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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