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Tag: Borno

  • Troops capture 2 terrorists, intercept supplies in Borno

    Troops capture 2 terrorists, intercept supplies in Borno

    Troops of 195 Battalion, Sector 1 Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), on July 3 captured two Boko Haram terrorists around Muna general area of Borno.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Tuesday said the troops also intercepted supplies meant for the terrorists during the operation.

    Nwachukwu said one hand grenade, one axe, one vehicle, five bicycles, two mobile phones (Techno and Infinix), petrol, oil and lubricants were recovered.

    He said the troops also recovered psychedelic and sex enhancement drugs, pesticides and insecticides, food stuff, amongst others.

    According to him, the vigilant troops, who left no stone unturned during the clearance operation, combed the entire area, destroying several identified camps of the terrorists.

    “During the operation, troops, however, came in contact with terrorists at Labe Village, who attempted fleeing but were swiftly intercepted.

    “The Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has commended the alertness of the troops, urging them to sustain the aggressive posture of the operation, to ensure they clear terrorists’ enclaves and dominate the general area,” he said.

  • Boko Haram/ISWAP appoint governor for parts of Borno

    Boko Haram/ISWAP appoint governor for parts of Borno

    Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province(ISWAP) have appointed a governor for parts of Borno, denting official claim that the terrorists are not in control of any Nigerian territory.

    The terrorists, who have accepted the leadership of Abu Musa Al Barnawi, son of Mohammed Yusuf, Boko Haram founder appointed the governor under a new leadership restructuring by an Interim Council.

    The group appointed a separate leader for ISWAP.

    The governor, according to a report by PR Nigeria, was identified as Abba-Kaka.

    He is the governor of Tumbumma, with jurisdiction over Marte, Abadam, Kukawa, Magumeri and other areas of the Lake Chad region.

    Abba-Kaka will work with Abubakar Dan-Buduma as the Operation Commander, Timbuktu Triangle.

    Abba-Kaka’s government has the structure of a normal government as it will impose taxes on fishing activities and farming.

    It also has its own judiciary.

    Baba Isa who was appointed to oversee Taxation and Revenue on Fishing activities was posted to Kangar in Abadam to relieve Abu Abdallah.

    Ibn Umar is now Chief Prosecutor, Abu Umama becomes Amir of Tudun Wulgo, while Muhammed Maina is the Commander of Sabon Tumbu, among others.

    PRNigeria further gathered that the Interim Council introduced Mobile Courts and some policies to harmonise all insurgents activities and groups under the leadership of the ISIS.

    It has also established two Caliphates at Lake Chad and Sambisa Forest to to sustain its war against countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    According to the report, the Interim Council has lifted the ban imposed on fishing and farming activities in the Lake Chad area, three years after chasing people out of Marte, Abadam, Kukawa and Guzamala, over alleged spying for Nigerian troops.

    It nevertheless, imposed new taxes and levies in the areas controlled by ISWAP-Boko Haram, to regulate trades and agricultural activities.

    Henceforth, members of the terrorist sect will be collecting N5,000 monthly from traders and farmers, while the fishermen will pay N2,000 per bag of fish among other levies.

    Several fishermen, farmers and merchants have returned to the Lake-Chad area to engage in socio-economic activities, under the arrangement of the new ISWAP-Boko Haram Leadership, PRNigeria reported.

  • Why we organised shooting training for our staff in Borno, French NGO suspended by Gov Zulum breaks silence

    Why we organised shooting training for our staff in Borno, French NGO suspended by Gov Zulum breaks silence

    The French international Non-Governmental Organization (iNGO), ACTED has said that it organized a shooting training for its staff in Borno state in order to get them prepared for safety emergencies they may encounter in the course of executing their duties.

    In a statement on Sunday, the organization said the shooting practice put together for its staff became imperative because over the past year while providing critical humanitarian assistance to the people in the Northeast and other parts of Nigeria, staff of ACTED and its partners have found themselves in very dangerous situations where their safety and security were severely compromised.

    “In May 2020, an ACTED contractor was abducted between MaiduguriMonguno road, and tragically killed while in service; in March 2021, ACTED staff faced imminent danger during an attack while providing humanitarian assistance in Dikwa; in April, the ACTED office and warehouse in Damasak were attacked by armed groups, and large stocks of humanitarian supplies meant for the people in need were destroyed,” the organization disclosed in its attempt to create context.

    Speaking further about the shooting practice, the iNGO said “ACTED must exercise its duty of care for staff, and make every effort to ensure the safety and security of its staff.

    “This includes regularly organizing training and simulation exercises, such as the one held on June 26, in order for them to be prepared to cope with unexpected security incidents”.

    ACTED said it complies with relevant laws in Borno and in Nigerian in carrying out its humanitarian works in the northeast, adding that these simulation exercises are standard procedures for many NGOs globally.

    The organization further held that and in no way, neither during those exercises nor during the delivery of assistance, does ACTED carry weapons, in line with international standards and its dedication to upholding principled humanitarian action.

    This response from ACTED is in reaction to the decision of Babagana Zulum, Borno Governor, to suspend its operations in the state after it was found to be organizing a shooting training in the capital, Maiduguri.

    Following the incident, an investigation was launched while the hotel where the training held was sealed.

    In further pleading their case, ACTED stated that it remains committed to cooperating with the Nigerian authorities as well as ensuring “the highest levels of transparency towards the authorities and the people we serve.”

    The iNGO also presented its compliments to the Governor of Borno, His Excellency Prof. Babagana Zulum, noting that his leadership and guidance to the humanitarian community and particularly to ACTED, in providing support for the successful implementation of humanitarian activities in the Northeast over the past years, are highly appreciated.

    The group said it relies on the support of the Nigerian Government and all its departments at both Federal and State levels, to facilitate the humanitarian assistance they are providing to the Nigerian people in line with humanitarian principles and government priorities.

  • Zulum suspends French NGO for sponsoring shooting training in Borno

    Zulum suspends French NGO for sponsoring shooting training in Borno

    Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum, has directed the immediate suspension of ACTED, an international Non-Governmental Organization (iNGO).

    The suspension followed Saturday’s discovery that the humanitarian organisation was using a hotel in Maiduguri for training some persons on shooting.

    Zulum’s spokesperson, Malam Isa Gusau, who announced the suspension, said the French iNGO was found using toy guns and simulators in training exercises at a hotel located off a circular road in Maiduguri.

    Gusau explained that residents near the hotel had reported to officials that they were hearing sounds of gunshots from the hotel, following which government officials reported the matter to GRA Divisional Police Headquarters which oversees the hotel’s location.

    The police found three toy pistols at the hotel while two trainers, both Nigerians, were at the police station with investigation ongoing.

    The statement said pending the outcome of the police investigation, Governor Zulum has directed sealing of the hotel and suspension of ACTED from any humanitarian activity in Borno State.

    Gusau noted that Governor Zulum acknowledges and deeply appreciates the roles of credible NGOs which have been providing critical humanitarian interventions in different parts of Borno.

    He assured them of the government’s continued cooperation and support while also upholding obedience to prevailing laws, policies and rules guiding all activities and actions across the state.

  • Borno College provost suspends students who shunned welcoming Buhari to Maiduguri

    Borno College provost suspends students who shunned welcoming Buhari to Maiduguri

    Borno’s Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Juliana Bitrus, has on Friday, issued a query to the provost, College of Nursing and Midwifery, Rukaiya Shettima Mustapha, for suspending some students under the claim, that the students failed to join others, in welcoming President Muhammadu Buhari on June 17 in Maiduguri.

    The commissioner, described the provost as being mischievous against Borno State Government, because she acted on her own, without recourse to any official at her supervising ministry and without any directives from anyone in the state government.

    In the query with reference number MOH/PER/752 V.I and dated June 25, the commissioner demanded that the provost responds within 48 hours, to advance compelling reasons why disciplinary action should not be meted against her.

    The commissioner said while Borno has about eight state-owned tertiary institutions, it was curious that only at the college of nursing and midwifery, that students were suspended, including with signed letters addressed to them, in an apparent effort to embarrass the state government.

    The commissioner said, even though it is a normal practice that students join in welcoming visiting Presidents all over Nigeria, such acts are voluntary. More so that students constitute far less than a thousand residents who freely trooped out to welcome the President in all parts of Maiduguri.

    The commissioner explained that it was unbelievable to the ministry when news came about the action taken by the provost, and hence, the ministry took time to investigate and confirm the act before issuing a query.

    The commissioner was concerned that the provost may have simply used the president’s visit to get at some students she may have had issues with.

    Juliana noted that Heads of States and Presidents have been visiting Borno since 1976, and students do join in welcoming them, and no one ever expected 100% compliance in any public mobilization. The commissioner further said, that if any issue involving students was to be raised, how come it was not the Borno State University, which the President Commissioned, or schools around projects commissioned by the President?

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that President Buhari was in Maiduguri for appraisal of the security situation, during which he commissioned first phase of 10,000 houses he approved for resettlement of IDPs in Borno State.

    The president also commissioned seven out of 556 capital projects executed by Governor Zulum in two years.

  • Troops kill over 50 ISWAP terrorists in Borno

    Troops kill over 50 ISWAP terrorists in Borno

    Over 50 members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group have been killed in Borno State, the military authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

    The Army spokesman, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, who confirmed this via a statement said the terrorists were killed while launching a futile attack on Damboa Local Government Area of the northeastern state.

    Troops involved in today’s exercise were part of Operation Hadin Kai in conjunction with Air Component of the Operation

    “The terrorists attacked the town in multiple waves with Armoured Personnel Carriers and 12 Gun Trucks all mounted with Anti-Aircraft Guns, as well as Locally Fabricated Armoured-plated Vehicles loaded with explosives and motorcycles,” the statement partly read.

    “The gallant troops successfully defeated the attack, destroyed the locally fabricated armoured-plated vehicles and neutralised over 50 ISWAP terrorists forcing the survivors to run in disarray under heavy gunfire from the resilient troops and Nigerian Air Force attack platforms.

    “The so-called suicide bombers had to abandon their vehicles primed with explosives as they could not withstand the overwhelming firepower from the highly motivated troops. Several weapons and ammunition were recovered from the depleted terrorists.”

    Reacting, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Major General Faruk Yahaya congratulated the troops including the Air Component for this great achievement.

    He also restated the commitment of the Nigerian Army under his leadership to ending terrorism and other violent crimes in the North East and the rest of the country, charging the troops to sustain the ongoing offensive under Operation Tura Takaibango the goal is attained.

  • Scores killed as troops resist B’Haram attack in Borno

    Scores killed as troops resist B’Haram attack in Borno

    Scores of Boko Haram fighters have been destroyed by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, while trying to attack Rann, the headquarters of Kala Balge Council Area of Borno State, the Nigerian Army has said.

    According to a statement by the Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, the terrorists were repelled by the troops while trying to penetrate the entrance to the city.

    The statement read, “Barely hours into the tenure of the Chief of Army Staff Gen Faruk Yahaya, Boko Haram Terrorists attempted an audacious attack on troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Rann the Headquarters of Kala Balge LGA of Borno State. The terrorists came in their numbers mounted on gun trucks and attempted to infiltrate the main entrance to the town.

    “The highly spirited troops were right on hand to counter the move and inflicted humiliating defeat on the terrorists who abandoned their evil mission and took to their heels.

    “The troops chased the retreating terrorist and ensured there was no further threat to the town and its residents. Troops successfully destroyed one of the gun trucks and recovered multiple weapons including one anti aircraft gun, two machine guns and eight AK-47 rifles neutralising ten terrorists in the process.”

     

  • Boko Haram terrorists attack Borno town, kill residents, two soldiers

    Boko Haram terrorists attack Borno town, kill residents, two soldiers

    An attack by Boko Haram terrorists has left some residents killed in Ajiri town in Borno State, north-east Nigeria.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, confirmed the attack on the town in a statement on Monday, but he did not give the actual number of locals killed by the terrorists.

    He noted that insurgents on a criminal mission carried out the attack on Ajiri in Konduga Local Government Area (LGA) of the state on Sunday.

    Yerima added that the terrorists burned nine houses in parts of the town before they were engaged by the troops of Operation Hadin Kai deployed in the area.

    “The retreating terrorists went away with various degrees of gunshot injuries while the gallant troops are on their chase.

    “Unfortunately, however, two personnel paid the supreme price in the resulting encounter,” said the army spokesman who did not state whether any of the insurgents was killed by the soldiers.

    He explained that the attack on Ajiri came a day after troops successfully thwarted an attempt by the terrorists to infiltrate Rann – a town that serves as the headquarters of Kala Balge LGA of the state.

    The terrorists, in their numbers, were said to have attempted to disrupt the peace in the border town on Saturday last week.

    They were, however, met with stiff resistance as the soldiers in the area took them on a fierce firefight that lasted about an hour.

    Following the gunfight, the insurgents withdrew in disarray with a large number of them suffering fatal injuries, leaving behind several weapons and ammunition.

    Yerima listed some of the items recovered by the troops to include an anti-aircraft gun barrel, an AK 47 rifle, a hand-held communication radio, and different calibres of ammunition, among others.

    In his reaction, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, commended the troops for their resilience and determination to keep their areas free of terrorist activities.

    He also urged them not to be distracted by the progress made but to sustain the renewed vigour in discharging their duties.

  • INEC confirms death of 3 staff in Borno accident

    INEC confirms death of 3 staff in Borno accident

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the death of three of its staff in a road accident in Borno.

    The INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye, made the confirmation in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

    Okoye said that the commission on Sunday received a sad report from Mohammed Ibrahim, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the State, of a fatal road accident involving a number of its members of staff serving in the State.

    He said that Ibrahim informed the commission that an Electoral Officer (EO) and some Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs) travelling from some Local Government Areas to Maiduguri for a special training ahead of the conversion of Voting Points into Polling Units were involved in the accident.

    According to him, the three members of staff that lost their lives are: Adamu Mohammed (EO, Biu LGA), Abubakar Joda and Suleiman Umar (AEOs, Damboa LGA), while five others sustained injuries.

    “The deceased staff, who were indigenes of Adamawa State, will be buried today, Monday, April 19 in Yola.

    “The Supervising National Commissioner for Borno, Adamawa and Taraba States, AVM Ahmed Tijjani-Mu’azu (rtd), will represent the Commission at their funeral, while the injured staffs are receiving treatment in a Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri.’’

    He noted that the three staff died in the course of national assignment.

    “While praying for the repose of their souls, the Commission extends its condolence to their families and wishes the injured staff speedy recovery.’’

    Okoye recalled that last week, INEC commenced nationwide train-the-trainer workshop in Abuja involving heads of operations drawn from all the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The training is to be cascaded to State level nationwide ahead of the fieldwork for the physical conversion of the voting points to polling units.

    The aim is to conclude the exercise ahead of the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) on June 28.

  • 18 Borno residents killed in Boko Haram’s latest attack – Governor Zulum

    18 Borno residents killed in Boko Haram’s latest attack – Governor Zulum

    Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, says 18 residents were killed and 21 others injured when Boko Haram insurgents attacked Damasak town.

    He confirmed the figures from residents who witnessed the attack and saw several properties destroyed when he visited the town, the governor’s media aide, Isa Gusau, said in a statement on Friday.

    The governor who was in Damasak on Thursday and spent the night had interactions with soldiers and others security forces involved in the counter-insurgency operations in the town.

    He also sympathised with the residents and assessed the level of destruction caused by the insurgents, noting that Tuesday’s attack on Damasak was the sixth in two weeks.

    According to the statement, thousands of residents who had fled to border communities in the Niger Republic returned on Friday while residents to the governor that the insurgents attacked the town with three gun trucks.

    The UN humanitarian hub, private residential houses, a police station, the palace of the district head, a primary healthcare centre, and a GSM Village were among property destroyed.

    Governor Zulum assured the residents of robust measures to avert future insurgent attacks on Damasak, saying he has directed the strengthening of agricultural activities in the town.

    As part of the measures, he held an operational meeting with soldiers and other security forces after which he presented 12 security vehicles, including an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and 11 patrol vehicles.

    The governor travelled to Damasak along with the lawmaker representing Borno North, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who hails from the town, as well as some government officials.

    Damasak, the headquarter of Mobbar Local Government Area in northern Borno, is located on the fringes of Lake Chad and shares a border with communities in the Niger Republic.

    The town used to be a producer and exporter of vegetables to target markets within Nigeria and neighbouring countries before Boko Haram occupied it in 2014 as one of their caliphates.