TheNewsGuru

Tag: boko haram

  • NSCDC seizes 1000 litres of petrol from Boko Haram suppliers

    The Borno Command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), says it has seized about 1, 000 litres of petrol from suspected ‘Boko Haram’ fuel suppliers in the state.

    The Commandant of the corps, Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi, made the disclosure in Maiduguri on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    Abdullahi said that the products were recovered by the Anti-Vandalisation Unit of the command during routine patrol at Ngom village in Mafa Local Government Area of the state.

    He said that the products were packed into 49 jerry cans and abandoned by suspected insurgents’ fuel suppliers on Mafa-Dikwa Highway.

    Abdullahi said that the suspects abandoned the products and took to their heels on sighting the NSCDC’s patrol team.

    “The products were filled into jerry cans and concealed in sacks.

    ‘‘Our men also recovered food items and other commodities such as soap, pomade, sugar, gari, cigarettes and seasoning.

    “The products were concealed in sacks to avoid trapping,” he said.

    The commandant disclosed that the command had also arrested two persons with 30 jerry cans of petrol and seized another six jerry cans of the products from profiteers in Maiduguri.

  • COAS tasks new commanders on battle against Boko Haram, militancy, others

    The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, said on Wednesday the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is targeting victory over the Boko Haram insurgents and the Niger Delta militants.

    He said victory over the terrorists and militants has become imperative for the armed forces in order to ensure that the labour of Nigeria’s past heroes are not in vain.

    Abubakar further tasked the newly posted field commanders to ensure that they keep the country peaceful and secured in the face of the current security challenges in the country.

    The NAF chief made the remarks at the CAS Awards Ceremony and Workshop for newly posted Field Commanders at the NAF Headquarters, Abuja.

    He said: “We are living in extraordinary times with myriads of problems threatening to shake the foundation laid by the founding fathers of this great nation and by extension, threatening to erode the labour of our heroes past.”

    “As Chief of the Air Staff, I have had the privilege of commanding men and women who showed courage in the face of terror, exhibited strength where others saw fear and applied ingenuity where others perceived impossibility.

    “Most importantly, I have enjoyed the honour and rare privilege of serving under the selfless, visionary and resilient leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “This combination of factors imbued us with the courage needed to win at all fronts as a force; be it against Boko Haram terrorism in the North East or militancy in the South -south or the myriads of other security challenges nationwide.”

  • Boko Haram leader, Shekau releases new video, claims responsibility for Christmas, New Year attacks in North East

    Leader of the deadly Islamic sect (Boko Haram), Abubakar Shekau on Tuesday released a video message insisting the sect is still alive despite the Federal Government and Nigerian military claims of degrading the radical group.

    The wanted insurgent leader released his first video message in months amid a surge in violence casting doubt on the Nigerian government’s claim that the jihadist group is defeated.

    “We are in good health and nothing has happened to us,” said Shekau in the 31-minute video message spoken in the Hausa language common across northern Nigeria.

    “Nigerian troops, police and those creating mischief against us can’t do anything against us, and you will gain nothing,” he said.

    “We carried out the attacks in Maiduguri, in Gamboru, in Damboa. We carried out all these attacks.”

    The video then shows footage from a Christmas Day attack on a military checkpoint in Molai village on the outskirts of the northeast Nigerian city of Maiduguri, which the military said was thwarted by troops after one hour of battle.

    Boko Haram fighters in torn clothes were shown shooting from the back of battered pickup trucks.

    Shekau’s message comes during an acceleration of Boko Haram attacks and just days after the jihadists killed 25 people outside Maiduguri, the birthplace of the Islamist insurgency.

    In December, Boko Haram attacked convoys of Nigerian soldiers and dispatched suicide bombers into crowded markets in towns across northeast Nigeria.

    At least 50 people were killed in November when a suicide bomber blew himself up at a mosque in Adamawa state.

    But Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said in his New Year address that Boko Haram has been “beaten”.

    “Isolated attacks still occur, but even the best-policed countries cannot prevent determined criminals from committing terrible acts of terror,” said Buhari.

    The group has however refuted claims that it has been defeated. The leaders have severally insisted that rather than being degraded, they were daily planning on how to wreck more havoc.

  • Boko Haram: Five soldiers dead, 30 missing in Yobe attack

    There was pandemonium on Saturday evening in Yobe State as fleeing members of the deadly Boko Haram sect struck at Kanama, headquarters of Yunusari Local Government killing about five soldiers.

    Thirty soldiers are also allegedly missing in the dastardly attack launched on Nigeria troops at the remote northern town in Yobe State.

    The Army have confirmed the attack but however denied to have incurred any casualty in the attack.

    Credible security and medical sources however confided in newsmen that about five soldiers were found dead and evacuated to Maiduguri via Damaturu.

    The source also disclosed that 30 soldiers are still missing in the aftermath of the attack.

    Some Kanama residents who also confirmed the death of soldiers said they sighted a military ambulance evacuating victims but they were chased away by soldiers in an attempt to get closer to the scene.

    Some commercials drivers along Geidam/Gashua/Damaturu road also confirmed sighting some military ambulances with military escorts coming from the Kanama axis on Sunday morning apparently conveying dead or wounded soldiers.

    An eyewitness, Modu Lawan informed newsmen that the insurgents stormed the village with seven Hilux vans dressed in full military attire.

    “We thought they were soldiers because everything about them was like soldiers, their dressing, their vehicles everything. They passed through the town but did not touch anybody. They went straight to the military based and we started hearing serious gunshots,” Lawan said.

    Hon Ali Yerima, the Chairman Yunusari Local Government said he could not confirm any casualty in the attack but was however confident that the insurgents did not attack any civilian in the town.

    “The information I got is that the insurgents were loaded in seven hilux trucks. They passed through the town to attack the military base. My sources informed me that no civilian was attack, only the military base was attacked but I also gathered that the soldiers fought very well to repel their adversaries,” Ali Yerima said.

    The chairman also informed that the movement of the insurgents through the town caused panic and fear among residents who ran in different directions for safety of their lives.

    An impeccable security source informed that the insurgents are fleeing from the heat in Borno State.

    “There has been a serious heat on the insurgents from Borno axis. You notice there was a fighter jet hovering over Borno and Yobe. There is tremendous coordinated ground and air attacks on the insurgents lately so they don’t jeopardize the yultide celebrations,” the source said.

    Col. Kayode Ogunsanya, the spokesman for 3 Division Nigeria Army in a short text message confirming the attack said: “Yes there was an attack on own troops 2 days ago by the Boko Haram terrorists in Kanama. The attack was repelled and our soldiers are in hot pursuit of the insurgents. Happy New year my broda”.

  • 2 pregnant women deliver as military free 700 persons from Boko Haram captivity

    Two women of the 700 persons rescued from Boko Haram insurgents have delivered at a military holding facility in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno.

    The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Col. Timothy Antigha, disclosed in a statement issued in Maiduguri.

    Antigha said that over 700 persons abducted by Boko Haram insurgents had escaped from their captors and received by the 242 Battalion, Monguno.

    He said the abductees including males, females and children were forced to work as farm labourers by the insurgents.

    He said that two women among the freed persons delivered safely at the holding facility.

    The army spokesman added that the intensified onslaught against the insurgents under Operation Deep Punch II had weakened and decimated their positions, which enabled the persons to escape.

    “Over 700 farmers, fishermen and members of their families hitherto held by Boko Haram terrorists as farm workers have fled the various islands in Lake Chad to Monguno.

    “The exodus of the abductees is not unconnected to a follow-up operation conducted a few days ago to exploit the gains of the recent successful Operation DEEP PUNCH 2 in Chikun Gudu and adjourning localities.

    “The follow-up operation conducted by the Nigerian Air Force and 38 Task Force Artillery Brigade, 8 Division, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, was targeted at destroying Boko Haram infrastructure and logistics such as communication centers, fabrication yards, bomb making equipment, vehicles and other means of sustenance.

    “The ensuing collapse of their command structure and means of survival triggered the abandonment of the islands and escape of the abductees to Monguno.

    “Profiling of the displaced escapees is ongoing to ensure that no terrorist takes advantage of the situation to sneak into the town.

    “Preliminary investigation will focus on finding out where wanted Boko Haram commanders were hiding. Two pregnant women among the abductees gave birth yesterday in the holding centers”.

    According to him, several persons were freed from Boko Haram insurgents following military offensive in Chikun Gudu community, Monguno.

  • We lost over 5,247 Muslims to Boko Haram’s rampage in Adamawa – Muslim Council

    The Adamawa State chapter of Muslim Council has said at least 5,247 Muslims have been killed in the Boko Haram violence in seven local government areas of the state in the past five years (2013 to 2017).

    The council, which comprises all Islamic organisations in Adamawa, said it compiled the report from its various local chapters.

    The affected local governments are Madagali, Michika, Maiha, Mubi North, Mubi South, Hong and Gombi.

    A report on the crisis signed by the Adamawa branch chairman of the council, Abubakar Magaji, and Secretary General, Ismaila Umaru, indicates that another 5,161 Muslims sustained various degrees of injuries.

    The report indicated that 12,732 properties belonging to Muslims in the councils, including houses, mosques, livestock and farm produce – worth N81.6 billion – were destroyed.

    The report stated that Madagali Local Government Area has the highest number of dead victims with 2,500 people while Hong has the least with 68.

    Muslims in Michika Local Government Area suffered the highest amount of losses with property worth N23.3 billion destroyed in the council while Maiha has the least with N157 million worth of properties.

    The report which was presented to the Governor of Adamawa, Muhammadu Bindow, recommended among others support for the victims by the Presidential Committee on North East Initiative and reconstruction of places of worship and Islamic schools destroyed.

    It also recommended an increase in security personnel and financial support to local vigilante groups assisting the military in the fight against the insurgency.

  • Wike visits Buhari, insists withdrawal of $1bn from ECA to fight Boko Haram illegal

    Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on Friday visited President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    The governor after the brief meeting with the President disclosed to State House correspondents that the decision of his colleagues in the Nigeria Governors Forum to allow the federal government withdraw $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account, ECA, is illegal.

    He, however, indicated that he supported the decision because the motive was that the money would be largely used to fight the Boko Haram insurgency.

    The government has said the money is to be used in the fight against Boko Haram and insecurity across the country.

    The decision by the NGF has generated controversy even among the governors with one of them, Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, challenging the decision in court.

    In his words: “Even though for me it’s illegal, however, we are told we are fighting insurgency and no right thinking person in the country will say that he would not support the government in fighting against insurgency.

    “But on the other hand too, I believe that when you are talking about environmental issues in the Niger Delta particularly the Ogoniland, I believe that we can also take money from there (Excess Crude Account) to solve the problem of Ogoniland and other Niger Delta areas. That is my position,” he said.

    Mr. Wike said his meeting with Mr. Buhari centred on security matters in his state, adding that he was happy with the discussion.

    The governor, who described his relationship with the president as cordial, said their discussion also bordered on other developmental issues in the state.

    “I’m happy with the discussion and I believe that something has to be done about (security) it. It is nothing political just security issues that affects the state and things that may lead to the breakdown of law and order. We talked on security challenges and he received me very well.

    “We don’t have any bad relationship, I come here when he asked me to come,” he said.

    On the allegation that he manipulated the recently held National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to install his preferred candidate as chairman of the party, Mr. Wike said it was impossible for an individual to install a party chairman in Nigeria.

    “It is impossible for one person to own a party. The only thing is that people are vibrating and the ruling party is jittery about it,” he said.

  • Boko Haram: Saraki appreciates U.S over sale of fighter jets to Nigeria

    Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has commended the United States government for agreeing to sell fighter jets to Nigeria to combat the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.

    The U.S government, through its Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, had on Thursday announced its decision to sell A29 Super Tucano fighter jets to the Nigerian Air Force.

    Symington presented Letters of Offer and Acceptance to Nigeria, which represents the official American government’s offer to sell defence articles and services to Nigeria during a visit to Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sidique Abubakar.

    Saraki said the development was a positive indication that America was genuinely desirous of helping to enthrone peace in Nigeria and ending the insurgency in the North East part of the country.

    He promised that the Senate would support the plan by the Buhari administration to purchase high powered security equipment in order to strengthen the Armed Forces.

    The Senate president recalled that the sale of weapons to Nigeria came up for discussion when he received an eight-man U.S congressional delegation, led by Senator Christopher Coons on August 28.

    “My gratitude and that of my colleagues goes to Senator Coons and other members of his delegation for giving Congressional backing to this arms sales arrangement.

    “They have kept their words and backed it up with action. During that visit, they promised they would help to ensure the arms sales embargo against Nigeria was lifted. Now, we can see that they are true partners in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.

    “It is obvious that if the Congress had vetoed the arm sales deal, we won’t be talking of this expected new fighter jets which will definitely help us to finally defeat the Boko Haram insurgents and fully restore the confidence of our fighting force,” Saraki stated.

    He commended Amb. Symington for demonstrating consistent commitment to helping Nigeria fully restore peace in the troubled North-East zone.

    “Since his first meeting with me after he resumed, Amb. Symington had promised that he would make the lift of the U.S ban on sale of military hardware to Nigeria one of his priority deliverables. Now, he has shown he is a true partner in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaigns,” the Senate president added.

    He also called on Nigeria’s partners across the world, especially in Europe to emulate the U.S by also supporting the anti-insurgency campaign of the present administration through gestures like sale of arms and provision of assistance towards the rebuilding, reconstruction and rehabilitation of the war-ravaged areas in the North East.

     

  • Boko Haram: U.S. approves sale of war planes to Nigeria

    The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, on Wednesday presented the Letters of Offer and Acceptance, LOA, in respect of the A29 Super Tucano Aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force, NAF.

    The LOA represents the official U.S. government offer to sell U.S. defence articles and services to the Nigerian government.

    Speaking while presenting the LOA to the Chief of Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar, at NAF Headquarters in Abuja, the U.S. ambassador noted that peaceful existence in Nigeria was strategic to the security of the entire West African Sub-Region in particular and the entire world at large.

    Accordingly, Mr. Symington expressed the commitment of the U.S. government to helping Nigeria completely defeat the Boko Haram terrorists and also eliminate all forms of terrorism from its territory.

    In addition, he conveyed the U.S. government’s belief that the capacity of the NAF could greatly be enhanced by the acquisition of the Super Tucano Aircraft.

    According to him, the U.S. government would therefore continue to support the NAF in its capacity building efforts, including the timely supply of needed aircraft spares.

    The ambassador also indicated the readiness of relevant U.S. officials to work with NAF officials to facilitate the early delivery of the aircraft once payment had been made. In that regard, officials of both the U.S. government and the NAF would be meeting in early January 2018 to jointly study the LOA prior to subsequent endorsements by both parties.

    The CAS, while receiving the LOA, expressed the appreciation to the U.S. government for its steady support towards sustaining NAF air operations. He also praised the personal commitment of the ambassador to ensuring that the Super Tucano aircraft deal became a reality.

    Mr. Abubakar, an air marshal, agreed with Mr. Symington that the wellbeing of Nigeria was closely linked to those of other African countries, and indeed the entire world, as terrorism is a global phenomenon, which had to be confronted by all stakeholders. He then reassured the ambassador of the commitment of the NAF to the stipulated deadlines in the LOA. Furthermore, the CAS assured the ambassador that the NAF would ensure the readiness of proposed home base of the Super Tucano Aircraft in Nigeria before the aircraft’s delivery. He further said that the NAF would nominate and prepare all the pilots and maintenance crew to be trained on the Super Tucano Aircraft, ahead of their training in the US.

    It is expected that the LOA would have been signed and necessary payments made before February 20, 2018 to ensure the commencement of production of the NAF’s Super Tucano Aircraft. It would be recalled that the US State Department had earlier approved the sale of 12 x A29 Super Tucano Aircraft to the NAF to further aid the nation’s counterinsurgency campaign.

  • Christmas day attack: Normalcy returns to Moloi area of Maiduguri

    Normalcy has been restored to the Moloi area of Maiduguri, after the Boko Haram insurgents attacked the area on Christmas day.

    TheNewsGuru reports hundreds of villagers, who fled the area in the wake of the attack, had returned to their homes.

    Moloi is about five kilometres away from Maiduguri, located on Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu High way.

    The residents are mostly engaged in crop and livestock production.

    A group of insurgents, moving on gun trucks, attacked a military post there, resulting to serious gun battle on Monday evening.

    Hundreds of residents in the area and adjourning villagers scampered for safety and fled into Maiduguri metropolis.

    Mrs Yaana Idris, a mother of three, said she was terrified by the insurgents who detonated Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and shot sporadically in the area.

    Idris said that she fled with her children into Maiduguri to protect them from the insurgents attack.

    “My children were playing outside when I had the explosion, followed by serious gunshots and then people shouting Boko Haram, Boko Haram.

    “My home is few metres away from the main road. I hurriedly gathered my kids and moved towards the town.

    “There was chaos and people were running towards Maiduguri from all directions,” she said.

    Idris said that she spent the night with her relatives in Maiduguri, adding that her husband asked her to return home as normalcy returned.

    Amin Modu, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), added that most of the people who fled the area had returned home.

    Modu said that people were terrified and fled the area for safety.

    He noted that the soldiers had fought gallantly to repel the attack and destroyed motorcycles used by the insurgents.

    “The insurgents escaped after their failed attempt to attack the military post; a truck and insurgents’ motorcycles were vandalised in the attack.

    “One person in the village was killed by stray bullet,” Modu alleged.

    However, the military command said that its troops repelled the attack.

    Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, said that no live was lost among the troops and normalcy had been restored.

    Nicholas disclosed that the troops, with air support, were pursuing the fleeing insurgents.