TheNewsGuru

Tag: Terrorist

  • Just In: DSS confirms detention of terrorists chief negotiator, Tukur Mamu

    Just In: DSS confirms detention of terrorists chief negotiator, Tukur Mamu

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the detention of the self-acclaimed Kaduna train hostage negotiator, Mr Tukur Mamu.

    Dr Peter Afunanya, the Public Relations Officer of DSS said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said the clarification followed series of enquires in respect of the arrest or otherwise of Mamu.

    “This is to confirm that Mamu, as a person of interest, was intercepted by Nigeria’s foreign partners in Cairo, Egypt on Tuesday while on his way to Saudi Arabia.

    “He was returned to the country on Wednesday and had been taken into the Service’s custody,” he said.

    Afunanya said the arrest followed a request by Nigeria’s Military, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence Community to their foreign partners to bring back Mamu to the country.

    He said the request was for him to answer critical questions on ongoing investigations relating to some security matters in parts of the country.

    The DSS spokesman said the law would appropriately take its course in the matter.

  • Defence minister lauds military’s gallantry as 3,407 terrorists lay down arms

    Defence minister lauds military’s gallantry as 3,407 terrorists lay down arms

    The Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, has lauded the gallant performance of the military in the onslaught against criminal elements in the six geo-political zones of the country.

    This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja by Mr Mohammad Abdulkadri, Special Assistant to the Minister of Defence on Media and Publicity.

    Abdulkadir said that Magashi spoke at the Joint World Press Conference held at the Radio House Abuja on Monday.

    He also said that the press conference was done together with the minister’s counterparts in the Ministries of Police Affairs, Interior and Information and Culture.

    Magashi said that the troops of Operation Hardin Kai in the North East had gallantly denied ISWAP and the Boko Haram Terrorists freedom of co-ordinated attacks as they continued to suffer huge casualties, depletion and depression.

    The minister, whose briefing covered Military Operations across the six geo-political zones, said that the criminal elements had been substantially degraded and defeated in the last four weeks.

    He said this was in compliance with the directive of the Commander-in- Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Abdulkadir said that within the period under review, 66 suspected terrorists were neutralised, alongside the ISWAP commander, Madu Chaka and 20 others.

    He added that 55 others were arrested, while 52 civilians regained their freedom from captivity.

    Magashi further said that the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and Zamfara in the North West zone had also given a good account of themselves by clearing the doubts of the bandits and kidnappers.

    He assured Buhari and Nigerians of the total commitment of the military to the defence of the nation’s territorial integrity alongside other security forces.

    The minister was quoted as outlining similar operational successes recorded in the North Central, South East, South South and South West.

    He thanked the C-in-C for the strong backings that the Armed Forces of Nigeria continued to enjoy even in the current participation in the Peace Support Operation in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.

    On his part, the Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi said the Police Force had been repositioned and re-equipped.

    Dingyadi added that the force was resolute to effectively change the narratives in all the states of the federation towards keeping the country safe and secured.

    Dingiyadi buttressed the successes recorded in various parts of the country including Borno state with 248 weapons recovered.

    Also, 181 suspects were arrested in Delta, and 40 suspects arrested in Niger, among several others in the last four weeks.

    Similarly, the Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola warned criminal elements to keep off the Correctional Centers across the country or they would not live to tell the story of any dastard acts.

    He advised Nigerians not to obstruct the operations of the Federal Fire Service in responding to the outbreak of fire emergencies.

    While acknowledging the support by the military and sister agencies in a joint operational environment the interior minister assured, ”never again would jail break be repeated.”

    He added that arsonists, vandals and other criminals would pay with their lives.

    Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed said that while the country may not be there yet, the military had succeeded and still succeeded in crushing the criminal elements.

    This, he said, was in accordance with the directive of Buhari to the Security Forces.

    The minister said what could have overwhelmed and consumed other nations of the world was what Nigeria was going through in terms of huge security challenges.

    Mohammed said, ”yet, the country remains standing and resolute to end terrorism, banditry and other forms of crimes.”

    He appealed to Nigerians to see security as the business of everyone and thanked the media for carrying out their watchdog roles in nation building and national defence.

    According to Abdulkadri, the conference was attended by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Defence, Dr Abubakar Kana, and that of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore.

    Others, he said, were the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Leo Irabor, the Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Isah Jere, his Federal Fire Service counterpart, Mr Abdulganiyu Jaji, as well as top Chief Executives of Agencies, Parastatals and Media.

  • Aregbesola gives details of how terrorists attacked Kuje prison, faults security agents

    Aregbesola gives details of how terrorists attacked Kuje prison, faults security agents

    The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola has revealed that the terrorists that attacked the Kuje Correctional facility disarmed 31 military personnel protecting the prison.

    At an investigative hearing by the House of Representatives Joint Committee investigating the Kuje Custodial Centre attack, Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola admitted, for the first time, that security agents failed in countering the terrorists.

    Mr Aregbesola said he would have disclosed the type of weapons at the disposal of the men, however, he would not be doing that in the presence of the media. He called for an executive session.

    “On the night of the attack, Kuje accommodated 994 inmates out of which 64 were terror suspects, Boko Haram, ISWAP, and others. No fewer than 888 inmates escaped during the attack, among them were 554 awaiting trial persons. 71 were convicts, 36 were on death row and 17 were on life imprisonment and 106 refused to leave the facility during the attack.  About 28 inmates who left the facility, voluntarily returned between the 6th and 15th of July.

    “In that facility on that day of the invasion were 31 military personnel of the Nigerian army, five personnel of MOPOL 21, five personal of MOPOL 50, two personnel of counter-terrorism unit of the Nigeria police, two personnel of Kuje police division, seven personnel of Nigeria Immigration Service, three personnel of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), 10 personnel of correction armed square.

    “These 65 people were there for the specific responsibility of assisting and preventing any attack and they were all armed.

    “These 65 people were posted to protect the prison from any attack and they were all armed. Because of the presence of the press, I will not mention the specific arsenal at their disposal.

    His comment led to a mild drama when the committee members debated on whether or not reporters should cover the hearing.

    The short drama ended briefly with reporters being allowed to cover the proceeding.

  • Boko Haram suspect was arrested at Borno Gov’s lodge in Shettima’s tenure – PDP alleges

    Boko Haram suspect was arrested at Borno Gov’s lodge in Shettima’s tenure – PDP alleges

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has made a claim that a suspected terrorist was arrested by the DSS at Borno State Governor’s lodge when the vice-presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Kashim Shettima was governing the state.

    PDP further explained why Nigeria cannot afford to leave the vice-presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Kashim Shettima, in charge of the country’s security.

    The PDP Head of Digital, Anthony Ehilebo, said Shettima cannot be in charge of security in Nigeria because of his antecedents, adding that the former governor was in charge of Borno State when the issue of the Chibok girls happened.

    Ehilebo spoke when he appeared on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, on Sunday.

    “How come you come to the NBA programme and announce on live TV that you will take care of security and your principal will handle the economy?

    “Section 130(2) of the 1999 Constitution specifies that it is the role of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. And if he decides to delegate the power, it must be to the armed forces. But here we have a VP candidate telling the world he wants to be in charge of our security.

    “This is the same man in charge when the issue of Chibok girls happened. Shettima ignored the directive to move the students and the terrorists took advantage.

    “It is also a fact that a suspected terrorist, Kabiru Sokoto, was arrested in the Governor’s Lodge by the DSS. Today, we have not been able to dissociate him from all that. Unfortunately, Nigerians are more interested in his sneakers and what he wore to the NBA than his statement,” Ehilebo said.

  • Military eliminates 57 terrorists, top commanders

    Military eliminates 57 terrorists, top commanders

    Troops Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have eliminated more than 57 terrorists in different operations conducted from Aug. 11 to 25 in the North East, Defence Headquarters says.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, made this known at a bi-weekly news briefing of the Defence Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.

    Danmadami said the operations were conducted through land and air raids on the Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) enclaves in Borno and Yobe.

    He said the operation also led to the killing of unspecified number of terrorists in a number of airstrikes, with more than 18 of them seriously wounded.

    He added that eight suspected terrorists and four terrorists’ logistic suppliers were apprehended as well as rescue of four civilian victims during the period.

    According to him, a total of 1,652 BHT members and their families comprising of 320 adult males, 442 women and 890 children surrendered to troops at different location within the period.

    “The air component on Aug. 20, carried out strikes on terrorists’ enclaves in Sambisa Forest and the Tumbuns in Borno with various degree of success recorded.

    “Acting on credible intelligence about the gathering of terrorists at a location revealed to be the enclave of a notorious terrorist being hosted by a top-ranking commander.

    “He is believed to be the ISWAP leader of Sambisa Forest who took over the leadership after the demise of Abubakar Shekau.

    “Consequently, the air strikes were carried out on the enclave. Feedback revealed that 25 of the terrorists were neutralized in the strikes with 18 serious wounded.

    “Among those neutralised was a high-profile commander known as Uzaifa, who was the ‘MINZIR’, which connotes the fourth in line of the terrorist leadership structure.

    “Similar air strikes were conducted in the Tumbuns near Lake Chad at a location revealed to be the training camp of the terrorists.

    “Reports revealed that scores of the terrorists were neutralised in the strikes.

    “All recovered items and rescued civilians were handed over to relevant authorities while the surrendered Boko Haram terrorist members and their families were profiled for further action,’’ he said.

  • Miyetti Allah is a known architect of many terrorists group – IPOB

    Miyetti Allah is a known architect of many terrorists group – IPOB

    The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Sunday has identified Miyetti Allah as the founder of many terrorist groups terrorizing the nation.

    Emma Powerful, the spokesman of the group also said Miyetti Allah was linking IPOB to Obi due to hatred for Igbos and fear of Biafra agitation.

    In a statement he signed, Powerful wondered why Miyetti has failed to link Fulani presidential candidates to Boko Haram and bandits.

    The statement reads partly: “The attention of the global movement and noble family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the leadership and command of our great leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been drawn to the laughable and disgraceful statement credited to one Saleh Alhassan of Miyetti Allah group linking the so called Obidient Movement to IPOB.

    “Miyetti Allah is a known architect and breeder of many terrorists groups terrorizing Nigeria since Late Major General Muhammadu Buhari took over power in 2015.

    “IPOB knows that these terrorists masquerading as cattle herders constantly linking Peter Obi with IPOB and Biafra agitation are doing so because of their hatred against Igbos and their fear for Biafra.

    “They never linked their Fulani presidential candidates to Boko Haram terrorists and Bandits even when it is evident to all that they are co-sponsors of these terror groups.

    “Miyetti Allah, known terrorists supporting and terror sponsoring group that the current Fulani Presidency of Nigeria elevated and stylishly glorified to the 4th level of Government are not well informed to know that IPOB does not engage in seasonal jamboree and selection process called Nigerian election.”

  • Military kills 45 terrorists, releases 45 kidnapped victims

    Military kills 45 terrorists, releases 45 kidnapped victims

    Troops of Nigerian Armed Forces operating in North West, North Central theatres of operations have eliminated over 45 terrorists/bandits in both land and air operations in the last two weeks.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, made this known at a bi-weekly news briefing of the Defence Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.

    In North Central, Onyeuko said the air component of Operation Whirl Punch carried out air strike on terrorists loyal to a notorious terrorist, Alhaji Shanono at Ukambo village in Kaduna State.

    He said the air strike was carried out during the terrorists meeting on Aug. 8 based on credible intelligence.

    He said the airstrike led to the killing of Shanono with 18 other terrorists, adding that 30 AK47 rifles and 20 motorcycles were destroyed in the attack.

    Onyeuko said that as a result of the operations, 45 kidnapped civilians were released.

    Onyeuko further said that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested some notorious criminals who had been on the wanted list of the theatre command.

    He said Nathaniel Azege, who had been terrorising Makurdi town was apprehended as well as Moses Aindigh (27) and Mr Iluyasu Mohammed (37) during the period.

    In North West, Onyeuko said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji on July 25, arrested five suspected foreign bandits named, Muritala Wada, Saminu Sani, Shamisu Adamu, Salisu Saadu and Usman Ibrahim at Jibia in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    He said the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji had on Aug. 6, carried out successful strikes on key terrorists enclave and hideout located at Rudu forest in Katsina State.

    According to hin, the air interdiction led to the neutralisation of a high profiled terrorist leader who has been on the wanted list of the military named Alhaji Abdulkareem Lawal (a.k.a Abdulkareem Boss) and his foot soldiers.

    “Credible intelligence report revealed that he was responsible for several terrorists’ attacks, animal rustling and kidnapping and was also known to regularly invite terrorists group from other areas and regions to join in the attack on his targets.

    “Report gathered from the locals revealed that the terrorists leaders were neutralised alongside 27 foot soldiers,” he said.

    Onyeuko further revealed that troops had between July 31 and Aug. 2, arrested one Malam Yahaya a notorious bandit informant who had been on the tracking list of the Department of State Security for collaborating with bandits on the numerous attacks in Sabon Brini general area of Sokoto State.

    According to him, the troops also recovered 161 cattle, eight camels, large consignment of clothing from terrorists after an encounter in Zango in Shinkafi Local Government Area.

  • Troops kill several ISWAP terrorists in Borno, capture weapons

    Troops kill several ISWAP terrorists in Borno, capture weapons

    The  Nigerian Army  troops under the umbrella of  Operation Desert Sanity, on Thursday, said it  neutralized scores of ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists, including top commanders during an aggressive clearance operation in Borno state.

    The Army made this development known on its many social media platforms.

    It said that the terrorists were roundly defeated and their powers neutralized at the  Dikwa-Gamboru highway in Borno State.

    It added that several weapons and ammunition belonging to the terrorists were captured by the troop.

    The social media post reads in part “Operation Desert Sanity records another success today 7 July, 2022 as Troops Neutralized several ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists, including top commanders during an aggressive clearance operation around Dikwa-Gamboru highway in Borno State.

    “Several weapons and ammunition were captured”.
    TheNewsGuru.com reports that ISWAP claimed responsibility for the Kuje prison break.
  • Terrorists kidnap another Catholic Priest in Kaduna

    Terrorists kidnap another Catholic Priest in Kaduna

    Another Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Silas has been kidnapped in Kauru local government area of Kaduna State by terrorists.

    The Chancellor, Kafanchan Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okolo disclosed the sad news in a statement on Monday.

    Recall that late Rev. Fr. Vitus Vaishima Borogo was killed by terrorists on his farm in Kujama, along Kaduna-Kachia Road on Saturday, June 25, 2022 and was laid to rest on June 30, 2022.

    The Chancellor said, “it is with great pain that we announce to you the kidnapping of our Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Silas. The event occurred in the early hours of July 04, 2022, when he could not turn up for morning Mass.

    “He was abducted from the parish rectory at St. Charles Catholic Church, Zambina, in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    “We solicit for intense prayer for his quick and safe release, we equally wish to call on all and sundry to refrain from taking the laws into their hands.

    “We will use every legitimate means to ensure his quick and safe release.

    “May Jesus crucified on the Cross, listen to our prayers and hasten the unconditional release of His Priest and all other kidnapped persons.”

  • Owo attack: Lagos govt declares three days of mourning

    The Lagos State Government has declared three days of mourning over the killings at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.

    Mr Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said in a statement on Monday, that the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the observation of the mourning.

    Omotoso said that flags are flying at half mast in Lagos following Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s directive.

    ”The action is for three days to mourn the victims of the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, terrorist attack.

    ”The decision to mourn the victims came at a South-West Governors’ June 10 virtual meeting, which reviewed the security situation in the region.

    ”The communique issued after the meeting was signed by Governors Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo; Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti; Gboyega Oyetola, Osun; Dapo Abiodun, Ogun; Seyi Makinde, Oyo, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos.

    ”The governors condemned in very strong terms the horrendous crime perpetrated by terrorists against the people and residents of Owo, Ondo State and, by extension, the peace-loving people of the South-West,” he said.

    Omotoso said that the governors recommended an increase in the scope of surveillance of the activities of undocumented settlers by security agencies in all the states.

    He said that the governors, as Chief Security Officers, resolved to continue to assist the security agencies in crisis management and intelligence gathering at all times.

    The commissioner said that Gov Sanwo-Olu also urged Lagos residents and visitors to remain law-abiding and vigilant, as the government is doing everything to ensure that peace continues to prevail in the state.