The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Maiduguri

  • Army condemns soldier to death for killing Boko Haram suspect

    Army condemns soldier to death for killing Boko Haram suspect

    A soldier of the Nigerian army is to die for killing a Boko Haram suspect illegally.

    The general court martial (GCM) of the army sitting at 7 Division, Maiduguri, Borno state Friday sentenced  Hilary Joel, a lance coporal, to death for the  murder of a suspected Boko Haram insurgent.

    The offence was committed in Damboa area of the state.

    President of the court martial,Brigadier General Olusegun Adeniyi,handed down the verdict Friday.

    Five other soldiers were punished for violation of human rights and other operational offences in Operation Lafiya Dole.

    One Sergeant Samuel Balanga was demoted to private on two count of desertion and miscellaneous offences.

    Chima Samuel was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment  for aiding and abetting the  murder of a minor Yakubu Isah in Maiduguri while Aliu Audu, a corporal, who was  charged for assault was reduced to the rank of private.

    Sunday Ogwuche, a trooper, was sentenced to two years and five years’ imprisonment for stealing and unlawful possession of 641 rounds of 7.62mm  .

    The acting zonal coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Borno State Jumai Mshelia witnessed the proceeding.

    She expressed delight that Nigerian Army has shown that it is a disciplined organisation .

     

  • FG begins door-to-door sharing of grains in IDP camps

    FG begins door-to-door sharing of grains in IDP camps

    …Osinbajo explains new food distribution plan

     

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday in Maiduguri unveiled a new and more effective distribution plan for delivering relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons in the North-East.

    The new plan differs from the undignified practice of forcing people to queue up for food.

    Under the new plan, which Prof. Osinbajo kicked-off at the Bakassi Camp, camp officials will now be demanded to deliver food items to the IDPs at their door-steps in exchange for a pre-issued voucher.

    Acting President Osinbajo, while unveiling the new strategy, said that the plan is part of the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari towards catering for the needs and welfare of IDPs in the North East region of the country.

    Osinbajo, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Laolu Akande, said “We are incorporating the voucher system which do not only make the process of relief distribution transparent, it will improve our own data collection and our national capacity to plan for what will be a quarterly exercise.

    “As we restore and maintain security in the region, we must not lose sight of the need to provide social service, food, education, healthcare, shelter as well as resettlement and livelihood support.

    “Today, the Federal Government flags off what will be a quarterly grain distribution programme for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and by this, we are saying to our brothers and sisters in the Northeast that our country does not take their burdens lightly and we are not blind to their difficulties.

    “I am particularly pleased to say that the grains that we’ll be distributing, which comprise of Sorghum, Maize, Soya Beans, and Rice, are produced locally; they are produced here in Nigeria by our own farmers.

    “This has always been the vision of Mr. President for our country, to grow what we eat, and to eat what we grow and to use what we make. These grains have travelled from various locations across the country, from as far afield as Ibadan, and as close as Gombe; escorted and protected by the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Military and in some cases will be airlifted by the Nigeria Air Force.” he added

    He also said that the Federal Government would work closely with States to provide other assistance to the IDPs including health services.

    He commended the partnership support from international partners such as the UN, World Food Programme, NEMA, the Military, the Police, other security agencies and State Governments in the region.

    He also thanked neigbouring countries like Cameroon, Chad, Niger for their support in the joint fight against terrorism.

    “While great progress has been made, there is still a great deal more to do. The reward for hard work as they say is more hard work and we have shown that as a people, we are up to the task.” he said

    The Acting President, who on arrival paid a courtesy visit on the Shehu of Borno, Umar Abubakar Gabai Ibn El-Kanemi in his palace, told the traditional ruler and members of his Emirate Council that President Buhari sees the welfare of the IDPs as the responsibility of government.

    The Shehu of Borno thanked President Buhari for his commitment to the restoration of peace in the State and entire region.

    He noted the laudable efforts of the Buhari Presidency at recovering the kidnapped Chibok girls and attending to the welfare of IDPs across the region.

    Upon arrival in Maiduguri, the Acting President inspected the consignment of about 30,000 metric tonnes of the food items to be delivered across the region by 1,032 trucks.

    The distribution is for affected persons in of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi and Gombe States.

    Prof Osinbajo during the visit also inspected some facilities such as the NEMA warehouse, the Bakassi IDP camp office and the premises of School A located within the camp.

    With the Acting President at the event were governors from the region, including Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, and Governor Bindow Jubrilla of Adamawa State. Yobe State Deputy Governor Abubakar Ali was also present alongside members of the National Assembly, members of the Federal Executive Council, Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, the National Security Adviser to the President, General Babagana Munguno, Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, and the Governor of Central Bank Godwin Emefiele.

     

  • Maiduguri under dawn attack by Boko Haram 

    Maiduguri under dawn attack by Boko Haram 

    Fresh fight erupted Wednesday evening between Boko Haram and security forces in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
    The incident which occurred around Jidari Polo area of Maiduguri caused panic among residents.
    A resident of Polo area, Aliyu  told our correspondent on phone that his family was stuck in the house with gunshuts and bullets flying everywhere.
    Another resident who said he escaped the gunfire said  that people were fleeing in all directions, adding that the gunshots began since 5.00pm.
    But the Deputy Director Army Public Relations 7 Division, Lt. Col. KM Samuel in a statement called on residents not to panic.
    He also added that the situation is under control.
    “The situation in Maiduguri is under control. The general public is requested not to panic and stay calm,” the statement read.
  • Minister promises scholarship to repentant undergraduate drug addict 

    Minister promises scholarship to repentant undergraduate drug addict 

    Minister of Health Prof. Isaacs Adewale has promised scholarship to any undergraduate student currently on admission at the Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri, for drug related cases.

    The minister, who was at the hospital during his visit to Born State for the Mid Term review of Health and Nutrition Emergency Response Project of the Federal Ministry of Health, said drug abuse among the youth is on decline because of mass awareness of the dangers of drug abuse.

    Prof. Adewale who went round the hospital, interacted with the patients and played Table Tennis game with one of the patients, a twenty year old (name withheld) undergraduate of Chemistry promised that he will take up the boys education to all levels in any part of the world if he promise to stop using hard drugs.

    “I will give you scholarship to any part of the world if you stop taking hard drugs. My protocol will get your contact and we will keep in touch,” Prof. Adewale promised.

    “As a scientist, I wouldn’t take it that it’s on the rise. What I believe is that there is more awareness now than before. When there is awareness, things will get better. I saw a student at the Nureo Psychiatric Centre who admitted that he was on drug.

    “To me that is a step forward. If you can admit that you are on drugs then the solution is almost done. I think collectively, we will have a drug management program that will be responsible for rehabilitation, re-integration and detoxication become part of what we do”, Prof. Adewale said.

     

  • Maiduguri: Front line troops get commendation

    Maiduguri: Front line troops get commendation

    Brig.-Gen. Stevenson Olabanji, the Acting-General Officer Commanding, 8 Task Force Division of the Nigerian Army, has commended the front line troops for expelling Boko Haram terrorists from Kareto, Damasak and Malam Fatori, Maiduguri.

    Col. Timothy Antigha, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, said in a statement in Maiduguri on Saturday that he gave the commendation when he made an assessment tour of the front line troops in the area.

    Antigha explained that the visit was aimed at having an on-the-spot -assessment of the enormous task of freeing the northern Borno and the fringes of Lake Chad of Boko Haram terrorists.

    Olabanji acknowledged their sacrifices and called for the relentless efforts at eliminating the terrorists from the area.

    He warned the troops to hold on firmly to all equipment issued as the loss of any equipment would attract severe sanctions.

    Olabanji urged them, particularly, junior commanders, to view their participation in Operation Lafiya Dole as an opportunity to learn the rudiments of the military profession.

    “You are the future of the Nigerian Army, therefore, you should view this operation as a unique opportunity to learn and also provide quality and effective leadership to troops,’’ he said.

    He commended the troops for their dedication and steadfastness in holding Malam Fatori in spite of the repeated attempts by Boko Haram terrorists to overrun the location.

  • 3 suicide bombers die attempting to enter varsity

    3 suicide bombers die attempting to enter varsity

    Three Suicide bombers have been confirmed dead in the early hours of Friday in Maiduguri, Borno while attempting to enter some locations in the University of Maiduguri.
    Mr Sani Datti, Head of Media and Public Relations of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    Datti said that the vigilant University’s Security and Vigilantes group intercepted the suicide bombers before they could gain entrance into the University premises.

    He explained that immediately the suicide bombers detonated their explosives strapped on them, it led to injury of the two University’s security officers and two vigilantes.

    Datti said that the incidence occurred when the new Director-General of NEMA, Mr Mustapaha Maihaja is on a two-day visit to Maiduguri to meet with the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

    He said Maihaja would also be meeting with leaders and stakeholders in the states to discuss ways forward in responding to humanitarian needs of the affected persons.

    He said that the remains of the three suicide bombers were evacuated to the Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that amidst stringent security measures in the State, there have been few cases of suicide attacks in IDPs camps and the University of Maiduguri.

    These attacks have claimed lives and left several injured.

  • Red Cross reunites 610 displaced families in North-East-Official

    Red Cross reunites 610 displaced families in North-East-Official

    The Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS) on Wednesday, said it reunited no fewer than 610 families displaced due to the insurgency North-East between January and March 2017.

    Mr Nwakpa Okorie, Head of Communications of the society, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    According to Okorie, the families are reunited at various locations such as Madagali, Danboa, Gwoza, and Maiduguri, among others.

    He said NRCS was an auxiliary organisation to public authorities in humanitarian intervention in the areas of health, disaster mitigation and social welfare.

    Okorie further explained that restoring family links was, however, part of the core mandate of the organisation.

    “Numerous families in the North-East of Nigeria, including children and arrested persons, have lost contact with their relatives because of the ongoing conflict.

    “NRCS puts in so much effort to restore contact between them and their relatives and where possible, reunite them.

    “The families waiting for the news of their loved ones are also supported to cope with their absence,’’ he said.

    According to him, the society also provides free phone services to internally displaced persons in various camps and persons in host communities searching for their loved ones.

    He said the phones were used to disseminate information to their loved ones as well as to communicate with them, thereby reducing anxiety and depression.

    “In restoring family links, we send Red Cross messages which indicate an alert in various locations.

    “We also provide tracing forms distributed among children, fathers and women searching for their relatives with detailed information such as addresses and pictures, which would aid in tracing and reunification.

  • 800,000 IDPs benefit from UNDP cash transfer

    About 800,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-East have benefited from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) cash transfer, Mr Joerg Kuehnel, the Regional Coordinator has said.

    Kuehnel told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Monday in Maiduguri that the beneficiaries were carefully selected for the programme.

    “We have done direct cash transfer as part of our life saving programme.

    “About 800,000 persons benefited, they were carefully selected, it is not an easy thing selecting people from wide range of areas affected,” he said.

    He said that the UNDP had also distributed food, fertiliser and equipment to 30,000 farmers in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

    “We have distributed food, fertiliser and equipment to 30,000 farmers in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

    “Although it is not directly lifesaving, it can hopefully help the farmers bounce back.”

    He said that the UNDP had also established basic services in communities ravaged by the insurgency.

    “Where ever we work with communities like in Ngom and Kimba, we helped to establish basic services.

    “In Ngom for instance, three boreholes were sunk, connecting them with solar system for effectiveness.

    “We are also working with the World Health Organisation (WHO) on primary health care unit as well as a referral system in the area.”

    The regional coordinator said that UNDP planned to enlighten the people on how to identity planted mines and Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs) in the area.

    “We are not a humanitarian agency, so there is a limit to what we do, what we are trying to do is to link people in need to other organisations for immediate help.

    ‘’This is with longer term community recovery in mind.

    “Our mission is to stabilise communities not only to help in food supply.”

    He said that the UNDP conducted its operations in three stages.

    “There are three stages to stabilisation; the immediate stabilisation where you provide immediate needs of the people, providing some income and then providing permanent means of livelihood.

    “Our ambition is to work in 10 communities in every local government area to help establish a network in the communities.”

  • Borno IDPs’ living condition has improved – NEMA

    Borno IDPs’ living condition has improved – NEMA

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says the living conditions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno has significantly improved.

    The North-East Coordinator of the agency, Malam Muhammad Kanar, stated this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri.

    Kanar said this followed collaborative efforts by stakeholders.

    He said unlike before, the IDPs were now living in a better environment due to such efforts.

    “Actually, everything is going on well for the IDPs now, this is because of the collaboration between all stakeholders toward addressing their problems.

    “We have lots of international organisations and donor agencies working with us to ensure their well being,” he said.

    The coordinator said organisations such as the World Food Programme (WFP) had been providing food in some of the IDPs camps.

    “WFP is taking care of IDPs in Dikwa, Bama, Banki, Gwoza and in many other satellite camps.

    “It is also in charge of Dalori, one of the largest camps in Maiduguri,” he said.

    He said that the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) was catering for the remaining camps in collaboration with NEMA.

    “The Borno State Government is collaborating with NEMA to take care of the rest of the camps across the state providing the daily needs of the Displaced Persons,’ he said.

    Kanar, however, said that there were some occasional complaints in the camps.

    “You still get some complaints and that is what you call gaps; whenever we mentioned gap we mean something is lacking.

    “This happens in case of items that expire easily like NFI, we cannot distribute the ones in our stores because they have expired,” he said.

    Kanar assured that NEMA was working with SEMA to address the problem.

    He said apart from addressing problems at IDPs camps, the Borno Government and the Federal Government were working toward rehabilitating communities ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency.

    “The Borno Government has gone far in its rehabilitation and resettlement programme.

    “So many structures destroyed by the insurgents had been rebuilt, while some affected people are being rehabilitated,” he said.

    He said that the Emergency Coordination Center of the Federal Government had also swung into action.

    “The Emergency Coordination Center which is headed by the Minister of National Planning has mapped out plans for a multi-sectoral approach to rebuilding the North-East.

    “Very soon we will begin to see the results everywhere,” the coordinator said

  • We’ll not close Borno IDP camps by May 29 – NEMA

    We’ll not close Borno IDP camps by May 29 – NEMA

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said that the planned closure of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Borno by May 29 was no longer feasible.

    Mr Muhammad Kanar, the NEMA North East Coordinator stated on this Sunday while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri.

    Kanar said that IDPs whose communities had been liberated were, however, free to return home voluntarily.

    “Actually, Gov. Kashim Shettima arrived at the May 29 date for closure of all IDP camps based on his conviction that things will go on as they started from last year.

    “It was Shettima’s hope and the hope of every disaster management expert for the camps to close early so people can return to their normal life,” he said.

    Kanar said that the governor was motivated by the gallant efforts of the military in liberating many communities in a short period.

    “Stakeholders were amazed by the speed our gallant soldiers achieved a lot within a few weeks in the fight against insurgency.

    “They were able to recapture all the 22 Local Government Areas from the Boko Haram and liberated so many communities within and outside the areas.

    “These gave hope and focus that by May 29 government will be able to return IDPs back home.”

    He said that recent developments had almost made it impossible for the hope to be achieved.

    “But now it seems that closing the camps is not possible by the set date. We have to re-plan again.

    “By May 29, any IDP wishing to go back to his place can go, so long as the place is safe enough,” he said.

    Kanar said that the hope of returning all IDPs back home was not totally lost.

    “Up till today the hope is still there, if we can get the place safe, secured those willing to go back can still return.

    “Right now we have satellite camps in all liberated LGAs, where IDPs living in Maiduguri can stay pending when they can move to their communities.

    “If you do not want to stay in Maiduguri, you can go there. Many houses have been rehabilitated and normalcy restored in many LGA headquarters,” he said.