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Tag: boko haram

  • Boko Haram: Trump approves sale of $600m bombers for Nigeria

    Boko Haram: Trump approves sale of $600m bombers for Nigeria

    Nigeria has got the green light to acquire some American attack planes to fight Boko Haram, officials of the Trump administration have said.

    The deal, which is about $600 million, will strengthen Nigeria’s fire power against Boko Haram and other extremists, AP reported.

    The approval is despite U.S. concerns about human rights abuses by Nigerian security forces. The military has denied such abuses, which have been a subject of big rows with Amnesty International.

    Specifically, Nigeria plans to buy up to 12 Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from Colorado-based Sierra Nevada Corp, according to officials who were briefed on the matter but spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the development publicly. The aircraft come with sophisticated targeting equipment that the U.S says will help Nigeria fight terrorism, trafficking, insurgency and illicit trade.

    In his final days in office, former President Barack Obama put the sale on hold after a Nigerian fighter jet repeatedly bombed a camp near the Cameroon border housing civilians who had fled Boko Haram. Local officials have said more than 230 people were killed. The incident brought new attention to alleged abuses by Nigeria’s forces.

    A few weeks later, newly inaugurated President Donald Trump said he supported the sale. He told President Muhammadu Buhari that it would increase American exports and help Nigeria fight terrorists, according to officials.

    The move is Trump’s latest to arm countries despite their questionable rights records, a report said. On his first trip abroad as president, Trump announced a $110 billion sale of military equipment to Saudi Arabia, including precision-guided munitions that Obama had cut off over concerns about high rates of civilian casualties in Yemen. Saudi Arabia is at war with Iranian-backed Shiite rebels in Yemen.

    Despite approving the sale to Nigeria, the U.S. is keeping up the pressure on Buhari administration to improve its forces’ human rights practices and ensure accountability for violators, a U.S. official said. The aim of the sale is to help Nigeria and its neighbours strengthen their ability to fight Boko Haram and an Islamic State group affiliate in West Africa. Other countries in the region fighting similar threats already have the Super Tucano, the official noted.

    ABOUT THE AIRCRAFT

    The Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, also named ALX or A-29, is a turboprop light attack aircraft designed for counter-insurgency, close air support, and aerial reconnaissance missions in low-threat environments, as well as providing pilot training. Its features include Top speed: 593 km/h,Range: 4,820 km, Cruise speed: 520 km/h, Engine type: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6, Manufacturer: Embraer

    The State Department notified Congress late Wednesday of its plans to approve the sale. That triggered a 30-day review period in which lawmakers can try to block the sale. While several Democrats in particular have raised concerns, Congress is unlikely to stop the administration from proceeding.

    John Campbell, a Nigeria scholar at the Council on Foreign Relations said concerns had receded somewhat as Nigeria has taken steps to address shortcomings, including granting the International Committee of the Red Cross access to some Nigerian detention facilities.

    “There are signs of some progress,” Campbell said. Still, he said Nigeria had a “long way to go.”

    If the sale goes forward, the U.S. will have to send employees or contractors to Nigeria to provide logistical support and train teams on how to use the aircraft. They also would provide guidance on international laws for protecting civilians, officials said.

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been accused of bombing civilian targets several times in recent years. The State Department said in report last year that the Nigerian government has taken “few steps to investigate or prosecute officials who committed violations, whether in the security forces or elsewhere in the government, and impunity remained widespread at all levels of government”.

    Nigeria is Africa’s largest consumer market, with 170 million people, and the continent’s second-largest oil producer. It is strategically located on the edge of the Sahel, the largely lawless semi-desert region bridging north and sub-Saharan Africa where experts warn of Islamic extremists expanding their reach. More than 20,000 have been killed and about 3 million displaced in Boko Haram’s insurgency since 2009, in which the extremist group has sought to enforce strict Islamic rule.

  • Video: Boko Haram showcases everyday life in Sambisa, vows to fight on

    Video: Boko Haram showcases everyday life in Sambisa, vows to fight on

    Boko Haram sect has released a new video, vowing to sustain the battle with the country.

    The deadly group highlights the everyday life of their members in the 29-minute video which was said to have been shot in Sambisa forest.

    Recall TheNewsGuru.com had earlier published certain reports detailing that the insurgents have found their way back to Sambisa forest, despite several claims from the federal government which insinuates that the area has been captured by the Nigeria military.

    In fact, Tukur Buratai, the chief of army staff, supposedly held the Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship in Sambisa forest to consolidate the army’s grip on the area.

    In this latest video, the sect captured some of the daily activities of the group – how they process some of their foods, buy commodities and showcased armed members of the sect rode on motorcycles, while some were some were seen taking training on gun handling.

    One of the Boko Haram members who spoke in Kanuri dialect disputed the claim of the military that the group had been defeated. He said the militants have been living well in the forest.“You can see that we are doing well and living fine. Look at our crops, they are growing well,” he said.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hJvXljgfKM

  • BREAKING: Boko Haram invades Adamawa community, kills seven

    BREAKING: Boko Haram invades Adamawa community, kills seven

    Boko Haram terrorists have attacked a community in Adamawa State, killing at least seven people.

    According to reports reaching The PUNCH, the insurgents attacked Mildo community, Madagali Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday morning.

    Boko Haram has stepped up attacks in the northeast in recent times. Last week, the insurgents attacked an oil exploration team in the Lake Chad region; over 50 people reportedly died in that attack.

    Three of the explorers from the University of Maiduguri are still in captivity of the terrorists.

    Details soon…

  • Boko Haram: Service chiefs obey Osinbajo’s order, relocate to Borno

    Service Chiefs have relocated to the theatre of operation against Boko Haram in compliance with Acting President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s directive.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the acting President gave the directive last week following the resurgence of Boko Haram activities.

    A statement from the Defence Headquarters last night indicated that the service chiefs had started operating from Maiduguri.

    The statement by Director of Defence Information, Major Gen. John Enenche said: “In compliance with the recent Presidential directive by the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON, to service Chiefs to move to Maiduguri, the epicentre of the North-East Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism Operation, the Service Chiefs have commenced the Command and Control of the Operation from the Military Command and Control Centre in Maiduguri.

    “In this regard, the Chief of Defence Staff held a Briefing session with the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, the Theatre Commander and Senior Principal Staff Officers of the military high command at the Military Command and Control Centre on 1st August 2017, on the reviewed strategic direction and operational plans, in compliance to the directive of the Acting President.

    “This move and action are expected to give impetus to the military effort in the North-East Operations. Consequently, the Defence Headquarters hereby appeal to the public and people in the areas affected directly by the negative acts of terrorism and criminality, to come forward with credible information that will further assist the security and response agencies to tackle this menace.

    “It is necessary to point out some of key information required which include the following: a. Terrorists sleeper cell locations b. Terrorists concentration areas and outpost locations c. Collaborators and informants to the terrorists d. Suspicious isolated settlements and camps outside normal living areas.

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that peace and tranquility are restored to the North-East. Thus the cooperation of the general public, particularly those in the affected areas is highly solicited. “


  • News Hour 01-08-2017 I TNGtv

  • Boko Haram: U.S. report on terrorism war misleading – Army

    The Nigerian Army has said it disagrees with the report of the United States Department of State where it accused the Nigerian Army of not doing enough to effectively secure and hold onto territories recaptured from Boko Haram terrorists despite the successes recorded by the Multi-National joint task force (MNJTF).

    This was stated on Monday by the Director of Defence Information; Major General John Eneche.

    Eneche says the content of the report submitted to the U.S. Congress is misleading and does not portray the reality of things in Nigeria’s fight against insurgents in the north east.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the report, published on July 19, highlights the successes and failings of the Nigerian Army in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists.

    It indicates that the Federal Government’s progress report on the fight against terror is merely a duplication of failed efforts carried over from the end of last year’s fighting season.

    It says the Nigerian government has not been able to rebuild civilian structures and institutions in areas captured. Just as it has not been able to rescue the remaining Chibok school girls abducted in 2014.

    Eneche, however, stressed that the pockets of attacks still experienced are a result of inside information by Boko Haram collaborators whom he believes are still amongst us.

    “I am sorry to say that this is not the first time we are hearing this. The same people say we cannot contain Boko Haram; it is an opinion of the United States Military. It is not real. Is it an issue of deliberate operation they are talking about? No.

    “The nature of these things happening now are information bound strongly and I still want to state that there are informants, there are still collaborators otherwise, how come they did not attack them on the first day when they started the exploration exercise with the soldiers when they had finished and they were going back.

    “Somebody gave them information and must have monitored them to ensure that they came to a place that they can easily be ambushed unsuspecting. So one cannot really say that the Armed Forces are not really on top of the situation but the pockets of attacks we are having here and there like I said, are based strongly on information by their collaborators who are still amongst us,” he stressed.

  • Boko Haram: FG working with Lake Chad Basin neighbours to end menace – Osinbajo

    The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has said countries in the Lake Chad Basin, in collaboration with Nigeria, were working together in dealing with insurgency in the region and the consequent humanitarian crisis.

    According to the Special Assistant to the Acting President on Media and Publicity, Mr Laolu Akande in a press release made available to newsmen on Monday, Osinbajo made the remarks while receiving a delegation from the African Union Peace and Security Council which has been visiting countries in the region.

    He said that he was pleased with the level of synergy among countries in the region against the menace of insurgency and extremism.

    He cited the progress of the Multi-National Joint Task Force set up to address the terrorist insurgency.

    Osinbajo noted that unlike in the past when there were difficulties when the militaries of the 4 countries tried to work together, the MNJTF surmounted the challenges and had succeeded.

    He disclosed that the Buhari administration is “extremely pleased with what we have seen, and we like to see more,” of such cooperation.

    He, however, observed that the humanitarian consequences of the insurgency were compounded by deep poverty, making the costs of dealing with the situation “huge and enormous.”

    He recalled that “there are for instance about 2.4m displaced persons, extensive destruction of property, infrastructure, schools, homes and farmland. In some cases the situation required the rebuilding of whole societies.”

    The Acting President expressed satisfaction with the work of the Peace and Security Council of the AU, saying “I am extremely pleased and encouraged by the work of the PSC, the time and attention paid to this issue. These are matters we must address now and in the future.”

    Meanwhile, the PSC delegation, led by its Chairperson for the month of July, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, who is also Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and to the AU in his remarks, said the PSC delegation had been visiting the 4 countries in the Lake Chad Basin in the past 5 weeks, and had specifically visited 7 cities in Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

    “This visit is the high point of our mission,” Adeoye stated, adding that Nigeria’s commitment to peace in Africa has been well demonstrated.

  • Borno politicians planning to revive Boko Haram ahead of 2019 elections – Group

    Borno politicians planning to revive Boko Haram ahead of 2019 elections – Group

    Ahead of the 2019 general elections, some politicians have allegedly perfected plans to revive the Boko Haram insurgents, a group, Concerned Leaders of Conscience has claimed.
    According to the group, some statements recently attributed to Senator Ali Ndume, Senator Abubakar Kyari and other northern leaders were capable of escalating terrorism in the north eastern part of Nigeria.
    CLC said that such statements could only have been inspired by the numerous benefits that their purveyors derive from any instability in the region
    The group in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting held in Kaduna, Kaduna State on Saturday observed that those in the position of influence in Borno State benefit from the regional instability precipitated by Boko Haram as evidenced in the diversion of relief materials meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
    The communiqué jointly signed by Dr. Eugene Tarkema, National Chairman, Dr. Abel Awulu, and Dr. Fagbemi Kolawole, Secretary, called on the Nigerian government and the international community to clampdown on Boko Haram sponsors and financiers.
    The communiqué obtained our reporter reads, “The tragedy of Boko Haram terror activities is being exploited by the political class in Borno state, and it is worrisome that highly placed persons in the state government and elders in the state are in on this unacceptable development.
    “Recent statements credited to Senator Ali Ndume, Senator Abubakar Kyari and proxies as capable of escalating terrorism in the north east of Nigeria. It is clear that such statements could only have been inspired by the numerous benefits that their purveyors derive from any instability in the region.
    “It has been proven that those in the position of influence in Borno State benefit from the regional instability precipitated by Boko Haram as evidenced in the diversion of relief materials meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). There are suggestions that part of the proceeds from diverted materials is channelled into funding Boko Haram.
    “Despite the victory against the insurgency by the Nigerian Military, Local Government Authorities in Borno State have refused to convey administrative procedures proceedings thereby diverting funds and sharing with State Government Officials in Maiduguri who had earlier hand picked and stationed them for the purpose.
    “There is a need for the Borno State Government to come out clearly to render full account to the people and in what has happened to their resources in the most recent past. The anti-graft agencies own Nigerians answers to these questions for the world to know the nexus between Local Government funds and the operation of Boko Haram in Borno State.
    “The initial inaction and eventual active support for Boko Haram members by elders and political leaders in the northeast is playing out in other regions – Biafra secessionists are getting such support in the southeast while the silence that equal acquiescent is bolstering militants in the south-south.
    “We call on the country to note that these recent attacks in Borno state are not isolated events but part of concerted efforts by Borno politicians to revive Boko Haram ahead of the 2019 General Elections. These politicians apparently have a control over the terrorists to an extent that they decide when to unleash them on the country or keep them subdued when it is desirable.
    “Also, international relief and donor agencies must immediately stop routing funds through the Borno State Government but instead relate directly with IDPs since there is ample proof that relief resources are an incentive for state officials, who divert and covert them for themselves and for financing terrorists.”

  • Boko Haram: Nigerian military unable to hold recaptured territories – U.S.

    The United States Department of State is worried about Nigeria’s inability to effectively secure and hold onto territories recaptured from Boko Haram terrorists despite the successes recorded by the Multi-National joint task force.

    This assertion is contained in the United States country report on terrorism for the year 2016 submitted to the US Congress in compliance with the title 22 of the US Code.

    The report, published on July 19, highlights the successes and failings of the Nigerian Army in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists.

    It indicates that the Federal government’s progress report on the fight against terror is merely a duplication of failed efforts carried over from the end of last year’s fighting season.

    It says the Nigerian government has not been able to rebuild civilian structures and institutions in areas captured. Just as it has not been able to rescue the remaining Chibok school girls abducted in 2014.

    “Despite gains made by the MNJTF, much of its reported progress was merely duplication of failed efforts carried over from the end of the last dry/fighting season. The Nigerian military was unable to hold and rebuild civilian structures and institutions in those areas it had cleared,” the report reads in part.

    “Most of the remaining students abducted by BH in Chibok remained in captivity, although one girl was found in Borno, and the Government of Nigeria successfully negotiated the release of 21 of the kidnapping victims.”

    According to the report, terrorist activity accounted for the displacement of nearly two million persons in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobes.

    Although it notes that the Nigerian government continued to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons to their home communities, it said this was sometimes done without first putting “appropriate conditions in place for safe, informed, and voluntary returns”.

    It adds, “There was no evidence in 2016 of the implementation of a coordinated plan to restore civilian security in recaptured territories.” In partnership with international donors, the Nigerian government set up several institutions to coordinate the reconstruction of areas destroyed by the conflict in the northeast.”

    The report also accuses the Nigerian government of failing to get help from regional organisations.

    It says, “The Nigerian government has not invested significant resources or time enlisting regional organisations, such as the Economic Organisation of West African States and Economic Community of Central African States, to assist with the BH problem.

    “Instead, the Government of Nigeria preferred to engage BH militants in direct, unilateral military action and through the MNJTF, which is headed by a Nigerian military officer.”

    Some notable attacks of 2016, highlighted in the report

    • On January 28, six male and female suicide bombers detonated explosives in Chibok, killing 16 people. While other attacks this year may have resulted in greater casualties, the number of bombers made this attack significant.
    • On January 30, BH attacked Dalori with three female suicide bombers and dozens of conventional attackers. At least 85 people were killed.
    • On February 9, two female suicide bombers detonated explosives at the Dikwa camp. At least 58 people were killed and 78 people were injured.
    • On September 20, a military convoy was attacked in the town of Malam Fatori, Borno State, killing 40 people and injuring dozens.
    • On October 16, a Nigerian Army battalion located in Gashagar Village, northern Borno, was attacked by BH members who overran the army position. At least 24 soldiers were reported as missing in action and have not been reported as found. Several of the army’s vehicles were reportedly destroyed or recovered by BH.
    • On December 9, two female suicide bombers detonated themselves in a market in Madagali Village, Adamawa State. Nigerian military officials reported 30 people dead and 68 people wounded. Open source news reported up to 57 people dead and 177 people wounded.

     

  • Renewed attacks: Osinbajo orders more push in war against Boko Haram

    …as

    …Air Force deploys Special Forces

    …AU, UN, ECOWAS back govt

    Sequel to the renewed and coordinated attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents, the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday ordered for more aggressive push by the military against the insurgents.

    This development has led to the deployment of Special Forces to join hands with the military in the battle against the insurgents in Borno State.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that men of the Special Forces are trained to undertake difficult tasks.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that there was a recent resurgence in the attacks by Boko Haram’s following last week’s ambush of an oil exploration convoy in which almost 50 people are believed to have been killed.

    The army, which last week announced the recovery of 10 bodies, including those of one officer and nine soldiers, said yesterday it had recovered 21 more bodies, arms and ammunition from the ambush site.

    Army spokesman Brig.-Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman, in a statement at the weekend, said:

    “So far the search and rescue team has recovered additional bodies of five soldiers, 11 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and five members of the exploration team.

    “Contrary to reports in some media, six out of the 12 members of the exploration team that went out are still missing, while one of the NNPC staff returned to base alive.”

    Gen. Usman, who described the incident as “unfortunate”, said that the error in the statement issued by the army on the rescue mission was not “deliberate”.

    “The incident of 25th July 2017, where Boko Haram insurgents ambushed our troops, including members of the CJTF, escorting some staff of the NNPC as well as that of University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) on oil exploration in Yesu District of Magumeri Local Government Area of the state is unfortunate and highly regrettable.

    “Most regrettable also is my earlier release on the said incident about the rescue of all NNPC staff. The error in the statement was not deliberate.”

    The Army had earlier claimed to have rescued all the abducted university personnel.

    UNMAID Vice Chancellor Prof. Ibrahim Njodi said the army recovered only five bodies and that four of its staff were still missing.

    The spokesman said the army had redoubled efforts in the pursuit of the insurgents to rescue the abducted personnel.

    “Search and rescue is still ongoing to secure the safe return of the remaining civilians.

    “The Nigerian Army condoles with the families of all that lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident,” the statement said.

    According to him, the army has recovered three of its gun trucks from the insurgents, in addition to four Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG), four RPG chargers, six AK-47 rifles, one Anti-Aircraft Gun, one General Purpose Machine Gun, one Anti-Aircraft Gun Barrel, one RPG tube, four dane guns, eight tyres and two rims.

    Other items recovered include one pumping machine gun, two tyre jacks, one super battery, five reflective jackets, three Toyota Hilux, four jerry cans filled with petrol, one Motorola radio, one Geographical Positioning System (GPS), 21 empty jerry cans, two shovels and three food coolers.

    Troops also recovered 122 rounds of PKM ammunition, 213 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 1255 Anti-Aircraft Guns ammunition, four boxes of API 12.7mm ammunition, one AK-47 Rifle Magazine, a digger, two bows and 13 Arrows, two LLG bombs, assorted drugs and working tools.

    “We are counting on the goodwill and support of the populace in volunteering valuable information that could help in the search and rescue operation”.

    Director of Public Relations and Information (NAF) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, speaking on the action taken, said: “The measures include the deployment of additional NAF Special Forces and personnel of the Regiment Specialty to reinforce Base security and also fight alongside the Nigerian Army troops and NAF Special Forces that were already on ground.

    “In addition, the NAF has deployed thermal imaging cameras aimed at adding more value to the current efforts at detecting and checkmating the activities of suicide bombers before they carry out their suicide missions.

    “The thermal imaging camera uses infrared and reads temperature differences up to an appreciable distance away and can identify a person at an acceptable distance. The cameras, which are mounted on NAF aircraft, can also penetrate obscurants, such as smoke, fog and haze.

    “The NAF, in recent times, has stepped up its counterinsurgency operations to further decimate the ability of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in the North East. The focus has largely been the conduct of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions as well as interdiction missions on identified BHT targets.

    “This is in addition to range of other air operations and humanitarian intervention schemes aimed at winning the heart and minds of the populace in the conflict areas. The NAF remains appreciative of the support it is enjoying from Nigerians in its efforts at putting an end to the madness in the North East Geopolitical Zone of our country.