The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Borno State

  • Army denies report of missing soldiers

    …says troops kill 22 terrorists

     

    The Nigerian Army said on Monday that about 22 Boko Haram members were killed during an attack on troops by the insurgents in Bama, Borno State.

    The Army said this was contrary to reports in the media that some soldiers were missing after attacks on them by Boko Haram terrorists.

    The spokesperson for the army, Brig Gen Texas Chukwu, in a statement urged the public to disregard the report in the media regarding the missing soldiers.

    He maintained that only an officer and a soldier were injured during the encounter.

    Read Also:Court convicts 113 Boko Haram members

    Brig Gen Chukwu said: “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to news making the round alleging attack on soldiers and capturing of military vehicles by Boko Haram in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

    “The Nigerian Army wishes to state categorically that the report is not only untrue but misleading as the said report is blown out of proportion by the media.

    “Contrary to the report, the Nigerian Army wishes to put the record straight on the issue and assure members of the public particularly residents of the North East to disregard the report as their safety is guaranteed.

    “The Nigeria Army wishes to state that there was an attempted attack on troops at Kwakwa and Chingori communities in Bama area of Borno State by suspected Boko Haram Terrorists as a result of difficult terrain where our vehicles bugged down.

    “The terrorists also attempted to cart away troops operational vehicles, but were successfully repelled by our gallant troops with the support of the Nigerian Air Force.

    “About 22 members of Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. Efforts are being intensified by the troops to get the fleeing members of the Boko Haram terrorists.

    “Unfortunately, one officer and a soldier sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at the military medical facility.

    “While the Nigerian Army would not join issues with the media, certain facts must be reported with caution particularly now that numerous successes have been recorded by the troops in the fight against insurgency.

    “Members of the public are hereby advised to disregard the report and go about their legitimate businesses as the Nigerian Army is on top of the situation.

    “It is my well-thought-out opinion that in future, media practitioners should endeavour to verify facts from the appropriate military authority before rushing to the press.”

     

  • Police on rampage in Maiduguri over unpaid allowances 

    Heavy protest from armed mobile policemen has engulfed Maiduguri, Borno State.

    According to available information the mobile policemen who are mostly on Special Duty working with the JTF are been owed seven months allowances.

    Our correspondent reports that the protest which is so far peaceful has already snowballed to major roads in the town with the protesting personale raining gunshots and tear gas in the air and blocking the roads.

    Read Also:32 killed, 84 injured in Maiduguri attack

    The police command in Borno State is yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

    Investigations however revealed that the protesting policemen are angry because the police authorities could not explain why their army counterpart on the same operations are been paid up to date but their case is different for seven months running.

     

    Details later…

  • Buratai restates commitment to end insurgency in North-East

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Friday reiterated the commitment of the army to end insurgency in North-East and other security challenges in other parts of the country.

    Buratai spoke at a special prayer session to commemorate the 2018 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, at Juma’at mosque, Maimalari Cantoment in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    The army, according to Buratai, is also ready to contain terrorism; facilitate return of displaced persons to their homes, guarantee enduring peace and stability and social and economic development of the war ravaged region.

    The chief of army staff said the military had initiated various programmes to build the capacity of its personnel and ensure improvement in their welfare, to enable them discharge their responsibilities effectively.

    “I will remain committed toward building a professionally responsive Nigerian Army to contain insurgency and emerging security challenges in the country.

    “The Army will remain a-political, professional and work to promote national unity, integration and growth of democratic governance,” he said.

    Buratai noted that the army had sacrificed and contributed toward successful implementation of the counter-insurgency campaign in the North-east, maintain law and order in various parts of the country.

    He commended the fallen heroes for their sacrifice and selfless service to the country, adding that their sacrifices would continue to be remembered by Nigerians.

    Buratai, who commended President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting the Army, called for synergy between security agencies to end insurgency and enhance security network in the country.

    The chief of army staff also called on Nigerians to support the military and pray for peace and stability of Nigeria.

    Read Also: Buratai   cautions Nigerians against celebrating insecurity on social media

    Earlier, the Director, Directorate of Islamic Affairs, Brig,-Gen. Garba Shehu, tasked northern state governments to monitor activities of Islamic preachers in their respective domain.

    Shehu said that the call was imperative to ensure effective regulation of preachers and contain the spread of extremist and terrorist ideologies.

    “It is good to have institutions in place in both local government and state levels to regulate and monitor activities of Islamic preachers,’’ he said.

    The General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Biu, the Commander, ‘OPERATION LAST HOLD,’ Ma,-j Gen. Abdullahi Dikko and other senior military officers also attended the prayer.

    Some of the activities lined up for the event include, environmental sanitation, medical outreach and exhibition of military hardware to be conducted at Gudunbali, Monguno and other liberated communities.

  • Army kills seven Boko Haram terrorists, recovers weapons in Borno

    The Nigerian Army says its men killed seven Boko Haram terrorists and recovered weapons in Azaya Kalmari village in Mafa local government area of Borno state on Friday.

    Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, Deputy Director Public Relations, Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, disclosed this in Maiduguri.

    Nwachukwu said that the troops encountered the insurgents at about 12.00 noon. While conducting clearance operation at remote villages around Mafa town.

    “The gallant troops overpowered the insurgents in the ensuing firefight, killing seven of them. The troops also recovered two AK 47 rifles, one Ak 56 rifle and 7 rounds of 7.62 mm (special) ammunition.

    Read Also:Air Force hits Boko Haram fighters

    “Troops also successfully cleared Moduhum, Njimtulur, Hayaba Gana, and Hayaba Kura, Hashime, Azaya Kura and Azaya villages. All located in the outskirts of Mafa.

    “After clearing the initial resistance posed by the insurgents, the troops proceeded to further clear other surrounding villages including, Koshebe Kanuri, Buramburi Gana, Kashakasha, Ngudda, Kezamari, Kellori, koshiri  and Ngwon villages, all located in the remote parts of Mafa Local Government Area.

    “The troops remain resilient as they continue the fighting patrol and taking the battle to the insurgents in their hideouts,” said Nwachukwu.

  • OVER 2000 IDPs RETURN HOME TO GUZAMALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF BORNO STATE

    Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of Guzamala extraction living in Bakassi IDP Camp in Maiduguri today Tuesday 19 June 2018 commenced movement to return to their original homeland in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno state.

    The IDPs numbering about 2,043 individuals, making up 378 households constitute the first batch of IDPs who willingly expressed the desire to return to their communities to resettle and resume their traditional occupation of farming and fishing, as well as other socio-economic activities.

    Speaking during the flag off of the movement at the Bakassi IDP Camp, the Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Rogers Nicholas, stated that the earnest desire of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has been to ensure that IDPs who are willing, return home to begin a normal life. He noted that the modalities to return the IDPs home was jointly worked out by the Theatre Command, the Borno State Government and the Guzamala Local Authorities. General Nicholas added that the military has reinforced security in the locality and that the traditional farm clearing ( sharandaji) to declare the farming season open has been earlier conducted in Gudumbali. He assured the returnee IDPs of adequate protection while they resettle, adding, that Operation Last Hold has been inaugurated in the theatre to operationally cover the locality and other communities.

    The Theatre Commander also urged well meaning Nigerians and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to support returnee IDPs with farming implements and other relief materials to enable them settle back quickly into their respective communities.

    In his remarks, the Speaker Borno State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Abdulkareem Lawn commended the military and other security agencies for creating an enabling security environment for the safe return of the IDPs.

    The Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement to the Borno State Government, Professor Babagana Umara, stated while addressing the returnee IDPs that their resolve to return home is a welcome development that will fast track their socio-economic well-being. He assured them of the support of the Borno State Government as they return home.

    Other dignitaries who graced the event were the Speaker Borno state House of Assembly, Chairman Guzamala Local Government, Honourable Lawan Umara Zanna, representative of the Commander Operation Last Hold, Brig Gen Victor Offiong, representative of the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Brig Gen Gbemiga Adeshina, the District Head of Guzamala Alhaji Zanna Arjinoma and Heads of Security Agencies in Borno State.

    Please disseminate this information to the general public through your news medium.

    Thank you for your kind cooperation.

    Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu
    Deputy Director Public Relations
    Theatre Command operation Lafiya Dole

  • Eid celebrations: Police deploys Special Forces to praying ground in Borno/Yobe

    …5000 police for Borno

    The  Yobe State Police Command and it counterpart in  Borno State have deployed special forces including  men of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) to secure all praying grounds across the states 24 hrs before the prayers on Friday.

    The measure according to security source is to comb all praying ground and ensure no explosive is planted at the venue before worshipers arrive for their prayers tomorrow for the Eid prayers.

    Both states have also placed restriction of movement on vehicles and animals like donkeys and horses within the period of prayers.

    In Yobe State, restriction of movement will begin from 10.00pm on Thursday night to 10.00m on Friday according to a statement by Abdullahi Bego, the Director General of Information and Press Affairs to Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam.

    The restriction of movement Bego said will however exempt people on emergency services or those with security clearance.

    In Borno State, the State Police Commisioner Damian Chukwu announced in a press briefing that over 5,000 policemen are to be deployed during the Eid-el—Fitr celebration in the  State.

    Mr. Damian Chukwu, said recent suicide attacks on Maiduguri has  called for concern during the sallah  hence the need for serious security.

    Read Also: Police gun down two robbers

    He said: “This year’s Sallah celebration is expected to come up on 15th June, 2018. Security arrangements, including the deployment of over 5,000 policemen have been put in place to ensure hitch-free Sallah celebration

    “Because of the security threats and recent incidents of suicide bombings, there will be restriction of vehicular movements”.

    He noted that “the restriction will affect all motor vehicles, tricycles, bicycles, horses, donkeys, wheelbarrows, camels, among others”.

    The CP called on Muslim faithful to cooperate with security operatives and use the prayer ground close to their homes so as to arrive early for the prayers.

    Meanwhile, the police in both states have since commenced ‘Show of Force’ by joint teams of all security forces during the festival.

    Aerial surveillance of military aircraft have increased in the airspace of Borno and Yobe as many residents have noticed fighter jets flying at low altitudes on the cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu.

  • Borno govt. commends UNICEF for rehabilitating 166 health facilities

    The Borno Government on Sunday commended the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for rehabilitating   166 healthcare  centres across the state.

    Sule Mele, The Executive Director of Primary Health Care Management Board (PHCMB), made the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Maiduguri.

    Male said that the centres were some of those vandalised by Boko Haram insurgents.

    He commended UNICEF for providing enabling working environment, state of art facilities, logistics as well as stipend for ad-hoc staff who work in the centres.

    The director explained that the organisation had also constructed additional buildings in some of the healthcentres with a view to providing   effective anti-natal care for expectant mothers.

    He listed some of the centres to include Mashamari PHC, Ngala, Banki, Zannari IDPs clinic, Njimtilo, Mairi, Bulabulin, Gwange, I, II and III, Gamboru, 505 Housing Estate, Jiddari Polo, Konduga, Auno and Yerwa.

    “UNICEF is one of the first organisation that came to support the government at the beginning of the insurgency, by providing clinics in the IDPs camps.

    “The UNICEF’s collaboration with the state government has helped to ameliorate the multiple health challenges being faced.

    “They support us with drugs and commodities and also logistics as well as engagement of some ad-hoc staff to run the  facilities in Intrrnally Displaced Persons camps and liberated areas” he said.

    Mele added that UNICEF was also committed to imminisation, social mobilisation, and supplementary campaigns against disease outbreaks in the state.

    “It was as the result of this strong collaboration that we are able to take primary health care services beyond the rural communities  to the IDPs, and areas that are compromised, by providing makeshift clinics.

    “A lot has also  been achieved in Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), leading to the drastic reduction of malnourished children in the affected communities.”  (NAN)

  • Troops claim rescue of sex slaves from Boko Haram

    The Nigeria army has announced the rescue of some hostages from the hands of Boko Haram in Modu Kimeri village of Bama Local Government, Borno State.

    In a statement released by Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu, Deputy Director Public Relations,  Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole  said the hostages totaling about 148 were been used as sex slaves and forced labourers by Boko Haram.

    Col. Onyeama explained that upon profiling, the troops discovered that the female members of the hostages were sexually violated while the men and children were used in forced labour.

    He stated that the operation was carried out by troops of 21 Brigade with the support of the Civilian Joint Task Force as part of the counter insurgency operation of the Theatre when the hauled on the civilians.

    Read Also:146 Boko Haram members surrender to troops in Borno

    The statement reads in full:

    “Troops of 21 Brigade supported by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force deployed in Operation Lafiya Dole to conduct Counter terrorism and Counter insurgency operations in the North East have rescued 148  civilians held hostage by Boko Haram terrorists in Modu Kimeri,  a remote village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno state.

    “The troops rescued the hostages during an extensive Clearance Operation on Sunday 3rd June 2018, to rid the general area of Bama, Modu Kimeri and Gulumba Gana of fleeing elements of Boko Haram terrorists who had escaped from the ongoing troops’ onslaught in the Lake Chad Islands and fringes of the northern borders of Borno State.

    “The rescued hostages, comprising 15 men, 58 Women and 75 Children revealed during a joint profiling and interrogations by troops of operation Lafiya Dole and other security agencies, that the Boko Haram terrorists had sexually violated the females and used them as sex slaves. Two pregnant teenage girls are among the rescued persons. The rescued persons further disclosed that the men were not spared, as they were regularly engaged in forced labour while in the captivity of the terrorists. They will be prompty handed over to officials of Bama Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp for welfare and administration.

    “The troops have also successfully cleared adjoining villages including China, Sabon Gari-1, Sabon Gari-2, Sabon Gari-3 and Sabon Gari-4 villages. Other areas cleared by troops along the axis of operation are Nguzoduwa, Falla, Bulangala, Botori and Bula Matawa villages.

    “Additionally, troops recovered 22 Dane Guns, one tool box used for fabricating local fire arms, four Boko Haram flags,  a motorcycle and one Bow and 20 Arrows.

    “The gallant troops remain resilient and are carrying out further exploitation” the statement said.

  • No part of Borno is under Boko Haram Occupation – Shettima Insists

    Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has again  insisted that no part of his state is no longer  under siege by Boko Haram insurgents.

    According to him, those peddling such news are enemies of the State who are bent on thwarting the progress of the State.

    The governor however admitted that the insurgents still pose a danger to innocent citizens of the State as they go about attacking soft targets in desperation, adding that the military should be commended for degrading the capacity of the insurgents and restoring peace to the State and the northeast in general.

    Gov. Shettima who played host to the  the newly appointed Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu at a courtesy visit at the Government House, Maiduguri regretted that Borno opposition leaders and politicians who fled at the heat of the crisis are the purvayors of the clandestine campaign against the state.

    His words; ” As Chief Security Officer in Borno state, I am grateful to President Mohammed Buhari, the Military, Security agencies, Stakeholders and people of the state for their sustained effort towards the fight against Boko Haram.

    “In the last four years, our major highways that link us with other parts of the country and the entire state was under siege, but we are proud of our President and the Nigerian Army for bringing sanity and peace to our dear state.

    ” I am personally saddened by some Borno Oppositions/ Politicians who have relocated to Abuja, Lagos and other places during the peak of the insurgency and be making unnecessary noise regarding the calamities that befell us.

    Read Also: Borno clamps down on sex workers, others, arrest 62

    “Instead of them to Pray while they relocated, they were busy raising unnecessary critics on us as government, but thank God that all their bad plans against this government end up hitting the rock.

    “As government, our doors will always remain open for military to fraternize and see how we continue give our maximum support and cooperation to end Boko Haram Madness in our dear state.” Shettima stated.

    He called on the new GOC   as a  son of the soil with a good  knowledge on the nooks and crannies of the state, troops under his watch will consolidate on the remarkable achievements of his predecessors  to end the lingering crisis.

    On his part, the new GOC said, he was at the Government House to officially register his presence alongside his lieutenants.

    General Biu said, “I am here for three issues, first is to thank your Excellency for the support you have been providing in the business of security, present myself to you and the people of the state on my preparedness to rapidly achieve the much desired peace we are all reigning for, and to seek for your sustainable effort in supporting the military.

    “I came with an open mind, ready to contribute beyond the call of my duty, Under my watch, we will continue to respect the rules of engagement so that the rights of the people will not be truncated by our sacrificial troops, as we collectively team up to end Boko Haram”. Biu said.

  • Police confirms Five killed in fresh suicide bomb attack

    The Police command in Borno State has confirmed a suicide bomb attack on Konduga town, in the state.

    The commissioner of police Borno State, Mr. Damian Chukwu in a text message confirmed to our correspondent in Maiduguri that about five people were killed in the attack.

    The commissioner informed that the attack was executed by a male suicide bomber who blew himself off and killed four civilian JTF operatives and injured five others in the area.

    Read Also: Police nab two child traffickers in Akwa Ibom

    The message reads; “Be informed that at about 13:30 hrs date, a male suicide bomber detonated IED on his body near an Airtel mast in Mandarari village, Konduga LGA, killing self & four (4) Civilian JTF operatives while five (5) other persons injured. EOD/other Police teams deployed to sanitize scene & environs. Corpses & injured persons evacuated to hospital.

    The CP also informed that normalcy has been restored in the area just as Investigation is ongoing to get more details concerning the attack.