The Nation Newspaper

Tag: borno

  • NAF bombardment : Shettima orders emergency medical response

    NAF bombardment : Shettima orders emergency medical response

    Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima has ordered an immediate medical response to victims of NAF ariel bombardment which affected civilians
    and other humanitarian aid workers in Rann, Kala/Bage Local Government area.
    Gov. Shettima has also directed the  State Ministry of Health to set up an emergency  in all Borno State owned hospitals which include, the State Specialist Hospital, the Professor Umaru Shehu Hospital and General Muhammad Shuwa memorial hospital,  in readiness for the arrival of the victims which will be flown to Maiduguri for quick medical care.
    The  spokesman,  of the governor Isa Gusau, in a statement emailed to journalists in Maiduguri  said  Governor Shettima received the news
    with very deep concern.

    The Statement reads: “As at this evening, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent has deployed a helicopter which is
    on ground at Rann to begin evacuation of victims, starting those with the most critical health conditions. The MSF (Doctors without border)
    aong with officials of the State Government have been first responders. Governor Shettima particularly commends the MSF for its rapid response in providing first aide treatment to victims at the scene.

    “While the Governor Shettima is working to ensure that ‎all victims are evacuated as soon as possible, the State Commissioner of Health
    has mobilized medical doctors, nurses, lab technicians, pharmacists and other health officials in all hospitals owned by Borno State
    Government while ambulances have also been deployed. The medical experts are currently on standby with emergency consumables set for treatment of victims soon as they arrive Maiduguri.

    “Casualty figures are yet to be ascertained but from information available to the Governor, there are records of deaths with many
    persons injured. The Governor’s heart is with families of all those affected and urges citizens to pray for the repose of the souls of
    those dead and the speedy recovery of the injured.
    “Governor Shettima looks forward to formal communication from the military to ascertain what happened and would brief the press should
    there be the need to do so. For now, all focus should be on the evacuation of victims and the provision of emergency medical services to them with the hope that they quickly recover,” The statement said.

  • Troops discover Boko Haram fighters’ bodies in Borno

    Troops discover Boko Haram fighters’ bodies in Borno

    Nigerian troops have recovered bodies of terrorists, 36 hand grenades and one 12.7 X 108mm round of ammunition concealed by terrorists in the general area of Baga, Kangarwa and Dogonchikun in Borno State.

    The Nigerian Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman,  disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

    He said the troops of 119 Task Force Battalion of 7 Brigade on Operation Lafiya discovered the graves of the Boko Haram terrorists.

    Usman said the “shallow graves” contained corpses of terrorists that died after they escaped with gunshot wounds during an encounter with Nigerian troops on January 13.

    “The troops have continued their patrols by dominating the general area of Baga, Kangarwa and Dogonchikun with a view to intercepting fleeing Boko Haram terrorists,” the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted the army spokesman as saying in the statement.

  • ‘No sale of charcoal, firewood on Borno streets’

    The Borno State government has banned sale of charcoal and firewood on major streets to prevent pollution.

    Commissioner for Justice Kakashehu Lawan stated this in a statement to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday.

    Lawan said sellers were expected to relocate to a new market on Damboa Road.

    “Sale of charcoal and firewood along major streets is hereby banned. Those engaged in the business should relocate to the Charcoal and Firewood market along Damboa Road in Maiduguri.

    “Government action is based on the fact that the sale of these items on our streets has become a source of pollution, as well as constitute health hazard to the public,” Lawan said.

    He said the traders have two weeks to either relocate or face prosecution.

    The commissioner hinted that government planned to demolish illegal structures and shanties in markets across the state.

    “All illegal markets are hereby banned and owners advised to relocate to recognised markets like Bolori, Abbaganaram, Gamboru among others.

    “They have two weeks to relocate as such structures will be demolished in the next two weeks,” Lawan said.

    He explained that government action was based on the fact that such places were used as hideouts for criminals.

    “Such places not only deface the environment but often serve as hideouts for criminals and their activities,” he said.

  • Army frees 257 Boko Haram suspects in Borno

    Army frees 257 Boko Haram suspects in Borno

    •Tearful widow lays wreath in Yobe

    The Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Borno State was marked with the release of 257 suspected Boko Haram members arrested by the Army at the expansive Ramat Square, Maiduguri.

    Handing over the suspects to the Deputy Governor Usman Mamman Durkwa, the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, said they were thoroughly screened before their release.

    Durkwa, Maj.-Gen. Irabor and other personalities later performed the tradition laying of wreath for the fallen heroes.

    Also at the state capital, one of the widows of a deceased soldier, who joined Governor Ibrahim Gaidam in the wreath-laying ceremony, broke down in tears, apparently reflecting the memories of her late husband as she stood at the cenotaph to pray for the fallen soldiers.

    At the event at the Quarter Guard of the Government House, Damaturu, the governor inspected a guard of honour mounted by officers and men of the 241 RECCE Battalion, Nguru.

    Gaidam led the GOC 3 Div. Major General Peter Dauke, other service commanders, Emir of Fika and Chairman, Yobe State Council of Chiefs Alhaji Mohamadu Abali Ibn Mohammadu Idrisa, Nigeria Legion Chairman Captain Ibrahim Gadine (rtd) and one of the widows of the fallen heroes to perform the symbolic laying of wreath.

    Prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes. The governor performed the release of pigeons symbolising peace.

    The occasion was attended by prominent government functionaries, including the deputy governor and other members of the state executive council.

  • 13 suspected terrorists killed in Borno

    The Army yesterday said 13 suspected Boko Haram members were killed during clearance operations in Bomboshe and Sinbaya in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State last Thursday and Friday.

    Director of Army Public Relations Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, in a statement, said the troops  destroyed the insurgents’ night market at Boboshe and neutralised five terrorists.

    The statement reads: “The troop rescued 58 persons, comprising 35 women and 23 children. The troops met stiff resistance from the suspects, eight of whom were neutralised around Sinbaya.

    “As part of the clearance operations of remnants and fleeing Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast, troops have continually carried out raids, patrols and cordon operations.

    “It is in that regard that troops of 112 Task Force Battalion, 22 Brigade, on Operation Lafiya Dole, conducted joint operations with vigilantes and civilian JTF in suspected terrorists’ hideouts.

    “In the last two days, the troops have carried out patrols and clearance operations in various villages and towns in Dikwa council.

    “Last Thursday, with the assistance of some local vigilantes and civilian JTF, the troops carried out fighting patrols and clearance operations in Awada and Sinbaya villages.

    “They also carried out similar clearance operation at Anaduwa village where they removed Boko Haram flags and recovered four Isuzu vehicles and three motorcycles.

    “Yesterday (Saturday), they also carried out a joint patrol to Agulari, Kirinari, Gubdori and Yale villages, including Talwari village, which served as harbour for the terrorists. Though the terrorists have abandoned the locations, traces of their activities, such as hoisted flags, were found there.

    “Troops also arrested their store keeper and recovered two Isuzu vehicles, grinding machines and vehicles workshop tools. Five Pump Action Guns, two pumping machines, eight tyres and one battery were also recovered.

    “The troops proceeded to Dagumba, Boboshe, Kajeri, Boskoro and Saleri and cleared the areas. One Toyota truck was recovered at Kajeri and one terrorist arrested in Boskoro.

    “However, one soldier was injured in the operation and is receiving treatment.”

    Gen. Usman reminded the public to always give information on suspicious persons in their environment to security agencies.

  • Army frees 257 Boko Haram suspects in Borno

    The Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Borno State was marked with the
    release of 257 Boko Haram suspects arrested by the Nigerian Army.
    Releasing the suspects to the State Deputy Gov. Dr. Usman Mamman Durkwa,
    the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major Gen. Lucky
    Irabor said that they have been thoroughly screened before their release.
    The Deputy Governor who represented the governor at the event called on the freed suspects to regard their release as an opportunity to stay away from insurgents.
    The traditional laying of wreath for the fallen heroes was performed by Dr. Durkwa, the Theatre Commander and other personalities.
    In Yobe State, one of the widows of a deceased soldier who joined Gov Governor Ibrahim Gaidam in the wreath laying ceremony elicited broke down as she stood at the cenotaph to pray for the fallen soldiers including her beloved husband.
    Held at the Quarter Guard of the Government House Damaturu the Yobe state capital, the Governor inspected a guard of honour mounted by officers and men of the 241 RECCE Battalion, Nguru.
    The governor who performed the symbolic laying of wreath was followed by the GOC 3 Div. Major General Peter Dauke and other security chiefs in the state, the Emir of Fika and Chairman Yobe State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Mohamadu Abali Ibn Mohammadu Idrisa, the state chairman of the Nigeria Legion Captain Ibrahim Gadine (RTD).
    Prayers were offered for the souls of the fallen heroes by a catholic priest and a Military Imam as the Governor also performed the release of pigeon symbolizing peace.
    The occasion was well attended by prominent government functionaries, including the Deputy Governor of the State Engr. Abubakar Aliyu and other members of the state executive council.

  • Army kills 13 Boko Haram suspects, rescues 58 persons in clearance operations

    The Nigerian Army on Sunday said soldiers killed 13 suspected Boko Haram members during clearance operations in Bomboshe and Sinbaya in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno.

    Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the Director of Army Public Relations, said in a statement in Maiduguri that the operations were carried out on Thursday and Friday.

    According to him, the troops also discovered and destroyed the insurgents’ night market at Boboshe and neutralised five terrorists.

    “The Army troop also rescued 58 persons comprising 35 women and 23 children held in captive by the terrorists.

    “During the operations, the troops met stiff resistance from suspected terrorists, eight of whom were neutralised around Sinbaya.

    “As part of the clearance operations of remnants and fleeing Boko Haram terrorists in the North East, troops have continually carried out raids, patrols and cordon operations.

    “It is in that regards that troops of 112 Task Force Battalion, 22 Brigade, Nigerian Army on Operation Lafiya Dole, conducted joint operations with vigilantes and civilian JTF in suspected terrorists hide outs.

    “In the last two days, the troops have carried out patrols and clearance operations in various villages and towns in Dikwa Local Government Area.

    “On Thursday, Jan. 13, with the assistance of some local vigilantes and civilian JTF, the troops carried out fighting patrols and clearance operations in Awada and Sinbaya villages.

    “They also carried out similar clearance operation at Anaduwa village where they removed Boko Haram terrorists’ flags and recovered four Isuzu vehicles and three motorcycles.

    “Yesterday (Saturday), they also carried out a joint patrol to Agulari, Kirinari, Gubdori and Yale villages, including Talwari village, which served as harbour for the terrorists.

    “Although the terrorists have abandoned the locations, the troops observed traces of their activities such as hoisted Boko Haram flags in the area.

    “Troops also arrested the terrorists’ food store keeper and recovered two Isuzu vehicles, grinding machines and vehicles workshop tools.

    “They recovered five Pump Action Guns, two pumping machines, eight vehicle tyres and one battery.

    “The troops proceeded to Dagumba, Boboshe, Kajeri, Boskoro and Saleri and cleared the areas.

    “The patrol recovered one Toyota truck at Kajeri and arrested one Boko Haram terrorist in Boskoro village.

    “However, one soldier sustained injury during the operation and is receiving medical attention,’’ the statement stated.

    Usman reminded members of the public to always pass information on suspicious persons in their environment to security agencies. (NAN)

  • Insurgency: Army recovers corpses of 15 soldiers, officer declared missing

    Insurgency: Army recovers corpses of 15 soldiers, officer declared missing

    The Nigerian Army said it had recovered corpses of “one officer and 15 soldiers’’ earlier declared “Missing in Action” during an operation to dislodge the Boko Haram insurgents from Gashigar Area in Borno on Oct. 16, 2016.

    The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.- Gen. Lucky Irabor, disclosed this at a weekly review of Operation Rescue Final at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, on Wednesday.

    “The corpses were recovered along Kamadugou River line area in Maiduguri.

    “Among the recovered corpses was that of Lt.-Col. K Yusuf, the former Commanding Officer (CO) of 223 Tank Battalion.

    “They have since been buried in Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery with full military honours,’’ Irabor said.

  • Shettima lauds UNHCR for support to Borno households

    Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday commended the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) for donating building materials to 2,000 beneficiaries in six local government areas of the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the beneficiaries were from Konduga, Bama, Gwoza, Damboa, Dikwa and Mafa local government areas.

    Shettima made the commendation at the flagging off ceremony in Konduga town on Tuesday.

    He said the gesture would enable victims of insurgency; particularly the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have shelter as they voluntarily return home.

    Shettima said the gesture was timely as the state government through the ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RRR) had commenced massive reconstruction process of destroyed communities across the 27 local government areas of the state.

    He called on other humanitarian agencies to assist Borno in its trying moment, specifically now that peace has returned and more IDPs were returning to their communities.

  • Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Bauch, Kwara unfold plans to turn around economy through agriculture

    Some state governments across the country have highlighted some measures aimed at improving agricultural production in 2017, following the current economic recession, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    Some of the state governments have concluded plans to turn to agriculture through the initiation of diverse policies to boost their economy and create job opportunities.

    Some respondents, government officials and other stakeholders, made this known in separate interviews with NAN in Bauchi, Maiduguri, Gombe, Yola and Kwara among others.

    They said the move was necessitated by the bitter experience of 2016, when the cost of staple food items rose astronomically beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.

    Most of the state governments in the country have also keyed into Federal Government’s Agricultural Programmes, especially the Anchor Borrowers Scheme.

    Gov. Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State said government had concluded arrangements to purchase grains to cushion the effects of price fluctuations on farmers’ income and also store for future sales to people at subsidised rates.

    Abubakar, who stated this while presenting the 2017 budget to the State Assembly, added that there are plans to establish farm training centres and demonstration farms in the state.

    He also said that part of the agricultural programmes of the state for the 2017 was the empowerment of youth in irrigation agriculture at Wata dam irrigation project in Bauchi South, Galala dam irrigation project in Bauchi Central and Adalda irrigation scheme in Bauchi North.

    Abubakar further said that the state government had keyed into the Federal Governments Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP).

    The Director of Agricultural Services, Bauchi State Ministry of Agriculture, Alhaji Suleiman Ningi, told NAN that the state government would invest over N150 million to support 30,000 farmers under the ABP.

    ‘’The Bauchi State government would pay the sum of N150 million to commercial banks, so as to ease bank charges and further empower youths and the farmers.

    ‘’Farmers are to cultivate rice and wheat during the dry season, while for the rainy season, farmers are expected to cultivate rice and maize,’’ he said.

    The Borno State government said it earmarked about N7.72 billion to enhance various agricultural programmes in the post-insurgency era.

    Goernor Kashim Shettima said at the 2017 budget presentation that the amount would be used to revolutionised farming as well as provide enabling environment for food production, maintenance of plantation sites and introduction of new crop varieties.

    ‘’Government will provide adequate farm machinery and other inputs to boost agricultural activities, while all Counterpart funds for NPFS, IFAD and Fadama III programmes shall be paid to access more fund.

    ‘’We have instituted several agricultural policies and activities in the State in order to encourage farming activities,’’ he said.

    According to him, about 1,000,000 seedlings of cashew, 500 seedlings of Date Palm and 7500 seedlings of improved variety of citrus, as well as 21,000 mango seedlings have been raised.

    He said this was in addition to the cultivation of 35 hectares of ginger crop at Kidang, Biu Zone as a pilot farm

    and the establishment of 200 hectares of plantation each at Tamsu, Kawu, Mainta Kururi, Mainok and Auno towns.

    ‘’Furthermore, assorted seeds of arable crops were procured and distributed to farmers at no cost, while NPK fertiliser was sold at highly subsidised rate to farmers in the Southern part of the state.