JTF: Boko Haram Commander, Lieutenants Killed

 Joint Task Force, JTF, in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, on Wednesday said it killed a Boko Haram Commander for the North-East and North-West of Maiduguri and his lieutenants, who allegedly killed General Mamman Shuwa three weeks ago.

The name of the Commander was given as Ibn Saleh Ibrahim.In a statement by JTF spokesman, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, he said troops from the JTF, 333 Air Defence Regiment, the Department of State Security, SSS, with the support of a helicopter, conducted major offensive operations against some suspected terrorists in Nganaram, Bulabulin and Bayan Quarters in Maiduguri metropolis.

Sagir said the operation was still ongoing, but pointed out that the late Ibn Saleh was confirmed to be responsible for the recent killing of the Nigerian Civil War hero, Gen. Mamman Shuwa through the orders of the sect’s leader Abubakar Shekau.

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Boko Haram plans attacks during Sallah period

Three suspected terrorists and a civilian were killed, yesterday, while three others were injured in separate encounters with members of the Joint Task Force in Maiduguri. This came as a severe gun duel between security forces and suspected members of the Boko Haram that lasted about two hours rocked Damaturu, Yobe State capital yesterday, paralysing economic activities in the state. 

 In one of the encounters, a suicide bomber carrying an Improvised Explosive Device, on a tricycle attempted to run into a patrol vehicle of the JTF but missed and in the process rammed into a moving Mercedes Benz car which exploded. The suicide bomber died immediately after the explosion while a soldier was injured. 

 The incident which took place at about 10am in Customs Area of Maiduguri Metropolis caused pandemonium forcing residents to scamper for safety. Confirming the incident in a statement the JTF spokesman, Lt Col Sagir Musa said: “At about 10:00hours, a suicide bomber in a tricycle (Keke NAPEP) who targeted one of our patrol vehicles around Customs area failed and hit a moving Mercedes Benz. 

The bomber died instantly, one civilian died, while two others and a soldier were injured as a result of the explosion”. The corpse of the bomber and the three injured persons were taken to University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The JTF spokesman also said that, two suspected members of Boko Haram who stormed Monday Market, yesterday, with the intention of killing innocent citizens were gunned down by the task force team.

 According to him, two AK 47 rifles and 18 rounds of ammunition were recovered after the encounter which happened at about 11:00 am Meanwhile, the task force has alerted residents of the state of plans by Boko Haram to launch attacks during the Sallah period. Intelligence information available to the JTF Operation RESTORE ORDER in Maiduguri indicated that there is going to be a planned attacks on military personnel and civilians by terrorists during the Sallah period. 

 A statement signed by the JTF Sagir Musa said following intelligence information gathered by the team, people are advised to report any suspicious persons or movements to the Task Force, noting that security arrangement has already been made to ensure the desired peace and security during and after the period. Also in Damaturu, a severe gun duel that lasted almost two hours rocked the Yobe State capital, yesterday, paralysing economic activities. 

The Police Public Relations officer, Mr. Toyin Gbadegesin, who confirmed the incidence said the gun duel resulted from an attack on security forces by suspected members of the Boko Haram sect. He revealed that security forces had gone to carry the corpse of a civil defence officer believed to have been killed by the insurgents at Gwange Area of the metropolis and on their way back, they were attacked by other suspected sect members. 

The security forces according to him repelled the attack. He said there were no casualties on the side of the security forces pointing out that security operation were still on going in the area because the attackers were believed to have gone into hiding. After the attack, normal activities in the state capital came to a standstill as shops among other business activities remained closed.

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Suspected Extremists Kill 9 In Northeast Nigeria, Police Confirm

Gunmen suspected of belonging to the Boko Haram Islamic sect last night killed nine persons in the northeastern town of Damaturu in Yobe state.Patrick Egbuniwe, head of the police in Yobe, confirmed the killings by suspected extremists by phone today from Damaturu, the state capital.

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FG Says Boko Haram Is Not A Terrorist Group

Events are unfolding so fast in Nigeria these days that many discerning minds are getting suspicious of the Goodluck Jonathan presidency. The Federal Government has joined the league of those criticising the position of CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor that Boko Haram should be designated a terrorist organisation.

 The government openly condemned the branding of the Islamic sect as a terrorist organisation by the United States as demanded by Pastor Oritsejafor through the US Congress. Speaking at a meeting with the House of Reps Committee on Foreign Affairs in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Martin Uhomoibhi, said the US Congress should have sought the government’s opinion instead of that of Pastor Oritsejafor. 

newsmen gathered that Mr. Uhomoibhi told the House Committee that the statements credited to the CAN President is capable of subjecting Nigerians all over the world to rough scrutiny by US agents and other international agencies. “For us at the Ministry, Boko Haram should not be designated as International Terrorist Organisation (ITO) or Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) as Nigeria is a secular country and we are working with all other stakeholders to resolve this menace", Uhomoibhi said.

 It would be recalled that Pastor Oritsejafor had, on July 10, addressed a US parliament of the House Sub-committee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights where he disclosed that Boko Haram is not only a northern problem, but a Nigerian problem with global implications. "Boko Haram has waged a systematic campaign of terror and violence. They seek an end to western influence and a removal of the Christian presence in Nigeria. 

This is outright terrorism, not legitimate political activity or the airing of grievances", he said. Oritsejafor added: “To this end, by refusing to designate Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organisation, the United States is sending a very clear message, not just to the Federal Government of Nigeria, but to the world that the murder of innocent Christians and Muslims who reject Islamism, and I make a clear distinction here between Islam and Islamism, are acceptable losses.

 "It is hypocritical for the United States and the international community to say that they believe in freedom and equality, when their actions do not support those who are being persecuted. "A non-designation for the group only serves to hamper the cause of justice, and has emboldened Boko Haram to continue to strike out at those who are denied equal protection under the law."

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Frustrations Brought Boko Haram To Nigeria – Says Obama

The United States President, Barrack Obama, has said that frustrations were the major reasons behind the activities of Boko Haram, sect which has claimed responsibilities for most of the killings in the Northern parts of Nigeria. 

 Speaking during a special session held by the United States House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs in Washington DC yesterday, the US leader, who was represented by Ambassador Johnnie Carson, the US Assistant Secretary on African Issues, said that Boko Haram capitalised on popular frustrations with the nation’s leaders, poor government, ineffective service delivery, and dismal living conditions for many northerners.

 “Over the past year, Boko Haram has created widespread insecurity across northern Nigeria, inflamed tensions between various communities, disrupted development activities, and frightened off investors. 

The near daily spate of bombings and attacks that have claimed the lives of thousands of Nigerians is unacceptable, and the United States strongly condemns this violence” In his speech at the occasion, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, said that Boko Haram was not only a northern problem, but a Nigerian problem with global implications.

 “This is outright terrorism, not legitimate political activity or the airing of grievances. By refusing to designate Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organisation, the United States is sending a very clear message, not just to the federal government of Nigeria, but to the world – that the murder of innocent Christians, and Muslims who reject Islamism, and I make a clear distinction here between Islam and Islamism, are acceptable losses,” Oritsejafor surmised.

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Christians, Accept Islam For Peace To Reign - Boko Haram Says

THE fundamentalist Islamic sect, Jama’atu Ahlissunnah Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad, otherwise known as Boko Haram, on Tuesday in a statement claimed responsibility for the mass killings in Plateau State at the weekend.

More than 100 persons were reportedly killed in attacks on three communities in the Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas of the state on Saturday and Sunday.

The sect “thanked God for the success of the attacks” and vowed that there was no going back on the jihad (Holy War) it had launched against Christians and the government. It also asked “Christians in Nigeria to accept Islam” as a condition for a ceasefire.

It described as a “new lie” claims by the new National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, that he has an access for a dialogue with its leaders.

Full Statement

Full (and unedited) text of the Boko Haram statement, issued by its spokesman, Abu Qaqa, and posted onSaharaReporters on Tuesday, reads, “The Jama’atu Ahlissunnah Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad, is grateful to Almighty God and hereby makes it known to the world of our success and attack on Barkin Ladi and Riyom in Plateau State on Christians, security agencies and members of National Assembly.

“Like we said earlier, Christians in Nigeria should accept Islam, that is true religion, or they will never have peace. We do not regard them as trusted Christians as some illiterates are campaigning because it was Christians that first declared war on Muslims with the support of government.

“Like we said, we shall continue to look for government officials; they will not have the rest of mind. We will attack their homes and security agencies in the same way they are attacking us and destroying our houses that we have been renting. We will continue with what we did in Rijiyar Zaki in Kano State.

“To the general public, particularly those in Kano that are dragging their heads into this fight by supporting security agencies. Let them learn from what happened to people in Kurna quarters. From now on anyone found wanting should have himself to blame. We do not have any agenda than working to establish Islamic Kingdom like during the time of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) no matter what will happen to us.

“We heard the information going round that new National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, has gotten means of reaching us for a dialogue, that is a new lie.”

86 died –STF

The Special Task Force, a military outfit in charge of security in the state, on Tuesday, however, put the number of dead victims of the weekend’s attacks at 86.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Emmanuel Abuh, however said that the casualty figure had not been ascertained because of the resurgence of attacks on Sunday. He said that figures were still being compiled.

Spokesman for the STF, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, told our correspondent in Jos that the figure included 63 bodies counted in the nine villages attacked by gunmen and that of the 21 bodies of the attackers that met their deaths during the violence.

Two policemen, according to Mustapha, were also killed.

Fifty bodies were recovered from a church in Matse. The dead were villagers that ran to the church during Saturday’s attack on their community.

Among the victims of the killings were a Senator, Gyang Dantong; and a member of the state House of Assembly, Gyang Fulani, who met their deaths on Sunday when gunmen swooped on them while leading the procession for the mass burial of the 50 killed in the church.

A survivor of the attack on the legislators, Mr. Simon Mwadkon, said Dantong and Fulani died of exhaustion while running away from their attackers.

Mwadkon is a member of the House of Representatives.

Soldiers didn’t run away

Salisu denied media reports that the soldiers ran away because of the superior gunfire of the attackers.

Mwadkon had told Governor Jonah Jang, when the latter visited him that he suspected connivance between the soldiers and the attackers given the behaviour of the colonel who led the security team to the burial site where Dantong and Fulani were killed.

He had also told Jang that the colonel directed them to remove the ambulance they brought to the site to enable him to bring in an armoured tank, but rather used his Hillux Van to block the only road to the place.

Mwadkon had also alleged that it took the soldiers more than one-and-a- half hours to convey the gasping senator to the hospital, while he, who left after the senator, arrived at the hospital ahead of the soldiers.

Dantong’s younger brother, Rwang, on Monday had alleged that the attack on the procession was aimed at killing the Senator.

However, Mustapha described Mwadkon’s claims as lies.

He said, “Those are blatant lies, nothing like that happened. These people (soldiers) are professionals for crying out loud. How can they run away?

“What they did when they heard the gunshots was to tell the people to lie down because they knew that from the distance the shots were coming from nobody would be hit because of the calibre of the guns they were shooting from; but in frenzy they all started running. And that was why the two senators died of exhaustion and it was for the same reason that nobody sustained any gunshots.”

No arrest yet

He however said no arrest had been made.

The Plateau State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Yiljap Abraham, could not be reached as he was said to be attending the state Security Council meeting as of press time.

The Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency in the state, Mr. Dan Gambo, could also not be reached as calls to his mobile phone were not answered.

More attacks on Tuesday

Meanwhile, fresh attacks were reported in two more villages in the Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas on Tuesday.

The attackers set ablaze the houses of fleeing villagers at Shong and Tse in Barkin Ladi.

Though reports indicated that there were no lives lost in the Tuesday attacks, a member representing Riyom constituency in Plateau State House of Assembly, Daniel Dem, who confirmed the new development to our correspondent on Tuesday, said that more than 140 corpses were still lying rottten at the scene of attacks in the villages because the villagers had no access to their homes to evacuate the bodies of their loved ones.

He said, “I can authoritatively confirm to you that as I am talking to you now, the same gunmen from top of the mountain have attacked two more villages.

“The two villages, Tse and Shong, are in ruins with no house standing. The gunmen came in their usual style with sporadic shootings. The villagers were scared and they ran out of their houses, the gunmen set the houses ablaze and the incident had added to the numbers of displaced people in the area.”

Efforts to get Abuh to comment on the new development were not successful as calls to his mobile phone were not answered

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Boko Haram Strikes In Plateau State Again!, Kill 130 Villagers In The Forest

New reaching me Indicates that more than 130 corpses have been found in two deserted villages in Barkin Ladi local government area in of Plateau following fresh attacks by out-of-control k*llers. 

 The gruesome discovery came barely two days after two top politicians were k*lled by gunmen as they attended a burial ceremony for numerous victims of a mass slaughter. 

 A security source told SaharaReporters that displaced persons seeking refuge at different locations have disclosed that more than 130 corpses currently litter several villages affected by the worsening crisis. 

Our source added that emergency workers had yet to reach the areas most affected by the carnage owing to a lack of security. An eyewitness source in Jos, the capital of Plateau, revealed that gunmen had sacked several villages. 

“These gunmen have stormed different areas, engaging in sporadic shooting and burning of houses,” he said. The source added, “We became aware because the news reached us before we could go to pick the death bodies of our relations in other villages.”

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Politicians Created Boko Haram; Only Them Can Solve It

Alhaji Alhaji, one-time Minister of Finance and Nigeria’s high commissioner to Britain, has said that the Boko Haram crisis was created by political intrigues in the Northern part of the country and can only be solved by the same politicians who created the sect. 

 Alhaji Alhaji, the current Sardauna of Sokoto, spoke with the media during the graduation ceremony of his grandson at the An_Noor Islamic Center in Gwarinpa, Abuja. When asked why notable northern leaders like him have refused to condemn Boko Haram’s activities in the North, Alhaji’s answer was that Boko Haram was borne out of political inter-play in the country. 

He said that Boko Haram is a child of politics. When asked of his message to Boko Haram members, Alhaji said: "I am not quite sure I know what Boko Haram is, because those who profess to be Boko Haram are the same people benefitting from Boko (book). 

I believe that you cannot ignore modern science, modern knowledge and modern technology. If it is true that Boko Haram exists, then they must have been misguided,” he said.

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JTF Kills Boko Haram Top Leader Shortly After US Declares Sect As Terrorist Group

So many strange incidents have been playing out in Nigeria in recent times and, at this stage, it is only natural for us (the citizens) to take positions on the sidelines and watch with keen interest while the drama unfolds in our koro-koro eyes. 

 A few highly placed Nigerians, with access to sensitive information, have been insinuating through the media that the federal government knows how to get Boko Haram if they really want to work, but many didn't take such statement seriously. 

 Newsmen also observed that the US government have been threatening to declare the dreaded Islamic sect as a Terrorist Group but government keeps pleading for more time to "bring the situation under control". However, just few hours after the US make good its threat and listed three Boko Haram leaders - Abubakar Shekau, Abubakar Adam Kambar, and Khalid al-Barnawi - as Specially Designated Global Terrorists, Nigerian security agents swung into action. 

 Security sources have confirmed to Olufamous.com that one of the sect's leaders ranked as number 4, Habeeb (Habibu) Bama from Borno State and the mastermind of the bombings of UN Building, Force HQ Abuja, Madalla and Abacha Barracks, was k*lled in shot-out by Nigerian security agents in Yobe State on Thursday.

 Please note that whenever the US declare a group as Terrorist they are known for using drone airplanes to kill leaders of such terrorist group, and with the declaration on Thursday the same operation could extend to Nigeria. You may also wish to know that this same Babbed Bama that was killed few hours after the US declaration was declared wanted by the SSS since 2011 without no positive result.

 So, fellow Nigerians, do you think the k*lling of this Boko Haram top leader at this time is a coincidence or could it be true that there is indeed more to the entire episode of bombings and k*llings in Northern Nigeria than meets the eye?

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