TheNewsGuru

Tag: boko haram

  • Missing Alpha Jet: We are thoroughly analysing video released by Boko Haram – Nigerian Air Force

    Missing Alpha Jet: We are thoroughly analysing video released by Boko Haram – Nigerian Air Force

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said it is currently analysing the video released by Boko Haram, claiming to have shot down the Alpha Jet that was declared missing.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information made this known on Friday night.

    He stated that although the video is still being thoroughly analysed, most parts of it were doctored to give the false impression that the aircraft was shot down.

    Recall that a NAF Alpha Jet aircraft was reported missing in Borno State on 31 March 2021 after losing radar contact.

    Meanwhile, a faction of Boko Haram came out to claim responsibility for the missing aircraft, saying they shot it down.

    However, the Nigerian Air Force is saying it is almost impossible for an aircraft to have exploded mid-air in the manner depicted in the video.

    Gabkwet in the statement stressed an explosive impact of that nature would have scattered the debris of the aircraft across several miles.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been drawn to some videos being circulated on Social Media, as well as media reports drawn therefrom, alleging that the NAF Alpha Jet aircraft, which was reported missing in Borno State on 31 March 2021 after losing radar contact, was shot down by terrorists.

    “One of such videos, in particular, began with sporadic shooting by several terrorists, including underaged children on motorcycles and vehicles.

    “It later skipped abruptly to a scene depicting an aircraft exploding mid-air, supposedly as a result of enemy action.

    “Another part of the video showed a terrorist, who, while standing by the wreckage, claimed that they had shot down the NAF aircraft.

    “Although the video is still being thoroughly analysed, it is evident that most parts of the video were deliberately doctored to give the false impression that the aircraft was shot down.

    “For instance, the video clip failed to show the correlation between the sporadic shooting, which even from casual observation was obviously aimed at ground targets, and the sudden mid-air aircraft explosion.

    “In addition, it is almost impossible for an aircraft to have exploded mid-air, in the manner depicted in the video, and still have a good part of its fuselage, including its tail, intact. Indeed, an explosive impact of that nature would have scattered the debris of the aircraft across several miles.

    “It is obvious that the Boko Haram Sect, in its characteristic manner of employing false propaganda, is seeking to claim credit for what was obviously an air accident that could have been caused by several other reasons; particularly at a time when the capability of the group to inflict mayhem has been significantly degraded by the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    “Consequently, Nigerians are please advised to ignore the contents of the videos making the rounds until all investigations as to how the aircraft crashed are completed.

    “The NAF, on its part, remains resolute and will continue to work assiduously, in synergy with sister Services and other security agencies, to rid the North East of all terrorist elements”.

  • Boko Haram claims responsibility for crashed NAF fighter jet

    Boko Haram claims responsibility for crashed NAF fighter jet

    Boko Haram militant group has claimed responsibility for the shooting down of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jet that went missing on Wednesday.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that NAF had earlier today said the fighter jet may have crashed with whereabouts of its two pilots still largely unknown.

    The Alpha light attack jet was on a mission to support troops fighting militants in Borno state when it lost radar contact on Wednesday, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said.

    Nigeria’s military have been battling jihadists in the northeast of the country for more than a decade and have recently been fighting them in their stronghold in Sambisa forest in Borno state.

    The video, which could not be verified as at press time, was released on a Boko Haram social media channel showing a militant standing on what the group claims is the wreckage of the jet. It shows the Nigerian flag and number NAF 475 on its fuselage.

    “Nigeria air force jet fighter… was sent to Sambisa to fight the Mujahideen,” the militant said.

    The air force said on Friday that the jet may have crashed. It said the cause of the crash and the whereabouts of the two crew onboard were unknown.

    “Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing by NAF surveillance aircraft as well as NAF Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops on ground,” its statement said.

    “At this point, the NAF is not ruling out anything regarding the incident. It however remains hopeful that the crew would soon be found and rescued.”

  • Days after electricity was restored, Boko Haram blows up power tower, throws Maiduguri into darkness again

    Days after electricity was restored, Boko Haram blows up power tower, throws Maiduguri into darkness again

    Barely three days after electricity was restored in Maiduguri, Boko Haram terrorists have plunged the North-East city into darkness again after blowing up a power tower on Saturday.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that in January, the terrorists had struck power installations thrice to keep the city in the dark.

    It took power authorities almost two months to repair the damage inflicted in January as the insurgents laid land mines, which injured officials of the Transmission Company of Nigeria when repairs commenced.

    Repairs had to progress under heavy military escort, as residents and business owners turned to alternative power generating sets for electricity.

    Last Wednesday, residents expressed elation after electricity from the national grid was restored.

    But that elation now seems short-lived after Saturday’s attack.

    Confirmning the development, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on Saturday said the insurgents vandalised two towers on the Damaturu – Maidugiri 330kiloVolt (KV)Transmission Line.

    TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, said this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday, said that the two towers were bombed early on Saturday .

    Mbah said that the Saturday vandalism took place after TCN had made concerted effort and restored power to Maiduguri on March 24, two months after the first incident.

    “The incident which occurred at about 5.56 a.m. on March 27 again cut power supply to Maiduguri and its environs.

    ” This time, the insurgents chain bombed two other towers; T152 and T153 on the same line route of the other incident,” she said.

    She, however, said TCN would continue to do all that it could to ensure power supply was restored to the affected areas.

  • Electricity restored to Maiduguri two months after Boko Haram attacks

    Electricity restored to Maiduguri two months after Boko Haram attacks

    There was wild jubilation by some residents of Maiduguri town following the restoration of electricity on Wednesday evening after two months of total blackout.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two months blackout was caused by the destruction of some of the towers supplying electricity to the city from the national grid by insurgents along the Maiduguri-Damaturu road.

    Some of the residents who spoke to NAN lauded the commitment shown by staff of the Tranmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) and Borno Government in restoring the light.

    “They deserve commendation, particularly the staff of TCN and soldiers providing them security during the work. They even encountered bomb attack while working to restore light.

    “Our Governor, Babagana Zulum, also deserve special commendation for his contribution to ensure that we get light,” Ibrahim Abubakar of Gwange ward said.

    Baba Kundiri, Sadisu Mohammed and Usman Gomari also expressed joy over the development and prayed it never happened again.

    “We really suffered without light in view of the hot weather, and have been disturbed on how we are going to face the coming Ramadan period in hot season without light,” Kundiri said.

    Confirming the restoration of electricity, the Corporate Communication Manager of Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC), in charge of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Taraba states, Mr Kingsley Nkemneme, said since the incident on January 29, all stakeholders had been working to address the problem.

    He lauded customers for the patience and resilience shown and assured that YEDC remains committed to serve them better.

  • Boko Haram attacks Yobe community, burns military base, school, healthcare centre

    Boko Haram attacks Yobe community, burns military base, school, healthcare centre

    Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents on Tuesday attacked Katarko community in Gujba Local Government Council of Yobe State.

    According to a report by Channels Television, the insurgents also burnt down a primary school and a healthcare centre located in the community.

    Confirming the attack, a resident Fantami Kura told said the gunmen stormed the community at about 5:30 am when they were going to the mosque for prayers.

    “We came out as usual around 5.30 am for prayers, we sighted the gunmen, we immediately alerted our people and run into bush for safety.

    “They proceeded straight to the military formation in Katarko shooting sporadically and later set the base on fire”

    The number of casualties is still unknown at the time of this report, however efforts to contact the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole in Damaturu, Lieutenant Kennedy Anyanwu proved abortive.

    Katarko community which is 18 kilometers south of Damaturu the state capital, has been under attack over 10 times.

  • Negotiations with Boko Haram increasing attacks on schools –VC

    Negotiations with Boko Haram increasing attacks on schools –VC

    The vice-chancellor, Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno State, Prof. Mohammed Kyari, has said that attacks on schools will continue as long as insurgency in the North East is not defeated.

    Kyari stated this in his convocation lecture titled, ‘Dialogue with the deaf: Education and insurgency’, marking the fifth-13th convocation of the Adamawa State University, Mubi.

    Kyari blamed the Federal Government for indirectly fuelling insurrection with ransom payment for the release of abducted school children.

    The VC said that although the government claimed that as a policy, it would not negotiate with terrorists, it had been involved in dialogue with terrorists, as evidenced by the release of abducted school children from Dapchi to Kankara.

    He said, “The government of Nigeria has been dialoguing with Boko Haram. No matter what claims the country is making, it cannot deny not talking to the insurgents through back channels. This is what has led to the release of some of the Chibok and Dapchi, girls.

    “One of the reasons why Boko Haram and bandits have continued to attack schools is because of payment of ransoms. A lot of money has been exchanging hands, with Boko Haram, terrorists at the receiving end.

    “Unfortunately, anytime there’s abduction, something happens, even though the government says it has a policy not to negotiate with terrorists.”

  • BREAKING: 25 Boko Haram terrorists killed, several weapons recovered as troops intensifies clearance operations

    BREAKING: 25 Boko Haram terrorists killed, several weapons recovered as troops intensifies clearance operations

    More than twenty weapons have been recovered in a clearance operation against Boko Haram Terrorists in Borno State.

    According to a statement by the Nigerian Army’s Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, on Wednesday in Abuja, troops captured cache of arms and ammunition during the clearance operation.
    “Troops of `Operation Tura Takaibango’ have killed 25 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Chikun Gudu and Kerenoa in Borno State…”, he said.

    He he added that Chikun Gudu and Kerenoa are adjoining villages under Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

    The army PRO stated that two Browny Machine Gun, 20 AK47 Rifles, five FN Rifles, two 60mm Motar Tube and two General Purpose Machine Guns were recovered by the troops during the encounter.
    Yerima said that the operation was conducted on Tuesday by the combined troops of Sector I, Operation Lafiya Dole and 402 Special Forces Brigade.

    According to him: “Other weapons captured during the operation also include three Anti Aircraft Guns, two Automatic Grenade Launchers, two gun trucks and one CJTF Hilux amongst others.
    “The troops not swayed by the success project further to ensure no elements of the terrorists were left within the area.’’

    He noted that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru expressed satisfaction on the operation, adding that he urged the troops to maintain the momentum.
    According to the army spokesman, General Attahiru also instructed the troops not relent in their new offensive against the terrorists.

  • Boko Haram: Seek support from neighbouring countries now, Gov Zulum tells FG

    Boko Haram: Seek support from neighbouring countries now, Gov Zulum tells FG

    Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has called on the Federal Government to seek support from neighbouring countries in the fight against insurgency.

    Zulum said this on Wednesday at the North East Governors’ Forum held in Bauchi, the state Bauchi state capital, noting that joint action is required to end the insurgency.

    “Again, I want to use this opportunity to call on the Federal Government to seek support from our neighbours, especially the Republic of Chad and Niger with a view to providing a joint action that will look into the possibility of ending this crisis.

    “Furthermore, Federal Government has to look into the possibility of employing mercenaries with a view to ending this insurgency.

    “For us to end this insurgency, we must be committed enough. We must bring in external support; ensure mercenaries are hired to end this insurgency,” the governor said.

    Zulum, who is also the Chairman of the North East Governors’ Forum urged the newly appointed service chiefs to devise new strategies and initiatives in tackling insecurity in the country.

    “Violence been perpetrated by the insurgents seems to be on the increase both in scope and viciousness and it has become a matter of tactical necessity for the new service chiefs to devise new strategies to counter the current attacks and forestall any future attacks.

    “Undoubtedly, the commitment of our military to the war against insurgency is unquestionable and the determination to succeed is undeniable.

    “However the current escalation of deadly attacks by the terrorists and the various causes of actions being pursued seems to have some limitations in terms of the expected impact. Hence, the need for a new set of a pragmatic approach to completely subdue the terrorist and ultimately end the insurgency,” Zulum added.

  • Boko Haram terrorists attack Borno LG, kidnap seven aid workers

    Boko Haram terrorists attack Borno LG, kidnap seven aid workers

    Boko Haram terrorists on Monday attacked Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State and abducted at least seven aid workers.

    According to reports and eyewitness accounts, the insurgents during the attack also burnt the offices of the aid workers, destroyed government facilities, and hospitals belonging to NGOs.

    An eyewitness said that the insurgents stormed the town at 5:30 pm on Monday evening, and have since been in control of the town.

    The eyewitness said troops have been battling to dislodge the town throughout the night.

    Reinforcement from Ajiri town was ambushed by the insurgents in the early hours of Tuesday which slowed every attempt to engage the Boko Haram insurgents when they struck.

    Some aid workers who based in the town said the insurgents set ablaze buildings and health facilities belonging to humanitarian workers.

    The attack is coming 24 hours after the state governor Babagana Zulum returned from a trip after spending three nights in Dikwa.

    Zulum left Maiduguri on Wednesday, a day after Marte was liberated, and proceeded to Dikwa where he stayed till Saturday, proceeded to Ngala, and returned to Maiduguri on Sunday.

    According to sources stuck in the area, the insurgents are currently moving freely in the town, and have mounted a checkpoint at the exit preventing people from fleeing to Maiduguri.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the Chief of Army staff had recently visited the headquarters of the Army Super Camp 9 located in Dikwa, where he gave troops a 48-hour ultimatum to clear insurgents from neighboring Marte local government.

    At least 35,000 people had fled Marte to Dikwa when the insurgents attacked.

  • Order Military to rescue Pastor abducted by Boko Haram, CAN tells Buhari

    Order Military to rescue Pastor abducted by Boko Haram, CAN tells Buhari

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately order the military to rescue Pastor Bulud Yakuru from the Boko Haram terrorists before it is too late.

    Pastor Yakuru of EYN Church of the Brethren was reportedly abducted on December 24, 2020, when the terrorists attacked Pemi Village in Borno State and killed no fewer than seven people.

    The Pastor who has been in the custody of the Abubakar Shekau-led faction of Boko Haram since last year was on Wednesday reportedly given a one-week ultimatum for their demands to be met by the government or Pastor Yakuru will be killed.

    In a statement issued on Saturday, CAN President, Samson Ayokunle, said although the association is not aware of the demand, it, however, appealed to the Federal Government to secure the cleric’s release.

    “Our appeal is to the President, the military and the Borno State government to ensure that Pastor Yakuru is not murdered like the district chairman of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN) and CAN Chairman of Michika Local Government in Adamawa State, Rev Lawan Andimi,” the statement partly read.

    “The leadership of CAN believes that the freedom of Pastor Yakuru is a litmus test for the new Service Chiefs and the whole world is watching whether they will live up to the expectations of or not.

    “If the then American President, Donald Trump could put his acts together from far away America and ordered his military to rescue one kidnapped American in Nigeria, then our President has no excuse or whatsoever not to act decisively and rescue Pastor Yakuru.

    “Why should the government leave the citizens of this country at the mercy of insurgents, bandits and kidnappers? What then is the essence of having a government in place?”

    CAN recalled that the recent abductions of schoolchildren, describing the most kidnap of over 300 schoolgirls in Zamfara State as shocking.