Borno lost 800 classrooms to Boko Haram –Governor

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Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State says the state has lost more than 800 classrooms to the activities of members of the Boko Haram sect.  The governor, who said this on Thursday in Maiduguri, the state capital, however, said he was glad that peace was already returning to the troubled state.

Shettima spoke during the traditional Sallah Durbar (horse parade), which was held amidst fanfare at the Shehu’s palace in Maiduguri, Borno State.

It was the first durbar since 2009, when it was last held due to the security challenge in the state.

Shettima was in attendance as special guest of honour and it was the first time a sallah durbar was held since he became the state governor in May, 2011.

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Why We Exposed Boko Haram Members In Our Midst – Trailer Park Unions

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Ileke new trailer garage, Ogun State, used to be a quiet park for heavy duty trailer trucks. That was until recently, when it was named as one of the areas where 42 suspected members of Boko Haram were apprehended in various parts of Lagos and Ogun states.

They were paraded last Monday by the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army in Lagos.

According to the Nigerian Army, the suspects fled from Borno State following a state of emergency declared by the Federal Government. The General Officer Commanding the 81 Division, Maj.- Gen. Obi Umahi, explained the raid was carried out following intelligence report that the sect planned to unleash terror on parts of the South-West.

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Army corners Boko Haram leader, Shekau, in Borno hills

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The leader of the Boko Haram Islamic sect, Sheikh Abubakar Shekau, may have been cornered by operatives of the Joint Task Force in Gwoza hills, Borno State.

A top security source told Saturday PUNCHon Thursday that the JTF had located the area where the Boko Haram leader was hiding.

The source stated, “We are combing Gwoza hills where we believe Shekau is hiding.”

The source added that a unit of the Army’s Special Forces team had launched a “well-coordinated assault” on a group of insurgents somewhere in the Gwoza hills areas on June 26, 2013. Shekau, the source added, was in the group of Islamists, with some of his closest aides.

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Nigerian Airforce Invents Bomb Detecting Robot To Fight Boko Haram

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Experts in bomb detonation would soon not need to get closer to such dangerous objects to neutralise them as the Nigerian Airforce has invented a robot to undertake such task from a far distance.

Commandant of the Nigerian Airforce Institute of Technology (NAFIT), Kaduna, John Oshoniyi on Monday said the institute had developed a bomb detective robot capable of detecting bombs from afar, and an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for surveillance and intelligence gathering in crisis prone parts of the country.

At a news conference in preparation for the 42nd graduation ceremony of the institute, the commandant said the bomb detonating robot, would assist the security agencies to check the series of bombings by terrorist groups.

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Boko Haram Grave Uncovered With More Deadly Arms & Ammunition

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Some shocking discoveries have been made in Maiduguri, the beleaguered 

Borno State capital that is said to be the engine-room of the Boko Haram insurgency.

“During search of the areas, many arms and ammunition of various calibres buried in houses and cemeteries were recovered. Decomposing corpses of those killed by the terrorists were also found in soak-away and mass graves of terrorists killed. Troops also discovered vast network mouse-holes linking compounds and underground tunnels as well as bunkers under houses." 

Read more after Break. 

Boko Haram Denies Ceasefire With Government

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The leader of the Nigerian Islamist militant group Boko Haram denied that it entered into a ceasefire agreement with the government and endorsed an attack last week on a school in northeast Yobe state.
Bloomberg reports that Abubakar Shekau, in a video message sent to reporters on Saturday, denied claims by the Minister of Special Duties Kabiru Turaki this week that a ceasefire was reached on July 8 after talks with the group’s deputy leader, Mohammed Marwan.

“Let me assure you that we will not enter into any truce with these infidels,” Shekau said. “We will not enter into any truce with the Nigerian government.” 

Boko Haram, whose name means “western education is a sin” in the Hausa language, has killed thousands of people in gun and bomb attacks since 2009 in the mainly Muslim North and Abuja in its campaign to establish an Islamic state in Africa’s largest oil producer. Nigeria’s more than 160 million people are roughly split between Christians, predominant in the south, and Muslims, mostly in the north.

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Federal Government Of Nigeria signs ceasefire with Boko Haram

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KANO – The Federal Government has announced  signing of ceasefire deal with Jama’atu Ahlul Sunnah Lidda’awati wal Jihad, popularly known as Boko Haram. The major breakthrough is coming on the eve of  the Muslim Holy month due to commence Tuesday throughout the country. The minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki announced the ceasefire agreement on Radio France International Hausa services monitored in Kano Monday afternoon.

Naija Gist: http://omoooduarere.blogspot.com/

Boko Haram: Tension in Ibadan over slain traders

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The gloom and anger that pervaded the camp of traders at the popular Bodija Market in Ibadan over last week’s killing of 10 of their colleagues by the Boko Haram sect in Mugunu, Borno State, is giving way to tension in the city.

 

The arrival of the slain traders’ bodies in Ibadan on Tuesday stirred a torrent of tears and trauma among residents. Since then, Hausa traders in the city have been lying low. Findings by newsmen showed that there had been low turnout of Hausa hawkers at Mokola roundabout, Agodi-Gate Bus stop, Ojoo, Challenge, Beere and Molete areas, where they had hitherto been very visible.
 

At Sabo, the part of the city dominated by Hausa people, most of the bureau de change operators, car dealers and other Hausa traders in the area confined themselves to the safety of their homes.
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Boko Haram has raised our security demands – Sambo Dasuki (NSA)

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The National Security Adviser, Mr. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki, has said that terrorism and other security challenges in the country have forced the military to embark on joint operation with other para-military outfits in 28 states.

He pleaded with Nigerians to accept military presence in the society which is becoming a routine pattern.  He, however, admitted that military intervention in internal security is affecting its professionalism.  He said terrorism has raised the flag of security demands to levels higher than the nation had witnessed since the civil war

Dasuki, who opened up at a session on National Civil-Military Dialogue in Ajuji Hotel, Abuja, urged Nigerians to assist the military to provide information which could assist in the fight against insurgents, terrorists and all other forms of criminality

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18 soldiers on trial for alleged role in the escape of high-profile Boko Haram suspects.

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Eighteen  soldiers, including a  lieutenant,  on Monday appeared  before  a General  Court Martial in Jos,  Plateau State for aiding members of the  fundamentalist Islamic sect, Boko Haram,  and other insurgent groups in their  activities.

The soldiers are members of  the Joint Task Force code named Operation Restore Orderin Borno State and the Special Task Force also called Operation Safe Heaven in Plateau State. The  JTF and STF were deployed in  both states following a menace of  insurgent groups in the country. Whilst the JTF is also  battling with Boko Haram members  in Adamawa,  and Yobe states,  the STF has been grasping with Fulani herdsmen who,  previously 10 years had taken Plateau State by the jugular.  The soldiers are increasingly being tried under charges termed, “communication with the enemies, cowardly behaviour,  murder and manslaughter.”

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Detained Boko Haram Suspects Plead For Second Chance, Say They Were Brainwashed

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Over 50 detained members of the Boko Haram sect have appealed to Federal Government to offer them another chance as these were ‘brain washed'into picking up arms contrary to the Nigerian state and its citizens.

The sect members made the appeal once the presidential committee on dialogue and peaceful resolution of security challenges in the North visited one of many detention centres in Maiduguri, Borno State capital on Tuesday.

According to one of many detainees Adam Konto, who introduced himself to the chairman of the committee, Kabir Turaki since the Amir (Commander) of the Bayan quarters, among Boko Haram's strongholds in Maiduguri, the detained members if released, is going to be law abiding and assist the FG in bringing the deadly insurgence to an end.

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‘Boko Haram leader is from Niger Republic’

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The Head of the Terrorist sect Boko Haram Abubakar Shekau hails from Niger Republic according to the Senate joint committee that investigated the Baga town Deaths.

This news shatters the widely believed notion that he was born in Shekau village in Yobe state

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima himself told visiting senators that the man was actually from the neighboring Republic of Niger. The senators were also informed that although the sect has some foreigners, 80% of the sect members where from the Kanuri tribe saying that the leader is a Kanuri from Niger Republic.

After Mohammed Yussuf's death Shekau became the leader of the sect bringing death and anguish to thousand's of Nigerians. He has not been seen in public eye since 2009, He has shown himself through youtube videos aimed at threatning the Jonathan led Nigerian Government and claiming responsibility of attacks by the group.

Traders Arrest Six Armed 'Boko Haram' Gunmen In Maiduguri

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The market had been burnt twice by Boko Haram.

Local traders at Gamboru Market in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Wednesday arrested six armed gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members while allegedly trying to attack traders, witnesses said.

The gunmen, according to witness accounts, were spotted entering the market with their weapons hidden under their garments.

“A trader alerted us when he saw them and we immediately trailed and rounded them up,” said 36-year-old grocery merchant, Babagana Aji.

Yobe: JTF In Five Hour Gunfight With Boko Haram

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Residents of Damaturu, the Yobe state capital, have reported what they believe to have been a gun battle between security forces and members of the Boko Haram, which lasted for over 5 hours on Sunday night.

The relative peace currently being enjoyed in Damaturu the Yobe state capital suffered a setback as sound of gunshots were heard throughout the night.  Sporadic gunshots were heard within the Damaturu metropolis from 9pm and lasted for over five hours. Although an official statement is still being expected from either the Joint Task Force (JTF) or the police on the cause of the gunshots, residents believe it was a clash between security forces and the radical Islamic sect; the Boko Haram.

Yobe State government had four days ago reviewed the restriction of movement from 9pm to 6am in Damaturu, while curfew in other towns remained 6pm to 6am daily.  The last time gunshots were heard in Damaturu was 9 months ago when a field commander of the radical sect; Bakaka was killed in a gun duel with JTF at Khandahar area of Damaturu.

Buhari's Comments On Boko Haram Has Subjected Him As A Sectional Leader – Arewa Youths

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Some concerned members of theArewa Youths Forum have called onformer Head of State Maj-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), to desist from making inciting statements in his pursuit of political relevance.

The youths also advised the presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change  (CPC) in the 2011 elections to measure the mood of Nigerians beforethrowing his hat in the ring come 2015.

Buhari was also advised to prevent deluding himself into believing that what happened to those that contested elections in other climes repeatedly before winning would be his fate.

Jibril Mamman Vatsa, the spokesman of the group who made this known in a statement in Kaduna, said the recent statements by Buhari to the effect that the existing military operation against the Boko Haram sect was anti-north hadexposed him as a sectional leader.

VIDEO: Army Officer Explains How Boko Haram Members Choose Their Camps

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The Commander of Combat Team 1 that dislodged suspected members of the extremist sect, Boko Haram from their camp in Kirenowa Village, Lt. Col Danladi Hassan has explained the factors the militants considered before building their camps.Speaking to reporters after capturing a terrorist den in Kirenowa village, the Commander said the insurgents often site their camps in areas with thick vegetation so that they are shielded from military aerial scouts.

Watch The Video After The Break

Pes. Jonathan approves order proscribing Boko Haram, Ansaru members

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Below is a press statement by the president's Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Reuben Abati.

President Jonathan approves order proscribing Boko Haram and Ansaru members; supporters, collaborators now face prosecution under terrorism prevention act.

President Goodluck Jonathan has formally approved the proscription of Boko Haram and authorized the gazetting of an order declaring the group’s activities illegal and acts of terrorism.

The order which has been gazetted as the Terrorism (Prevention) (Proscription Order) Notice 2013 affects both Boko Haram (Jamaatu Ahlis-Sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad) and another group – Jama’atu Ansarul  Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan, was approved by President Jonathan pursuant  to section 2 0f the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011 (As Amended).

Another Bin Laden Saga? US places $23m reward for Boko Haram leader, Shekau, 4 others ( What is Your View )

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The US today Monday June 3rd posted up to $23 million in rewards to help track down five leaders of militant groups accused of spreading terror in west Africa. The highest reward of $7 million is offered for the Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau, who last week called on Islamists in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq to join the bloody fight to create an Islamic state in Nigeria.

The US State Department’s Rewards for Justice program also targeted Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), offering its first ever bounties for wanted militants in west Africa. Up to $5 million was posted for Al-Qaeda veteran Mokhtar Belmokhtar, the one-eyed Islamist behind the devastating attack on an Algerian gas plant in January in which 37 foreigners, including three Americans, were killed.

FG Stops Rich Senator Sponsoring Boko Haram's From Escaping Justice

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The Federal Government yesterday requested the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal to reject an application by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume over alleged involvement in terrorism. Ndume is seeking an order of the Appeal Court to stay his trial before a Federal High Court, pending the determination of his appeal challenging his trial for alleged sponsorship of terrorism in the country.

The appellate court consequently ordered parties to file written addresses on the issue and fixed October 2 for adoption of briefs.

The substantive appeal by Ndume challenging the ruling of the Federal High Court to the effect that he had a case to answer would be argued after determination of the application for stay.

Battle Against Boko Haram: Military Says Clampdown To Go On As 3 Soldiers Were Killed

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The military operation has left 17 people dead on the fifth day of a push in crushing the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast region of Nigeria with a death toll of 14 insurgents and three soldiers, while seven others sustained injuries.

The spokesperson for Defence Headquarters; Brigadier General Chris Olukolade, in a statement said the operation is continuing on; with patrols sent out to secure towns and villages.

He also revealed that the Special Forces have killed 14 insurgents in battles that left three soldiers dead and seven wounded.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the President on media and publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, has convened President Goodluck Jonathan’s directive which urged members of Boko Haram  to surrender their arms and embrace the amnesty option.