Security

NAF Neutralizes Terrorists in Borno

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

The NAF disclosed this in a statement released by its Director, Public Relations and Information, 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 State.

He said the strikes became necessary after it was established that the recent relocation of terrorists from Suwa to the Bukar Meram general area, was to for 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.

The NAF spokesman said that similar air strikes were carried out on terrorists on October 11 by the air component of Operation Haradin Daji around the Sangeko axis of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara

The Nigerian Air Force says the air components of operations Hadin Kai and Hadarin Daji have eliminated scores of terrorists in the stream of air strikes in their enclaves across the theatres.

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 terrorists and neutralised, adding that their motorcycles were destroyed and others injured.

Gabkwet said the Chief of 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.”

Punch/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Crime

‘Mama Boko Haram’ Bags Jail Terms for N66m Theft

By Web News 388 0

Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court has sentenced Aisha Wakil, popularly known as Mama Boko Haram, and her co-defendants to five years jail terms each.

Mama Boko Haram, alongside Tahiru Daura and Prince Lawal Shoyede, were jailed after they were found guilty of a three-count of conspiracy and stealing to the tune of N66m.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Maiduguri Zonal Command said it secured the conviction and sentencing of the convicts.

The EFCC in a statement on Friday said the convicts on September 7, 2018, while serving as promoters and managers of a non-governmental organisation, Complete Care and Aids Foundation, induced one Ali Tijjani, and his company, AMTMAT Global Ventures to supply N51million worth of processed maize grain also known as “bi-ski” for which they refused to pay.

According to the EFCC, AMTMAT Global Ventures further processed and funded the trip of the trio to Morocco to the tune of N15 Million, a cost they refused to defray.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Security

Service Chiefs Visit Maiduguri Theatre Command

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The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Iraboh has addressed troops at the Headquarters Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, Maiduguri, Borno state on Saturday.

He said the Armed Forces was working to achieve the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari to tackle insurgency and other criminal activities.

He commended the dedication and resilience of troops despite what he called ‘drawbacks’ they encounter in the line of duty.

“That did not deter you… you remained committed, you remained resilient, it is worthy of commendation. I thought it is necessary for me to express it to you”.

General Iraboh assured that Nigerian troops would in no distant future dominate the Lake Chad and other enclaves occupied by the insurgents.

They subsequently visited troops recuperating at the 7 Division Hospital.

Earlier, the Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole Major General Farouq Yahaya said the visit, the second since their appointment, demonstrated the resolve of the Service Chiefs to the counter insurgency operations.

General Lucky Iraboh was accompanied by Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Auwal Gambo, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, Chief of Defence Intelligence and other principal staff officer from Defence and Service headquarters.

Dauda Iliya

Security

Gbajabiamila Seeks Intense Military Action over Killing of Farmers

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Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, has condemned in the strongest terms, the killing of about 50 Rice farmers in Zabarmari, Borno State by Boko Haram insurgents.

Mr Gbajabiamila, who expressed sadness over the killings of the innocent rice farmers, said the incident had once again brought to the fore the need for more military action against the terrorists.

He said it was unfortunate that at a time the country was focusing on self-sufficiency in rice farming; about 50 of the farmers were killed in a most gruesome manner.

In a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker commiserated with the families of the victims, the people and government of Borno State over the sad incident.

The Speaker said the House was determined and ready to provide all necessary support, including the ongoing budgeting process to ensure that funds were allocated for the security agencies to carry out their mandate of wiping out the terrorists.

Ibrahim Shehu

Security

Gov Zulum Leads Kinsmen to Bury 43 Farmers Killed by Boko Haram

By Web News 755 0

Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum was at Zabarmari early morning on Sunday, to lead residents for the funeral of 43 farmers ‘slaughtered’ by Boko Haram insurgents.

Though the victims lived in Zabarmari, a farming community in Jere Local Government Area, famous for rice cultivation and local processing, they were attacked on Saturday, at Koshebe village, a place in Mafa Local Government Area.

Governor Zulum, during his visit was told that death toll was yet to be fully ascertained.

“Your Excellency, as you have seen here, 43 corpses were buried, but others have not been retrieved from the scene of the incident. Nobody can tell you the exact number of people killed. Some of the victims are still missing” a resident (name concealed, told the Governor).

Zulum addressed the bereaved community saying; “the carnage affects all of us and every human with a conscience. I am told some persons are still missing. We have been discussing with the military since yesterday, Insha Allah the remaining people will be traced soon.

He told journalists it was disheartening that more than 40 citizens were slaughtered while they were working in their farmlands.

“Our people are in very difficult situations, they are in two different extreme conditions, in one side they stay at home they may be killed by hunger and starvation, on the other, they go out to their farmlands and risk getting killed by the insurgents. This is very sad.”

We are still appealing to the Federal Government to ensure recruitment of more of our youths in the CJTF and hunters into the Nigerian military and the Civil Defence so that they can form part of the agro rangers that will protect farmers, he said.

“We will not lose hope because we have to remain optimistic about ending the insurgency” Zulum added.

FRCN Abuja