The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Maiduguri

  • Family of rescued Chibok girl lauds army

    Family of rescued Chibok girl lauds army

    Mr Ayuba Aloson, a relative to one of the abducted Chibok girls on Friday lauded the Nigerian Army’s effort over the rescue of Salomi Pogu, the 15th in the list of the abducted girls.

    Reports say that troops of Operation Lafiya Dole on Thursday rescued Pogu in company of one other girl, Jamila Adams, at Pulka in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno.

    The 219 girls were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents at Government Secondary School, Chibok in 2014.

    Aloson, who is among thousands of displaced persons taking shelter in Maiduguri host community, commended the military over their commitment to rescue the abducted girls.

    He expressed joy over the development, and hoped that the remaining abducted girls would soon be rescued from captivity.

    Alonson said that he is a family member of the rescued girl, adding that four of his nieces abducted in the school were still held by the insurgents.

    Read also: Troops rescue Chibok girl Solomi Pogu

    “I am happy over the development; our abducted daughters are still with their captors.

    “This demonstrates the commitments of the military to the rescue of the girls,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Bring Back Our Girls movement had also lauded the efforts of the military in the rescue of Pogu.

    The spokesman of the group, Sesugh Akume, said in a statement issued in Maiduguri that the rescued girl was serial number 15, in the list of abducted 219 school girls.

    “Our movement is delighted to confirm this news to be true.

    “Salomi Pogu; is a daughter of Malam Pogu Yahi from Kaumutahyahi, a village in Kuburmbula ward of Chibok Local Government Area. Her parents are currently at an Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs ) camp in Rumirgo village, near Askira-Uba in Borno.

    “She is number 15 on the list of missing Chibok girls. This brings the number of our missing girls to 112”.

    Akume said that the group was yet to ascertain further details on Jamila Adams and her baby.

    Pogu’s rescue brought the number of girls that were freed from insurgents’ captivity to 107.

    NAN

  • Borno reviews curfew in Maiduguri

    Borno reviews curfew in Maiduguri

    The Borno Government has reviewed the curfew in Maiduguri metropolis from 8:00PM to 6:00AM as against the existing 10:00PM to 6:00AM.

    Dr Mohammed Bulama, the Commissioner, Home Affairs, Information and Culture, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Maiduguri.

    Bulama said that the curfew was temporary and would be between Jan. 2 to Jan. 6, to enhance security in the metropolis.

    He disclosed that the curfew was imposed based on advice by the Theatre Command, Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

    “The Borno State Government on the advice of the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, wishes to inform the general public that the existing curfew regime in the state has been temporarily rescheduled.

    Read Also: Borno police raid black spots

    “The curfew as from Tuesday, January 2 to Friday, January 6, 2018, will commence from 8 pm in the night till 6 am in the morning.

    “This review is done in the over riding interest of public safety and to ensure that the emerging peace in the state is further consolidated.

    “While deeply regretting any inconvenience this adjustment of curfew timing may cause, the Borno State Government craves the understanding and full cooperation of the general public”.

  • Borno free of cholera outbreak – Commissioner

    Borno free of cholera outbreak – Commissioner

    The Borno Government on Thursday declared that the state is cholera free sequel to the successful control of an outbreak of the disease.

    The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Haruna Mshelia, made this known at a news conference in Maiduguri.

    He said the state government in collaboration with World Health Organisation ( WHO ) and development partners had effectively controlled the cholera outbreak which was first recorded on August 16.

    “Today, we are more than two weeks without any case reported and this signifies that we have come to the end of this outbreak,’’ Mshelia, who was represented by Dr Muhammad Ghuluze, said.

    “The preparedness of the health cluster to respond to cholera outbreak; effective partner coordination, and swift activation of the emergency operation centre, efficient case management and surveillance were the strong points that helped disrupt transmission and reduce mortality by about one per cent,” he said.

    Read also: Cholera spreads through IDPs camps in Nigeria – UN

    Mshelia disclosed further that over 5,000 cases of the disease were recorded with 61 deaths in the six affected local government areas of the state.

    He listed the affected areas as Jere, Maiduguri, Dikwa, Monguno, Mafa and Guzamala.

    The commissioner attributed the outbreak to the weakening health system due to Boko Haram insurgency and over population at Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs ) camps.

    According to him, the state government has inoculated 950,000 persons against the disease as part of effort to prevent future outbreak.

    Mshelia reiterated the state government commitments to enhance quality healthcare delivery in the state.
    He commended WHO and other organisations for their contributions to the improvement of healthcare services in the state.

    NAN

  • Borno vaccinates 1.6m children against measles

    Borno vaccinates 1.6m children against measles

    The Borno Government says it has inoculated 1.6 million children against measles in the past three weeks.

    The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Haruna Mshelia, said that the children were immunised under the first and second phases of the exercise.

    Mshelia explained that the first phase exercise was conducted in Borno South senatorial district and four local government areas of the central zone.

    He disclosed that the first phase exercise recorded 92 per cent coverage, while that the second phase of the immunisation exercise was conducted in the northern part of the state and the remaining four local governments of the central senatorial district.

    He said: “Collation of coverage in the second phase is on-going due to accessibility issues.’’

    The state government has also vaccinated about one million residents in a maiden cholera immunisation exercise.

    Read also: Measles: Kaduna begins immunisation of 1.5m children

    More than 950,000 doses of oral cholera vaccines were administered to people to contain outbreak of the disease in the state in the past three months.

    Oral cholera vaccines were administered to children above one-year of age and adults in Maiduguri, Konduga, Jere, Monguno and Dikwa local government areas.

    The state government in collaboration with World Health Organisation ( WHO ) and other humanitarian partners scaled up activities and successfully controlled the outbreak.

    NAN

  • Human right abuse: Army Court sentences soldier to death

    Human right abuse: Army Court sentences soldier to death

    One soldier been sentenced to death, while others are to serve various  jail terms following the judgment  delivered today by  the General Court Martial  of 7 Division Nigeria Army sitting in Maiduguri,  Borno State to investigate and try allege human right abuse of troops of operation Lafiya Dole on members of the public.

    While delivering  his  judgments, the President of the Court Martial, Brigadier General Gbenga Olusegun Adesina, explained  that the offences were  contrary to Nigerian Army’s Rules of Engagement (ROE) as well as  Nigerian Laws and Geneva Conventions which Nigeria is signatory to, stressing that, “ the Nigerian Army as a professional Army holds these laws in high esteem”.

    Lance Corporal John Godwin who is to face death sentence was charged with murder, punishable under Section 106 (a) of Armed Forces Acts (Cap A20), Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004, for killing five rescued civilians in Yamteke town of Borno State in November, 2015.

    The court availed that the  civilians were earlier rescued by troops of the soldier’s battalion and were taken for investigation when Cpl John Godwin   shot five to death.

    The deceased, according to him, include Saleh Bello, Ibrahim Bello, Abba Ali, Abubakar Musa and Isa Garba between the ages of 17 and 22.

    “Godwin has run afoul of human rights violations and the rules of engagement, while fighting Boko Haram. You’re guilty of murder as charged before this court martial and sentenced you to death,” said Adesina.

    The courts also slammed jail sentences on other soldiers for various offences including manslaughter and  illegal possession of fire arms and ammunitions.

    Sergeant Innocent Ototo, got jailed for life imprisonment on charge of manslaughter after he tortured  and killed  a 13 year old boy Yakubu Isa,  whom  he alleged   stole his phone.  The incident happened at Zamanbari area of Maiduguri metropolis in Borno State.

    Two other soldiers; Lance Corporal Benjamin Osage and Private Sunday Onwe were sentenced to 20 years imprisonment each for offences bordering on manslaughter and illegal possession of fire arms and ammunition.

    “Sunday Awe, a private soldier attached to 112 Task Force Battalion, Mafa in Borno state is also sentenced for 20 months for unlawful procession of 1, 339 rounds of ammunition,” Brig. Gen. Adesina said.

    He added that Private Bitrus Yunana and Lance Corporal Ayuba Jonathan have also each been charged and sentenced to five years jail term for unlawful procession of 925 and 450 rounds of ammunition on August 2, 2016.

  • Army kills Three insurgents in Borno

    Army kills Three insurgents in Borno

    The Nigerian Army on Tuesday said its troops had killed three Boko Haram insurgents in Sabsawa axis of Sambisa forest area of Operation.

    Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka, the Director, Army Public Relations, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Maiduguri.

    Kukasheka said that the troops killed the insurgents in an ambush on Monday at Sabsawa while trying to cross into Tangos area.

    Read also:Army rescues 212 captives, capture one Boko Haram commander

    He further disclosed that the troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from the insurgents.

    “Troops of 202 Battalion, Sector 1, Operation LAFIYA DOLE at the early hours of Monday Dec.4, sprang an ambush on unsuspecting Boko Haram terrorists along Sabsawa axis.

    “During the encounter, the troops neutralised 3 Boko Haram terrorists trying to cross between Tangos.

    ‘’In addition, the troops recovered AK-47 rifles and Improvised Explosives making devices from the terrorists,“he said.

    NAN

  • StarTimes begins live broadcasting in Maiduguri

    StarTimes begins live broadcasting in Maiduguri

    Digital Pay TV Company, StarTimes Nigeria on Monday announced the extension of its operations to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, in fulfilment of its promise to deliver quality and affordable entertainment to every Nigerian home.

    Recall that StarTimes, a joint venture between Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) and Star Communications in China, commenced operations in Nigeria seven years ago and presently covers over 60 cities in Nigeria.

    According to a statement signed by its Brand and Marketing Director, Qasim Elegbede, the company’s expansion drive marks a significant milestone for the growth of its business, “and Maiduguri is an important market for us as we expand our offering across the globe.

    “At StarTimes, we pride ourselves on having selected a strong general entertainment and sports program line-up which has engaging content for viewers of all ages including kids, young adults, men and women, alike. StarTimes promises great entertainment for the whole family and we are gradually delivering on our promise to deliver affordable quality entertainment to every Nigerian home”

    “Subscribers in Maiduguri can now purchase our Antenna and decoder for as low as N7,900 and also enjoy one month free subscription. Viewers can look forward to a refreshed channels with the very best in local languages, sports entertainment featuring some familiar faces as well as brand new programming delivering the best entertainment and sports shows, latest news, highlights and live action from across the globe. These channels can be viewed on the StarTimes Mobile App which is available for download on both iOS and Android,” the statement read.

    The digital TV operator is vibrant in Africa, serving nearly 10 million subscribers with a signal covering the whole continent and a massive distribution network of 200 brand halls, 3,000 convenience stores and 5,000 distributors. StarTimes owns a featured content platform, with 480 authorized channels consisting of news, movies, series, sports, entertainment, children’s programs and more.

  • Troops kill 14 Boko Haram insurgents, rescue 30 civilians in Borno

    Troops kill 14 Boko Haram insurgents, rescue 30 civilians in Borno

    The Nigerian Army on Tuesday said it’s troops had killed 14 Boko Haram insurgents in clearance operations in Bama Local Government Area of Borno.

    Brig.- Gen. Sani Kukasheka, Director Army Public Relations, said this in a statement issued in Maiduguri.

    Kukasheka said that the troops also rescued 30 persons, captured one insurgent and recovered various caliber of ammunition from the insurgents.

    He said that the troops had also cleared insurgents in their hideouts at Abusuriwa, Newchina, Bonzon, Usmanari, Goyayeri, Shitimari, Gashimari and Awaram villages in Bama local government area.

    Kukasheka explained that 8 insurgents were killed while many of them escaped in the affected villages, adding that three males; 12 females and 15 children were rescued from the insurgents.

    The army spokesman also disclosed that the troops also ambushed and killed six insurgents at Kumshe and Darel-Jamel villages.

    According to him, the arrested insurgent was handed over to the appropriate authorities for intonation.

    “Troops of 202 Battalion of 21 Brigade Nigerian Army in Conjunction with elements of Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs) on Operations LAFIYA DOLE, in furtherance of clearance and blockade Operation DEEP PUNCH II, on Saturday Nov. 25, 2017, cleared Boko Haram terrorists’ enclaves in Abusuriwa, Newchina, Bonzon, Usmanari, Goyayeri, Shitimari, Gashimari and Awaram amongst other villages in Bama Local Government Area of Borno.

    “The troops whose continuous resolve in routing out the remnants of the suspected terrorists hibernating within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility ensured that their superior fire power made the terrorists to flee in disarray, leading to the capture of one suspected terrorist while eight Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised.

    “The gallant troops recovered four AK-47 rifles, three magazines, seven Dane guns, machetes, amongst other items.

    “In addition, the troops also rescued three men, 12 women and 15 Children, among whom were an aged man and a woman held captives by the Boko Haram terrorists.

    “The suspected terrorist has been handed over to the relevant authorities for further interrogation, while the rescued civilian captives are being attended to.

    “Similarly, troops of 152 Battalion of the Brigade deployed as a blocking force at the Forward Operations Base, Kumshe, to aid a successful clearance operation ambushed some fleeing unsuspecting Boko Haram terrorists and neutralised five fleeing terrorists, while troops of 151 Battalion also deployed at the Forward Operations Base, Darel Jamel, neutralised a terrorist in an ambush”.

  • UNDP constructs 300 houses for IDPs in Borno

    UNDP constructs 300 houses for IDPs in Borno

    The United Nations Development Programme ( UNDP ) has begun the construction of 300 housing units for internally displaced persons in Borno, the agency said in its fact-sheet.

    The prospective beneficiaries are victims of the Boko Haram insurgency in the state.

    The data made available in Maiduguri on Thursday show that the projects are in Ngwom community in Mafa Local Government Area.

    The UN agency stated that 288 of the houses were under construction, while work on the remaining 12 had not stated.

    The agency also stated that it constructed a clinic,  288 market stalls, 20 shops, as well as six classrooms, one administrative block and a store at the primary school in the community.

    It stated that the clinic would be equipped by the World Health Organisation ( WHO ).

    The agency said it had also distributed 210 bags of assorted fertilisers, 105 knapsack sprayers and 120 goats to farmers in the community.

    The agency also stated that it distributed  2,100kg of   sorghum seeds, 2, 100kg of millet seeds, 2, 362.5kg of cowpea seeds and 24 cartons of chemicals to farmers.

    It also highlighted some of its proposed projects, including a police out-post, borehole, installation of solar equipment at the clinic, distribution of agricultural inputs for fish farmers and livelihood support.

    It also proposes to provide unconditional grants to women and young girls, train youth entrepreneurs on micro and small business enterprises and train local government officials.

    “The training is to build the capacity of local government officials on provision of basic community services, maintenance of public infrastructure, planning and monitoring skill,” it stated.

    NAN

  • Police confirms fresh suicide attack in Maiduguri 

    Police confirms fresh suicide attack in Maiduguri 

    The Police Command in Born State have confirmed another fresh suicide attacks at the outskirt of Maiduguri killing two suicide bombers and a teenage boy.

    Four others persons were seriously injured in the attack.

    Saturday’s attack is coming after series of suicide bomb attacks in the state particularly the one in  a mosque at Muna Garage IDP community which claimed the lives of  20 people with 29 others injured.

    Confirming the attack, Born State  Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Isuku, in a Press statement said, “In the wee hours of today 18/11/2017, two female suicide bombers detonated their IED vest in the outskirt of Alakaramti village in Jere LGA, killing themselves alone.

    “Then at about 0650hrs, two other teenage female suicide bombers infiltrated Alakaramti village. One of them hurriedly detonated her IED vest killing herself, her partner and an innocent boy.

    “While four others, including the mother of the innocent boy, sustained injuries. The corpses and the injured have been evacuated to University of Maiduguri teaching hospital”.

    DSP Isuku also informed that, “The police Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD) team promptly rendered safe the unexploded Improvised Explosive Devices, IED vests and sanitized the area. Normalcy has since been restored to the area,” Isuku stated.