Adamawa on fire: Boko Haram sacks police station, prison

Fighting between Nigerian troops and Boko Haram insurgents escalated in Mubi, Mararaba Mubi and Uba in Adamawa State on Wednesday.

Casualty figures could not be obtained as of 8pm but the development forced the state government to impose 24-hour curfew on the affected communities.

Our correspondents gathered that   Mubi, the second largest town in the state and host of two high institutions, was the worst hit.

A parent, Ahmad Sajoh, whose   daughter is studying at the Adamawa State University, said that as of 2pm on Wednesday, the police barracks in the Government Reservation Area was overrun by the insurgents while the prison in the town was blown open.

He added that   fighting which was ongoing at the army barracks caused confusion at the IDP camp in the Lamorde area of the town.

However, an online newspaper, SaharaReporters reported that Boko Haram insurgents took over the headquarters of the 234 battalion in the town.

Our correspondents gathered that the development made banks to move their cash to Yola, the state capital.

Sources told The PUNCH that insurgents   launched an attack on Uba   in the Michika-Madagali area of the state in response to sustained aerial bombardment of their hideouts by security forces.

Residents said they saw a large number of insurgents at Mararaba, a town about seven kilometres from Mubi.

Sajoh told one of our correspondents that his daughter called to inform him about the development in Mubi.

He said, “This morning, I got a call from my daughter who is a 200-level student. She was hysterical. I was in Abuja for a meeting, but her information forced me to head back to Yola immediately.

“I ordered her to leave the hostel and join her cousins to escape the town. I called my father who confirmed the story. By the time I arrived at Yola airport, the town had fallen to the insurgents.

“My parents are trapped while my daughter and her cousins are missing. We have lost contact for   six hours.”

Sajoh, who is the director of Press and Public Affairs to the former Governor Murtala Nyako, added, “Mallam Iliyasu of the Bursary Department of the state university, who is trapped in the town said by 2pm, the Police Barracks in the GRA was overrun by the insurgents, the prison was blown open while fighting was going on at the army barracks. The IDP camp at Lamorde area was thrown into confusion.

“The new rulers of the town had issued a decree banning   entry and exit to the town. Students who trooped to the motor park were stranded with most taking refuge in any house that could welcome them.

“The barracks are the least safe locations in the town. So far, there are no reported cases of killings or abductions. But fear and apprehension have taken over.”

Another source said that Mubi was currently deserted by residents after the incident, the second in three months.

The   higher institutions in the   town were forced to close down again.

There are fears of   humanitarian crisis should the town fall into the hands of the insurgents.

A fleeing resident, Joshua Gajere, said   several people might have been killed during the shootings that lasted for almost two hours in Uba and other villages.

He said, ‘‘We are in serious trouble as these boys (Boko Haram) have taken over our towns, splitting into groups and advancing towards Mararaba, Mubi and Vintim, the home town of the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh. They made the   Nigerian troops to retreat to Mubi’’.

Gajere added, “As I am talking to you now, residents are scampering for safety.

‘‘Mubi has now become a ghost of itself as people in their hundreds are fleeing for their lives.

‘‘Even here in Maiha, we saw military vehicles zooming off towards Yola, the state capital.’’

However, a resident from Michika, Mr. Siva Zira, told one of our correspondents that the   military was having an upper   hand as they were able to dislodge the insurgents in Michika and Uba.

Meanwhile,   Governor James Ngillari has asked the people of the state, particularly those in the affected areas to remain calm as security agents were on the top of the situation.

His Director of Press and Public Affairs,   P.P. Elisha, said   the governor met with security heads in the state to assess the situation.

He said, “It’s unfortunate with this development, His Excellency, has met with security chiefs in the state on Wednesday to assess the situation.

“People should remain calm, security agents are on the top of situation.’’

It was further gathered banks in Mubi have taken the pre-emptive steps to move out large volume of cash to the Central Bank of Nigeria in Yola.

Our correspondents could not get the Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, to comment on the   hostilities as the calls to his mobile telephone line did not connect.

The government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Mubi, Mararaba Mubi and Uba.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr Andrew Weyle, who announced this, advised the people to stay away from the roads and other public places.

He said,“Following the escalation of violence by the insurgents, his Excellency the Governor of Adamawa State, Mr. Bala James Ngillari, has approved the imposition of 24 hours curfew on Mubi, Mararaba Mubi and Uba, with immediate effect.

“People are advised to stay off the roads and public places except those on essential services.”

It was further gathered that the insurgents   killed the son of a prominent traditional ruler in the area.

A resident, who identified himself as Kwahir Sani, said, “We fled to a village called Wuro Gude near Mubi when the violence erupted and I have lost contact with some of my children.

 

“As I am talking to you now, we are hearing gunshots by military in Mubi.”

It was gathered that the insurgents also attacked Askira Uba and Kukawa in Borno State for over six hours.

A fleeing resident said the terrorists killed many people, burnt many houses and carted away food stuffs.

Agence France Presse reported that the heavily armed terrorists, on arrival in Kukawa, opened fire on a police station and market, sending many fleeing.

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Bama: Military orders arrest of General for running into bush with troops in fear of B’Haram

 
There were indications, weekend, that the Army High Command has ordered the arrest and detention of a Brigadier-General attached to the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army (names with-held) over allegations of negligence that gave Boko Haram terrorists an opportunity to overrun some communities in Borno State recently.
Information gathered that the senior officer who hails from one of the states in the South West, was the officer coordinating the military onslaught to dislodge several Boko Haram terrorists from Bama, Gwoza, Madagali, Michika and other communities in Borno and Adamawa states that later fell into the hands of the terrorists.
The General was accused of providing poor leadership and failed to instil confidence in the soldiers, resulting in several soldiers allegedly abandoning the fight against the terrorists while several of them lost their lives.
According to the source, when the Boko Haram insurgents came in full force to attack Bama,some top brass of the unit offered no resistance by running into the bush.
The source disclosed that the insurgents entered the Brigade Headquarters and Armoury freely and carted away  vehicles and Tanks.Information have it that some of the commanders were rescued from the bush by a battalion deployed at Konduga, which was stationed about 15 kilometers behind Bama, the last deployment before Maiduguri.
The Military high command was said to be furious that the insurgents after taking over Bama and killing hundreds of civilians ransacked the armoury with no soldier offering resistance, leaving the insurgents to have a free day.
According to the source; after seizing the equipment at the 21 Brigade Bama, the terrorists used the same weapons to attack the infantry battalion at Konduga but met their waterloo where hundreds of the Boko Haram insurgents were killed.
The source added that the 21 Armoured Brigade which had several armoured tanks could not withstand the battle that was later decided by less than 400 infantry soldiers in Konduga.
It was further gathered that after running away from Bama, some top brass of the brigade and about 800 troops went straight to Maiduguri instead of joining the troops in Konduga to repel the attack.

To face court-martial

Information gathered that a board of inquiry is investigating the  conduct of the officers for acts of negligence among other offences.
Military sources further told Vanguard that Boko Haram terrorists were not really better armed in the terror war but rather leadership of troops on ground has been discovered as a problem that needed to be tackled.
Giving an instance, a source said: “Commanders of troops are supposed to lead soldiers from the frontline but what we discovered is that most of the commanders operate and give orders from the rear.
“If not that our soldiers are rugged and know that the Boko Haram terrorists could not match them professionally, what we are seeing today would have been the opposite. Actually, when terrorists see soldiers coming, they run for their lives, but due to poor leadership, the back-up arrangements are not activated. When soldiers therefore run out of ammunition and the terrorists regroup, soldiers will have no other choice than to retreat”.
The source cited the successes recorded severally in the battles to take over Konduga as the perfect way the Nigeria Army operates, noting that even though there were four different attacks with heavy weaponry, the army was able to defeat them and recovered stolen weapons.
Military extends restriction of vehicular movement in Maiduguri.
Meanwhile, the ban on vehicular movements in Maiduguri, which was to last from 5 pm last Friday till 7 am today has been extended till tomorrow.  The ban was imposed following intelligence reports that Boko Haram terrorists will attack mosques, markets and other public places during the sallah period.
A statement by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of 7 Division Col. Sanni Usman, said “all necessary security measures are being implemented, while members of the public are hereby requested to comply fully with this embargo as defaulters will be severely sanctioned”.
He said, however, that workers on essential services such as hospitals and fire services with clear identification are exempted from the restriction.
Colonel Usman then advised members of the public to report any suspicious movement of persons or vehicles around their environment to the nearest security agencies.

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How Boko Haram Militants Brutally Govern Captured Territories In Northeastern Nigeria

This video shows how Boko Haram militants govern captured areas in northeastern Nigeria.

Militants stoned civilians to death, hacked off hands, and publicly whipped a man and a woman wearing

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE BELOW

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Nigerian troops engaged in fierce battle with Boko Haram in Michika

 

 

According to a breaking news report, Nigerian troops are currently engaged in a fierce gun battle with Boko Haram men at Michika town in Adamawa state. Hopefully our troops will crush them as they've been doing in recent times.

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How beheaded Air Force pilot killed 63 terrorists

Friends and colleagues of Wing Commander Chimda Hedima, who was reportedly beheaded by Boko Haram, have given a vivid account of how the Air Force pilot spent his last days.Hedima, who was showered with praises by thousands of Nigerians on Saturday, reportedly kept a dignified composure in the face of death.
Before reporting the beheading of Hedima, French news agency, Agence France-Presse, had reported that it was in possession of a Boko Haram video that showed that Abubakar Shekau, a leader of the sect, was still alive.
This came a few days after the military’s Director of Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said Shekau had been killed early September in Kodunga, Borno State.
The military had also shown photographs that it claimed showed the corpse of Shekau.
But Shekau, in the video, described as propaganda the claim by the Defence Headquarters that he had been killed. While claiming responsibility for shooting down an Air Force jet, the video also showed the beheading of the pilot.
Hedima’s colleagues on different social media on Saturday said Hedima, who was born in 1975, crashed the aircraft into an area where Boko Haram militants were and killed at least 63 of the insurgents.
On the Facebook page of the Nigerian Army Support Group, his friends wrote, “It is with deep regret that we announce the death of a true Nigerian hero, Wing Commander Chimda Hedima. This man was a hero of the highest order.
“On September 11, 2014, a company of Nigerian Army soldiers attempted to overrun a Boko Haram position in Borno. Due to the low altitude, the plane suffered significant damage from the terrorists’ gunfire.
“Wing Commander Hedima and his partner realised that they were going to crash.
“They, instead of hurriedly parachuting to safety within Nigerian controlled territory, chose to embark on a mission to destroy as many terrorists and their weapons as possible. They parachuted out at the last minute but not before ensuring that their plane slammed into a column of terrorists in which 63 Boko Haram members were killed as a result of their bravery.

“Wing Commander Hedima was captured. On September 12, he was killed.
“He chose Nigeria, he chose all of us. We cannot forget him. Please share his story. His name should be known by everyone.
“Rest in peace Commander, we are grateful. May you find eternal peace.”
While the military on Saturday said it was still studying the video and would talk at the appropriate time, Nigerians and family members have continued to pay tributes to Hedima.
His brother, Parry Hedima, wrote on his Facebook page that Hedima’s shoes were too big to fill.
He said, “There is a big shoe to fill. Lord I need your feet.”
One of the late pilot’s friends, Musa Salmanu, also described Hedima as a hero.
“Not knowing where to start, I will start from the end. The last time we met was some weeks back in Yola. As always, you were full of life, humility and relaxed as if you didn’t feel the weight of the responsibility placed by destiny on your young shoulders. The country expected much from you. In fact, the survival of the country depended on your bravery and courage. What a responsibility for such a young soul to bear. You didn’t disappoint, you delivered.
“Together, with your team, you played your part. You played it well.
“We are proud of you. To the team, I say we must carry on as our oga has done his bit. He died a hero, knowing that he died for his country. A soldier. He remained true to his calling till the last breath.
“To Boko Haram terrorists, we are saddened and sickened by your madness as it has no place in any civilised society. Your days are numbered. We are determined more than ever to treat you as the cancer that you are. Rest in peace my oga, friend, colleague and brother,” he said.
Another Nigerian, Aliyu Mohammed Tsadu, who referred to Hedima as a brother, said the murdered pilot’s bravery was second to none.

According to him, Hedima is a national hero.
He said, “C. S Hedima, where do I start? You were a brother, a friend and we belong to the same ‘Ex-jam’ family. Your bravery even at the point of your death was second to none. May God almighty receive your soul and give your family the fortitude to bear this loss. You died a hero and a gallant soldier. Rest on, brother.”
For Hadiza Sunama-Pindar, Hedima’s bravery will never be in vain. She said, “Hedima my brother and kinsman, may your bravery never be in vain and may the sacrifice of your life soon bring to an end to the reign of terror that has bedevilled our homestead. Rest well my brother and our hero. Good night as you sleep.”
Other Nigerians called on the Federal Government to immortalise Edema while also ensuring that an end is brought to the Boko Haram menace.
One of them, Zubby Okonkwo wrote, “Your sacrifice for this nation will not be forgotten in a hurry. Even if the present crop of leadership fails to recognise you, the Nigerian masses do. Our hearts go to your loved ones you left behind and may God comfort them. You participated in the struggle to eradicate our land from these brigands of evil. “
Similarly, Christy Iyefu on urged the military to give the slain pilot a befitting burial. “Rest in peace; may God grant your family the fortitude to bear your loss. Salute to a gallant hero. I pray the officers would give you and other fallen comrades a befitting funeral.
“You need to rest in a military cemetery with your name on it. Your epitaph should read, ‘He took 68 enemies with him!’So you’re never forgotten,” she said.
Similarly, Oguru Samuel who commented on the death of the soldier said Hedima was an irreplaceable icon who gave a new meaning to bravery while Obinna Nwachukwu, urged the Federal Government to give Hedima a post-humous award .
Nwachukwu said, “As we mourn this hero who lost his precious life trying to defend the oneness of our country, I suggest that a post-humous award should be given to him. Government should employ his next of kin and above all, a block at any Air force college around the country should be named after him.”
Adding her voice to the tributes, another Nigerian, Pamela Ogbui posted on the Facebook page, “A gallant soldier you were; a great patriot never to be forgotten. We will forever be proud of you.”
“My respect to this legend; we will never forget you. You were a soldier’s soldier. You knew you were going to suffer a brutal death but you never flinched and you spoke with those cowards like a man. I hope Nigerians will learn from you. You are my mentor. Adieu great one,” another Facebook user, Chieff Henryabah said.
When one of our correspondents contacted Olukolade on Saturday for his comment on the identified slain pilot and his missing co-pilot, Olukolade said the military had no comment to make.
“The military would speak on the issue at the appropriate time,” he said.
Olukolade had told SUNDAY PUNCH on Friday that the military would soon end all activities of Boko Haram.
“We believe we will terminate their activities very soon. By the time they see some devastation around them, all these boastings will stop, and that will come very soon,” he said.
A highly-placed security source, who confided in one of our correspondents on Friday also said the military believed the Shekau in the latest video was not the one that was killed.
Pleading anonymity, the source said once the military was done with studying the videos, it would go after the man claiming to be Shekau.
He said, “Studying the videos is part of the manhunt for the man claiming to be Shekau. The military authorities believe that Shekau has been killed and we will get the person claiming to be him (Shekau.)”
Also, the police said they were working with the military and other security agencies to frustrate every planned attack by Boko Haram insurgents within the country.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu said, “We are aware of the devices of the insurgents and we have evolved measures to combat them. Working with the military, the Police are doing everything necessary to make sure every part of this country is secure.

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Independence Day: Nigerian Soldiers Shoot 9-Year-Old Girl

Tragedy was averted in Adamawa state on Independence Day as a 9-year-old girl escaped death by the whiskers after she was hit by a stray bullet from sporadic shooting spree by Nigerian soldiers who were on a journey towards Michika Local Government Area of the state.

The girl named Maryam Mohammed was among other pupils at a Quranic school in Shinco ward area of the state capital, Nigerian Tribune reports.

According to her elder brother, Ibrahim, the soldiers were moving along the Yola-Gombi road around 9:00am, shouting war songs and shooting sporadically into the air when a stray bullet hit Maryam on her left leg.

She was immediately rushed to a specialist hospital where it was confirmed that the bullet passed through her thigh.

Ibrahim said: “We have forwarded our complaint to the ward head, Mallam Aminu who personally came to see her and promised to report the incident to the appropriate authority.”

He added that his little sister was now back home and was responding to treatment.

Lamenting this growing indiscriminate shooting by soldiers resulting in casualties on the side of innocent civilians, residents of Yola, the state capital, decribed the soldiers behavior as unfortunate.

The residents, who complained over the latest shooting on Independence Day, said a nine-year-old girl, Maryam Mohammed, who was among other pupils at a Quranic school in Shinco ward area of the state capital, was hit by the soldiers’ bullets.

One of the residents named Buba Ishaku said: “This type of behaviour is unfortunate. I was around Police Roundabout this morning when the soldiers were passing in convoy and they fired about 50 shots into the air.”

Another resident, Abubakar Haru, added that a woman had suffered a miscarriage due to the indiscriminate shooting of the soldiers.

This is the second of such incident by soldiers, as about two weeks ago, same scenario played out in front of the Federal College of Education, Yola where some soldiers on patrol shot into the air few metres from the college.

Adamawa is one of the states which has been under Boko Haram attacks. Last week, no fewer than 500 houses were destroyed in Kubi and Watu villages by the insurgents.

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Boko Haram Leader Resurfaces Despite Death Claims

Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau has dismissed claims of his death in a new video where he says "Here I am, alive. I will only die the day Allah takes my breath,"

Despite recent reports of his death, leader of Boko Haram,Abubakar Shekau has appeared in a new video.

The latest clip was obtained by AFP and in it, Shekau claims that his men shot down an Air Force jet that was used in an operation against the sect and went missing three weeks ago.

The Nigerian military on September 24 issued a statement claiming that Shekau had been killed in Konduga, Borno stateafter pictures of his purported corpse surfaced on the internet.

In the 36-minute video, Shekau said:

"Here I am, alive. I will only die the day Allah takes my breath," "We are running our caliphate, our Islamic caliphate. We follow the Koran... We now practise the injunctions of the Koran in the land of Allah,"

The Nigerian military previously claimed to have killed Shekau in 2013 but he dismissed those claims as well although it is believed that another man took his place.

Defence spokesperson, General Chris Olukolade has said that “Shekau” might have become a brand name but it is believed that the man in the new video is the same one who was reportedly killed last month.

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Nigerians Comment On "Latest Shekau Video"

A “fresh” video of a person believed to be either Boko Haram’s Abubakar Shekau, or his impersonator, has surfaced today and immediately sparked heated debates. The origins of the latest Shekau video and its authenticity are yet to be verified and commented on by any Nigerian or military authorities. Upon learning the disturbing news, Nigerians have taken to their preferred social media platforms to express mixed feelings and confusion.

“This story resembles some kind of a movie,” “Boko Haram Season 5,” “Abubakar Shekau Season 3,” “new James Bond,” “the more you read about this, the less you understand” – this is how the respondents described the latest Shekau video. The general mood expressed by Nigerians was that of confusion and skepticism.

“Latest Shekau video bares Nigerian Army and authorities’ incompetence”

Some commentators were bitter and blamed the Nigerian authorities and Nigerian Army for “lying” to the general public about “killing” both Shekau and his impersonator. Owodokun Toyosi OlaOluwa said: “He wasn’t killed yet, but we’re just short of weapons since the CAN president was unable to deliver.”Collinsantus Nwachukwu said: “Nigerian military is the only military that kills somebody two times and the person will still be alive. I don’t pray for your death, Shekau, I only pray that you an your followers repent.”

Ooyay Tanny said: “I wish all Nigerians could be wise. This Boko Haram leader is not yet a dead man. Those pics and video they were showing us were totally fake. Government people are just playing polities with us. They know what is going on. They purposely went to hide the Boko Haram leader somewhere until 2015 elections. If the man was really killed, they would have shown us Nigerians clean and clear pics of Shekau. But all the pics we are seeing are very dull. It is not Shekau. He is not dead yet.” Marc Wilson said: “Here we go again. We get false information that he has been killed. And yet, a new latest Shekau video appears claiming he is not dead. We have till now never heard that Osama Bin Laden is still alive. This is in respect to the guys arguing Why should Nigerian government bring a proof of his death whereas no one demanded same proof of Osama.”

“Latest Shekau video is a hoax”

The majority of commentators, however, were doubtful that the video is genuine, or speculated that it was recorded before Shekau was killed by the military. Some suggested a theory that “Shekau” has now become a common name for any new Boko Haram “commander,” while the person in the latest Shekau video is, in fact,another impostor.

Ayodele Timi Ogungbemi said: “Shekau 1&2 are dead! Truth will over-run lies & evil very soon! No third Shekau will be captured alive for authetication of final eradication of the lineage of Shekau and the evil gang called Boko Haram IJN! Wait a minute! Where are those armored tanks which used to be at his background?”

Sylvester Okafor said: “Bloodsuckers, you can’t deceive us three times! This is not even Shekau but Bashir Mohammed whom the military has just killed. His dead body was shown on so many social networks, and people confirmed it! So you people should just tell us if you have recruited another impostor.”

Friday Ruskin said: “Why the silence for so long? He has been silent for a long time since the story of him being killed was announced. A living militant leader cannot keep silent about ‘kill rumours’ for such a long time. He is dead. Computers today can do anything. His old picture could have been used to manipulate.”

Onyeka Sylvester said: “The video was made when he was alive, only for them to upload it now that he has died, just to create panic in the minds of some people!”

Larry Etim said: “At least the armoured personnel carrier that is usually behind him in videos has been replaced by a Hilux since the military has capturd the APC. Let the impostor also deny the capture of the APC by the Nigerian military. Coward!”

It would be recalled that earlier today, the AFP news agency claimed it had obtained the “latest Shekau video”. In it, a figure posing as Abubakar Shekau claimed he is alive and  toook responsivility for shooting down the air force jet that went missing three weeks ago.

Last week, the military claimed a man posing as the Boko Haram leader in videos had been killed, and in August 2013 said that Shekau may have sustained terminal injuries and died.

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Nigerian Army Receives New Military Equipment

Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala claimed yesterday, September 30, that the Nigerian authorities had purchased new military equipment to fight insurgency in the North-East. 

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

The minister spoke after providing relief materials to insurgency victims at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Girei, Adamawa State, P.M. News reports.

Okonjo-Iweala said that the newly purchased equipment had finally arrived to Nigeria and expressed hope that terrorism would soon be tackled in the country.

According to the minister, the recent victory of the Nigerian army in the clashes against Boko Haram in Konduga testified to the ability and skills of the Nigerian military.

She added that the officials decided to invest into equipment purchase because of being truly committed to the idea of improving military capability.

It is believed that some of the towns in the North-East are still under control of Boko Haram.

Victims lament over the situation in their villages, as a result of attacks they were forced out of homes and take refuge in the nerighbouring areas.

One of the victims identified as Alhaji Madu urged the Nigerian authorities to enhance effort.

“For how long are we living here and when are we going back to our homes? We appreciate the assistance but the best thing to do is sending Boko Haram out of Gwoza, Madgali, Michika and other places they are holding.”

It would be recalled that Boko Haram militants have recently deployed the new tactics of seizing Nigeria’s town and declaring Islamic Caliphate there.

Earlier this month in the operation against the insurgents in Konduga, the Nigerian military killed the impersonator of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau.

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Boko Haram members get 75 years jail term

Boko Haram Gunmen

The Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday sentenced three Boko Haram members to 75 years jail term with hard labour. The convicts were sentenced to 25 years each in a judgement delivered by Justice Ibrahim Buba in camera.
Justice Buba had earlier granted an application that the trial should be conducted in secret following an application to that effect and because of the need to protect the witnesses in the case.
Initially, 17 suspects were charged to court but they were later reduced to four following the withdrawal of the case against some of the suspects, leaving only four.
The 17 suspects initially charged were arraigned before Justice Buba on 18 counts bordering on conspiracy to commit terrorism, illegal possession of firearms, and being members of a proscribed organisation.
They were Ali Mohammed, Adamu Karumi, Ibrahim Usman, Bala Haruna, Idris Ali, Mohammed Murtala and Kadiri Mohammed.
Others are Mustapha Daura, Abba Duguri, Sanni Adamu, Danjuma Yahaya and Musa Audu and Mati Daura, Farouk Haruna, Abdullahi Azeez, Ibrahim Bukar and Zula Diani.
But the case was discontinued against all the accused except the first four that went through trial – Ali Mohammed, Adamu Karumi, Ibrahim Usman and Bala Haruna.
Out of the four, Haruna was discharged by Justice Buba on the ground that the government failed to prove the allegations of terrorism funding against him.
Haruna, according to the case of the government, was said to have agreed to provide funds to facilitate the escape of the first convict, Ali Mohammed, from detention.
However, Justice Buba sentenced the first three accused persons – Ali Mohammed, Adamu Karumi and Ibrahim Usman – to 25 years imprisonment each for participating in acts of terrorism.
In the charge, the prosecution alleged that the accused persons committed the offences on March 21, at Plot 5, Road 69, Lekki Phase I Housing Estate, and No. 24, Oyegbeni St., Ijora-Oloye, Apapa-Iganmu, Lagos.
They were alleged to have been caught in possession of three packets of explosive construction pipes, 15 detonators, and 11 AK47 rifles with 30 rounds of live ammunitions.
The other items allegedly found in the possession of the accused include 200 rounds of 7.6 millimetres live ammunition, two suitcases containing explosives, and a water container filled with explosives.
According to the prosecution, the offences contravened provisions of Sections 13(2) and 17(b) of the Terrorism Act 2013. It also contravenes Sections 1, 8, 27 (1) (a) and (b) of the Firearms (special provisions) Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation, 2004, and punishable under Section 8 of the same act.
The details of the judgement were given to journalists by a source who was in court. Initially, Justice Buba had earlier announced that the judgement would be given at 12pm and had earlier sought the views of the lawyers if it was within the law to give the judgement in the open court before the public.
The representative of the prosecution, who was in court, Idowu Alakija, however, responded by saying that since the trial was conducted in camera for security reasons, judgement should also be given in the same manner.
Justice Buba, however, opted to know what the law stipulates on giving judgement in camera and how his colleagues in Abuja handle the cases before them.
He then adjourned to conduct a short research. Upon sitting again, Justice Buba again asked the parties to address him on the legality of giving judgement in camera.
The Attorney General of Lagos State and Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye, who had been in court, then responded by saying that if the trial was conducted in secret, the judgement should also be delivered in secret as the judgement was also an inherent part of the proceeding.
The defence team also supported Ipaye’s position, a development which made Justice Buba to order everyone except the parties and the security operatives out of the courtroom to allow him give his judgement.
(Channels TV)

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Boko Haram kills scores, razes over 500 houses in Adamawa state

Boko Haram men in the early hours of yesterday September 29th launched an attack in Kubi and Watu villages in Michika LGA of Adamawa state, killing scores and burning over 500 houses.

According to a resident of the village, the sect men came very early in the morning when people were still sleeping, setting their homes ablaze and causing them to burn to death in the resulting inferno.

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Cameroonian Military Capture Boko Haram’s Top Commander, Abakar Ali

Cameroonian soldiers have captured Abakar Ali, one
of the top commanders of insurgent fighters
belonging to the Islamist group, Boko Haram.
According to our reliable source, the Cameroonian
army also seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition
from the Islamist militants during the operation.
Foreign mercenaries captured during raid in Nigeria
Abakar Ali who also goes by name "Mustapher Umar" was
caught with 5 machine guns, 14 rifles, 24 rockets, 4 rocket
launchers, 6 Kalashnikovs, 60 Kalashnikovs magazines, 4
automatic pistols , over 500 9mm ammunition, 469 12.7mm
ammunition, 4,454 7.62 mm ammunition, 1,491 5.56 mm
ammunition, 822 ammunition of 7.62 mm, 6 grenades, 28
rocket launcher chargers and other weaponized accesories
like pincers, tweezers and knives.
A mid-level Nigerian military officer, who is serving with a
multi-national force that operates around the Nigeria-
Cameroon border, revealed the information to
SaharaReporters via telephone. He disclosed that
Cameroonian soldiers nabbed Mr. Ali along with two other
Boko Haram fighters in Kousseri, a town in northern
Cameroon.
Our source described Mr. Ali as the insurgent commander
who has been leading the Islamist sect’s attacks around the
border towns between Nigeria and Cameroon. He added
that the arrested insurgent shuttled between various Boko
Haram camps in the area and organized deadly attacks that
targeted mostly civilians.
The Nigerian officer stated that the Cameroonian military
was expected to share intelligence with their Nigerian
counterparts regarding any confessions made by the
captured terrorist during interrogation. He added that
Nigerian security agencies are likely to learn more about
Mr. Ali’s linkages with others in Boko Haram’s cells in
Nigeria's northeast area.

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Islamic Scholar Opens Doors To First Gay-Friendly Mosque In South Africa

According to a BBC report, Dr. Taj Hargey, a
professor at Oxford University’s Muslim
Educational Centre has completed the ‘Open
Mosque’ which welcomes not only gay
Muslims, but also invites women to pray
alongside men, and even to lead pray

muslim scholar has opened the doors to what is
believed to be the world’s only gay-friendly mosque
in Cape Town, South Africa.
open mosque
According to a BBC report, Dr. Taj Hargey, a professor at
Oxford University’s Muslim Educational Centre has
completed the ‘Open Mosque’ which welcomes not only gay
Muslims, but also invites women to pray alongside men,
and even to lead prayers.
The opening of the mosque has been condemned by many
in Cape Town’s Muslim community with one Muslim group
unsuccessfully attempting to block the opening of the
mosque.
Dr. Hargey has said that he hoped the mosque would
symbolize the open nature of Islam during the times of
Prophet Muhammed, who is said to have allowed prominent
women like one of his wives, Khadijah to lead prayers.
"This idea of female invisibility is an innovation that came
after Muhammad, unfortunately it has become entrenched,"
said Dr. Hargey.
Although South Africa’s body for Islamic groups, the
Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), says it is investigating
members’ concerns of the Open Mosque, several members
of Cape Town’s large Muslim community have openly
criticized the mosque and even labeled the Dr. Hargey an
“unbeliever”.
Still, Dr. Hargey hopes the mosque will counter growing
Islamic radicalism, and looks forward to the future.

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Boko Haram Kills 20, Burns Schools, Churches In Southern Borno

Boko Haram Kills 20, Burns Schools,
Churches In Southern Borno
In what appeared to be a renewed onslaught
by the Boko Haram against hapless
civilians, the insurgents, between
Wednesday and Thursday attacked two
communities of Hawul local government
area of Borno State, killing 20 persons,
among whom was a pastor, sources said.
The pastor, Eliud Gwamna Mshelizza, was a
branch head of the Living Faith Church in
Marama town of the same local
government.
Also among those killed was a school
teacher, (name undisclosed).
Eyewitnesses in the attacked villages
narrated that the Boko Haram insurgents
invaded Shaffa and Shindiffu towns at about
8pm and proceeded to wreak havoc in the
towns until 11am Thusday.
LEADERSHIP Friday learnt that the
insurgents, who attacked Shaffa town first,
were forced to flee by soldiers and on their
way, stopped at and attacked the residents
of Shindiffu Village.
“They burnt houses and all the churches in
Shindiffu, including our schools,” said a
displaced resident, Amos Buba.
“They also burnt down Government Girls
Secondary School, Shaffa, the clinic, the
staff quarters and many houses,” he said.
Mr Ibrahim Gwamna Mshelizza, the slain
pastor’s elder brother confirmed the incident
when he spoke to journalists in Maiduguri by
phone.
However, soldiers of the Nigerian Army
deployed from Biu town in Borno State and
others from Adamawa State were able to
intercept the attacking insurgents while on
their way to Turaku village, another
Christian-dominated community.
The soldiers engaged the sect members and
killed several of them.
Sources said that as the insurgents were
about to complete their mission in Shaffa, a
deployment of troops arrived the town,
causing the them to flee to Shindiffu, a
nearby village.
Also confirming the incident, a top military
source who did not want to be named as he
was not authorised to talk to the press said,
“Our men from Adamawa and Biu axis
repelled the attacks on Shaffa, Shindiffu and
Turaku villages. Over 100 of the terrorists
were killed, while several arms and
ammunition were also recovered in the
encounter.”
Police public relations officer, Gideon Jubrin,
told journalists by phone that he could not
give details of casualties on both sides,
because telecommunication networks in the
area were shut down after the attacks.

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Abandoned Chibok Girl Bruised, Pregnant

One of the abducted Chibok girls recently
released by the Boko Haram insurgents,
Susan Ishaya, is four months pregnant,
chairman of Chibok community in Abuja,
Tsamdo Hosea Abana, has confirmed.
Abana, who made the disclosure through
phone chat with our correspondent,
lamented the trauma parents and the
abducted girls are going through, saying
their lives will never be the same again.
Security sources said Miss Ishaya was
found near a police station in the border
town of Mubi on Wednesday after she was
left there by the insurgents.
Abana confirmed that the girl in question
was among the schoolgirls abducted by the
insurgent group about five months ago in
Chibok, Borno State, adding that she has
been moved to Adamawa State Police
Headquarters in Yola.
“Susan is actually one of our daughters
abducted from Government Girls Secondary
School in Chibok. She was found in Mubi
where her abductors dumped her and she
was later taken to Yola. It has been proved
that the girl is four months pregnant, and
she is psychological and physically
traumatized,” he stated.
Abana, who pleaded with the police
authorities to ensure that she is given
adequate medical attention considering her
plight, also called on federal government to
step up efforts toward freeing the remaining
girls and re-uniting them with their families.
He revealed that the girl is suffering from
trauma and there are signs of physical
abuses on her body, saying he believed the
insurgents subjected their captives to
horrible physical and sexual abuses.
“Evidently, the girl was subjected to serious
abuse. There are bruises on her body, and
she is suffering from psychological
trauma”, Abana stated.
Sources at the Police Clinic in Yola
confirmed that Miss Ishaya was on
admission at the clinic where she was
receiving treatment but that she was taken
to the police headquarters in the morning.
However, a source said the girl might have
been referred to a better hospital.
The police public relations oficer (PPRO),
Michael Haa, declined to speak on the
matter, saying the military had taken charge
of security in the state since the declaration
of state of emergency by President
Jonathan in 2013.
Attempts to speak to the Army public
relations officer, Captain Jafaru Nuhu, were
not successful as his phone was switched
off.

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REVEALED: List of detained suspected terrorists Boko Haram wants swapped for abducted Chibok girls

The failed high level negotiations between Boko
Haram leaders and the Nigerian government
team, led by a former Minister of Information,
Edwin Clark, would have seen the country
swapping 16 detained terrorists for 220 Chibok
girls, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively
report today.
The names submitted for the swap are said to
contain mainly the sect’s middle commanders
who are being detained in various detention
centres across the country.
They are:
1.Mustapha Umar
2.Baba Alhaji
3 Baba Gana Mongunu
4.Mallam Bashir Kachallah
5.Mallam Baraa
6. Mallam Baba Gana
7. Mallam Baba Mala
8. Mallam Abakar
9. Mallam Ibrahim
10. Mallam Awana
11. Mallam Yarema
12. Mallam Albani Jos
13. Mallam Tuja.
Sources close to the negotiation said there are
three other insurgents whose names were
communicated through telephone calls, during
later discussions, directly to representatives of
the International Federation of Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies, who facilitated the talks.
Two names were initially sent but shortly
afterwards, one more was called in making a
total of 16.
As we reported Thursday , after weeks of tough
negotiations, the government and Boko Haram
sides finally accepted to what famously came to
be dubbed the “prisoner swap” of the Chibok
girls with some commanders of the Boko Haram
fighting forces.
Insiders to the talk said the insurgents were
“initially modest in their demands, asking for
just 10 of their field captains who appear to
have a holding grip on the imagination of the
fighting forces.” At this time, this was against
the whole abducted girls.
While the security forces were combing
detention centres, shopping for the 10 detainees,
our sources say something strange happened,
suggesting internal struggles in the camp of the
insurgency forces.
Our sources understood the “happening” to be a
factional disagreement on the ethnic
composition of the 10 names tabled for the
swap. “They were all of Kanuri nationality and
it appeared the Hausa/Fulani faction protested
this.”
The result of this disagreement was about one
week delay in the negotiations after which a
“new list of 15 was tabled, and then it was
increased to 16”.
The ICRC was then working with security forces
to identify the names on the list. In this period,
it wasn’t clear if security forces had all the
names in demand, a situation that triggered a
new frustration in the talks, according to our
sources. Were they never captured or were they
killed in battle or extra-judicially?
Our sources said some of those identified
insisted that although they were being held by
Nigerian security forces based on allegations of
being Boko Haram members, they were not
terrorists or members of the sect and would
never agree to a release based on prisoner swap
arrangement with the deadly group.
This development, according to one of our
sources, led discussions along a frozen path.
“We almost lost 10 days again to this but after a
meeting at the Kuje prisons, near Abuja, where
Mustapha Umar, one of the commanders on the
list was held, the government team saw a new
ray of hope.”
However, distrust was now building and the
team of two Boko Haram negotiators switched
the terms of demand from 16 sect commanders
for all the girls, to only 30 girls.
But Mr. Clark, according to our sources, told
them there was no realism in their demands
and that if they so cherished their compatriots,
the smartest deal for them was to release all the
girls. At any rate, Mr. Clark reportedly argued
that such a deal would put President Jonathan at
the butt of a new wave of criticism and provide
fodder for the opposition. So this was not
acceptable, he reportedly insisted.
“Swap is not our idea but the idea of the
government,“ the Boko Haram negotiators
initially argued, trying to insist on the high
road, but they later deferred to the age of Mr.
Clark, according to our sources.
At this point also, the ICRC team clarified the
terms of their engagement, insisting that before
the swaps, they would need clear commitments
from the abducted girls and the detained
fighters. “Prisoners and the girls must offer
consent before the deal can be closed” ICRC
insisted. To get the consent of the girls the ICRC
said they were prepared to risk going into the
enclave of the insurgency.
The Boko Haram negotiators reportedly said
they were comfortable with this, and that it will
also help “dispel the claims that the girls were
being maltreated or that they have been forced
into marriage which will shock many people
when the girls return.”
With the Abuja negotiations sealed, Yola, the
Adamawa state capital, was agreed as the point
of swap. Government negotiators favoured a
discreet arrangement where they would sneak
into Yola, the Red Cross would take custody of
the girls, and in turn yield the Boko Haram
detainees to them and conclude the swap.
The management of the Yola episode, according
to our sources, put paid to the whole
arrangement. The government, in an exuberant
show of enthusiasm chartered a Boeing 737 jet
to convey the girls to Abuja from Yola. What
was thought to be a discreet arrangement
turned into a fantasia and loud orchestra show.
Moreover, “when we arrived Yola, half of the
airport was covered with security forces” noted
one of the insiders to the deal.
“Then they moved negotiators to the
presidential lounge for a two-hour wait…then 48
hours in the hotel…but Yola had been infiltrated
by these people and the security presence sent a
wrong signal…clearly these people didn’t trust
the arrangement and they never showed up.”
Apart from Mr. Clark, others who participated
in the negotiation were two notable Nigerian
civil rights leaders, Fred Eno, and Shehu Sani,
Maiduguri-based lawyer, Mustapha Zanna, and
PDP chieftain, Kaka Bolori, along with three top
officials of the International Red Cross
headquarters office in Geneva which served as
the “interface” negotiators, and two field
captains of the Boko Haram sect.
When contacted Wednesday, some of the
principal actors in the collapsed negotiation
declined to provide details, saying it’s still
premature to divulge “sensitive details”.
“The whole thing is unfortunate, but hopefully
we can revive the negotiations,” one of the
negotiators, Fred Eno, told PREMIUM TIMES.
“The president desperately wanted the girls
released, but politics of positioning stood in the
way of progress.”
The President of the Kaduna-based Civil Rights
Congress, Shehu Sani, insisted he was not
comfortable discussing the matter at this time,
suggesting that it was irrelevant talking about
what worked and what didn’t work at least until
the girls are rescued.
Mr. Clark did not answer or return calls made
to his telephone on Thursday morning. He also
did not respond to a text message sent to him.
Benoit Matsha-Carpentier, the Senior Media
Officer for the International Federation of Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies, was also
unavailable Thursday morning. He is yet to
return calls made to him.
Spokespersons for the Nigerian presidency were
also unavailable to provide insight regarding
why the administration acted the way it did in
the final minutes of the negotiation. Reuben
Abati, the Special Adviser to the President on
Media and Publicity, as well as Doyin Okupe, the
senior special assistant on Public Affairs, didn’t
answer or return calls Thursday morning.
The over 200 girls, mostly teenagers, were
kidnapped from their secondary school in
Chibok, Borno State, on April 14.

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VIDEO: How Army Took Down Shekau – Investigations

New details on how the impostor of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau lost his life have been revealed.
The Nigerian Army took down a commander who acted as Shekau in all the latest Boko Haram videos during a shootout in Konduga last week.

Shekau and imposter

It is said that the deceased was ambushed by the military, the same strategy applied by the sect on the army for some time now.
The first attack on Konduga by the army surprised the militants who numbered in their hundreds.
After an extensive seven hours of fighting hundreds of insurgents lost their lives. Their arms and ammunition were also seized.
The military men had wisely forced captured members of the sect to send a message to Shekau that they (insurgents) have routed the troops.
The captured members were promised a less severe sentence if they cooperated and hence they were convinced.
The captured insurgents had explained that Shekau normally moves in a convoy of vehicles painted in military colours, while he sits in a MOWAG armoured tank with Boko Haram inscription on its front.

Boko Haram’s APC captured in Konduga by soldiers

Then Shekau was called and spoken to in Arabic, reassuring him that Konduga is under the sect’s reign. These were all done with other captured men singing the victory song in Kanuri language they normally sing at the background.
This fully convinced the imposter Shekau that all is well and the message is authentic because it came from his chief courier. He took his boys along to Konduga, heavily armed with anti-aircraft weapons, general purpose machine guns, multiple Kalashnikov (AK 47) rifles and explosive devices.
As he and his members entered the town, they were ambushed by the military. Immediately he noticed something was wrong, it has already been too late.
He then ordered his men to get out of the vehicles and to start shooting in all directions.
This was enough for the army to start responding with fire, and when he understood the his guns could not overpower the infantry and artillery weaponry used by the Nigerian forces, he jumped out of the MOWAG and made to escape.
However, eagle-eyed Nigerian soldiers spotted him and opened fire, shattering his legs in the process. It was learnt that he also received bullet wounds in other parts of his body leading to his bleeding to death.

Flag of terrorists on one of the vehicles captured by Nigerian troops in Konduga

Cameroonian military personnel had claimed to have been the ones to carry out the raid, but the Defence Headquarters yesterday dismissed the insinuation.
On their Twitter handle, the DHQ said: “There was no raid whatsoever in any part of Nigeria’s territory in pursuit of terrorists as claimed in some reports allegedly quoting Cameroon military authorities.
“All operations ongoing in the environs of Konduga & all associated border location within the country are completely being undertaken by Nigerian troops.”
In order to convince the skeptical members of the public a video showing last seconds of “Shekau’s” life has been released:



WATCH VIDEO HERE

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DHQ Retracts Statement On Chibok Girls Rescue

The officials allegedly confirmed that an undefined number of Chibok schools abducted in April was freed, and 30 minutes later withdrew the statement.

Chibok girls showed in the video released by Abubakar Shekau

Initial information
Premium Times reports with reference to senior military sources that two Toyota Hiace buses with the girls inside were driven into the Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri, Borno State, this evening, September 23.
Defence Spokesperson Chris Olukolade CONFIRMED the information.
According to him, the action is still in process and the official statement will be made soon.
The leader of BringBackOurGirls movement Obi Ezekwesili also confirmed the circulating reports. Her recent tweets read:
UPDATE
Half an hour later Okulolade called Premium Times correspondent to say he was withdrawing his earlier statement. The defence spokesman said they were unable to contact their colleagues in Maiduguri thus they were not sure those girls spotted were the newly rescued.
Sahara Reporters provides with reference to its government source in Maiduguri that the girls sighted in Maimalari barracks were not the ones freshly released, but those who had earlier escaped from Boko Haram militants. It is said they were now driven away from Chibok to new schools in Kaduna with full military escort.
The latest message in the official Twitter account of the Defence headquarters breaks the last hopes.
It would be recalled that yesterday it was made known that the Nigerian authorities and the Boko Haram side, responsible for the abduction, finally agreed on the release of all 219 Chibok girls in exchange for 18 sect commanders currently in detention. The decision was allegedly made after months of secret talks held with the group regarding the issue.

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Ebola Victims Ressurect During Burial

Panic has taken over a community in Liberia when two Ebola victims suddenly rose back to life from death.

Panic is spreading in an African village that Ebola patients are rising from the dead. This is a file picture of an Ebola victim

The villagers who believed two female victims of the killer disease have been resurrected and are now walking among the living were shocked at the incident when it happened.
Mirror reports that the victims, who are both females in their 40s and 60s, died of the deadly virus in separate communities in Nimba County, Liberia.
But the pair were said to have risen from their deaths and are now walking among the living, causing panic and fear among locals. The two victims, late Dorris Quoi of Hope Village Community and Ma Kebeh, in her late 60s, were about to be taken for burial when they resurrected from the dead, according to the New Dawn Nimba County, a local newspaper.
Ma Kebeh was reported to be indoors for two nights without food and medication before her alleged death. However, it would be worthy to note that Nimba County has recently reported unusual news of Ebola cases, including one about a native doctor from the county, who claimed that he could cure infected victims, dying of the virus himself last week.
The local tabloid however made it known that since the Ebola outbreak in Nimba County, this is the first incident of dead victims resurrecting.
The Ebola outbreak has already killed around 2,800 people in five West African countries this year, while an estimated 5,800 people have been infected with the virus, which has no known cure.
America’s respected Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention has predicted there could be up to 1.4million cases of deadly Ebola by the end of January. The CDC, which successfully treated two US doctors infected with the disease, released the worrying report based on assumptions that cases have been dramatically under reported.
The Centre’s scientists believe there may be as many as 21,000 reported and unreported cases in just Liberia and Sierra Leone alone by the end of this month.
The World Health Organisation has already warned the number of people infected with the Ebola could reach 20,000 by the beginning of November if steps to contain the outbreak are not accelerated.
It would be recalled that just recently, after a seemingly long battle with Ebola in Nigeria, the Minister of Health in Nigeria, Onyebuchi Chukwu revealed that Nigeria is completely free of active Ebola cases, adding that all contacts of the deadly disease have been released from surveillance.

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Nigerian Military Confirms Death Of Boko Haram Leader

In a statement released by the military and signed  by Defence spokesperson, Maj. Gen Chris Olukayode, the military confirmed that Shekau was killed in one of the major battles by the deadly terrorist group to penetrate and overtake Konduga, a town near Maiduguri, the capital city of North-Eastern Borno State.

The Nigerian military have confirmed the death of one Mohammed Bashir, the man who poses as the deceased Abubakar Shekau, leader of terrorist insurgent group, Boko Haram.

In a statement released by the military and signed  by Defence spokesperson, Maj. Gen Chris Olukayode, the military confirmed that Shekau was killed in one of the major battles by the deadly terrorist group to penetrate and overtake Konduga, a town near Maiduguri, the capital city of North-Eastern Borno State.

The statement also reveals that the inhabitants of the community who were victims of terrorists activities corroborated information on the identity of Bashir Mohammed alias Abubakar Shekau, alias Abacha Abdullahi Geidam alias Damasack etc. Confirming that he is indeed the dead man pictured in a tweet released earlier within the week.

Read the statement below.

Nigerian troops have been conducting coordinated air and land operations in furtherance of efforts at containing the terrorists in the North East part of the country. Somehow, it became apparent that the terrorists in continuation of their campaign of terror were determined to take over communities around Maiduguri which is their prime target.

There was therefore the need to ensure that communities such as Konduga were protected. It is noteworthy that the terrorists made not less than four attempts between 12 and 17 September 2014 to violate the security and enter Konduga to perpetrate their atrocities. Air and land forces were subsequently deployed to handle the situation.

The convoy of combat vehicles typical of terrorists’ mission that involves their top commanders, were fiercely engaged by the land and air forces. Several of the terrorists including some of their commanders lost their lives in the encounters which lasted an average of about 5 hours each.

The troops captured some of the terrorists and their equipment. In the course of those encounters, one Mohammed Bashir who has been acting or posing on videos as the deceased Abubakar Shekau, the eccentric character known as leader of the group died. Since the name Shekau has become a brand name for the terrorists’ leader, the Nigerian military remains resolute to serve justice to anyone who assumes that designation or title as well as all terrorists that seek to violate the freedom and territory of Nigeria.

On restoring normalcy after the encounter, inhabitants of the community who were victims of terrorists activities corroborated information on the identity of Bashir Mohammed alias Abubakar Shekau, alias Abacha Abdullahi Geidam alias Damasack etc. Indeed, the recent devastation on the leadership of the insurgents is attributable to the renewed commitment to the mission of eradicating terrorism in our country.

Meanwhile, a total of 135 terrorists have yesterday evening surrendered along with equipment to troops around Biu Local Government Area. A group of 88 submitted themselves at Mairiga/Bun – Yadi while another group of 45 terrorists were taken in around Mubi – Michika. They are all being interrogated and processed in conformity with the dictates of standard best practices.

The Defence Headquarters applauds the gallantry of the Nigerian troops who have remained undaunted and professional in prosecuting this campaign against terror. The keen interest exhibited by our neighbours and allies is commendable and we appreciate them. All allies in the war against terrorism are hereby assured of the Nigerian military’s resolve to maintain momentum in the efforts to decimate and defeat terrorists. The invaluable efforts toward achieving sustainable peace and victory against the terrorists are highly appreciated.

Statement signed by Defence spokesperson, Maj. Gen Chris Olukayode

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