share of these crises when, amongst other vices. Boko Haram insurgents annexed 14 Local Governments in Borno in the North East of Nigeria.

    “However, on assumption of office in 2015 President Muhammadu Buhari ensured the recovery of the annexed territories. Today, Boko Haram insurgents no longer hold any territory in Nigeria,” he said.

    He noted that Resolutions 70/262 of the General Assembly and 2282 (2016) of the Security Council on the Review of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture addressed the UN approach to peace, focusing on prevention.

    The Resolutions also call for a broader concept, which encompasses peace building, that links peace and security with development, human rights and humanitarian action.

    Itegboje said: “Nigeria is of the opinion that, while ‘sustaining peace’ should not be seen as an infringement on sovereignty.

    “It should also not be used as a guise for the infringement on sovereignty of member states as the centrality of national and inclusive ownership of sustaining peace cannot be overemphasised.

    “The emphasis on prevention is commendable and we recommend that the Peacebuilding Architecture should have, as a component, an Early Warning System that should be accompanied by an Early Action System”.

    Itegboje said Nigeria had consistently been in the vanguard of supporting and participating in international efforts at conflict-prevention, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and sustaining peace both sub-regionally, regionally and globally.

    He said since 1960, Nigeria had been an active participant in UN peacekeeping missions, deploying Military contingents, unarmed Military Observers, Military Staff Officers, formed Police units, Police advisor and Civilian Experts to over 25 UN Missions.

    The Nigerian envoy also noted that Nigeria was the world’s 14th largest troops contributing nation to the UN peacekeeping operations.

    According to him, Nigeria shares the view that the maintenance of human rights is critical to sustaining peace and has embarked on mainstreaming human rights into its security architecture.

    “In this context, progress has been made in enhancing civil-military relations, establishing legislative oversight on the security sector in relation to defence spending, procurement and general budgetary matters.

    “Efforts have also been stepped up to create a better partnership between civilians and armed forces,” the Nigerian envoy said.

    He said Nigeria believed that ensuring the meaningful participation of women and girls in all areas of society was vital, adding gender equality yields greater economic growth and higher standards of living.

    He added that women’s participation in peacebuilding helped prevent relapse into conflict and Nigerian was addressing emerging security issues, social gaps and ensuring substantial women contributions to peacebuilding and peace maintenance in the country.

    Itegboje said the Nigerian government was tackling youth unemployment through interventionist programmes like N-POWER and an ambitious three-year medium term economic development strategy – Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

    The Nigerian envoy added: “More importantly, corruption is being tackled headlong as it is seen as a big obstacle to the economic growth of the country.

    “Nigeria will continue to support international efforts aimed at peace building and sustaining peace across the world.

    “In order to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, we call on the rest of the world to emulate and join Africa in its ambitious program to silence the guns in the year 2020”. (NAN)

  • Troops rescue 1,000 Boko Haram hostages

    The Army said yesterday that troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, in conjunction with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), have rescued over 1,000 Boko Haram hostages in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

    A statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu, said: “Troops of 22 Brigade deployed on Operation Lafiya Dole rescued over 1,000 hostages from the Boko Haram enclave.

    “The operation, which was conducted in conjunction with allies of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), rescued the hostages from Malamkari, Amchaka, Walasa and Gora villages in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

    “The hostages consisted mainly of women, children and young men forced to become Boko Haram fighters. They are receiving treatment in military medical facility.

    “One of the rescued victims, Alhaji Gambo Gulumba, from Amchaka village, thanked the military for showing them love and care.

    “The Army wishes to remind the public of its resolve to root out Boko Haram and rescue all hostages.

    “The public is also advised to report any suspicious character to the appropriate authority for prompt action.”

  • Osinbajo: We saw no savings

    The Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Monday recalled that on assumption of office, the rate of corruption in the country was threatening its existence, as the administration did not meet any savings.

    Osinbajo, who spoke in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the five-day Open Government Partnership Week 2018 in Abuja, added that the despite the billion of dollars invested in security, the Boko Haram did not abate.

    His words: “It was the reason why, in spite of record oil revenues between 2011 and 2013/14, we saw no savings, and very little investment in infrastructure and jobs, and, in spite of the billions of dollars reportedly invested in security, the Boko Haram insurgency did not abate.”

    According to him, the world is already extolling the government’s efforts at fighting corruption and deepening good governance.

    While speaking on the topic, ‘The impact of Open Government Partnership to Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Efforts’, Osinbajo said, “For too long, the resources meant for the majority have been sadly cornered by a greedy minority”.

    He added, “Our government came into office on the back of a three-pronged agenda: ensuring security, rebuilding the economy, and vigorously prosecuting the fight against corruption.

    “This last issue, corruption, has been an existential issue for Nigeria, threatening the very fundamental of our existence.

    “It has ensured that, for too long, the resources meant for the majority have been sadly cornered by a greedy minority.

    “This issue of corruption underlines every aspect of our national life, from our security situation to the state of our economy.

    He said the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration, on coming on board, adopted a two-step approach to dealing with the scourge of systemic corruption first by stopping “grand corruption and the accompanying impunity”.

    He said the second step “and the more enduring one” was “creating a self- sustaining system that assures transparency and accountability”.

  • Claims and counter-claims

    A report, claiming a faction of Boko Haram still holds “territories” within Nigeria, grabbed sensational headlines as usual. But the report itself, even discounting its summary dismissal by the military authorities, would appear not as sweeping as the headlines suggested.

    Claimed the Reuters report: “A map produced by the US development agency in February and seen by Reuters shows how ISWA [Islamic State of West Africa] territory extends more than 100 miles into the northeastern Nigerian states of Borno and Yobe, where government has in many areas all but vanished after a decade of conflict.”

    If there was indeed a map of occupied territories, shouldn’t the report have highlighted specific locations: villages and hamlets in these “territories,” even if there are no big towns, since these border areas are mainly rural? That casts a haze on the report.

    Still, Reuters declared, quoting local sources: “The Islamists have not been defeated as Nigeria says, and researchers say ISWA, less extreme than Boko Haram, has evolved into the dominant group. The US map paints a similar picture, with ISWA operating “in much of Borno.” Again, without specific names of areas, what does “much of Borno” mean?

    The report continued, in part quoted, in part verbatim:”It added that there were occasions when ISWA protected residents from Boko Haram fighters, quoting a local herder, whose identity was protected, as saying: ‘If you are a herder, they won’t touch you — just follow their rules and regulations governing the territory. They don’t touch civilians, just security personnel.’”

    It also claimed ISWA boasts between 3, 000 and 5, 000 fighters, reportedly “about double Boko Haram’s strength”; and that it operates “within some North-Central and South-South states, including Kogi, Edo and Benue.”

    Again, some haze here. Edo is about the only South-South state that has a sizable Muslim population. It’s closeness to Kogi and Benue, with their Christian-Muslim population, could lend credence to an Islamist body operating — or even thriving –there. But which other South-South state bears this demographics — Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa or Cross River?  So, how do “South-South states” fit into this mix, again without specific names of towns and areas?

    The hideous violence in Benue, if you go beyond its easy and hysteric attribution to “Fulani herdsmen,” could explain a probable presence of ISWA there. But the same Reuters report claims ISWA is much less violent than Boko Haram, from which fighters it allegedly protects the brood in its territory.

    Such a benign profile doesn’t again fit into the killing spree in Benue, and to a little extent, Kogi and Nasarawa. So, if there is high violence in these areas, with little or no report of benign Islamic indoctrination (the exact opposite of Reuters’ profile of ISWA), where then specifically are the “territories” where ISWA operates?

    There would appear a huge hole in this Reuters report; and its grabbing of media headlines would appear more sensational than logical. That perhaps may be due to the perennial military-media mutual distrust.

    The local media accuses the military — indeed the highest hierarchy of government — of making key policy statements on foreign soil. The military accuses the media of believing the worst of its country, and giving such, undeserving headline and air plays. Both crucial arms of nation-building ought to come to some detente.

    Still, while the Reuters’ report would appear a red herring on the security front, flared by a sensational media, it is serious food for thought for the Federal Government: the real anti-terror war starts after the de-escalation on the military front.

    Final success would be achieved on the de-radicalisation front, fired by a policy that ensures steady material progress, which births hope, leads to sustainable development and eventual prosperity. These, and only these, would act as doughty counter-foil to doomsday theories, fired by extreme hopelessness, on which the Islamists Boko Haram thrives.

    There then is the government’s new challenge, given Reuters‘ profile of ISWA and its operations.

    There is no doubt, if one were to be fair, that the Buhari Presidency has far bloodied Boko Haram, from those mad days under President Goodluck Jonathan, when the crazed Islamists not only controlled territories, captured towns and even changed the towns’ names to some exotic Islamic names. All that has stopped.  Even this Reuters report, as this editorial’s earlier analysis has shown, hasn’t conclusively proved  any Islamists, Boko Haram or offshoots, controls “territories” anymore. The present government deserves commendations for its achievements so far. But that doesn’t translate into “defeating” Boko Haram.

    Yes, insurgency is no conventional war, where you have a front on which the opposing armies are arrayed. It is rather a fluid and treacherous hit-and-run operation, in which the society’s poorest and most vulnerable are most often the victims. So, given the Reuters’ report, it’s not enough for the military to summarily dismiss that claim with utmost contempt as it did; or for the Presidency to just re-emphasise no Islamists hold territories in the country; or even President Muhammadu Buhari to speak, tongue-in-cheek, that he read such claims in the papers, but that the Islamists were nowhere outside Sambisa Forest, but only because of its vastness.

    But as it is getting clear to everyone now, victory in the battlefield is only a starting point for the final routing. So, no matter how successful the army has been on this account, it is no final victory, however much Nigerians appreciate the bravery and success of the troops.

    Therefore, the government should take this Reuters claim as strategic intelligence to forge an effective blueprint for the final defeat of Boko Haram and allied Islamists. That policy would seek to defang Boko Haram’s toxic indoctrination of its victim population. If ISWA controls even a quarter of the “territories” Reuters claims, then the government has its job clearly cut out.  It needs an effective charter to de-radicalise, as benign Islamism could pose even greater long-term danger, in the post-Boko Haram era. In this crucial period, acute intelligence gathering is key. Sadly, intelligence appears not the security agencies’ greatest strength right now. They should work extra hard on that front.

  • I won’t stop negotiating for Boko Haram – Mama Boko Haram

    The Chief Executive Officer of Complete Care Foundation and Human Right Lawyer and Boko Haram  mediator, Barr.  Hajiya Aisha Wakil a.k.a Mama Boko Haram has said she will not stop negotiating for peace with the Boko Haram insurgents in the bush.

    The human right lawyer also disclosed that the Boko Haram who she calls her children will soon; all return home and surrender for peace.

    Speaking at the commissioning of her multi-million naira office complex and  fund raising of her NGO in Maiduguri on Saturday, Barr. Wakil disclosed that the Boko Haram  insurgents were willing to give up their arms, assuring that they will soon return home.

    “All my sons in the bush will come home and surrender for peace,” she said. She assured that she continues to support efforts to return peace to the troubled state.

    “I will not stop from negotiating for Boko Haram to be granted amnesty and to be accepted by the people in the society. These are our own children and we cannot throw them away. We must accept them back if they decide to return home”, Barr. Wakil said.

    She said her foundation; Complete Care and Aid foundation was established to care for the affected victims of insurgency including orphans and displaced and the vulnerable children, adding that her NGO is also intervening in  the area of education, health care and psycho-social support.

    Barr. Wakil thank all the people, government, organizations and corporate bodies for the support she has so far received for realizing her objective of establishing the Complete Care Foundation.

    Over N100 million was realized at the event.

  • Boko Haram: Group shutdown UNICEF office over alleged sex reports in IDP camps

    The federal government of Nigeria has been asked to sanction leadership of the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) over their alleged suspicious plots to embolden and promote terrorism in the country.

    Coalition for Peace in Nigeria (CFPN), who made this call, wondered why a reputable organization like UNICEF would allow some of its staff to enlist in the club of undercover agents of foreign forces against Nigeria, in disguised support for terrorism.

    CFPN during a protest to the UNICEF Office in Abuja on Friday, lamented the alleged attempts by some international organizations, who have rendered themselves to do some disgusting undercover jobs  for foreign forces which have sworn to destabilize, polarize and divide  Nigeria.

    Comrade Danesi Momoh, National Convener, who spoke on behalf of the group, slammed the current leadership of UNICEF for deviating from the vision of its founding fathers.

    Momoh said, “We are aware of the many attempts by some international organizations who have rendered themselves to do some disgusting undercover jobs  for foreign forces which have sworn to destabilize, polarize and divide  Nigeria.

    “It is no secret that such organizations are laying the template for the country’s total breakup through terrorism by often manufacturing and fabricating  outright falsehoods, timed to rhyme with the periods the Nigerian military is breaking grounds in the war against terror,  particularly in the Northeast.

    “However, what never occurred to us is the possibility that a reputable organization like UNICEF would allow some of its staff to enlist in the club of undercover agents of foreign forces against Nigeria, in disguised support for terrorism.

    “Of course, you are aware of the latest sensational report cooked by three staff of UNICEF, namely; Priscilla Hoveyda, Maher Farea and Milen Kidane, who are working in the Northeast. The trio conspiratorially released a report alleging Nigerian troops raped 20  girls in IDP camps in Borno state.

    “This transparently condemnable, false and malicious report against Nigerian troops, yawningly betrayed  the satanic motives of the crafters or originators. And we believe it is intended to denigrate the Nigerian military, project a bad image about Nigeria before the comity of nations and dampen the morale of troops on the warfront against terrorists and nothing more. We know these paid agents have designed the report to undermine the fighting spirit of troops, to enable  remnants of terrorists regain lost grounds to the pleasure of the sponsors.

    “Furthermore, the timing of this fictional and imaginary report is to halt or frustrate the sale of Tucano jets to Nigeria, at a time the Nigerian Government has reached advanced stages in actions over the contract with the United States Government for the purchase of 10  Tucano jets to assist the military battle terrorism in the country.

    “The  report from the UNICEF  staff has understandably provoked outrage from Nigerians, especially the  coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) who have  demanded a retraction and an apology  from UNICEF to the Nigerian military and the  Government of Nigeria.

    “We are amazed that UNICEF has forgotten its main briefs in the Northeast. The organization has declined from responding to the humanitarian crisis and needs as it affects children in IDP camps. It has fortuitously become an alarmist and a pillar of covert support of sponsors and agents of terrorists tormenting our country. It is inexplicable to think that after abandoning their noble mandates, they would rather prefer to  serve as  ransom negotiator and cover for Boko Haram terrorists.

    “We wish to remind the apparently compromised UNICEF staff that in the not too distant past, the same organization  commended the Nigerian military for its perfect  professional outings, especially in the Northeast.

    “We recall that in February 2017,  this positive recommendation came from UNICEF’s Country Representative, Mr. Mohammed Fall when he visited the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of Nigerian Army in Maiduguri,  Brig.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu.

    “Mr. Fall specifically said,  “Thank you for protecting civilians and by extension protecting children which is part and parcel of our mandate.’’  It is the same military some odious staff of UNICEF are attempting to denigrate and defame now with a mischievous and fake report.

    “Like other CSOs have separately and jointly emphasized, we lend our voice to this cause. We demand for the immediate withdrawal of that report on our military as it contains nothing, other than baseless lies, fabrications, and unfounded or insane outbursts crafted to sabotage the ongoing war on terror in the country.

    “UNICEF and the staff fingered in this aberration have 21 days ultimatum to retract the repulsive report.  Any thought of disregarding this ultimatum by refusal to issue a corresponding rebuttal of the infamous report within the stipulated time frame, we shall have no option than  to return to permanently occupy  UNICEF  office in Abuja, until they  are forced to vacate Nigeria.

    “No Nigerian is ready to tolerate any attempt by any individual or organization to prolong the pains and agony of innocent children and women in the hands of Boko Haram even for one extra  day. The gains on the war on terrorism cannot be reversed either, with such grand plots and conspiracies against the Nigerian military.

    “We want to make it abundantly clear that the Nigerian military is a cherished asset of the Nigerian people. And no person or organization would be allowed to consciously destroy it. And the coalition shall not and  will never  accommodate  or take for granted, any action that is targeted at undermining the institution, as it has become obvious now. Let UNICEF be warned about the dire repercussions of ignoring the remedial actions emphasized in this speech.”

  • Atiku condemns Adamawa bombing, says terrorists are enemies of civilization

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned Tuesday’s  suicide attack on a mosque in Mubi, Adamawa State, while Muslim worshipers were performing their afternoon prayers.

    Reacting to the incident in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, Atiku described the killing of innocent people as senseless, thoughtless, purposeless, incomprehensible and, above all, egregiously wicked and ungodly.

    A statement by his media office offered said sympathies to the families of the victims, lamenting that Boko Haram insurgents have made the killing of innocent people a way of life.

    Atiku added that the insurgents were pursuing a nebulous cause and committing atrocities against humanity, which he said were against the tenets of Islam.

    Describing terrorists as enemies of civilisation who have no slightest regard for the sanctity of life, the former Vice President said he was saddened by the fact that the people in the Northeast are living under constant threats of death and mortal fear.

    According to him, “these communities are now captives of fear who have to look over their shoulders as they leave their homes for work, school or for places of worship”.

    Atiku called for increased vigilance and human intelligence, adding that the local people should be given support on how to spot threats and how best to stop these heinous acts from occurring.

    While praising the security forces for their sacrifices and for doing their best despite severe limitations, including confronting an unconventional enemy, Atiku advised that strategies should be strengthened or reviewed so as to keep pace with the terrorists’  changing tactics.

  • FG ‘ll continue to encourage entrepreneurs – Osinbajo

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has said that the Federal Government would create more jobs and continue to provide enabling environment for entrepreneurs to thrive.

    Osinbajo stated this in a keynote address he delivered on Tuesday at a programme titled `The Platform 2018′ organized by the Covenant Christian Centre, Lagos.

    According to the vice president, “our business as government is to create more enabling environment for entrepreneurs to do business and create more infrastructure.

    “We have to provide more jobs as more people are added to the population every day.

    “Today we are confronted with the remnants of Boko Haram with farmers/herdsmen clashes and ethno-religious conflicts,’’ he said.

    Osinbajo recalled that when oil was selling for 100 to 142 dollars per barrel, the budget of Transport and Agriculture Ministries; all the ministries together got 139 billion.

    “Today with oil prices between 60 and 70 dollars per barrel, the Power, Works and Housing, Agriculture and Transport Ministries got N560 billion.

    “How come we can do more with less income?

    “How come we are able to invest in infrastructure. How come we can do the Lagos-Kano standard rail gauge; the Second Nger Bridge, with 60 per cent less income than we earned a few years ago,” he asked.

    According to the vice president, the truth is that if we can control corruption, we can do more with far less income than we earned many years ago.

    “The job of the builder is not to complain. I believe the solution is in building that Nigerian bridge.

    “A bridge that will be built on the strongest materials of all and to excel in our commitment to build a new society.

    “A bridge that connects us across tribes; across ethnicity; across dialects; a bridge that connects us across religion; across politics; and across even generations.

    “Every one of us can travel on this bridge. A bridge that rises from innovation and traditions and stands the troubled waters of our past.

    “A bridge that can take the traffic of all our best Nigerians and creativity; and human and materials to the destination of our dream.”

    The vice president commended many Nigerians in both public and private sectors, who had contributed toward nation-building and contributed immensely to the growth of the economy.

    He listed many Nigerian entrepreneurs, farmers, entertainers/comedians, teachers, writers, poets who have excelled, saying that they were determined and prepared to do their jobs.

    Osinbajo said that the task of nation-building should be the responsibility of all, noting that many young people were doing creative things in both government and private sectors.

  • Boko Haram: NSCDC deploys 50 personnel to Maiduguri

    Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps  (NSCDC) on Monday says it deployed 50 under-cover personnel to enhance security in Jiddari Polo area of Maiduguri to check security.

    The Commandant of the corps, Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed this in an interview with our reporter in Maiduguri.

    Abdullahi, who reassured residents of the area of safety, appealled to them to stop fleeing their homes because of the April 26 failed attack by Boko Haram.

    Suspected Boko Haram members on April 26 terrorised people of Jiddari Polo area of Maiduguri as they used heavy machines and guns while trying to penetrate into the state capital.

    The suspected terrorists were, however, repelled by troops of Nigerian Army as they engaged in hot battle around the cashew plantation on Maiduguri-Damboa road and overpowered the terrorists.

    As the battle went on, residents of Jiddari Polo were terrified and thousands scampered for safety as they flee to other places.

    The NSCDC commander, therefore, said “it was natural when something of that nature happened, people would be afraid but they should recall that the combined effort of security agencies on that day dealt with the situation.

    “The Theartre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Lt.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, had already directed continued daily patrol to avert recurrence of attacks.

    “We call on the people to be security conscious and establish minimum security in their places of worship to forestall any sudden attack.

    “Also, the move by Borno Government to establish neighbourhood watch would go a long way in complementing the services of security agencies.

    “We also appeal to the media not to cause further damage in the psychy of residents who always depend on news stories as source of information.”

    The commandant said the aim of the insurgents was to instill fear, cause confusion and crippled commercial activities, saying “we want people to be courageous and not to give any chance to the insurgents.”

    NAN

     

  • Air Force bombs Boko Haram facilities, kills scores

    The Nigerian Air Force has said it has used its platform to launch air strikes at Boko Haram facilities at Yuwe in Borno state.
    It said the attack resulted in the death of unspecified number of Boko Haram terrorists, while their facilities were completely destroyed.
    A statement endorsed by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya said the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole conducted the air interdiction.
    AVM Adesanya said: “The Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, on 28 April 2018, neutralized scores of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) at YUWE in Borno State through successful air strikes.
    “The mission was conducted following intelligence report that BHTs fighters were hibernating in the settlement. Consequently, the ATF detailed Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft and one Mi-35 Helicopter gunship to conduct Air Interdiction on the BHT location in two waves.
    “Overhead the location, the NAF fighter aircraft acquired and attacked the terrorists in the settlement with bombs, rockets and canons while a NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) conducted Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) of the mission.
    “The BDA revealed that at the end of the attack, some of the buildings in the location were successfully destroyed and engulfed in fire while the occupying terrorists were neutralized.
    “Thereafter, some of the terrorists that survived were seen scampering for safety, with various degrees of wounds. The fighter aircraft then attacked the fleeing BHTs in subsequent waves of attack”.