Regional News
Defence Intelligence and Counter-Insurgency. Source: PRNigeria
For years, Nigeria has found itself in an unprecedented quagmire occasioned by a number of security challenges brought about by the activities of different groups of non-state actors. These included but not limited to insurgents, bandits and kidnappers, ethnic militias, secessionists, armed robbers, cultists, Yahoo boys, militants, drug traffickers etc. The onslaught against these terrorists by the combined efforts of AFN including the Army, Air Force, Navy and other security forces as well as the coordination of intelligence services by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has over the months exposed the weaknesses in the criminals’ camps as they are being decimated while their hideouts are equally destroyed on a regular basis.
Six Killed In Suspected Separatist Attack On Bus In Southwest Region of Cameroon. Source: Humangle
The Cameroonian government has condemned the killing of six bus passengers by suspected Anglophone separatists in the Southwest region. Tuesday’s ambush on a bus travelling from the financial capital Douala came just a day after the Cameroonian government opened schools, closed by the threat of violence from separatists. Eight people were wounded in the attack, which happened in the Muyuka sub-division of the region, as the bus headed to Kumba.
Anger at Zamfara Gov’t Peace Deal Giving Land To Terrorists. Source: Humangle
A deal supposed to bring peace to Zamfara State is provoking anger among farmers, who fear they will be forced to hand over their farms to those men who have killed, raped, and kidnapped for years. In August the government of Zamfara announced it had agreed to return land if it was claimed by a Fulani clan, a condition demanded by terrorist leaders to cease their brutal campaign of violence. But since the announcement, no information or clarification has been given about the details, and people who have acquired land from Fulanis in the past are scared it will be seized by the state and handed over, throwing their livelihoods in doubt.
Terrorists Free 43 Worshippers Kidnapped From Zamfara Mosque After Payment Of Ransom. Source: Sahara Reporters
The 43 Muslim worshippers who were kidnapped at Zugu community in the Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State have regained their freedom. According to DAILY POST, they were released by the terrorists after a ransom of N5 million and some other items were given to the assailants. Sources from the community where the incident occurred last Friday said the victims were freed Tuesday night. The community members said 44 persons were kidnapped from the village but one person died in the bandits’ camp after being tortured. It was also gathered that the 43 kidnapped victims returned to the village unhurt and had since reunited with their family members.
As Schools Reopen, Cameroon Orders Deployment Of Special Forces Against Separatists. Source: Humangle
Cameroon’s head of state, President Paul Biya, has ordered the Minister of Armed Forces to deploy special units of the armed forces to the restive English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions. The order is contained in a letter from the Minister of State Secretary General in the Presidency of the Republic, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, to the Minister of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo. The Special Forces include the Rapid Intervention Battalion, popularly known by the French acronym BIR, and the Multipurpose Intervention Group of the gendarmerie.
How Troops Laid an Ambush for Bandits along Kaduna-Zaria road. Source: PRNigeria
Troops of the Nigerian Army repelled armed bandits around the Fondisho general area, along the Kaduna-Zaria road in Igabi local government. In an operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government, it was revealed that the troops, responding quickly to credible intelligence, set up an ambush position at the location.
Terrorists Kill 1, Release 43 Abducted In Zamfara Mosque. Source: Humangle
Terrorists responsible for the kidnap of 44 worshippers at a Jumu’at mosque in Zamfara State have killed one Babangida Muhammadu and released 43 others on Tuesday, Sept. 6 after a N5 million ransom payment. The gang had abducted the worshippers on Friday, September 2, 2022 during their congregational weekly prayer in Zugu, Bukuyum Local Government Area (LGA) of the northwestern Nigerian state.
BREAKING: Armed Robbers Raid Banks In Kogi Community For One Hour Unchallenged. Source: Sahara Reporters
Armed robbers armed with sophisticated weapons on Tuesday afternoon raided banks in the Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi state. The robbers, said to be large in their numbers, stormed the community and operated for close to an hour unchallenged.
Boko Haram, ISWAP, Fulani Herdsmen Collaborating, Working For One Common Purpose, Benue Governor, Ortom Tells U.S. Audience. Source: Sahara reporters
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has said that Fulani herdsmen militia and other Islamic terrorist groups have been collaborating to sustain their attacks on the state and other parts of the country. Ortom stated this in an interview with Epoch Times TV in Washington, DC, United States of America. Hosted by Douglas Burton, the governor pointed out that from the information available to him, Boko Haram, ISIS, ISWAP and armed Fulani herdsmen are working for one agenda. According to him, they are a group of criminals operating under different names.
Zulum visits Bama town, former stronghold of Boko Haram. Source: Blueprint
The Borno state governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Monday night, showed up unannounced at the General Hospital, Bama, for on-the-spot monitoring of healthcare services’ delivery to the public. Zulum’s surprise visit to the hospital by 10pm shortly after his arrival in Bama town by road from Maiduguri was informed by the quest to checkmate the punctuality and commitment of health workers services which has become his habit of paying surprise visits at night to general hospitals and primary healthcare centers across the state. The governor also went to schools early in the mornings and at other times to observe teachers’ punctuality and teaching quality. While at the hospital, Zulum was happy that he met nurses and the medical doctors on duty.
Owo Attack: Three months after, Ondo govt donates to victims. Source: Premium Times
The Ondo State Government has made financial donations to survivors of the terrorist attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo. The gesture is occurring over three months after the attack which left 41 persons dead and several others injured. The attack had attracted a number of donations from well-meaning citizens who pledged support for the victims and others who were affected. Led by the state Commissioner for Finance, and the Chairman of the Donation Management Committee, Wale Akinterinwa, the committee gave cash donations to the affected persons in Owo on Tuesday. Aside from the cash, the state government also donated about 120 bags of Garri to the victims to provide succour for victims and their families.
CP Kolo Seeks Cooperation of Traditional Institutions in Tacking insecurity in Zamfara. Source: PRNigeria
As he reassures sustained commitment to end the lingering security challenges bedeviling the state. As part of effort to strengthening the community policing strategy in fighting all form of criminal activities in Zamfara State. The Commissioner of Police Zamfara State Command CP Kolo Yusuf psc, today visited His Royal Highness, the Emir of Anka and Chairman Zamfara State Council of chiefs, Alhaji Attahiru Mohammed Ahmad CON, at his Palace in Anka. The visit was for the CP to familiarise himself with the Traditional Rulers being among major stakeholders in combating activities of criminal elements across the state, so that both can be on the same page for effective service delivery.
At least 35 civilians killed in Burkina Faso attack. Source: BBC
At least 35 civilians have been killed by a bomb that hit a convoy of vehicles in northern Burkina Faso where jihadist rebels are active, authorities say. Dozens of others were wounded in the blast on the road between Djibo and Bourzanga. Convoys escorted by Burkina Faso’s army are used to deliver supplies to towns that are otherwise cut off by the jihadists.
Nigeria: Terrorists Kill 4 Worshippers In Borno. Source: NewsNetGlobal
Four people including the Chief Imam of Gima have reportedly been killed as several others sustained various degrees of injury when suspected Boko Haram terrorists invaded Ngulde Community of Askira -Uba local government area in Borno state, northeast Nigeria. The terrorists according to investigation were only confined in Tuga, a riverine community, but now deserted, and took the advantage of having access to Ngulde, as the roads linking Tuga Garambal, Garkida and some parts of Adamawa communities remained inaccessible due to flooding and heavy waves.
NRC, SCI, Others Call For Increased Humanitarian Assistance As Burkina Faso Faces Larger Displacement Shocks. Source: Humangle
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Save the Children International (SCI) amongst other international non-governmental organisations, have called for an urgent increase in funding for humanitarian assistance as nearly two million people in Burkina Faso have been displaced by the ongoing conflict driving more people to flee their homes between Jan. and July 2022 than all of last year. According to a press statement signed by 28 international aid organisations operating in the country, nearly one in 10 people are affected. The displacement crisis remains one of the three fastest growing in the world. This is happening amidst severe food insecurity as 600,000 people are facing extreme hunger during this lean season. The statement explained that despite immense challenges to providing shelter, water, healthcare and education, among other essential services, communities have rallied to support each other. But more humanitarian support is critically needed.
Bloody Encounter: Nigerian Troops Sustain Elimination of Bandits, Recover Weapons in Kaduna. Source: PRNigeria
In sustained operations to clear the North West of banditry and terrorism, troops of 1 Division, Nigerian Army have again neutralized bandits and terrorists along Sabon Birni, Dogondawa-Kuyelo and Farin Ruwa on Saturday 3 September 2022. The dogged and highly motivated troops, while on a fighting patrol, came in contact with unconfirmed number of bandits. The troops in the ensuing shoot out , eliminated 3 of the terrorists and recovered two AK 47 rifles, nine magazines, seven Baofeng communication radios, one Tecno mobile phone, 120 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition , one power generator and a motorcycle.
PHOTOS: Local Vigilantes Assisted Troops in Eliminating over 100 Terrorists in Bama Axis, as another ISWAP Commander Wants to Surrender. Source: PRNigeria
More details have emerged on how an intelligence-led joint military operation killed top Commanders and terrorists of the Islamic State of West African Province, ISWAP, in the Bama and Sambisa axes of Borno State. Meanwhile, another terrorist commander has indicated his desire to surrender to the troops.
Present security challenge Nigeria’s greatest threat since civil war – FG. Source: BluePrint
The federal government Monday hinted that it’s working towards ensuring the Nigerian space is well secured and rid of all forms of insecurity currently bedevilling the nation. It also said the war against insecurity is being won by the armed forces and other security agencies after years of internal displacement of the citizens. These messages were separately conveyed by the quartet of Minister of Interior Rauf Aregesola, Minister of Defence Major-General Bashir Salih Magashi (rtd), Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed and Minister of Police Affairs Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi at a media parley in Abuja.
Terrorists Overpowered 65 Army Troops, Policemen, Civil Defence Officers To Sack Kuje Prison In Abuja – Nigerian Minister, Aregbesola. Source: Sahara Reporters
Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has revealed how terrorists who attacked the Kuje Correctional Centre overpowered a total of 65 security personnel including 31 Nigerian Army troops during the attack. The minister claimed that the personnel, which comprised the Army, Air Force, NSCDC and others were heavily armed but failed to defend the facilities as they were disarmed by the terrorists, Daily Post reports.
Gunmen Demand N90million To Release Over 30 Abducted Burial Guests In Ondo State. Source: Sahara Reporters
The kidnappers of several funeral guests in Ondo State have demanded about N90million in ransom to release them. They demanded between N3million and N10million for the release of each victim, The Nation reports. SaharaReporters on Sunday reported that the gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted 32 persons who were returning from a burial ceremony in Edo State. The abduction took place on Saturday around Ifon area in the Ose local government area of Ondo State.
Ground Troops, NAF Jets Massacre Top ISWAP Commanders, over 100 Terrorists in Lake Chad. Source: PRNigeria
Top commanders of the ISWAP terrorists and their fighters have been eliminated in a major well-coordinated operation launched by ground troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by fighter jets of the Nigerian Air Force, NAF. A defence intelligence source told PRNigeria that troops, under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) launched surprise attacks from different fronts on the fringes of Sambisa Forest, in Bama axis. “The operation was initiated by the Nigerian Army after actionable intelligence provided precise locations of the terrorist Commanders and their foot soldiers.
MNJTF Gets Brig Blama from Cameroon as New Deputy Force Commande. Source: PRNigeria
The newly appointed Deputy Force Commander (DFC) of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Brigadier General Assoualai Blama from Cameroun resumed duty on Friday 02 September 2022 after the outgone DFC, Brigadier General Harouna Assoumane from Niger Republic completed his tenure. The handover ceremony was presided over by the Force Commander (FC) MNJTF Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim. The new DFC in his remarks thanked the FC for the warm reception accorded him and promised to contribute positively to the success of the MNJTF. He added that though all military staff officers (MSOs) were from the different Troop Contributing Countries of Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria and Benin Republic, there was the need for all to cooperate to end the insurgency. He pledged to put in his best in fulfilling his duties as the DFC.
A Triad Of Nightmares Shadows Farmers Surviving The Boko Haram Crisis. Source: Humangle
Sometimes the cost of working on a farm in Borno could be as simple as struggling to source agricultural resources to grow crops. Other times, it could be facing the risk of death. For 43-year-old Abubakar Haruna, it meant narrowly escaping the clutches of Boko Haram after the insurgent group descended on Dala Malari in the Jere Local Government Area. He briefly stops spraying the content of the knapsack sprayer strapped to his back as he narrates his ordeal of surviving the insurgency while cultivating beans, carrots, groundnuts, onions, pepper, watermelons, and sometimes maize.
Terrorists Abduct Worshippers In Zamfara Mosque. Source: Humangle
Terrorists have abducted an unspecified number of worshippers at a Jumu’at mosque in Zugu, Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022. Among those kidnapped was the second Imam of the mosque, at about 1:45 p.m. Eyewitnesses could not ascertain the correct number of persons taken. Lukuman Zugu and Murtala Ibrahim, both residents at the mosque, told HumAngle that “they [Terrorists] came on foot while holding their guns right inside their gowns. They began to shoot in the air and terrified us. In the process, they carted away people who were mostly outside the mosque area.
Amid Terror: Travelling The ‘Red Zone’ From Kaduna To Birnin Gwari. Source: Humangle
When he talks about his farm located at Birnin Gwari, Jibrin spits in anger: “Anyone who tells you there’s security here is lying to you.” For example, anything or anyone coming to or going from Birnin Gwari in Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria, must travel through a strip of road travellers call “The Red Zone”, a frequently attacked section centred on the village of Udawa, between Birnin Gwari and Kaduna. Travellers meet at pre-arranged points and form convoys protected by military escorts. The rest of the countryside has been left to the terrorists.
Niger, Kogi Terrorists’ New Haven. What You Need To Know. Source: Humangle
There is a buildup of multiple non-state actors across Northern Nigeria, which includes the embattled Boko Haram, Ansaru, and now ISWAP. They have continued to push Southwards, finding new abodes in Niger and Kogi states. Between April and Aug. 2022, terrorists conducted attacks in Niger and Kogi states and some parts of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city in North-central Nigeria. Many people were killed, including security personnel, while others were kidnapped. The frequency of such incidents has left many communities, both urban and rural, in perpetual fear as terror groups move closer and closer from the villages to the cities, including Minna, Niger State capital, and Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State.
NAF Chief Commends NIPR Citizens Summit on Tackling Insecurity. Source: PRNigeria
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao has commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for the successful hosting of the well-attended “Citizens Summit for National Integration, Peace and Security” held recently in Abuja. He stated this when the President and Chairman of Council of the NIPR, Mallam Mukhtar Zubair Sirajo paid him a courtesy call at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Abuja. According to Air Marshal Amao, going by the theme of the Summit, ‘Reopen Conversation, Rebuild Trust’, it was obvious that it aimed at bridging the widening trust gap between the leaders and the citizens, as well as amongst the citizens, through promotion of national integration and enhancement of cross-country peaceful co-existence.
BREAKING: Nigerian Civil Defence Corps Dissolves Anti-Vandals Teams Nationwide After SaharaReporters’ Story On Extortion By Lawless Personnel. Source: Sahara Reporters
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dissolved all anti-vandal teams nationwide. The NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, said the dissolution was part of the reorganisation efforts of the Corps and a way of redeeming the image of the service. He added that investigation was still ongoing in the issue of extortion of members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) by personnel of the service.
Hundreds Of Boko Haram Fighters Fled To New Location After Military Airstrikes In Borno. Source: NewsNetGlobal
Hundreds of Boko Haram fighters reportedly fled Gaftari village to a new location Bazamri, a wasteland close to Konduga local government area of Borno state in northeast Nigeria. Gaftari village is located between Bama and Konduga local government areas of Borno state where military operations had hindered the operations of the Terrorists recently. The two local government areas were within a distance of 35km and 60km away from Maiduguri the Borno state capital in northeast theatre of operations. According to information from security sources, over 400 Boko Haram fighters and their families on Sunday night relocated to Bazamri after a massive be defeat by troops of Operation Hadin Kai of the Nigerian Army.
Peace and Security
Present security challenge Nigeria’s greatest threat since civil war – FG. Source: BluePrint
The federal government Monday hinted that it’s working towards ensuring the Nigerian space is well secured and rid of all forms of insecurity currently bedevilling the nation. It also said the war against insecurity is being won by the armed forces and other security agencies after years of internal displacement of the citizens.
UNIMAID Peace Centre Unveils Books on Security, Human Rights. Source: PRNigeria
The University of Maiduguri Centre for Peace, Diplomatic and Development Studies (CPDDS) on Monday unveiled two books, titled “Security and Human Rights Challenges in Nigeria” and Nigerian Media Narratives on Security and Human Rights in Parts of the North,” in Abuja. The books focus on national security issues and were supported by MacArthur Foundation. In a chat with PRNigeria, the Director of the Centre, Prof. Abubakar Mu’azu, said that the books cover the activities of Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast, herder/farmer clashes, and ethno religious crisis in Plateau and Kaduna states.
Nigerian Army Hosts Research and Development Conference in Abuja. Source: PRNigeria
The Chief of Training (Army) (COT (A)) Maj Gen AB Ibrahim declared Research and Development (R & D) Conference 2022 open, as participants converged in Abuja. The Chief of Training Army, who was represented by Maj Gen OT Olatoye stressed on the need to constantly explore inward to provide workable solutions to security challenges facing the country. He therefore, urged participants to diligently deliberate and come up with suggestions and recommendations that will improve the system. He cited R & D as veritable search light leading to clear path for ultimate solutions to addressing contemporary challenges. The Research and Development Conference 2022 themed “The Research and Development Efforts amidst National Security Challenges ” organised by Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA) is aimed at providing forum for sound intellectual discourse among different stakeholders from NA formations and academia.
SPECIAL REPORT: Women and girls suffer in Nigeria’s war with IPOB. Source: Premium Times
Gender-Based Violence has become a painful fallout of the Nigerian government’s efforts to quell a secessionist bid by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South East states of Nigeria. According to Emeka Ohuruogu, the Programme Officer of Honourbirth Foundation, an NGO that focuses on gender-based issues, the restriction on movement has caused the loss of jobs for men and boys in the region, which puts women and girls at risk of rape and gender violence, particularly on sit-at-home days. The sexual violation continued until one day when Mrs Blessing noticed a whitish substance coming from Ifeoma’s vagina while she was asleep. During questioning, the minor exposed the perpetrator.
Humanitarian
Zulum Disburses N400m, Food, Textiles To Over 90,000 Vulnerable Residents
Professor Zulum Babagana Umara, the governor of Borno state disbursed cash and other essential supplies to over 90,000 vulnerable male and female residents as well as community groups on Wednesday in Bama. The residents received a combined sum of about N400 million alongside thousands of bags of food and textiles as humanitarian support and social protection on the second-day visit of Borno Governor. Zulum arrived Bama on Monday as he approaches his third day of undertaking humanitarian and developmental activities. According to a 2016 assessment report co-authored by the World Bank, the EU, United Nations, and the Nigerian Government, Bama is identified as the worst affected by Boko Haram’s destructions and displacement, hence the Borno Government’s special attention on areas of reconstruction and humanitarian aid.
Over 12,400 Schools Abandoned, Closed in West, Central Africa – Report. Source: Humangle
Over 12,400 schools in eight countries in West and Central Africa have been shut down leaving 57 million children and adolescents without access to education, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) revealed. According to a joint press statement signed by the NRC, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) ahead of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, the current figures of out-of-school children in the region has risen to 24.1 per cent, representing almost a quarter of the children who do not have access to education globally. In Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Niger more than half of all children are out of school.
It may take 300 years to attain ‘full’ gender equality – UN Report. Source: Premium Times
A new report by the United Nations Women and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) has revealed that achieving gender equality cannot no longer be possible by 2030. The report states that at the current rate of progress of Sustainable Development Goal 5, it may take close to 300 years to achieve full gender equality. The report, which is titled; “Gender Snapshot 2022,” “shows that global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, violent conflict, climate change, and the backlash against women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights are further heightening gender disparities.”
Schools Now Open Says Cameroon, Despite Threats from Anglophone Separatists. Source: Humangle
Schools are open again, and parents should send their children, the Cameroonian government has announced, despite ongoing threats from Anglophone separatists. Closed for six years in the restive English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions, schools were ordered to reopen this week, and the government claimed the reopening is a success. But in Ndian division of the Southwest region, the Senior Divisional Officer, Gilbert Guibai Baldena said few children had turned up to attend classes.
Approach To IDP Relocation In Northeast Nigeria Raises Concerns, Report Says. Source: Humangle
The present approach to relocation has worsened the exposure of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in northeastern Nigeria to risks such as unsolved housing issues, lack of access to land and secondary displacement, in addition to injuries and fatalities due to mine contamination, says a report by the Protection Sector North-East Nigeria (PSNE). The report was released on Friday, Sept. 2, after the government of Borno closed the Federal Training Centre (Dalori I) and Housing Estate (Dalori II) camps for displaced persons in July and August. HumAngle had earlier reported that more than 20,000 people were moved out of the two camps in the Konduga Local Government Area.
Stabilization and economic development
Nigeria Seeks Debt Forgiveness To Finance Climate Change Project. Source: Humangle
Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, is seeking a debt forgiveness deal in exchange for a commitment by indebted countries to use the outstanding payments for national climate action programmes, according to a statement from his senior media aide on Friday. He was said to have explained the concept of the debt for climate swap deal during his speech on climate action, just energy transition, and climate investments at the Center for Global Development in Washington D.C. “Typically, the creditor country or institution agrees to forgive part of a debt if the debtor country would pay the avoided debt service payment in a local currency into an escrow or any other transparent fund, and the funds must then be used for agreed climate projects in the debtor country,” Osinbajo said. He explained that the deal would allow for the use of outstanding debt service payments for national climate action programmes.
