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Tag: boko haram

  • Borno killings: Nigeria at mercy of terrorists, we’re being denied weapons – Lai Mohammed

    Borno killings: Nigeria at mercy of terrorists, we’re being denied weapons – Lai Mohammed

    Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Monday, in Makurdi, the Benue State capital advanced the reason why Boko Haram activities may continue unabated, saying that Nigeria has been denied access to acquire adequate weapons to fight terrorists.

    Speaking to journalists after he paid a courtesy visit on the state governor, Samuel Ortom, at the government house, Mohammed said “Nigerians will remain at the mercy of terrorists”.

    The minister described the killing of rice farmers as ‘unfortunate’ but noted that to decimate the terrorist group, the country needed more support from global partners as well as acquiring adequate weapons to fight them.

    The minister said, “When we talk about terrorism, people don’t seem to appreciate that terrorism is not a local issue, it is a global issue and there is no part of the world that doesn’t experience its own pocket of terrorism.

    “But you must also note that we are dealing with terrorists who are financed globally and we also need more support from global partners, for instance, Nigeria has made an attempt to acquire a better and more effective platform to deal with terrorists but for one reason or the other we have been denied this platform, these weapons and without adequate weapons or platform we remain at the mercy of terrorists.

    The minister further said, “You see fighting terrorists is not a joke because what actually happened in Borno State is unfortunate but you must also look at the strategy of the terrorists.

    “Terrorists use media and publicity as oxygen, so when they go on this kind of mindless killing of people. It is not that the government is not doing enough, terrorism whether in Afghanistan or anywhere in the world has the same concept, a group of people who are extremist in their thoughts who don’t think that you and me should be alive.”

    Governor Samuel Ortom commended the federal government for the deployment of Operation Whirl Stroke to the state.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Monday, in Makurdi, the Benue State capital flanked by Gov. Ortom and his Deputy, dressed in Benue traditional attires

  • 43 farmers killed by Boko Haram have no clearance to farm – Presidency

    43 farmers killed by Boko Haram have no clearance to farm – Presidency

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, has said that the Zambari massacre could have been avoided, as the 43 farmers killed by Boko Haram on Saturday did not have military clearance to be on the rice farms when the attack happened.

    Shehu said this in an interview with BBC on Monday. He said he was not blaming the victims but that the truth must be said.

    The Special Assistant also said the government was sad about the massacre.

    “Forty-three or thereabout of innocent farm workers, most of them had their throats slit by a heartless band of terrorists, he said.”

    Shehu while clearing the air stated that people needed to know what it is like in the Lake Chad Basin area.

    “Much of the area has been liberated from Boko Haram terrorists but there are a number of spaces that have not been cleared for the return of villagers who have been displaced,” he said.

    Shehu noted that all of these places ought to pass the test of military clearances before farmers or settlers resume activities on those fields.

    The President’s spokesman revealed that terrorists had planted land mines in several places in Borno State. He said that nobody ought to go to these places until the military has cleared such places.

    “When people are willing to go back, a lot of those spaces are to be cleared and cast as being OK for human habitation or agricultural activity,” he said.

  • Troops raid terrorists’ hideouts, eliminate 5 in Borno

    Troops raid terrorists’ hideouts, eliminate 5 in Borno

    Troops of Operation Fire Ball have eliminated five Boko Haram (BHT)/ISWAP terrorists and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition as well as bags of assorted grains in recent attacks on their hideouts in Borno.

    The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig.-Gen. Benard Onyeuko, disclosed this in statement on Sunday.

    Onyeuko said that Operation Fire Ball, a subsidiary of Operation Lafiya Dole, had continued to clear terrorists from their identified enclaves in the North East.

    He said the troops of Army Super Camp 11 Gamboru-Ngala, on Nov. 27, overran the terrorists’ hideout at Garal and Bulankesa Villages.

    He said that the troops eliminated two terrorists in the encounter while others fled in disarray with fatal injuries.

    Onyeuko said that troops deployed in Pulka also raided a terrorists’ logistics base at Ashigashiya on Friday, killing two terrorists while others escaped with debilitating gunshot wounds.

    According to him, bags of assorted grains and other food items were recovered and the logistics warehouse was destroyed.

    “Similarly, troops of 27 Task Force Brigade also laid in wait for some suspected BHT/ISWAP criminals around Doksa general area same day.

    “Troops engaged the criminals with superior gun fire, forcing the terrorists to flee into the Bush in disarray.

    “In the aftermath of the encounter, one terrorist was neutralised while items such as one AK 47 rifle, two mobile phones, one bow and arrow and Boko Haram Terrorists pass slip were recovered.

    “The recovered items are in custody for profiling,” he said.

    The military Spokesperson said the military high command had commended the troops for their dedication and determination to flush the remnants of the terrorists from their hideouts.

    He also encouraged the troops not to relent but build on the successes recorded so far.

    He also assured that the high command was determined to rout the remnants of Boko Haram/ISWAP criminals from their enclaves.

  • Borno killing: 10 women still missing, says Amnesty

    Borno killing: 10 women still missing, says Amnesty

    Global rights group, Amnesty International, says 10 women working in the Kwashaba rice farm where Boko Haram slaughtered 43 persons, are still missing.

    Amnesty said this in a tweet on Sunday.

    The organisation further stated that 16 out of the 43 farmers that were killed were actually Internally Displaced Persons.

    The tweet read in part, “Boko Haram and other armed groups must renounce their unlawful and vicious campaign of violence against civilians. The Nigerian authorities, for their part, must do more to protect civilians and bring the perpetrators of all such attacks to justice.

    “Amnesty International’s findings show that, of the 43 farmers slaughtered by Boko Haram yesterday, 16 were Internally Displaced Persons resident at Farm Centre IDP Camp while 10 women working in Kwashabe rice farm are still missing after the attack.”

    The bodies of the victims were taken to Zabarmari village, two kilometres away, where they would be kept ahead of burial on Sunday.

  • Photos: Tears as Gov Zulum leads residents to bury farmers killed By Boko Haram

    Photos: Tears as Gov Zulum leads residents to bury farmers killed By Boko Haram

    Tears flowed in Jere local government area of Borno State as Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum on Sunday morning led kinsmen and other residents at Zabarmari for the funeral of 43 farmers killed by Boko Haram terrorists.

    At least forty farmers were killed on Saturday morning around Marrabati and Hammayya villages, near Zabarmari in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State by Boko Haram terrorists.

    The farmers were waylaid on their way to their rice farms which they were harvesting before the surprise attack happened.

    Some other farmers were also taken away by the criminals.

  • BREAKING: Tension grips Borno as Boko Haram beheads over 40 farmers

    BREAKING: Tension grips Borno as Boko Haram beheads over 40 farmers

    Members of the Boko Haram sect on Saturday killed over 40 farmers in Zamarmari area of Jere local government area of Borno State.

    The barbaric incident which happened on Saturday afternoon led to tension and an uneasy feeling in the town on Saturday evening when the news broke.

    Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed grief over the killings, describing the act as insane and prayed that the souls of the victims rest in peace.

    Reacting in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President expressed grief over the killing of the farmers on rice fields at Zabarmari, in Jere Local Government of Borno State, describing the terrorist killings as insane.

    The statement was titled, ‘President Buhari Condemns As Insane, Boko Haram Killing Of Farmers in Borno State.’

    The statement quoted Buhari as saying, “I condemn the killing of our hardworking farmers by terrorists in Borno State. The entire country is hurt by these senseless killings. My thoughts are with their families in this time of grief. May their souls Rest In Peace.”

    The statement added that the President had given all the needed support to the armed forces “to take all necessary steps to protect the country’s population and its territory.”

    How the killings happened:

    Nasiru Usman, one farmers who escaped during the attack, went to town with the news. He said the attackers also abducted seven farmers. Usman said trouble started after some farmers apprehended a Boko Haram insurgent who approached them with request for food.

    “Unknowingly, he was accompanied by dozens of other militants who were hiding around the bush. So immediately they tied him and seized his guns, his other colleagues quickly stormed the scene, and opened fire on the farmers, while they took to their heels. At exactly 11am, the group declared a blanket killing against all the farmers harvesting their products.

    “They began by abducting seven, then went on rampage and began killing every one in sight. So far, we have recovered up to 45 bodies. Our civilian JTF, police and Military are still searching for more bodies. We won’t know how many are missing so far for now since more bodies are still being found,” he said.

    Several bullet wounds were seen on the body of the deceased farmers, according to another source who helped in recovering the bodies and immediately prepared for burial.

    Residents have insisted that the state Governor has to see the bodies of the 43 victims, all of whom had their throats slit.

    According to AFP, the victims were mostly labourers from Sokoto state in northwest Nigeria, who were contracted to harvest paddy in the rice fields.

    Zabarmari is known to be within the sphere of influence of Boko Haram parent group, however, it’s splinter Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) faction have previously conducted an attack in the town. The latter group is notorious for targeting farmers cultivating their farmlands.

    The violence in the region has taken a toll of over 30,000 fatalities with about two million people displaced from their homes since 2009.

     

  • No attack on Zulum’s convoy or security aides, media aide clarifies

    No attack on Zulum’s convoy or security aides, media aide clarifies

    A Sunday report by an online media, claiming there was another attack by Boko Haram on the convoy of Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, is false. There was neither an attack on the governor directly nor on any component of his convoy.

    Zulum’s spokesman, Malam Isa Gusau, in a statement issued on Sunday, said Zulum traveled to Baga, spent a day supervising the distribution of food and other relief to thousands of residents and returned to Maiduguri safely with no hitch whatsoever.

    “For the record, we write to quickly clarify that contrary to a “breaking news” by an online news medium, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum was neither attacked nor was any component of his convoy attacked by anyone.

    “The governor was actually in Baga from Saturday to Sunday, during which he supervised the distribution of food and cash support to 5,000 residents and he assessed major reconstruction and resettlement efforts with no hitch whatsoever.

    “While we continually accord respect to all media organizations as supportive partners, we importantly clarify that we have no knowledge of the breaking news” in question.

    “As members of the public can testify, it is the culture and principle of Professor Zulum to say things as they are, and in this case, it is what it is- no attack whatsoever. Any media organization that wants further clarification may wish to contact the Nigerian military.

    “Meanwhile, Governor Zulum appreciates all well wishers, and he gratefully commends armed forces and civilian volunteers for the relentless efforts to fully regain lasting peace in Borno State” the statement said.

  • Boko Haram bomb maker arrested – DHQ

    Boko Haram bomb maker arrested – DHQ

    Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters said the troops of Operation Fire Ball have arrested one of the bomb makers for the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the North East.

    The arrest was made as Nigerian troops overran the terrorists enclaves.

    The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig.-Gen. Benard Onyeuko, disclosed this on Sunday.

    He said that the troops operating under Operation Lafiya Dole have continued aggressive clearance operations to identified terrorists’ enclaves.

    Onyeuko said the troops on Nov. 11 embarked on an aggressive Fighting Patrol to clear Boko Haram elements in their hideout in Ladantar Village in Borno following a credible intelligence.

    He said the troops subsequently engaged the terrorists with an overwhelming fire power forcing the terrorists to withdraw in disarray.

    He said the troops also gave a hot pursuit and inflicted heavy casualties on the fleeing terrorists, killing two and captured one of their experts on Improvised Explosive Devices or bombs.

    According to him, equipment captured were one box of service tools and one gas cylinder suspected to be for making IED.

    Onyeuko disclosed that troops of Army Super Camp 19 Bitta successfully repelled the Boko Haram terrorists who attempted to infiltrate the heavily fortified camp.

    He said that the troops forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray due to superior fire power.

    He added that the troops of 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison deployed in Gwoza on Nov. 8 observed terrorists advancing to their location in four gun trucks and unconfirmed number of foot soldiers.

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    According to him, the gallant troops engaged the marauding criminals with heavy fire power neutralising one suicide bomber while others flee in confusion.

    Troops of 192 Battalion deployed in Gwoza also foiled an attempted attack on their location same day.

    “After the brief encounter, the criminals escaped with gunshot wounds as traces of blood of dragged casualties were seen during exploitation.

    “However, the valiant troops captured the following; one AK 47 Rifle, one AK 47 Rifle Cover, four rounds of Light Machine Gun, 15 rounds of fabricated 7.62mm and one AK 47 Rifle magazine

    “Others include: two Rocket Propelled Grenade bombs and 66 rounds of PKT, two rounds of Brownie Machine Gun, 7.62mm links and one Dane Gun.

    “The troops of Operation Fire Ball are hereby commended for their resilience, gallantry and professionalism exhibited since the beginning of the Operation.

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    “They are equally encouraged not to rest on their oars but build on the successes recorded so far.

    “The entire populace of the North East region are hereby assured of the Nigerian military high command determination to finally rout the remnants of BHT/ISWAP criminals from their enclaves in this zone,” he said.

  • Boko Haram: Borno launches 25-year recovery development plan

    Boko Haram: Borno launches 25-year recovery development plan

    The Borno State Government is set to launch 25 years development plan, articulating key priorities and action plan for short, medium and long term development drive across all sectors in the state.

    The event, which is underway at the Multipurpose Hall, Borno State Government House, Maiduguri, is hosted by the State governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.

    The 25-year Borno State Development Plan (BSDP) aims at restoring the age-old honour, dignity, and prosperity of Borno State while ensuring that all citizens and future generations have access to basic necessities and thrive at every stage of their lives.

    The plan will incorporate a 10- year strategic transformation plan, with the objective of reaching a self-reliant Borno State, with over 70% productive population by 2030.

    Dignitaries expected to grace the event include the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed; Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mallam Mele Kyari; Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development; Hon. Sadiya Umar among others

    Details shortly…

  • Repented Boko Haram aided killing of General, 75 elders slaughtered – Ndume

    Repented Boko Haram aided killing of General, 75 elders slaughtered – Ndume

    …As Senate asks Buhari to expedite action on prosecution of Boko Haram sponsors.

    The Senate has asked President Muhammad Buhari to expedite action on the prosecution of known sponsors of the Boko Haram sect, currently prosecuting insurgency in the country.

    The Senate Committee on Army made this known during a press conference on Wednesday shortly after the representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, led other Generals to defend the 2021 budget of the Army,.

    Buratai was represented by Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun during the budget defence, which was held behind closed doors.

    The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ali Ndume, said Buhari should emulate the leadership of the United Arab Emirates, which recently prosecuted and jailed some identified sponsors of the deadly sect.

    He said: “In my village, mallams that are Muslims, not ordinary Muslims, but Mallams, elders above 60, quote me, 75 of them were taken to an abattoir and slaughtered by Boko Haram.

    Ndume also said the panel was against the current amnesty arrangement for the repentant members of the sect under the Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of the Nigerian Army.

    Ndume said: “We are still calling on the Nigerian Government to ensure that those who are directly or indirectly involved in Boko Haram activities should be brought to book.

    “I think we have not been up and doing on that.

    “I am in disagreement with the Government on the issue of deradicalising and reintegrating of the repentant Boko Haram members.

    “I still maintain that.

    “You can’t be resettling people and pampering them while the war is still ongoing.

    “The committee is on the same page with me on this and I believe many Nigerians are on the same page with this.”

    The Senator said indications that the amnesty arrangement for the ex-Boko Haram sect was not achieving the desired results emanated recently when one of them was linked to a recent attacks by the sect.

    Ndume said: “The recent attacks in Damboa was carried out by a repentant Boko Haram member who was giving information regarding the movement of the Army.

    “A General was killed in the process.”

    Ndume became emotional when he recalled an incident that happened in his village in 2015 when many elders were taken to an abattoir and slaughtered.

    He said: “In my village, mallams that are Muslims, not ordinary Muslims, but Mallams, elders above 60, quote me, 75 of them were taken to an abattoir and slaughtered by Boko Haram.

    “Can you imagine that the Nigerian Army or the Nigerian Government saying that because these people have repented or that they surrendered, they should be brought back into the society and pampered.”

    Instead of planning amnesty for the repentant insurgents, Ndume said efforts should be made to fully rehabilitate the victims of their unfortunate activities.

    He said: “If you give Internally Displaced Persons N150,000 each as they were giving the repentant Boko Haram suspects, they will return to their villages and re-resettle.

    “I have 10,000 of them (victims) here.

    “They are displaced and suffering.

    “They know the people who killed their people.