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Tag: Borno

  • NAF’s strikes eliminate key Boko Haram figure, several others in Borno

    NAF’s strikes eliminate key Boko Haram figure, several others in Borno

    The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, have eliminated a key Boko Haram terrorist leader,  Abu Asad and several others in air strikes on their hideout at Tagoshe on Mandara Mountains in Borno.

    The Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet said the air strikes which was conducted on Friday, was one of the most successful strikes undertaken by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai in recent time.

    He said the NAF discovered a massing of terrorists in an isolated location consisting of three zinced structures amid several trees.

    He added that it was evident from the footage that the terrorists were massing up at the location for either a well-planned meeting or preparing for a major attack on troops.

    According to him, over 100 heavily armed terrorists were observed throwing banters and moving randomly around the structures which also had four troop carriers.

    “The aftermath of the air strike revealed that two out of the three structures, as well as the entire troop carriers were destroyed.

    “There are also indications that Abu Asad, a key figure in the Ali Ngulde group under Boko Haram, as well as other terrorists like Ibrahim Nakeeb, Mujaheed Dimtu, Mustafa Munzir, and several fighters were among the several terrorists eliminated in the air strike,” he said.

    The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has commended the Air Component Commander and his men for the feet.

    Abubakar urged them to continue to synergise with the Land Component while maintaining the momentum in keeping the terrorists on their toes.

    He said they must continue to justify the trust and confidence the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria have in them.

    “You must ensure that we go all out in making life unbearable for these terrorists and criminals until they surrender or are completely eliminated,” he said.

  • Borno Govt bans street begging, loitering

    Borno Govt bans street begging, loitering

    The Borno Government has banned street begging and loitering in Maiduguri City and its environs.

    This is contained in a public notice issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prof. Usman Tar, on Sunday in Maiduguri.

    Tar said street begging and aimless loitering were not part of the culture of the Borno people.

    “In Borno State, street begging and aimless loitering are not in our character. We are dignified people.

    “This is to inform members of the public that the Borno State Government has placed a strict ban on all street begging, loitering, and gallivanting within and around Maiduguri Metropolis and Jere LGAs,” he said.

    The notice said the ban was with immediate effect, warning that violators will be prosecuted.

  • Borno govt. confirms death of Commissioner

    Borno govt. confirms death of Commissioner

    The Borno Government has confirmed the death of the State’s Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RRR), Ibrahim Idriss-Garba, who mysteriously died at around midnight on Friday.

     

    Malam Isa Gusau, Gov. Babagana Zulum’s spokesman, who  confirmed the news in a statement released on Saturday, said that the  Police had commenced urgent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

     

    Gusau said that Zulum received the news with intense shock and profound grief, adding, “the governor mourns alongside the late commissioner’s family, other loved ones, friends, associates, and members of the State Executive Council.”

     

    NAN reports  that the state commissioner of police was at the house at which Idriss-Garba died, while the deceased corpse was transferred to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for autopsy.

    The late Idriss Garba was the Governor’s Special Adviser on Special Projects before he was elevated and appointed commissioner of RRR, at the commencement of Zulum’s ongoing second term.

     

  • Removal of railway coaches from Borno “suspicious, unfair’’ – Zulum

    Removal of railway coaches from Borno “suspicious, unfair’’ – Zulum

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has described the removal of some railway coaches from Maiduguri to other states by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as “suspicious and unfair”.

    Zulum made this known on Tuesday in Maiduguri when he visited the Maiduguri Railway Terminus.

    According to him, his government will follow all legal procedures to ensure that infrastructures meant for the state are not moved to other parts of the country.

    Zulum said that the state government was not informed about the decision to move the coaches until residents intercepted them as they were being moved.

    “About five months ago, some of the rail infrastructure were conveyed to other states of the federation without the knowledge of the security operatives and Borno Government.

    “This time around the community raised alarm when they saw the movement of these rolling stocks from Maiduguri to other parts of the country.

    “When we contacted the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, they said the rolling stocks would be moved to Jos for a complete overhaul and be dispatched elsewhere.”

    Zulum stressed that the decision to relocate the rail infrastructures was “crudely pursued” by the NRC.

    “On this note, I want to announce that nobody will move out any of the rail infrastructures here in Borno without recourse to the rule of law.

    “I urge you to remain calm and not to take the law into your hands.

    “I want to, once again, note that these infrastructures will not be moved anywhere, insha’Allah, Borno is one of the states in Nigeria and we have equal rights,” Zulum said.

    The governor noted that with the removal of railway management from the exclusive list, Borno would partner NRC to maximize benefits of rail transportation.

    It would be recalled that hundreds of Maiduguri residents stormed the Maiduguri Railway Terminus on Sunday to protest the removal of train coaches from Maiduguri to Jos for repairs by the NRC.

  • Zulum orders demolition of brothels in Maiduguri within 72 hours

    Zulum orders demolition of brothels in Maiduguri within 72 hours

    Borno governor Babagana Zulum on Tuesday ordered the demolition of brothels and other black spots in Maiduguri, the state capital.

    Zulum gave the directive during a visit to ‘Bayan Quarters’, a settlement around Railway staff quarters believed to be habouring criminals, prostitutes, and illicit drug traders.

    The governor expressed concern over the rise in criminal activities associated with brothels and directed government agencies to dismantle them within 72 hours.

    He noted that the activities were posing a threat to the security as hoodlums perpetuate social vices that undermine the well-being of communities and the dignity of the individuals involved.

    Zulum explained that while the settlement, which harbours criminals and minor girls engaged in commercial sex activities would be demolished within 72 hours, the illegal brothels have 12 hours to vacate.

    “The government has been duly informed of the activities that are going on here; this settlement is completely illegal. People are killed here, this place serves as a breeding space for insurgents.

    “I have directed that everybody should vacate the place,” Zulum said.

    Zulum also announced the revocation of the land titles where such criminal activities were perpetuated, pointing out that the titles were initially approved for the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

    “I understand that this land was approved by the Borno Government to be used by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), but it has been rented out illegally with all forms of criminal activities taking place.

    “For this reason, the government has revoked the earlier approval; henceforth, the land belongs to the Borno Government,” Zulum said.

  • NAF airstrikes eliminate terrorists, destroy gun trucks in Borno, Zamfara

    NAF airstrikes eliminate terrorists, destroy gun trucks in Borno, Zamfara

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Components of Operations Hadin Kai and Hadarin Daji,  have eliminated scores of terrorists in stream of air strikes in their enclaves across the theatres.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, on Sunday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet said the Air component in the early hours of Saturday, carried out air interdiction missions at a newly identified terrorists’ hideout at Bukar Meram, near the Lake Chad region in Borno.

    He said the strikes became necessary after it was established that recent relocation of terrorists from Suwa to Bukar Meram general area, was for a possible resurgence of attacks on ground troops and innocent civilians.

    According to him, air strikes were authorised at the location in Bukar Meram to decimate the terrorists.

    “Feedback received after the strikes revealed the expected outcome was achieved as several terrorists were neutralised while over 40 motorcycles and six gun trucks were destroyed,” he said.

    NAF spokesman said that similar air strikes were carried out on terrorists on Oct. 11 by the Air Component of Operation Haradin Daji around Sangeko axis of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara.

    He said the terrorists, who were in a convoy of about 70 motorcycles on the road track from Kabaro towards Sangeko, were subsequently engaged with several neutralised, their motorcycles destroyed, and others injured.

    Gabkwet said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has commended the professionalism and dedication of the Air Components.

    He quoted Abubakar as saying, “your efforts and support to the ground troops is commendable. Stay focused and do not be complacent as we must continue to give our citizens the confidence they deserve to thrive”.

  • Borno Govt bans mining acitivities

    Borno Govt bans mining acitivities

    The Borno Government has placed a ban on all mining activities in the state, due to the fragile security situation in the state.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, in Maiduguri on Friday.

    ”The state government is working on mapping and securing the mining sites with a view to ensuring law, order, and safety of lives.

    ”Government is also working on a governance protocol for the mining sector in the state,” the commissioner said.

    Tar said that the state government will soon issue a code of conduct and standard operating procedures for the mining value chain to guide the sector.

    He advised all stakeholders in the mining sector in Borno to abide by the ban warning: ”any violation will attract the wrath of the law”.

  • No Borno community is still under Boko Haram – Zulum

    No Borno community is still under Boko Haram – Zulum

    Borno’s Gov. Babagana Zulum says there is no community in the state still under the control of Boko Haram.

    Zulum made the declaration on Tuesday in Maiduguri when he received visiting Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa.

    “I am pleased to inform the general public that as at now, we do not have any community that is under the control of Boko Haram in Borno.

    “Within the last 18 months, about 140,000 Boko Haram members and their families have repented and surrendered,’’ Zulum said.

    He commended the military for its sacrifices in the restoration of peace in Borno.

    The governor acknowledged the role Gen. Musa played as Theatre Commander in the restoration of peace to Borno before his elevation.

    “Throughout your stay in Borno, there was improved peace, especially in terms of promotion of military-civilian relationships.

    “This among others contributed largely to the successes that we have seen so far,’’ Zulum stressed.

    He reiterated the commitment of his administration to continue to provide the needed support to the military for maximum success in its assignment of restoring peace in Borno.

    Earlier, Gen. Musa said he was in Borno to boost troops’ morale and to thank the government and people of Borno for their support.

    Musa, who recalled his stay in Borno as Theatre Commander, said he received maximum support from the governor and from the people of Borno.

    “You made work here extremely easy; if every state is lucky to get somebody who will give this kind of support, I am sure the security situation would have been dealt with.

    “Throughout my career, it is Borno that I have the best of support as a commander,’’ Musa said.

    He noted that kinetic and non-kinetic approaches would continue to be applied in the fight against insurgency.

    Musa and his team paid similar visit to the Shehu of Borno.

  • NAF airstrikes hit remnants of terrorists in Borno

    NAF airstrikes hit remnants of terrorists in Borno

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, has in an early morning air strike on Monday, dislodged terrorists from their enclaves at Suwa in Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet said that Suwa was a stronghold of Boko Haram terrorists in Gezuwa general area near Sambisa Forest until it was dislodged by the military and other security agencies.

    He said that recent intelligence revealed the massing up of terrorists within the area with likely plans to attack troops on patrol along major routes to Bama and Mafa Local Government Areas of the state.

    According to him, further intelligence also revealed that the same group of terrorists had perfected plans to attack troops stationed around Rann in Kalabalge Local Government Area.

    “Accordingly, air strikes were authorized with confirmatory assessments revealing several terrorists neutralised and structures destroyed thereby degrading their ability to attack friendly forces and innocent law abiding civilians.

    “It has now become evident that the efforts of the entire security agencies operating in the Northeast has, to a large extend, yielded the requisite outcome, though a lot still needs to be done.

    “The need to sustain the momentum is thus expedient, just all the support of all Nigerians to the Armed Forces and other security agencies is essential as they clear the region of all criminal elements.

    “For the Air Component Commanders in all joint operating theatres, the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, remains clear and unambiguous: that is ‘Stop at nothing in going after these criminals and ensure they are brought to justice. The era of treating them with kids’ gloves is long over’,” he said.

  • Subsidy removal: Borno, Adamawa, Yobe roll out palliatives

    Subsidy removal: Borno, Adamawa, Yobe roll out palliatives

    Borno, Adamawa and Yobe governments have embarked on measures to ameliorate the current hardship on citizens caused by the removal of petrol subsidy.

    The citizens of the three states worst affected by insurgency in North East have been experiencing hardship which many said is further worsened by the subsidy removal.

    In Borno and Yobe states, the distribution of palliatives to households has commenced in earnest, while in Adamawa,  the committee constituted for the exercise is still working on modalities.

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno said during the launch of the palliatives distribution at Maisandari Ward of Maiduguri that his administration would sustain the support to the less-privileged and communities affected by insurgency throughout his tenure.

    Zulum said that while the Federal Government palliatives would cater for 100,000 vulnerable households in the state, his administration would provide for additional 300,000 households to make a total of 400,000 households.

    He explained that ”Borno’s case is peculiar as some areas have been devastated by the insurgency and returnees are yet to have full access to their farmlands, hence the need to continue supporting them.”

    The Chairman of North East Civil Society Forum, Amb. Ahmed Shehu, lauded the early distribution of palliatives by the Borno Government, particularly the involvement of CSOs in the committee, and urged other states to emulate Borno.

    He said “I am urging other states to also involve Civil Society Organisations in the palliative committees for transparency and accountability.”

    In Yobe, the Deputy Governor who is the Chairman of the palliatives committee, Alhaji Idi Gubana, said distribution of palliatives has commenced, targeting 80,000 households in 17 local government areas of the state.

    Gubana, who spoke through his Press Secretary, Mr Hussaini Mai-Suleh, said the distribution had been launched in the three senatorial zones, with that of Zone A in Damaturu, Zone B in Fune, and Zone C in Jakusko.

    In Adamawa, the distribution of palliatives is yet to commence, but the state government had constituted a distribution committee under the Chairmanship of the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Auwal Tukur.

    The committee was inaugurated on Wednesday by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Kaleptapwa Farauta, and members were tasked to ensure that the palliatives reached the intended persons.

    “Work out necessary modalities for the transportation of palliatives, both food and non-food items, from the source to the distribution points.

    “Monitor and liaise with relevant stakeholders or community agents and ensure equitable distribution of the palliatives to the intended beneficiaries,” Farauta tasked members of the committee.

    Some Internally Displace Persons (IDPs) at Damare camp in Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa, urged the state goverment not to forget displaced persons in the exercise.

    Ladi Paul, the Women Leader in the camp, said that about 227 households were in serious need of food support in the camp.

    “I am appealing to government to come to our aid; we were affected by flood in 2022 and the removal of fuel subsidy has further compounded our situation in the camp”, she said.

    Some residents of Yola also lamented the delay in the distribution of the palliatives, adding that the recent looting of food items in government stores in the states by some youths should serve as a wake-up call.