TheNewsGuru

Tag: boko haram

  • [2014 – 2021] Timeline of mass school kidnappings in Nigeria

    [2014 – 2021] Timeline of mass school kidnappings in Nigeria

    Gun wielding daredevils have for a couple of years launched coordinated attacks on educational institutions in Nigeria particularly in the northern part.

    Unfortunately, school children have become the latest high-profile kidnapping targets in these attacks.

    What stated as a strange occurrence in Chibok, Borno State in 2014 is fast becoming the norm seven years after, with the latest happening on Friday (today).

    Suspected gunmen attacked a school in Zamfara State, abducting scores of students in the third mass abduction in the past three months.

    The attackers stormed the Government Girls Secondary School in Jangebe in the wee hours of the day.

    Hours later, the Zamfara State Police Command confirmed that three hundred and seventeen students (317) were abducted in the latest kidnapping, a development which Amnesty International described as an “attack on education in Northern Nigeria.”

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG listed below a compilation of the attacks by suspected gunmen from 2014 to date:

    14th April 2014: Boko Haram terrorists invade Chibok School

    The first of these school abductions dated back to April 14th, 2014 when terrorist group Boko Haram attacked the Girls Secondary School in Chibok, a town on the border between Borno and Adamawa states.

    About two hundred students were said to have been kidnapped during the attack in the northeast, a region ravaged by incessant assaults by the terror group.

    The country’s security agencies in the wake of the abduction moved to rescue the schoolchildren. The efforts have yielded some results as 107 of them have been reunited with their families.

    19th Feb. 2018: Boko Haram terrorists abduct Dapchi School Girls in Yobe State

    Barely four years after the attack on Chibok, the insurgents took their onslaught to Yobe, another state in the troubled northwest region. The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed confirmed that 110 students were kidnapped after Boko Haram invaded the Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC) in Dapchi, on Monday, February 19, 2018.

    When the gunmen attacked the all-girls boarding school, many residents of the town had thought they were security forces as they came in camouflaged vehicles.

    Although most of the students have reunited with their families after they were released (on March 21, 2018) by their abductors, Leah Sharibu, is yet to be freed by the gunmen. Reports suggest the 14-year-old, a Christian, wasn’t freed with the others because she refused to convert to Islam.

    Her continued stay in the terrorists’ den has become a subject of national and global interests. But the Nigerian government says it is committed to getting her out of captivity

    11th Dec. 2020: Gunmen Kidnap Kankara Boys

    While the country battles to eradicate terror attacks from Boko Haram, mass kidnapping of schoolchildren spread to the northwestern region. On Friday, December 11th, bandits took three hundred and three students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina into captivity.

    The incident which happened just as President Buhari embarked on a week-long vacation in his home state of Katsina, security experts believe, further underscored the porous nature of Nigerian schools.

    But, a week after the students were taken into captivity, their abductors released them. The government denied paying a ransom to secure the students from the all-boys educational institution.

    The presidency had said the release of the students is a pointer to the administration’s resolve to ensure the safety of Nigerians, thanking security agencies for their swiftness.

    Feb. 17th 2021: Bandits abduct another 41 In Kagara, Niger State

    Gunmen invaded a school in Niger State on Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 kidnapping 41 persons.

    The gunmen raided the Government Science College Kagara, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, capturing students, teachers, and their family members from the school. Twenty-seven students were among the abductees.

    Buhari had, following the incident, given a marching order to security agents to rescue the students and ensure they return and are reunited with their parents unhurt.

    The State governor, Abubakar Sani Bello had also ordered the closure of all boarding schools in the northcentral state, a move he said, was to forestall similar mass abduction.

    26th Feb. 2021: 317 Female Students Abducted In Jangebe, Zamfara State

    Less than ten days after the bandits raided Kagara, gunmen kidnapped 317 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Science Secondary School Jangebe in Jangebe, Zamfara State. The incident happened on Friday, February 26th, 2021

    The all-female school located in Talata-Mafara Local Government Area of the state was attacked past midnight. Police authorities in Zamfara say rescue efforts are in top gear, calling for calm among residents of the state.

  • Death toll in rocket attack on Maiduguri rises to 16

    Death toll in rocket attack on Maiduguri rises to 16

    The death toll in Tuesday’s attack by Boko Haram fighters on Maiduguri, the Borno State capital has risen to 16, hospital officials said yesterday.

    Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, after visits to both University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and State Specialist Hospital, had said 10 persons were killed and 47 persons injured.

    But new details emerged yesterday from sources at the two hospitals that the death toll had risen to 16.

    One of the sources, a nurse, said three persons died on Tuesday night after the governor’s visit.

    The nurse, who spoke anonymously as she was not authorised to speak to the press said three other persons died yesterday.

    She said: “It is said that six people were lost at both hospitals after the initial 10 persons that were brought in dead.

    “Three died before the break of day and the three others died this morning. We can only pray that no more death is recorded as there are few other persons in critical situation.”

    A security source also confirmed that the death toll has risen from what the governor made public.

    A press statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Mallam Isa Gusau, had said the governor was at the two hospitals yesterday to sympathise with those injured in the attack.

    He said after Boko Haram fighters fired shots from Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs), on parts of the town, 10 persons were killed and 47 others were injured.

    He stated that the RPGs were fired from Kaleri, an outskirt of Maiduguri, with grenades hitting Gwange and Adam Kolo communities, both densely populated areas in the inner city.

    He said most of the deaths occurred in Gwange, adding that one of the RPG shots hit a children’s playground in the area.

    The governor also spoke on the military regaining Marte from the insurgents.

    He said he was not just pleased but also optimistic that the military would work hard to retain, continue its peace-building and stability efforts in ways that should ensure the insurgents do not take Marte again, or any other part of the state.

  • BREAKING: FG set to commence trial of 5,000 Boko Haram suspects

    BREAKING: FG set to commence trial of 5,000 Boko Haram suspects

    The Federal Government said it will soon commence the trial of 5,000 suspected Boko Haram members who are in various detention facilities across the country.

    The Director General of Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Borno Governor Babagana Zulum at the Government House, Maiduguri.

    Abubakar identified Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri, Kainji Correctional facilities, among the locations were the suspects are being detained over their alleged involvement in the activities of the Boko Haram sect.

    He said the trial would be conducted by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Office of the National Security Advisers in collaboration with the Theartre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, while the Legal Aid Council has been mandated to provide defence for the inmates.

    He explained that the legal aid team has so far interviewed 283 suspects as part of efforts to establish their involvement in terrorism and as well understand the nature of the crime they committed.

    “As their defence counsel, we have to interview them from time to time to enable us know their own part of the story. It so because regardless of the crimes they committed, it is possible that out of hundreds, you may find out that one or two persons are innocent.

    “It is necessary for them to be represented by this council to make sure that all the requirements of the law are fulfilled. All evidence must be presented against them before the court of the law so that those found guilty would be prosecuted. In as much as every body is aware of the nature of the crime they have committed, under our laws, they are innocent until proven guilty,” he said.

    Abubakar lauded the leadership of Operation Lafiya Dole for providing the legal team with access to its detention facility to meet the inmates and interact with them.

    He said the recent changes made in the military leadership would transform into progress in the quest to bring an end to insurgency and banditry in the country.

    Governor Zulum said the government is ready to partner with the federal government to enable it achieve its mandate.

    Represented by the Deputy Governor, Zulum lauded the council for providing legal support to the people of the state while assuring them of the government’s commitment to support the the council financially.

    He also urged the federal government and other stakeholders to adopt a sustainable plan in the Operation Safe Corridor program geared towards the rehabilitation of former insurgents.

    He said the lack of a proper exit sustainability plan in the program has hampered its success.

  • UPDATED: 10 killed, 47 injured in Maiduguri explosions

    UPDATED: 10 killed, 47 injured in Maiduguri explosions

    Ten persons have been killed while 47 persons are said to have sustained injuries from the explosions that rocked Maiduguri, the Borno State capital on Tuesday evening.

    Hospital officials where the affected persons were rushed to, confirmed the figures to Governor Babagana Zulum who was there to assess the situation.

    Residents of the area were thrown into panic mode at about 7:00 pm when multiple sources reported gunshots and explosions near the Gomari area of the state.

    Sources said explosions were also heard in Mairi area, a student’s village near the University of Maiduguri.

    But the military immediately deployed gun trucks to the area as earlier reports indicated that worshippers in a mosque on the street called “Layin Bori” may have been killed.

    Shortly after, it observed that an air patrol had also commenced as the military combed the marked area around Gwange.

    This is the first attack on Maiduguri town in a long time and this may not be unconnected with the sustained onslaught on insurgents in the Sambisa axis of the state.

    Sustained attacks on Boko Haram strongholds have in the past forced the insurgents to regroup as they sometimes filter into towns or attack soft targets.

  • Battle of supremacy rages in Boko Haram/ISWAP camps

    Battle of supremacy rages in Boko Haram/ISWAP camps

    Fierce battle between Abubakar Shekau-led Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has broken out in the terrorists’ camps leading to the killing of several of their fighters.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    Yerima said the incident which took place in a border area between Nigeria and the Niger Republic was revealed by Al Thabat, an al-Qaida affiliated media outfit.

    He said that Al Thabat, in a statement, said Jama’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihad, commonly known as Boko Haram, killed ISWAP insurgents in the village of Sunawa on the Nigeria-Niger border.

    According to him, the battle occurred after ISWAP abducted dozens of women linked to Boko Haram.

    “The group subsequently attacked the ISWAP base and rescued the women.

    “It will be recalled that ISWAP broke off from the Shekau led Boko Haram in 2016, and since then, a bitter war of attrition and violent confrontations between both factions have been recurrent.

    “This incident has once again exposed the disorganised and disoriented nature of these criminals,” he said.

    Yerima said that the Nigerian Army in recent operations continued to dismantle all logistics and operational bases of the insurgents along the Lake Chad Basin axis and Sambisa forest area.

    He said the troops had in one of its operations in Sambisa forest discovered and destroyed Abubakar Shekau’ farm and rescued abducted victims.

    “The Nigerian Army wishes to use this medium to reassure Nigerians of the determination of troops to clear the remnants terrorists out of the Nigerian territory,” he said.

  • COAS gives troops 48-Hour ultimatum to clear Boko Haram remnants in four Borno communities

    COAS gives troops 48-Hour ultimatum to clear Boko Haram remnants in four Borno communities

    The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru has given a 48-hour marching order for the clearance of Marte and three other communities in Borno state.

    Attahiru gave the order in Dikwa Local Government, the headquarters of the Super Camp 9 Operation Lafiya Dole.

    “In the last few days we have had attacks in your Area of Responsibility: it is now high time we get back and fight through and support our forces ahead of you. Areas around Marte, Chukungudu, Krenoa and Kirta Wulgo must be cleared in the next 48 hours,” he said.

    “You can rest assured of all the support required in this very onerous task. I have just spoken to your Theatre Commander, General Officer Commanding, you cannot let this nation down. Go there and do the needful and I will be right behind you. Ensure you do your job, and do your job well.

    “They have presented certain issues that came up, sooner rather than later we would address; where there are no adequate A and B vehicles we would provide with these few remarks. I wish you well on the operation and I know the morale is high.”

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the COAS’ visit is sequeĺ to attacks in the next town, Marte which filters to Dikwa causing panic among civilians.

    Normalcy has since been restored in Dikwa and the army chief has addressed the people, seeking their cooperation and support.

    Attahiru directed the immediate clearance operations in Marte and other towns harbouring insurgents in the Super camp 9 Area of responsibility.

    The order comes 24 hours after insurgents believed to be members of Boko Haram hoisted their flag in parts of Marte local government in Borno State, according to military sources.

    The insurgents repeatedly attacked the local government within the week.

    On Friday, the insurgents attacked neighbouring Dikwa local government.

    But they were repelled by a combined effort of the air component and ground forces of Operation Lafiya Dole in a battle that lasted hours, sources said.

  • Boko Haram repeatedly attacks LG in Borno, hoists flag

    Boko Haram repeatedly attacks LG in Borno, hoists flag

    Insurgents believed to be members of Boko Haram have hoisted their flag in parts of Marte local government in Borno State, according to military sources.

    According to a report by Channels Television, the insurgents repeatedly attacked the local government within the week.

    On Friday, the insurgents attacked neighbouring Dikwa local government.

    They were repelled by a combined effort of the air component and ground forces of Operation Lafiya Dole in a battle that lasted hours, sources said.

    Meanwhile, the attack dislodged many residents of Dikwa who fled into bushes to take refuge.

    The insurgents also laid an ambush for the reinforcements deployed from the theatre command headquarters located in Maiduguri.

    The attack on Marte came barely two months after the Borno state government resettled 500 households in New Marte.

    The casualty figure for the attack is still unknown, but some soldiers injured from Marte have since been evacuated to Maiduguri where they are currently being treated.

  • Buratai: Boko Haram crisis may not end in 20 years time

    Buratai: Boko Haram crisis may not end in 20 years time

    A former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), on Thursday said the Boko Haram insurgency may not end in 20 years time.

    He said the terrorists have, for a long time, indoctrinated the people, making it difficult to defeat them within a short period.

    Buratai spoke when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening as non-career ambassadors-designate.

    The former army chief said though Nigerian troops in collaboration with their counterparts in neighbouring Cameroon, Chad and Niger, have been recording successes in anti-Boko Haram war, military onslaught alone cannot end the crisis.

    Buratai said there are political and socio-economic factors that need to be addressed, adding that many communities in northern Nigeria lacked basic amenities.

    “Our troops are also collaborating with Chadian and Cameroonian troops. We recorded successes. But the terrorists have permeated into the society.

    “My state (Borno) is an epicentre where this indoctrination has penetrated so deep. It is not something you can get right over night.

    “Only the military cannot solve this problem. There were socio-economic factors that need to be addressed. There should be basic amenities, but they are missing.

    “I can count five local government areas in Borno without good road. The same thing is in Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto. In other northern states there are so many ungovernable spaces, because of lack of access road and other basic amenities.

    “This crisis might not end in 20 years time. We have achieved a lot of successes but we cannot continue to use the same tactics and achieve different results,” he said.

  • N40m fraud: EFCC closes case against ‘Mama Boko Haram’, others

    N40m fraud: EFCC closes case against ‘Mama Boko Haram’, others

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Maiduguri Zonal Office, has closed its case in the ongoing trial of Aisha Alkali Wakil, popularly known as “Mama Boko Haram,” before Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri.

    The prosecution closed its case today after calling the last two witnesses, Geoffrey Okolorie(PW3) and Bashir Abubakar (PW4).

    Okolorie, a staff of the Digital Forensic Unit of the EFCC, Abuja office, while giving evidence told the court that his unit received a letter alongside five mobile phones belonging to Aisha Alkali Wakil, Tahiru Saidu Daura, and Prince Lawal Shoyode from the Maiduguri EFCC office, requesting that a digital forensic analysis be carried out on the mobile devices.

    He said upon the receipt of the devices, a case file was opened and a number assigned..“I compressed the devices and took out the SIM cards and extracted the data from the SIMs through the cellebrite universal extraction device. The data was extracted in one terabyte storage device.

    “Thereafter I cloned each of the SIM cards and slotted them in and connected the phones to the cellebrite charger device and extracted the data on each phone into the storage device.

    “At the end of the process, I examined the data on a computer system using a physical analyzer which decode the data and as such the analyses did not reflect in its entirety the WhatsApp messages.

    “I then manually examined the phones and found out the WhatsApp chat communication between Aisha Alkali Wakil, Tahiru Saidu Daura, and Prince Lawal Shoyode. I employed the cellebrite camera and took a screenshot using the cellebrite universal forensic extraction device.

    “I finally copied the data on a Compact Disk and marked it with the case file number”.

    After his testimony, counsel to the second defendant, Zanna Hamza opted not to cross-examine the witness. He informed the court that based on the scientific testimony of PW3, he will need a short adjournment to enable him to study the testimony and cross-examine the witness.

    PW4 Bashir Abubakar, who is the complainant, told the court that he is a businessman at Gidan Madara, Maiduguri, and the Chief Executive Officer of To-Day’s Super Store and Duty-Free respectively.

    According to him, “On 5th May 2018, the Programme Manager of Complete Care and Aid Foundation, Tahiru Saidu Daura called and informed me that his NGO had a contract for the supply of 5 X-ray machines at the rate of N13m each.

    “I was later informed by Tahiru that they have a reputable contractor who can execute the supply, hence I was given a ‘Letter of Introduction’ and ‘Authorization’ to transfer the money.

    “Based on the letters I received, I transferred the sum N40m into Saidu Mukhtar’s UBA bank account from my Fidelity bank account on 16th May 2018.
    “I was later informed to come and collect an acknowledgment letter for the money I transferred and expect my money after forty-five days”.

    He further testified that he was not paid after the promised date despite repeated appeals to the first and second defendants to honour the promise they made to him. He said he was left with no other option than to report to the EFCC.

    Justice Fadawu adjourned till March 1, 2021, for the defendants to open their case and ordered further remand of all the defendants in Maiduguri Correctional Centre.

    The first defendant, Wakil who is the Chief Executive Officer of Complete Care and Aid Foundation (NGO) is facing trial alongside Prince Lawal Shoyade and Tahiru Saidu Daura Programme Manager and Country Director respectively for alleged fraud to the tune of N40, 000, 000 (Forty Million Naira).

  • Nigerian troops battle Boko Haram in Borno, recover gun truck, others

    Nigerian troops battle Boko Haram in Borno, recover gun truck, others

    Attempt by Boko Haram insurgency group to attack Gamboru Ngala town in Borno State was thwarted by Nigerian troops on Thursday, according to a report by PRNigeria.

    The website, quoting military sources said the troops overwhelmed the insurgents with superior firepower.

    According to the sources as the terrorists advanced towards the town from various locations, they were effectively repelled and overwhelmed by troops who fought their way out, killing a number of them and recovering a gun truck, motorcycles among other weapons.

    In a sustained onslaught against the Boko Haram insurgents, the Nigerian troops operating under the auspices of Operation Tura Ta Kai Bango have of late been combing different axis in the state in search of remnants of the insurgents.

    It is believed in many quarters that the new initiative and vigour of taking the war to the terrorist elements in their hideouts will be the clincher that will finally seal the fate of the terrorists.