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Tag: boko haram

  • UK pledges backing for Nigeria, neighbours to defeat Boko Haram

    UK pledges backing for Nigeria, neighbours to defeat Boko Haram

    The United Kingdom(UK) has reiterated its support to Nigeria and neighbouring countries to defeat Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast and the Lake Chad Basin region.

    The country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Matthew Rycroft, made the pledge in his statement on Wednesday at the Security Council briefing on the Lake Chad Basin.

    Rycroft said it was clear that the Security Council members should redouble their efforts to implement the commitments that they made in resolution 2349 against Boko Haram.

    “The UK will play our part. We remain committed to partnering with Nigeria and its neighbours to degrade and defeat Boko Haram.

    “We remain committed to helping people in need in the region, having scaled up our humanitarian support to $130 million this year.

    “We also announced an additional $260 million over four years, as part of the North East Nigeria Transition to Development programme.

    “But we all need to play our part in the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund launched in February with an appeal for one billion dollars this year,” he said.

  • Boko Haram commanders surrender

    •Police rescue 13 abducted victims

    Borno State Police Command has rescued 13 abducted victims from insurgents.

    It received Boko Haram commanders, who surrendered and renounced membership of the sect.

    Spokesman Isuku Victor said in a statement that the command’s striking unit responded to a distress call of abduction from Biu Area Command, with investigators, undercover operatives and local hunters, which led to the rescue of the victims, adding that arms and ammunition were recovered.

    The statement reads: “On August 19, the Area Commander, Biu, reported a case of abduction of six children (four boys and two girls). The command’s striking unit (SARS) and a team of investigators were despatched to the area. The deployment and use of undercover operatives led to the arrest of five persons, who confessed and revealed where the children were kept.

    “On September 8, through community policing partnership and networking, the command with local hunters and vigilance group members attacked the hoodlums in a forest near Kumaya village, Buni Yadi, Yobe State.”

    It added: “Two of the hoodlums died following injuries sustained in the gun battle. Two AK47 rifles used by the hoodlums were recovered.

    The six abducted victims were rescued.

    Seven other kidnapped persons were rescued, bringing the number of persons rescued to 13. Two members of the search party were injured during exchange of fire.  They are responding to treatment.”

    Isuku said the 13 victims were handed over to “Borno State Deputy Governor Mamman Durkwa today (yesterday) at the Government House, Maiduguri.”

    Speaking on the repentant Boko Haram members, he said: “The counter-terrorism efforts of the military, code-named ‘Operation Safe Corridor’, recorded another victory with the unconditional surrender to the police by high profile repentant Boko Haram terrorists.

    “On September 10, about 2100hrs, the intelligence arm of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the command negotiated the surrender of repentant Boko Haram terrorists with their families.

    “Ibrahim Dala (alias Abu Ali), formerly of Kawar Mela ward, Maiduguri, an amir (commander) of Mamman Nur faction, with Audu Mustapha Bukar (‘m’), 20 years and Laminu Mustapha Modu (‘m’) 25 years, living at Talala insurgents camp at Sambisa forest, surrendered to the command.

    “Bukar and Modu, from Ngallamari village, claimed to have been held hostage by the sect sometime ago and were conscripted.”

    Isuku gave the names of the others who repented as: Alhaji Ali, ‘m’, 25 years, of Alagarno village; Abubakar Mele, ‘m’, 30 years, of Yasko village; Modu Umar, ‘m’, 20 years, of Bursum village; Modu Maina, ‘m’, 15 years, of Bursum village; Ali Kolo, ‘m’, 20 years, of Alagarno village; Bintu Abukar, ‘f’, 14 years, of Yasko village; Falmata Abukar, ‘f’, 15 years, of Yasko village; Hauwa Ali, ‘f’, 15 years, of Alagarno village; Husam Ali, ‘f’, 14 years of Alagarno village  and Mallam Modu, ‘f’, 16 years, of Bursum village.

    Isuku said five children aged between one and eight were rescued.

    He added: “They have made statements that will assist in the counter-insurgency campaign of the military. They are undergoing preliminary profiling, preparatory to transfer to the military.”

  • Don’t yield to drumbeat of war, APC to Nigerians

    Don’t yield to drumbeat of war, APC to Nigerians

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to Nigerians not to yield to elements bearing the drumbeat of war in the country, saying Nigerians must instead stand up and speak with one voice for peaceful coexistence and in the interest of the present generation of Nigerians and those yet unborn.

    Reacting to the recent clash between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and the military, the party, in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and made available to newsmen in Abuja ask the military must adhere with globally-stipulated rules of engagements and laws governing their operations.

    It condemned the attack on the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalist in Umuahia, the Abia state capital and applauded the quick response of the army high command in tendering an apology to the affected Journalists.

    The statement reads: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) calls for calm and restraint following recent reports of violent clashes linked to members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Abia and Rivers State.

    “The Party also regrets the incident at the National Union of Journalist (NUJ) Secretariat in Umuahia, Abia State capital, where some journalists were assaulted. Commendably, the Nigerian Army has tendered its apology and is investigating the matter.

    “While the Party insist that security agencies must adhere with globally-stipulated rules of engagements and laws governing their operations, we must allow our security agencies to conduct their constitutional roles of securing lives and property without hindrance and provocation.

    “We also call on citizens, social commentators, media influencers and other stakeholders to be careful and mindful of their utterances on the clashes. Stoking tensions by inciting utterances, hate speech and all other forms of awful propaganda will only push the country to the precipice.

    “When we see the devastation of the Country’s North East by Boko Haram, the 1966 Nigerian civil war and similar conflicts in other countries, we are reminded of the effects of internal strife.

    “We must not yield to elements beating the drumbeats of war. We owe the peace and unity of our dear country to the present and unborn generations. We must speak and stand up for peaceful coexistence on our social media platforms, places of worship and all other public spaces we belong.

    “On the backdrop of recent agitations and actions which have the potential of undermining the unity of our country and our relationship across religious and ethnic divides, the Party cautions that we must ensure that such agitations are peaceful and lawful. The Party reiterates its belief that it is in our collective interest to support and remain steadfast to the cause of a united Nigeria.”

  • NAF destroys more Boko Haram’s structures in Sambisa

    NAF destroys more Boko Haram’s structures in Sambisa

    The Nigerian Air Force ( NAF ) says it has destroyed more structures in Borno used by Boko Haram insurgents as meeting points.

    This NAF announced this in a statement issued by Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Adesanya explained that on the fourth day of an ongoing intensive bombardment of the insurgents’ hideouts in the Sambisa General Area, the airforce conducted air interdiction on Boko Haram’s settlement in Njimia on Sept. 10.

    “NAF Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms had previously confirmed that several structures used by the terrorists as meeting points were in the location.

    “The air interdiction was conducted by the Alpha Jet and F-7Ni aircraft, which took turns to attack the location with bombs.

    “Subsequent Battle Damage Assessment showed that the targeted insurgent’s structures were destroyed as a result of the attacks,” he said.

    The director said that the attacks were designed to further break the will and capability of the insurgents to regroup against the air force.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some buildings used by the insurgents in Borno, especially in the Sambisa General Area, had earlier been destroyed by the military in the newly launched operation.

  • Three ‘Boko Haram escapees’ apprehended in Lagos

    Three suspected Boko Haram terrorists, who fled Borno State, were apprehended in Lagos last month, an Islamic cleric, Mohammed Abdullahi, said yesterday.

    He spoke at a meeting between Acting Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal and stakeholders at Area ‘D’ Command, at Isolo town hall.

    Abdullahi said the suspects were held at Ajao Estate, wondering why they always ran to the area.

    He said: “A lot of people think Boko Haram issue is just about the Northeast, but they are mistaken. We have been apprehending fleeing Boko Haram insurgents in Lagos.

    “I don’t know if it is as a result of proximity to the airport. Most of the escapee Boko Haram members, who came to Lagos, have been held at Ajao Estate. Just three weeks ago, we apprehended three of them, who escaped from Borno State.

    “We have a way of identifying them. The Seriki Hausa at Ajao Estate has contacts of local government chairmen in Borno State. This assists us to know those Boko Haram elements, who have fled the area to other parts of the country.

    “We have been doing this since 2014. We have been working in collaboration with the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno. Once we identify them, we contact JTF and they come and arrest them.

    “We were not working with the police because we thought they would not collaborate with us. But now that the Police commissioner has indicated commitment to partner stakeholders and ensure community policing, we will work with the police.”

    Edgal said the police would verify claims by the cleric because they were serious security issues.

    He urged residents to be more vigilant, saying Lagos cannot be isolated from security challenges in other parts of the country.

    Edgal said: “The issue raised by him is a vital security issue. I’ve taken his phone number. We must verify the facts. It calls for increased vigilance. We cannot isolate Lagos from security challenges in other parts of the country.

    “We know Lagos is the melting pot of Nigeria. Because Lagos is functioning, we are having influx of people at astronomical rate.

    “We will meet Arewa leaders so that localities where they have majority of their people are policed.

    “Already, based on this community policing, I have extended hands of partnership to them. As I said, I intend to partner their leaders to ensure every new person, who comes into Lagos from that part of the country, is monitored.

    “The final points of the partnership will mean that every community leader in Lagos will assist the police profile their members. We do not want strays. Anyone who comes into the state must identify with their communities and it is incumbent on the leaders to bring the persons forward for biometrics so that we will have records.”

  • Obasanjo praises Buhari on anti-graft war, Boko Haram

    Obasanjo praises Buhari on anti-graft war, Boko Haram

    The Buhari administration deserves credit for its war against Boko Haram insurgency and efforts to rid the nation of corruption, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said.

    But Obasanjo faulted the Federal Government’s approach to economic revival. He said the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government had not done enough to revive the economy and redeem the country’s image on the international scene.

    The ex-president was the guest on HARDtalk, a 30-minute programme on BBC TV, where he was engaged on contemporary challenges facing Africa, including population explosion, corruption and the energy challenge.

    Assessing the government’s achievement in the last two years, Obasanjo said: “All I said about Buhari before he got there have not changed. I said Buhari is not strong on the economy; that has not changed. I said Buhari is not strong on foreign affairs, this view has not changed. I said Buhari would fight corruption; he has made attempt to fight corruption. Please, give him that credit. I said Buhari would fight insurgency; he has made attempt to fight insurgency. Give him that credit. If anyone sees pessimism in Buhari’s government, I do not see pessimism. I am optimistic.”

    Obasanjo said his administration made effort to reduce the nation’s dependence on crude oil through agricultural reforms and investment in infrastructure. He blamed his successors for abandoning the reforms and programmes initiated by his administration to diversify the nation’s economy and reduce dependence on oil.

    He said: “When we came in, cocoa production in Nigeria was 150,000 metric tons. By the time I left as president, it was 400,000 metric tons… I started a 25-year railway programme to connect the whole Nigeria and I started building it. That plan is what they are using today. But, those who took over from me decided they would not go on with it.

    “You talked about power. When I came into government in 1999, the price of oil was between $8 and $9 per barrel. By the time it got to $22 per barrel, we started going into power production.”

    Obasanjo rejected the notion that his government institutionalised corruption, saying the present crop of national lawmakers who accused him of being a “grandfather of corruption” were talking rubbish. He said he never offered anyone a bribe during his administration, insisting that the National Assembly is a cesspool of corruption.

    He said: “When I took over in 1999, the first message the National Assembly members sent to me through my National Security Adviser was that, whenever I was sending a bill to them, I should send it with money. I said no. If I send a bill to them and they don’t pass it, I would still run the affairs of Nigeria. I never gave anybody a bribe to do anything. Never.

    “I created the EFCC and ICPC. The EFCC investigated me thoroughly and came out with a report that completely absolved me of corruption. I will keep on lecturing them (National Assembly members) including you (the BBC host) who do check the results of our efforts. The anti-corruption institution that I set did not even take out the report on my government when I was there. It did its report and waited until I left, and then submitted the report to my successor.”

    Obasanjo described the increasing African population as his greatest fear, saying the continent is sitting on ticking bomb if the youth are not engaged productively. He said education remained the potent tool to control African population growth.

    Asked how many children he has, the ex-president dodged the question, saying his culture does not allow him to openly count his children. Obasanjo, however, admitted that he made a mistake to have given birth to more than 20 children, stressing that he had told his children not to toe his path.

     

  • Air Force, Army rain bombs on Boko Haram

    Air Force, Army rain bombs on Boko Haram

    A large number of Boko Haram terrorists have been killed in two successive air strikes conducted by the Nigerian Air Force Monday and an ambush laid in another operation by troops of the 151 Battalion, 21 Brigade Nigerian Army.

    The air strikes were carried out at Zanari, in Borno state, while the ground troops of the operation Lafiya Dole component also neutrilized scores of insurgents in an ambush at Bocost along Ngurosoye-Bama road, in Borno state.

    In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, the insurgents were hit by two aircrafts in rapid succession with the structures housing them going up in flames.

    The NAF air operations were supported with video footages released by Air Commodore Adesanya.

    Adesanya said: “In furtherance of the recently commenced Operation RUWAN WUTA, on 7 September 2017, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted air interdiction on structures with 2 hoisted Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) Organization flags in Zanari, a known location with significant BHT presence at the northern fringes of Borno State bordering Lake Chad.

    “Quite a number of BHTs had earlier been spotted, from a NAF Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance platform, entering the buildings apparently for meetings.

    “The F-7Ni and the Alpha Jet aircraft were detailed to attack the target. Overhead the location, the target was acquired and engaged by the 2 aircraft, in rapid succession. Subsequent Battle Damage Assessment revealed that the targeted structures went up in flames, killing its occupants.

    “The objective of Operation RUWAN WUTA is to further degrade the capability of the BHTs thereby preventing them from regrouping to cause havoc for our surface forces.

    “The Operation also aims at softening the ground for our surface forces to subsequently move in and conduct mopping up operations”

    Meanwhile Nigerian Army Spokesperson, Brig.General Sani Usman in a statement said: “the Troops of 151 Battalion, 21 Brigade Nigerian Army on operation LAFIYA DOLE, at the early hours of Sunday 10th September 2017, laid a successful ambush on a suspected Boko Haram terrorists crossing point at Bocost along Ngurosoye -Bama road, Borno State.

    “The Troops neutralized a large number of the Boko Haram terrorists, while other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds.

    “The troops recovered the following items from the terrorists; 1 AK 47 rifle with the registration number 1029, 1 AK 47 magazine, 60 rounds of 7.62mm Special, 3 Bicycles, 4 Empty Jerricans, a Cutlass and the cash sum of Five Thousand and Six Hundred Naira (N5, 600.00k) only”.

  • Three Boko Haram escapees arrested in Lagos

    Three Boko Haram escapees arrested in Lagos

    …Police call for vigilance

     

    Three suspected Boko Haram terrorists who fled Borno State were arrested in Lagos last month, an Islamic cleric, Mohammed Abdullahi said Monday.

    Abdullahi stated this during a meeting between acting Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal and stakeholders in Area D Command held at the Isolo Townhall.

    According to the cleric, bulk of Boko Haram terrorists who escaped the northeastern part to Lagos were arrested at Ajao Estate, wondering why they always ran to the area.

    He said: “A lot of people think Boko Haram issue is just about the Northeast, but they are mistaken. We have been arresting fleeing Boko Haram members in Lagos.

    “I do not know if it is as a result of the proximity to the airport. Most of the escapee Boko Haram members who came to Lagos have been arrested in Ajao Estate. Just three weeks ago, we arrested three of them who ran from Borno State.

    “We have a way of identifying them. The Seriki Hausa in Ajao Estate has the contact of all the Local Government Chairmen in Borno State. That way, we usually know those Boko Haram elements who have fled the area to other parts of the country, “We have been doing this since 2014 and we have been working in collaboration with the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno. Once we identify them, we contact the JTF and they come and arrest them.

    “We were not working with the police because we thought the police would not collaborate with us. But now that the CP has indicated commitment to partner all stakeholders and enthrone community policing, we would be working with the police.”

    Reacting to Abdullahi’s disclosure, Edgal assured that the police would verify the claims by the cleric because there were serious security issues.

    He urged residents to be more vigilant, noting that Lagos cannot be isolated from security challenges in other parts of the country.

    Edgal said: “The issue raised by him is a vital security issue. I have taken his number. We must verify the facts. Nevertheless, it calls for increased vigilance. We cannot isolate Lagos from security challenges in other parts of the country.

    “We all know that Lagos is the melting pot of the country. Because Lagos is functioning, we are getting influx of people at astronomical rate.

    “We are going to have a meeting with and all Arewa leaders in the state so that localities where they have majority of their people are policed more closely.

    “Already, based on this community policing, I have extended hands of partnership to them. Like I said, I intend to partner their leaders to ensure every new face that comes into Lagos from that part of the country is monitored.

    “The final points of the partnership would mean that every community leader in Lagos would assist the police profile their members. We do not want strays. Anyone who comes into the state must identify with their communities and it is incumbent on the leaders to bring the persons forward for biometrics so that we would have records.”

    Ealier, the police chief noted that the prevalent crime in Area D Command was cultism, which he said the command would tackle headlong with the support of residents.

    Edgal reiterated that no police the world over could effectively fight crime without the collaboration of the people.

    He said: “I came here to introduce and explain my policing plan, aimed at reducing crime to the barest minimum and also enthrone rule of law. My plan is based on community policing and partnership initiative.

    “We have come to the realisation that it is not possible for any police force to police society without imput of members of that society. Policing is a localised activity. It is members of the community that know the inner streets/routes. They are the ones who know their policing needs.

    “It is our goal to partner society to ensure that our major highways, streets and communities are safe. At Isolo, I know that the major issues you have are those of neighbourhood robbery and cultism. Area D does not have issues of violent crimes.

    “We are putting in place measures to tackle crime and insecurity headlong. Before now, we lacked vigilance, strategy and structure to deal with issues of cultism and armed crime. But with functional partnerships, that would be contained.

    “For those who have been observant, you would see that Metro Patrol Vehicles are now stationed at all major junctions across the state. The deployment is to enable residents have first point of call when in distress.
    “You should run to the policemen and tell them your problem. They must not direct you to any police station. They have to take your complaint.

    “As we are in the ember months, ensure your neighbourhood has vigilante groups. Call out your neighbours to volunteer and assist local guards and police keep you safe.

    “Screen them and take list to your Divisional Police Officer (DPO). They would be called for profiling and documented. Armed policemen would be attached to them because no vigilante member is allowed to carry arms.”

    At the event were the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence (SCIID), Bolaji Salami; Area D Commander, Olasoji Akinbayo; Chairmen, Isolo and Ejigbo Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), Olaleye Shamsudeen and Bello Oba, as well as traditional rulers, market and religious leaders among others.

  • NAF hits Boko Haram militants’ hideout in Borno

    NAF hits Boko Haram militants’ hideout in Borno

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said on Monday it has struck the Boko Haram insurgents’ buildings in Borno.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Cmr. Olatokunbo Adesanya, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

    Olatokunbo said the operation was a continuation of the recently commenced Operation “Ruwan Wuta.”

    “On September 7, NAF conducted air interdiction on structures with two hoisted insurgents’ organisation flags in Zanari, a known location with significant insurgents’ presence at the northern fringes of Borno bordering Lake Chad.

    “Quite a number of the insurgents had earlier been spotted, from a NAF Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Platform, entering the buildings apparently for meetings.

    “The F-7Ni and the Alpha Jet aircraft were detailed to attack the target. Overhead the location, the target was acquired and engaged by the two aircraft in rapid succession.

    “Subsequent Battle Damage Assessment revealed that the targeted structures went up in flames, killing its occupants.”

    The director explained that the objective of “Operation Ruwan Wuta” was to further degrade the capability of the insurgents and prevent them from regrouping to cause havoc.

    NAN

  • Six Boko Haram insurgents surrender to NSCDC

    Six Boko Haram insurgents surrender to NSCDC

    The Borno Command of the  Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ), on Monday said  six Boko Haram insurgents had surrendered to the corps.

    The Spokesperson for the command, Mr Bulus James, made the disclosure in a statement in Maiduguri.

    James further disclosed that the repented insurgents surrendered to the corps under the Operation Safe Corridor initiated by the Federal Government.

    He said that a large number of demoralised insurgents had also indicated their willingness to renounce their crime and join the society.

    James reiterated the command’s commitment to support the military to ensure successful implementation of the counter-insurgency campaign.

    According to him, the command also conducts sensitisation activities with a view to exposing the personnel to the best practices in peace building and conflict resolution.

    “The campaign seeks to promote good understanding with sister security agencies as well as enhance mutual relations with society, “he said.

    “On Sept. 9, the command graduated sets of trainees who were exposed to modern security services.

    “The trainees were drawn from a security client of the University of Maiduguri.

    “Private security firms are also encouraged to provide useful information to the military and police to end insurgency and stimulate peace building process.”

    James warned that the command would de-list unregistered security firms and those that failed to renew their operational licenses  in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Operation Safe Corridor is a critical component of the counter-insurgency operation.

    It was designed to encourage Boko Haram insurgents to surrender, facilitate their deradicalisation and rehabilitation for reintegration into the society.

    Hundreds of repented Boko Haram insurgents are undergoing three-month deradicalisation process at a military facility in Gombe.