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Tag: Chibok

  • Police arrest eight suspected kidnappers of Chibok schoolgirls [Photos]

    Police arrest eight suspected kidnappers of Chibok schoolgirls [Photos]

    Eight persons suspected to have taken part in the kidnap of the 276 Chibok schoolgirls in Borno state have been paraded by the Nigerian Police in Maiduguri, the state capital.

    The eight suspected Boko Haram terrorists who are among 22 persons paraded, were said to have been arrested by operatives of the Inspector General’s Intelligence Response Team (IGP’s IRT) in Borno, Adamawa and other adjoining communities.

    The suspects are alleged to have masterminded over 50 suicide bomb attacks within Maiduguri and Adamawa.

    They (suspects) also launched several other attacks leading to the death of thousands of Nigerians.

    The students of the Government Girls Secondary school in Chibok were captured by the members of the terrorist group on April 14, 2014, an incident that triggered international outrage and campaign for the rescue of the schoolgirls.

    So far, 112 of the girls have regained their freedom, mainly following negotiations between the Federal Government and representatives of the terrorist group.

  • Remarks by Trump, Buhari before bilateral meeting

    PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you very much. It’s an honor to be with President Buhari of Nigeria. We have many things that we do together, as you know, probably — especially on terrorism and terrorism-related.

    We also have a very big trade deal that we’re working on for military equipment — helicopters and the like. We have met before. We have developed a great relationship. And we look forward to our discussion today — very important — but again, especially as it relates to terrorism. And that’s terrorism here and terrorism all over the world. It’s a hotbed, and we’re going to be stopping that.

    Also, we’ve had very serious problems with Christians who have been murdered, killed in Nigeria. We’re going to be working on that problem, and working on that problem very, very hard, because we can’t allow that to happen.

    Mr. President, thank you very much for being here. Thank you.

    PRESIDENT BUHARI: Thank you, Mr. President, very much for inviting me. It’s a great honor. I’m very grateful for it.

    Sadly, security is the main issue. We very grateful to the United States for agreeing to give us the aircraft we asked for — the spare parts. We are even more grateful for the physical presence of the United States military (inaudible) that are going to our institutions in Nigeria, and train them and go to the front, in the northeast, to see how they are performing, as an example of the training given to them.

    So the commitment of the United States to get rid of terrorism across the world, we have firsthand experience of that, and we are very grateful for it.

    The problem about the (inaudible) and jihadists in Nigeria is a very long, historical thing. But the state is most concerned — they know that the Nigerian jihadists never carry anything more than a stick, and occasionally a machete, to cut down foliage and give it to the (inaudible) and carrying AK-47s.

    So I don’t think people should underrate what happened in Libya: Forty-three years of Qaddafi. People were recruited from the Sahel; they were caught — and nothing other than shoot and killed.

    With the demise of Qaddafi, they moved to their countries, into their regions, and they carried away with them the only experience they have — trained using weapons. And that’s what is aggravating the situation.

    We are doing our best to make sure we have stopped the cross-border and so on, and — to get the weapons from the (inaudible) and weapons in the region checked. But it’s going to take time, and the action by the United States in trying to see the end of ISIS has helped us a lot. Because Boko Haram in Nigeria at one time made a statement that they are loyal to ISIS.

    Now that ISIS have virtually gone with the help of the United States, we are very grateful for that. And we are sure that we are still (inaudible) the situation and the security in Nigeria.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP: We have very much decimated ISIS. Much has taken place over the last 12 months. But Boko Haram has been terrible. And how did you do with the young women that were kidnapped? How is that going?

    PRESIDENT BUHARI: The Chibok girls and the Dapchi one — the Chibok one was before we came — 2014. But only a number of them — we recovered about 80 of them. But the Dapchi one, there were 106 that were kidnapped. We got 100 back. Four died; one is still held in captivity. And we are very grateful to the United Nations organization that is acting as (inaudible) between us and the kidnappers. And we haven’t given up. We are trying to get everybody back to join their families and their schools.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP: A terrible problem. Mr. President, thank you very much, everybody.

    PRESIDENT BUHARI: Thank you very much.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you very much everybody.

    Q Are you working on a deal on immigration?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP: Yeah.

     

  • Death of 98 Chibok girls: Presidency reacts to Salkida’s claim

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Saturday said the Presidency was not aware of the claim made by a Nigerian journalist, Ahmed Salkida, that only 15 out of the remaining Chibok girls are still alive.

    In a statement made available to journalists, the presidential spokesman said the information was not known to the officials of the administration either from the captors of the girls or the international intercessors who are working with the government.

    He noted that Salkida was not involved in the process leading to the release of over 100 girls and is also not involved in the current efforts aimed at securing the release of the remaining girls.

    Shehu said the information at the disposal of government showed that the girls are available, adding that government will not relent in securing their release.

    He said, “We wish to confirm that Mr. Salkida is not involved, on behalf of the Nigerian government in the processes leading to the release of the over 100 Chibok girls that have returned to their families, so far , and is not involved in the current processes to secure the release of those still held in captivity.

    “If there is any information he has concerning the remainder of those girls, he has, up till this moment not approached the government of Nigeria with it. All press enquirers on the subject should therefore be directed to Mr. Salkida.

    “The facts as known to our officials and the international contacts assisting this process are that the remaining Chibok girls are there and we are not relenting on getting their release.

    “As stated by President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, the government is not relenting. We will continue to persist, and the parents should please not give up. They are also advised not to lose faith in this government’s ability to fulfil its promise that the girls will not be abandoned or forgotten.”

  • Chibok, Dapchi Girls abduction: ActionAid Nigeria calls for safe cities, spaces in schools

    ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has called on the Federal Government to make the cities and spaces in schools more safe to avoid a repeat of the horrible experiences of the Chibok and more recently the Dapchi girls’ abduction saga which shook the entire nation.

    The group said this in a statement to mark the fourth year remembrance of the Chibok girls’ kidnap which took place in April 2014.

    The statement reads: “ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) continues to stand in solidarity with the families, friends and the entire community of the kidnapped Chibok girls, who in the last four years have endured the agony of missing their loved ones.

    The Country Director of AAN Ene Obi say, ‘‘While we commend the efforts of the Federal Government and the Nigeria military for securing the release of some of these kidnapped girls. However, today we remember the 113 girls that are yet to be rescued and we join our voice with their families, friends in Nigeria and the international community to call on the Nigerian government to intensify effort to bring back the girls.’’

    She added that ‘‘the abduction of the Dapchi girls’ although now released has further heightened the vulnerability of the Nigerian girl-child, both in conflict and non-conflict zones. Hence, government at all levels must prioritise safe cities, provision of security and safe spaces in our schools in order to encourage girls’ enrolment and retention as well as protect them from all forms of violence.

    Ene concluded that ‘‘the Federal Government and the Nigeria military should adopt its intelligence, power and negotiation as deployed for the release of the Dapchi girls, to bring back the remaining 113 missing Chibok girls and 1 Dapchi girl, Leah Shuaibu.’’

     

  • Dapchi, Chibok abduction: ‘Leave our Girls alone!’ Aisha Buhari tells Boko Haram insurgents

    Wife of the President Mrs Aisha Buhari says she shares in the sorrow and agony of parents of all abducted girls in the country.

    Mrs Buhari said that she shared the agony of especially parents of the abducted Chibok and Dapchi school girls.

    She expressed the concern in Abuja on Thursday while delivering a speech she titled: “Leave Our Daughters Alone’’, to mark the 2018 International Women`s Day.

    “As a mother, I share (in) the sorrow and agony which the parents are going through up to this moment.

    “I am aware of the efforts being made for the release of the remaining Chibok girls as well as the recently (abducted) Dapchi girls.

    “It is my sincere hope that the efforts will yield positive results.”

    The wife of the President said that the abductions had further exposed the long-standing evil perpetrated against women in the society.

    She, therefore, called on relevant stakeholders, especially the media, to stand against the “disturbing issue’’.

    “It is a disturbing issue for which we must put heads together, pray, speak out, show concern and ensure that the situation come an end.’’

    She, therefore, called on Nigerians, especially the media to join the campaign against all forms of abduction and maltreatment of the Nigerian woman.

    Mrs Buhari said it was unfortunate that celebration of the 2018 International women`s day came with pains and agony following the abduction of the Dapchi School girls.

    She also expressed concern over the use of young girls by insurgents to carry out suicide bombing.

    She, however, congratulated Nigerian women for successfully marking the Day and prayed for greater opportunities for the Nigerian woman.

    The wife of the president also prayed for Nigerian women to have equal opportunities in governance as their male counterparts.

    In her remark, the wife of Vice-President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, said the 2018 event came in a very happy and worst situation considering the progress made by Nigerian team at the winter Olympic as well as the abduction of the Dapchi girls.

    Mrs Osinbajo also called for equal opportunity to the women.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the United Nations set aside March 8, of every year to mark the International women`s day.

    The event was organised by the National Centre for Women Development in collaboration with the wife of the President.

  • Senate summons security chiefs over Chibok, Dapchi girls’ abduction

    …demands two-week rescue plan

    The Senate has summoned the ‎Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, to explain the circumstances surrounding the abduction of 110 students of Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, by Boko Haram on February 19.

    The invitation followed the adoption of a motion moved by Senator Binta Masi Garba, to commemorate the 2018 International Women’s Day.

    The motion had Senators Stella Oduah, Oluremi Tinubu, Biodun Olujimi, Monsurat Sumonu, Fatima Raji-Rasaki, Rose Oko, John Enoh and Yele Omogunwa ‎as co-sponsors.

    Unanimously granting prayers of the motion, the lawmakers resolved to “felicitate with Nigerian women and girls on this year’s International Women’s Day Celebration.”

    They also mandated the Senate Joint Committees on Police Affairs; and Security and Intelligence “to summon the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff to brief the Senate on the actual situation of things regarding the kidnap and, in addition, present clear operational strategies to rescue the remaining Chibok and Dapchi schoolgirls within two weeks.”

    Boko Haram had earlier on April 14, 2014, abducted over 200 pupils of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, while more than half of them had either escaped or secured their release through negotiations.

    Olujimi, who presented the motion on Garba’s behalf, said the Senate was concerned that the implementation of policies that prohibit violence against women and girls, and promote the girl-child’s education was still poor.

    “Practices such as violence against women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking, sexual and other types of exploitation, early child and forced marriage, female genital mutilation are still being practised,” she said.

    Olujimi added, “The Senate is further concerned that the spate of girl-child kidnapping in Nigeria has assumed an alarming dimension. On the 21st of February, 2018, the nation was shocked with the news of the kidnap of 110 schoolgirls from Government Girls Science Technical College, Dapchi, Busari Local Government Area of Yobe State. This incidence is reminiscence of the 2014 Chibok girls’ abduction in which 113 of the girls are still in captivity almost four years after.

    “The Senate is worried that a pattern is gradually being established which clearly indicates that the objectives of the Boko Haram insurgents is to deprive young girls of school age from pursuing education.

    “The Senate is further worried that if this ugly trend is not checked, the girl-child education, which is part of the objective of goal Number 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals would have been lost in Nigeria, even before the 2030 target year.”

    Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary, called for proper implementation of the affirmative action by Nigeria.

  • Chibok/Dapchi girls comparison: Jonathan calls Lai Mohammed ‘notorious liar’

    Chibok/Dapchi girls comparison: Jonathan calls Lai Mohammed ‘notorious liar’

    Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has rubbished a statement credited to the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed that his administration delayed in responding to the abduction of Chibok girls.

    Mohammed, while speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of the Editors’ plaza championed by the Nigerian Guild of Editors, said, “Now, don’t compare orange with apple. When Chibok girls were kidnapped, it took the PDP government 18 full days to admit that the girls were kidnapped. This time we swung into action within 24 hours.”

    Reacting to the statement, Jonathan told Mohammed to respect his age and stop lying to Nigerians.

    In a statement signed on his behalf by his former aide, Reno Omokri, Jonathan described as lies report that his government took 18 days to admit that the Chibok Girls were kidnapped.

    The statement sent to TheNewsGuru reads, “My attention has been drawn to fallacious comments made by the notoriously dishonest Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to the effect that the Jonathan administration did not act on time when the Chibok Girls were kidnapped whereas the Buhari government acted promptly when the Dapchi Girls were kidnapped.

    “Lai’s comments are reminiscent of the statement made by Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, justifying President Buhari’s inaction on killer Fulani herdsmen because the herdsmen also killed during Jonathan’s tenure.

    “When will Lai Mohammed respect his old age and stop lying? Is he not ashamed at the storm he is currently facing on social media after he lied that 100 planes are searching for the Dapchi Girls, a statement that was promptly denounced as a lie by the Nigerian Air Force? Even members of his own government know Lai Mohammed is a liar.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, it is not true that the Jonathan government took 18 days to admit that the Chibok Girls were kidnapped.

    “The Chibok Girls were kidnapped on April 14, 2014. Exactly three days later, on April 17, 2014, then President Goodluck Jonathan called an emergency National Security Council meeting at Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

    “If the Jonathan administration did not admit that the Chibok Girls were kidnapped, why would the President summon a Nation Security Council meeting?

    “Now more than a week after the Dapchi Girls were kidnapped, has President Buhari held a National Security Council meeting to address the situation? No he has not. As a matter of fact, to prove to Nigerians how inept he is, the President canceled this week’s Federal Executive Council meeting.

    “Which serious leader cancels the most important meeting in his nation at a time when Kaduna is facing ethnic and religious killings, Zamfara is facing mass killings by bandits, Benue, Plateau, Adamawa and Taraba are facing an onslaught from Fulani herdsmen and 110 girls were kidnapped in Dapchi?

    “Going back to the Jonathan administration, the Nigerian Army and Air force began searching for the girls after the emergency National Security Council meeting on April 17, 2014, with sorties being flown in search of the girls.

    “But very curiously, Nigerians would recall that the All Progressive Congress Governor of Borno State, Governor Kashim Shettima, admitted in an interview he gave Premium Times on April 2, 2016, that he deliberately did not inform the then President about the Chibok kidnap when it happened. President Jonathan had to find out from military forces on the ground.

    “Why would the chief security officer of his state be that negligent?

    “My advice to Alhaji Lai Mohammed is that he should direct his lying talents to the specific task of cooking up lies to counter the testimony of the APC Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Geidam, who blamed the kidnapping of the Dapchi Girls on the Buhari administration.

    “According to Mr. Geidam, the Nigerian Army under President Buhari pulled out the troops guarding Government Girls Science and Technology College, Dapchi.

    “Who gave the order for the troops to leave their guard duty? The sector command has said that they handed over security of the school to the Nigerian Police Force, an assertion that has been denied by the police.

    “These are the things that should concern Lai Mohammed, not a contest with an administration that scored higher anti-corruption ratings from Transparency International than the corrupt government he is serving. And if he has too much time on his hand, Lai Mohammed can travel to more European football clubs to disgrace himself and his family by wearing a suit jacket on top of an agbada.

    “Let me end by saying that whoever named Lai Mohammed at birth must have been a prophet. The person was able to look far ahead into Lai’s future and gave him a name that rhymes with his life’s purpose.”

  • Chibok: Nigerian army is keeping hope alive

    BY ANTHONY KOLAWOLE

    Echoes of jubilations are resonating everywhere in Nigeria now. The Nigerian Army has gladdened the hearts of Nigerians with their baffling onslaughts on terrorists, in the New Year. The latest clearance operations by Nigerian troops on some Lake Chad enclaves, major reservoir of hideouts for remnants of Boko Haram terrorists, posted amazing casualty figures, shattered insurgents and compelled the surrender of hundreds of terrorists to the Nigerian Army and the Nigerien authorities.

    For the terrorists, the center cannot hold again, as they are now gasping for air, haunted by their own evil. This latest onslaught on terrorists has disarmed cynics, who believe Nigerian troops cannot triumph over the residues of terrorists. But salvation does not come easy, anywhere.

    It takes a focused leadership, sustained planning, assiduous work and resources to navigate the path of liberation successfully. For the Nigerian Army, ending the war on terrorism is their first and last priority for the year 2018. And the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai and helmsman of the counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria is making a bold statement that Boko Haram terrorism would finally end in 2018.

    Therefore, the Nigerian troops are pulling the strings harder against terrorists. Under the leadership of General Buratai, another Chibok schoolgirl, Salomi Pagu abducted since 2014 by Boko Haram terrorists has secured her freedom. She was rescued in Pulka alongside a 14-year old girl as well as several other Nigerians held captive by terrorists for years.

    But that is not the most cheering news the Nigerian Army has served Nigerians in the New Year. Nigerian troops of “Operation Lafiya Dole” in conducting the “Operation Deep Punch” have gallantly invaded the hideout of Boko Haram terrorists in the Lake Chad region. And the operation has been an impressive harvest of victories and successes in favour of Nigeria.

    The “Operation Deep Punch,” in clearance operations did not only record high casualties on insurgents in the raids, but sophisticated weapons and equipment were also recovered from the Boko Haram terrorists. Also, a factional leader of Boko Haram, Mamman Nur has been decapitated, while one of his wives was swallowed by the fury of the battle. The devastating onslaught on insurgents by Nigerian troops, spiraled into the forced massive surrender of hundreds of terrorists to both the neighbouring Nigerien Authorities and the Nigerian Army. Among those who surrendered are top Boko Haram commanders who have denounced the sect as satanic and demonic.

    But most profoundly, Boko Haram’s release of another Chibok girl, without any negotiation from the Nigerian Government is a loud statement about the complete disarray in terrorists camps. It means, on a daily basis, Boko Haram insurgents are losing the strength and capacity to sustain the war of terror on Nigerian people.

    Insurgents are falling prostrate before the superior firepower of Nigerian troops, who are determined more than ever, to crush them to their bones. Gen. Buratai has dangled both the “stick and carrot” approach in the prosecution of the anti-terrorism warfare. It means the insurgents have options and he is pursuing these two options simultaneously and effectively.

    So, it appears, in 2018, there is the firm resolve of the Nigerian Army to crack the last nuts of the terrorism war. Actions in the warfront suggest that troops are prepared to invade the camps, enclaves and homes on terrorists on border communities to confront insurgents fire for fire in their illegal kingdoms.

    And the startling exploits have left terrorists without cohesion and balance. They have been hit below the belt and the few survivors are perhaps, regretting why they have held tenaciously to the insurgency war. Nigerians are appreciating the fact that the counter-terrorism war has graduated to a stage, where the military’s degradation of the terrorists camps is increasingly making it impossible for the insurgents to even keep their captives in the vaults of their secret camps, but free them as done to the Chibok girl and scores of other freed Nigerians.

    The compelling massive surrender of terrorists is an indication of the willingness of more terrorists to renounce the obnoxious trade and repent from their heinous atrocities or crimes against humanity. It is a willingness compelled by a force higher than what the terrorists can sustain in all ramifications.

    Therefore, the rescue and clearance operations are signs indicating bright hopes that every person held captive by terrorists is likely to regain his freedom soon to reunite with his family and fraternity in Nigeria. In this year, Gen. Buratai has vowed that terrorists who have refused to embrace the carrot dangled befor them or the soft-landing offered by the military, have murdered peace. The recent exploits by troops are practical expressions of that recalcitrant insurgents would not have any comfort again, if they do not surrender, as Nigerian troops are determined to ruthlessly crush them.

    Gen. Buratai has demonstrated in the few days of the year 2018 that it is going to be another impactful and rewarding year for the Nigerian Army and Nigerians in the battle against terrorists. There is an overt assurance that certainly, 2018 would be difficult year for obstinate terrorists and their sponsors/agents no matter the extent they veil themselves or where they operate secret camps.

    The results are already pouring in, as terrorists who have surrendered to the Nigerian Army’s “Operation Safe Corridor programme,” have been accepted and are being de-radicalised and rehabilitated to become sane human beings. Those who still stick to terrorism are bearing brunt in the hands of troops.

    Therefore, Nigerians who still doubt the capacity and competence of the Nigerian military have been pleasantly surprised. The few who still nurture doubts have every reason to rethink based on the current realities. So, they should gracefully step out to dramatize support for the military in the days ahead in order to end insurgency in Nigeria.

    While not unnecessarily eulogizing the Nigerian Army or Nigeria’s Army Chief, popularly called the “Peoples General,” it is difficult to cast off your mind on the amazing exploits which have heralded the New Year. The incontestable truth is that the military has sauntered into the year brilliantly and on an extremely reassuring note. It has widened the possibility of finally ending terrorism in 2018. The hope is alive and strongly expressed in words and actions by the Nigerian Army.

    Kolawole PhD is a University lecturer and sent in this piece from Keffi, Nasarawa State.

  • BREAKING: Troops rescue another Chibok Girl

    BREAKING: Troops rescue another Chibok Girl

    Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole deployed in Pulka , have liberated one of the Chibok girls kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists earlier in 2014.

     

    According to a statement issued by the Deputy Director of Public Relations, Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu, the girl was rescued on Thursday.

     

    “So far, preliminary investigations reveal that the young girl identified as Salomi Pagu is the same as the Chibok girl published on serial 86 of the online list of abducted Chibok girls.

     

    “Currently, the girl who was intercepted in the company of another young girl, Jamila Adams, about 14 years old with a child, are in the safe custody of troops and receiving medical attention,” the statement said.

    Recall that In November 2017, President Muhammadu Buhari had reiterated that his administration was toiling day and night to secure the release of the remaining girls and other captives in the hands of the terrorists.

    The President had made the statement during a book presentation entitled: ‘Making Steady, Sustainable Progressive for Nigeria’s Peace and Prosperity: A mid-term scorecard on the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration.’

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    More to follow…

     

  • Names of eight rescued Chibok girls not on our list – BBOG

    Names of eight rescued Chibok girls not on our list – BBOG

    The Bring Back Our Girls group on Thursday said nine of the 82 rescued Chibok girls were not on their list.

    A member of the #BBOG and Chairman, Chibok Community in Abuja, Hosea Tsambido, who stated this during the group’s sitout in Abuja.

    He said the names of six out of the nine girls were found on the West African Examination Council results sheet, while three were missing.

    He stated that the girls’ parents may have given them different names during the collation of the girls’ statistics after the abduction.

    Tsambido said, “We believed that some of the rescued girls were using different names from the names they registered their WAEC with. That is why we cannot match the names of the nine rescued girls with the ones we collected after the abduction.

    “Amongst the nine girls, six of the names appeared on the WAEC result list. Maybe their parents gave different names when their statistics where being taken after the abduction while the other three names are not on the WAEC or #BBOG list. So maybe the names they gave were different from the ones on the WAEC list.

     

    “One example is the case of Maida Yakubu. Everyone knows her as Maida but her real name is Dorcas. If she had been rescued, you will realise that the name Maida will not be on the list. Many of the girls I believe may be like that.”