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Tag: Shekau

  • Boko Haram chief Shekau may face trial in US

    Boko Haram chief Shekau may face trial in US

    Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau could be put on trial for terrorism in the United States when caught, it was learnt yesterday.

    United States Acting Assistant Director of Diplomatic Security Amb. Kurt Rice, stated this.

    Rice spoke in a joint-teleconference with Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs David Gilmou from Washington DC. The session was aired to audiences in Abuja, Accra, Lagos and Niamey.

    They spoke on the U.S government’s offer of $23 million (about N3.6b) in cash rewards promised to people that could provide information on some terrorists in the West African countries.

    Among the terrorists is Shekau, who had a $7 million price tag (about N1.6b), placed on his head.

    The Federal government yesterday announced that President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the proscription of Boko Haram and authorised the gazetting of an order declaring the group’s activities illegal and as acts of terrorism.

    The statement by Dr Reuben Abati, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, confirms the exclusive story published by The Nation yesterday.

    Boko Haram’s proscription is gazetted as the Terrorism (Prevention) (Proscription Order) Notice 2013.

    Ansaru, the other terrorist group that came out of Boko Haram, was also proscribed.

    The U.S official said the Nigerian Government needed to urgently evolve ways of reducing youth unemployment, as well as addressing the peoples’ political and socio-economic grievances.

    “For the first time, the U.S Department of State Rewards for Justice Programme has offered rewards for information on key leaders of terrorist organisations in Nigeria and other countries.

    “The rewards are to enable the U.S government get at such terrorists, and take them to its court for prosecution.

    “We are, therefore, urging the Nigerian Government to also come up with a comprehensive approach to its security problems and challenges,’’ he said.

    Rice said that Nigeria’s security problem was a “multi-faceted” one, which also needed “multi-faceted solutions”.

    The U.S Assistant Director of Diplomatic Security said the rewards were to expose and prosecute terrorists targeting U.S properties and citizens in West Africa.

    “We want people to provide us with confidential information and such information will be carefully used in getting at these insurgents,’’ he said.

    “Our intent is to bring him before a court. Our intent in offering this reward at this time is to work with our Nigeria partners to try and make (Nigeria) a more stable and secure area.’’

    “The fact is that this is a shared fight against terrorism. This is one tool we have against terrorism and we find that overtime it has been enormously effective and it has saved a lot of lives and we want to continue doing that,’’ he said.

    Rice also said that the Rewards for Justice programme, an initiative of the U.S Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security, had since inception in 1984, paid about 125 million dollars to 80 people, who provided information on terrorists globally.

    Also speaking, Gilmour ruled out suggestions that the seven million dollar (N1.1bn) bounty offered on the head of Shekau could be counter-productive to Nigeria government amnesty offer to the insurgents.

    He reiterated the U.S. position that security-based solution was not the only way to address the current security challenges in Nigeria.

    He said the U.S. recognised that among Northern Nigeria there were legitimate grievances such as social inequality and youth unemployment.

    “We urge the Nigeria government to take seriously those grievances of the general population of Northern Nigeria,’’ he said.

    He advised security operatives, currently conducting military operations in three states, under the state of emergency , to try and build the confidence of the population to keep them safe.

    The U.S. diplomat on Africa said his government was working closely with Nigeria on security and counter-terrorism issues.

     

  • $23m US reward on Boko Haram chief Shekau, others

    $23m US reward on Boko Haram chief Shekau, others

    20-year jail for sect’s members

     

    INSURGENTS and their backers have suffered another major blow.

    The Federal Government, which is fighting insurgents in three states – Yobe, Adamawa and Borno – has proscribed Boko Haram.

    Besides, it prescribed a 20-year jail term for its members, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    Also yesterday, the United States posted up to $23 million in rewards to help capture five leaders of militant groups which have spread terror in West Africa and Nigeria.

    The highest reward of up to $7 million is offered for the leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, while $5 million each is posted for Al-Qaeda veteran Mokhtar Belmokhtar and Yahya Abou Al-Hammam, a top figure in Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, US officials said.

    The government secured an order from the Federal High Court, Abuja to ban Jamaatu Ahlis-sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad (Boko Haram) and Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis Sudan(JAMBS) from either existing or operating in the country.

    Boko Haram is beleived to have killed over 1,000 Nigerians since 2009. Ansarul emerged this year when it attacked a military convoy on Itakpe-Okene highway on January 19, in protest against the crackdown on terrorists in Mali by African forces.

    JAMBS in February claimed responsibility for the abduction of seven expatriates , including Lebanese and their European counterparts working with a construction firm, SETRACO.

    In proscribing the two groups, the government invoked Section 2 of “The Prevention of Terrorism Act 2011” in approaching the court.

    According to a document obtained by our correspondent from the Registry of the Federal High Court, the proscription order was granted by Justice A. Abdu Kafarati on May 25.

    The motion ex-parte from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation was supported by what a source in the court described as “revealing affidavit sworn to by the Litigation Officer in Civil Litigation Department of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Ballah Alli.

    It was learnt that the government obtained the court order so as to be able to enforce the ongoing operation by Special Forces in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

    It was also learnt that the government’s application was also informed by the need to overrun Boko Haram and Ansarul and apprehend all their sponsors.

    With the court order, any Nigerian who belongs to or professes to belong to Boko Haram or any terrorist group, is liable to 20 years imprisonment.

    Also, any Nigerian who assists, provides logistics, equipment or attends a meeting of either Boko Haram or Ansarul will be jailed for 10 years.

    According to the court records, the government’s ex-parte motion was moved by Mrs. A.O. Mbamali, SAN and supported by Chief State counsel, B.A Saidu Esq; Principal State Counsel, Mrs. O.V. Nwechukwu; and another Principal State counsel, Mrs. H.U. Chime.

    The order of the court, signed by its Registrar, Ashada Babatunde M, dated the May 23, and filed on May 24.

    •declare the activities of the defendants (‘Jamaatu Ahlis-sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad(otherwise known as Boko Haram) and Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis Sudan in any part of this country as terrorism and illegal;

    •proscribe the existence of the defendants Jamaatu Ahlis-sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad(otherwise known as Boko Haram) and Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis Sudan in any part of this country either in groups or as individuals by whatever names they are called; and

    •restrain any person or group of persons from participating in any manner whatsoever in any form of activities involving or concerning the prosecution of the collective intention or otherwise of the said group.

    The court heard Mrs. A.O. Mbamali, SAN (with her B.A Saidu Esq, Chief State counsel, Mrs. O.V. Nwechukwu, Principal State Counsel, Mrs. H.U. Chime, Principal State counsel for the applicant and declared the activities of the defendants illegal.

    It proscribed the existence of the defendants, in any part of this country either in groups or as individuals by whatever names they are called.

    “An order is hereby granted restraining any person or group of persons from participating in any manner whatsoever in any form of activities involving or concerning the prosecution of the collective intention or otherwise of the said group,” the court said.

    A source said the government applied for the proscription of the two groups based on Section 2 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2011.

    Section 2(1-6) in the Act reads in part: “Where two or more persons associate for the purpose of, or where an organisation engages in: (a) participating or collaborating in an act of terrorism (b) promoting, encouraging or extorting others to commit an act of terrorism; or (c) setting up or pursing acts of terrorism, the judge in chambers may on an application made by the Attorney-General, National Security Adviser (NSA) or Inspector General of Police (IGP) on the approval of the President declare any entity to be a proscribed organisation and the notice should be published in official gazette.

    “An order made under subsection (1) of this section shall be published in the official gazette, in two national newspapers and at such other places as the judge in chambers may determine.

    “A publication made under subsection (2) of this section shall contain such relevant particulars as the judge in chambers may specify.

    “A person who belongs or professes to belong to a proscribed organisation commits an offence under this Act and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a maximum term of 20 years.

    “The Attorney-General upon the approval of the President may withdraw the order if satisfied that such proscribed organisation has ceased to engage in act of terrorism (a) the proscribed organisation or person affected by the order made an application on notice; and (b) he is satisfied that a proscribed organisation has ceased to engage in the acts specified in subsection (1) of this section and that there is no likelihood of the organisation engaging in such acts in the future and shall be published in the official gazette.

    “A person who (a) arranges, manages or assists in arranging or managing or participates in a meeting or an activity which he knows is connected with an act of terrorism; (a) provides logistics, equipment or facilities for a meeting of an activity which he knows is connected with an act of terrorism; or (b) attends a meeting which he knows is to support a proscribed organisation or to further the objectives of a proscribed organisation, commits an offence under this Act and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a maximum term of 10 years.”

    As at the time of filing this report, it was not clear whether the Federal Government has foreclosed talks with Boko Haram leaders.

    A source said: “As far as the government is concerned, the two groups are no longer in existence. The government provided a window for dialogue but they have refused to embrace it.

    “You should not expect a government to negotiate with illegal groups anymore.”

     

  • Boko Haram leader Shekau’s associate found dead, says Defence Hqtrs

    Boko Haram leader Shekau’s associate found dead, says Defence Hqtrs

    The Defence Headquarters yesterday said an unnamed associate of Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, has been found dead.

    Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade said the alleged terror agent was found dead by the Special Forces in the vicinity of Lake Chad.

    There is however no independent confirmation of the claim as reporters have no access to the battle front.

    Brig.-Gen. Olukolade added that two other suspected terrorists who were found at the scene were arrested. They are currently in the custody of the Multinational Joint Task Force.

    He said the three suspects were confirmed to have operated in Baga, one of the Boko Haram operational bases in Borno State.

    According to the military, the terrorists were in the process of crossing the border to Niger Republic when they met their ill fate.

    Brig.-Gen. Olukolade stated that more troops of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force have joined the operations by the Special Forces, as more towns are being secured in the operations to rid the nation of terrorist activities.

    “A terrorist believed to be a close associate of insurgents’ leader, Abubakar Shekau has been found dead as he ran errand for the leadership. The other two fellow terrorists, one of which is confirmed to be a Nigerien, are now in the custody of the Multinational Joint Task Force.

    “The three were in the process of crossing the border to the neighbouring Niger Republic through the Lake Chad. The three have been confirmed to have operated in Baga and participated in perpetrating arson and other atrocities around the vicinity of the town.

    “They have been relocating from place to place since they left Baga last month”, the statement added.

     

  • Boko Haram’s Shekau confirms cyber war

    Boko Haram’s Shekau confirms cyber war

    In case anyone still thinks the Federal Government is not already warring against its enemies and opponents in cyberspace, that person had better think twice. Thanks to the recent video released by Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, we now have a confirmation that the Nigerian government is very active in the so-called fifth domain of warfare, the cyberspace. If in 2009, the United States could declare its digital infrastructure a strategic national asset, and the Pentagon could one year later also set up its U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) to defend American military networks and attack other countries’ systems, surely it is no big deal for the Nigerian government to hack into Boko Haram’s cyber operations network and undermine it.

    The Shekau confirmation of cyberwarfare comes after he tried to explain why he took so long in refuting the claim of one Abu Abdulazeez who claimed to have had the mandate of the Boko Haram leader to declare ceasefire and request for dialogue with the Federal Government based on some tentative agreements with the Borno State Government. According to Shekau, he made several attempts to upload a video message denouncing the call for dialogue or announcement of a truce. Every time an attempt was made, he moaned, the Nigerian government either summarily removed the message from the internet or blocked it altogether. Shekau did not say whether the sect has finally got the software to override the government’s interference.

    Hardball intends no insinuation, but it is significant to note that al-Qaeda is fairly adept at cyber war and would not mind pursuing its nihilist intentions by generously distributing to agents and affiliates the skills to conduct their own successful operations in cyberspace. So, too, is Iran, which seems to be giving both Israel and US a run for their money in cyberwarfare. Who can forget that in December 2011, Iran claimed to have hacked into a US spy drone called RQ-170, compromised it, and brought it down safely in Iranian territory? Naturally, the US denied losing any drone through cyber war, insisting, however, that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crashed after handlers lost control of it.

    But more spectacularly, there was the recent combined US/Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear programme, particularly its uranium enrichment program, which is at the centre of its nuclear militarisation process. In 2009 and 2010, the US and Israel deployed the so-called Stuxnet computer virus to sabotage the enrichment process. After Iran recovered from that attack, the two countries deployed an even more virulent cyber weapon identified as W32.Flame said to be “capable of penetrating a system, stealing sensitive data and turning on cameras and computer microphones to obtain additional data or change settings on computer systems.” The war continues, with all manner of footloose cyber warriors, some of them young and independent, causing havoc and gloating with satisfaction.

    Nigeria’s Boko Haram commanders will be bracing up for more attacks. Let us, however, hope that they are not quite stable or smart enough to be on the offensive in the fifth domain of warfare. For if the Americans and their Israeli partners are having headaches coping with Iranian cyberspace affront, imagine what migraine the lowly placed Nigerian government cyberspace managers could have from motivated cyber militants. More importantly, while it may be in the national security interest for Nigeria’s cyberspace warriors to subvert extremist groups like Boko Haram, we must hope that the government ninjas would not be tempted to expand the frontiers of cyberspace war to undermine civil liberties and invade the privacy of citizens. To this extent, therefore, it may not be inappropriate to ask whether the National Assembly Intelligence Committees (House and Senate) are really carrying out their oversight functions in these delicate areas.