Regional News
Terrorists Kill Nigerian Army Major, Seven Other Security Operatives In Niger State. Source: Sahara Reporters
Terrorists, locally dubbed as bandits, have killed a Major of the Nigerian Army and seven other security operatives in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State. The bandits were said to have ambushed the security operatives in Igu village on Wednesday. A resident of Igu, Inuwa Danladi, said during the attack, four military personnel, including an army major and four vigilante members lost their lives. “The bandits ambushed the joint task force as they were passing to Sarkin Pawa and opened fire on them,” he said.
l-Rufai’s convoy killed five of our members, Shi’ites allege. Source: Punch
The Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as ‘Shi’ites’, has accused the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, of causing the death of five members of the group when his security details allegedly opened fire on them during a protest in Kaduna on Thursday. Many, including passers-by, were reportedly caught up in the melee, sustaining varying degrees of injuries in the process, according to a report by Sahara Reporters. This is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary of the Academic Forum of the movement, Abdullahi Musa. The group alleged that the “inciting statement” made by the governor a few days ago led to the incident.
IPOB Ranked World’s 10th Deadliest Group. Source: Daily Trust
IPOB, a separatist group, was proscribed and declared a terrorist organisation by the federal government in 2017. According to the 2023 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), with 40 attacks and 57 deaths, 2022 is considered the group’s deadliest year. Among the killings spearheaded by IPOB militants were those of an Army couple that were beheaded, different northerners in the South East and numerous security operatives. In the GTI, published by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), an independent and Non-Profit Think Tank, IPOB is said to be very dangerous.
Terrorists invade Kaduna community, kill 10. Source: Punchng
No fewer than 10 persons have been allegedly killed by terrorists during an invasion of the Langson community, in the Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State. PUNCH Metro gathered that during the attack which occurred three days after the attack on the Ungwan Wakili community, four villagers were also injured. The invaders were said to have stormed the community around 9pm on Tuesday, shot sporadically and looted a shop in the area before they were repelled by mobile police officers.
$Breaking: 10 killed in fresh Southern Kaduna attack. Source: Blue Print
Barely three days after 17 corpses were discovered in a community in Southern Kaduna, 10 people have been reportedly killed on Tuesday night in Langson, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area (LGA) of the state. The corpses were gathered for burial by the people in the community on Wednesday morning according to a source. Sani appealed for calm and urged the Kaduna state government to deploy more security personnel to the area to stop the persistent attacks.
Balarabe leads government delegation to Southern Kaduna, condemns renewed killings. Source: Blue Print
The Deputy Governor of Kaduna state, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, has led Kaduna state government’s delegation to Zangon Kataf Local Government Area (LGA), following the attacks which led to the loss of several lives, and injuries to many others. The deputy governor conveyed the condolences of the Kaduna state government and condemned the killings in strong terms, when she arrived the palace of the Agwatyap, HRH Dominic Gambo Yahaya.
Police recover 182 illicit arms, 430 ammunition in 1 month. Source: Blueprint
In line with the commitment of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Baba, to curb the threat of the proliferation of Illegal Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in the country the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Tuesday, said its operatives recovered 182 sophisticated arms and 430 ammunitions of various calibres in month. A press statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in Abuja, said following the feat the IGP has ordered continuous mop-up of illicit arms and ammunition.
How MNJTF arrested more than 900 suspected terrorist collaborators, seized other logistics – PRO. Source: PRNigeria
The Multinational Joint Task Force says its troops of Sectors 3 and 4 have apprehended more than 900 suspected family members and collaborators of Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province insurgents. This is contained in a statement on Wednesday by the MNJTF Chief Military Public Information Officer in N’Djamena Chad, Lt.-Col. Kamarudeen Adegoke.
MNJTF Captures Scores of ISWAP-Boko Haram Logistics Suppliers. Source: PRNigeria
The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have continued to intensify operations against terrorists including their logistic suppliers following several arrest of some of the BH/ISWAP logisticians recently. The emerging situation by the MNJTF troops of Sector 3 Nigeria started on 5 Mar 23 following the arrest of 2 suspected BHT logistics suppliers and their collaborators Muhammed Sabo and Sarki Danladi while trying to exit Munguno town to the Tumbuns to link up with the terrorists. Items recovered from the suspects include 2 blankets, 2 fishermen identity card, 3 wristwatches, 2 access passes which were issued by the terrorists, 20 empty sack bags, some personal clothing amongst others. The suspects are undergoing interrogation.
SSS arraigns four suspect for terrorism in Ogun. Source: Premium Times
The State Security Services (SSS) has arraigned four suspects before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State for terrorism activities. Aliu Abubakar, Abubakar Usman, Abubakar Amadu and Adamu Aliu were said to have been arrested on 9th December, 2022. The suspects were arraigned for alleged terrorism and kidnapping charges in a suit tagged MISC/15/2023 between the state and the four suspects.
Elderly Woman Beheaded By Boko Haram In Far North Cameroon. Source: Humangle
The killing is the latest in a spate of recent attacks on civilians by Boko Haram terrorists in the Far North region of Cameroon, near the border with Nigeria. The Boko Haram conflict that originated in northeast Nigeria slowly gained ground in Cameroon in 2013 and accelerated when President Paul Biya declared a war against the insurgents in 2014 during a summit in Paris, France. Violence escalated in Far North Cameroon as Nigerian troops pushed Boko Haram fighters over the border as they retook towns in Nigeria that had been held by the militants. A similar attack led by Boko Haram fighters on Feb 27, led to the killing of a 66-year-old woman. The attack took place at Ldagodja in the Mayo-Sava Division. Another young woman, Dagalak Ndorondo was killed by the fighters on February 8 during a trip to fetch water for her family.
ANALYSIS: Tinubu must prioritise Boko Haram crisis. Source: PremiumTimes
By the time he is sworn in on 29 May, Bola Tinubu should be fully aware that the Boko Haram crisis presents an immense challenge to his government. After being declared winner of the 25 February presidential election, he has likely started working on the transition, including getting security briefings. As leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress and a close ally of President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr Tinubu can also benefit from first-hand information from his vice-president-elect, Kashim Shettima. Mr Shettima was governor of Borno State, which remains hardest hit by insecurity, at the height of Boko Haram’s violence between 2013 and 2015. Pledging allegiance to Islamic State, the insurgents controlled 27 local government areas across north-east Nigeria, causing one of the world’s biggest but most under-reported humanitarian crises.
Ex-Boko Haram Terrorist, Traditional Ruler Arrested for Drug Trafficking. Source: PRNigeria
A rehabilitated ex-fighter of the Boko Haram terror group, Alayi Madu and the traditional ruler of Kajola, a border community between Ondo and Edo state, Baale Akinola Adebayo are among 37 persons arrested over 2.2 tons of illicit drugs seized by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja, Lagos and in raids across 12 states in the past week.
Nigeria: One In Seven Civilian Deaths In February Due To Election Violence. Source: Humangle
Nigeria’s presidential and national assembly elections have come and gone – but not without consequences. According to data gathered by the Council on Foreign Relations, 38 people were reported killed across Nigeria last month owing to election-related violence. The election-related fatalities represent 15.4 per cent of the total civilian death toll of 247 recorded for the month. On the day of the national elections, Feb. 25, at least eight people lost their lives during the process. This shows an improvement compared to the death toll of 18 recorded during the presidential election four years earlier on Feb. 23, 2019. However, in 2015, only two lives were lost to election violence during the presidential and federal legislative polls.
Troops urged to sustain fighting spirit against terrorists. Source: PRNigeria
Military troops fighting against boko haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the northeast have been urged to remain dogged and deal decisively with the insurgents within their Area of Operations. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Waidi Shaibu, gave the charge on Sunday 12 March 2023, while on operational visit to assess the combat readiness of front-line troops deployed in Gwoza general area, Borno State. The GOC called on the troops to maintain an offensive posture, charging them to remain vigilant at all times, while emphasizing that the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign was by no means over.
Police Dislodge Bandits, Rescue 14 Kidnapped Victims from Captivity. Source: PRNigeria
On 10th March 2023, Police Tactical Operatives in Conjuction with the vigilante while on Mop Up Operation at near Munhaye forest successfully dislodged some bandits camp belonging to one recalcitrant bandit Kingpin AKA Dogo Sule. As a result of the operation, fourteen ( 14) Hostages Comprising of two (2) Male adults, Seven (7) Female and Five (5) Children of below of age of 2 years were rescued.
Nigerian Army Personnel Again Go Wild, Kill Colleague In Borno State. Source: Sahara Reporters
Another internal breach has been recorded among the North-East troops of the Nigerian Army after a yet-to-be identified soldier fighting Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East opened fire on his colleague and killed him. The deceased soldier was identified as Private Diko.
‘Bloody Saturday’: Victims Tell Of Violence In Southern Kaduna Community. Source: Humangle
Unguwan Wakili, part of Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State, northwest Nigeria was attacked on March 11. At least 17 people were killed and several others injured, HumAngle spoke with victims who lost loved ones. At the moment, several communities in the area, including Unguwan Wakili, Mabuhu, Unguwan Juju, and Zangon Urban are under a curfew imposed by the Zangon Kataf authorities in order to avoid an escalation of the crisis. The attack in Unguwan Wakili comes almost three months after a massacre in Mallagun 1 and Sakong, in Kaura LGA of Southern Kaduna. On Dec 18, 2022 more than 40 people were killed, and many displaced from their homes. Kaura borders Zangon Kataf, but Unguwan Wakili is about 20 km from Mallagun and Sakong.
24 women seeking to be state governors in Saturday’s elections. Source: Premium Times
Twenty-four women are contesting in Saturday’s governorship elections being conducted in 28 states by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Eighteen parties are presenting candidates for the elections but only two women won the tickets of any of the three major parties, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the new sensation, Labour Party. The low number of female candidates and the consignment of the few female candidates to the fringe parties is a testimony to the low representation of women in political offices in Nigeria. Perhaps the most prominent among the 24 candidates running for governor on Saturday is Aishatu Dahiru, who is flying the flag of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State.
Herders Killed 5,138 in Benue in Eight Years – BSEMA. Source: PRNigeria
Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) has alleged that suspected herders have killed about 5,138 people in various communities of the state since 2015. Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr Emmanuel Shior, who made the disclosure in Makurdi while interacting with journalists, also alleged that another 3,000 persons have been displaced in recent attacks by herders in Gwer West, Logo, Ukum and Kwande councils, while celebrating the defeat of Governor Samuel Ortom’s Senatorial bid. He said that 18 out of 23 local government areas have been invaded by herdsmen with houses burnt and occupied with over two million people displaced.
Borno2023: Zulum faces resurgent PDP in governorship race. Source: Premium Times
On Saturday, the people of Borno State will elect their next governor and members of the State House of Assembly to serve them for the next four years – starting from 29 May.
Eleven parties nominated candidates for the governorship poll in Borno State, according to the list published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). However, only four of them were visible during the campaigns. They are the incumbent governor, Babagana Zulum, who is seeking a second term under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed Ali Jajari of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Goni Abdullahi of the Labour Party (LP) and Umar Ali-Nasco of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Gov. Zulum promises good governance, if re-elected. Source: The Guardian
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has reiterated his commitment to ensuring good governance, if re-elected in the March 18 poll. Zulum, who made this known at the grand finale of the APC Governorship Campaign, held in Maiduguri on Thursday, promised quality education, buoyant economy and a peaceful state for the citizens.
Peace and Security
REVEALED: FG records 12.9 million cyberattacks during presidential poll – Pantami. Source: PRNigeria
The Federal Government through the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has revealed that a total of 12,988,978 attacks originating within and outside Nigeria were recorded during the presidential election. According to Pantami, no fewer than 1,550,000 threats to public websites and portals were recorded daily, adding that the figures skyrocketed to 6,997,277 on presidential election day. A statement on Tuesday by the spokesperson for the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Uwa Sulaiman, noted that during this period, series of hacking attempts were recorded, including Distributed Denial of Service, email and IPS attacks, SSH Login Attempts, Brute force Injection attempts, Path Traversal, Detection Evasion, and Forceful Browsing.
Humanitarian
West African Migrants Stranded In Niger Suffering In ‘Open Prison’. Source: Humangle
Over 4,600 migrants deported from Algeria to Assamaka, a community in northern Niger have been stranded with no humanitarian aid or protection.
Many of them arrived on foot from Jan. 11 to Mar. 3, the migrants have been stranded for weeks without shelter, health care, and basic necessities, Medecins San Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) say. “The situation is worrying,” Schemssa Kimana, MSF’s field coordinator in Agadez says. She adds that migrants are at great risk of severe health outcomes due to extreme temperatures and lack of adequate shelter. According to a report by the New Humanitarian, Algeria has become a country of transit or destination for many African refugees and asylum seekers.
Stranded Residents Cry Out Despite Military Operations In Zamfara Communities. Source: Humangle
Hundreds of villagers have issued a desperate appeal for help after being forced from their homes in two areas of Zamfara and Kebbi states, pushed out by the activities of armed terrorists, who themselves are escaping from a military crackdown. The villagers are living in hastily made huts in woods and unoccupied plots on the outskirts of Daki Takwas, a town in Gummi local government area, northwest Nigeria. They are packed into clusters of cane-thatched shacks, with their pestles and fire-blackened pots, on unclaimed land or in the grounds of half-completed properties.
Over 90% Of Displaced People In Cameroon Say They Get No Assistance. Source: Humangle
The government of Cameroon says it gives humanitarian aid to displaced people from the two Anglophone regions living in Douala and Bonaberi. But the overwhelming majority say they received nothing, a new survey has found. In 2018 President Paul Biya launched an 18-month special assistance plan for IDPs and victims of abuses in the English Speaking regions. A commision was created to raise and handle these funds.
The Tragic Abduction Of Lilian Daniel. Source: HumAngle
It has been over three years since 20-year-old student Lilian Daniel was abducted by members of the ISWAP terror group as she travelled to Maiduguri to resume university. Her mother has been in despair ever since.
When There Are Too Many Mouths To Feed, Parents Send Their Children Away. Source: HumAngle
Displaced parents in Borno, northeast Nigeria, reduce the burden of hunger by taking the hard decision to send their children away to uncertain futures. But in the hard living conditions of displacement camps, they say there is no choice at all.
Burned Out Of Home; A Southern Kaduna Community’s Story Of Survival. Source: Humangle
The residents of Madamai, Kaduna State, northwest Nigeria, were brutally attacked several times over a 18-month period. Some victims of the repeated attacks were burned out of their homes, found a place to shelter and then were burned out again.
Borno, Yobe risk acute food shortage, World Bank alerts. Source: The Guardian
The World Bank has identified Borno and Yobe states as areas where food insecurity could deteriorate to a crisis condition in the next three months, as the dry season continues. The two North East states, according to the World Bank, could join western and southern Katsina, northern and southern Sokoto, northern and central Zamfara, north-western, north-eastern/southeastern Kaduna among other areas in the North reportedly in “food crisis conditions.” Other places included in the potential food crisis alert are Sanmatenga province in Burkina Faso, the Barh El Gazel Kanem as well as Lac regions in Chad
Women In Abusive Marriages; ‘I Wished I Had Never Married…’ Source: Humangle
Women fleeing the Boko Haram insurgency in Maiduguri, Northeast Nigeria, are exposed to increased domestic violence in their homes. The problems of violence against women were widespread in northern Nigeria, before the Boko Haram crisis began. According to Zara Kareto, an advocate and activist against SGBV and a promoter of gender equality, you are seen as someone who is against cultural and religious belief when you speak against violence meted on women and girls.
Gov. Fintiri empowers 10,000 women in Adamawa. Source: North East Star
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has on Tuesday empowered 10,000 women selected from the 21 LGAs of the state with N50, 000 each. Speaking at the occasion in Yola , Fintiri said that a total of 23,000 vulnerable people had also been empowered in the last three years. He explained that the beneficiaries were placed on a monthly stipend of between ₦10,000 to N50,000 under the administration’s Social Support Programme.
Stabilization and economic development
$618 Million i-dice programme to promote digital technology and creative industries launched. Source: News Net Global
A $618 million Investment in Digital & Creative Enterprises (I-DICE) Programme has been launched for the promotion of digital technology and creative industries in the country. The Programme, according to a statement on Wednesday by the French Embassy was an initiative from the Federal Government of Nigeria and aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital technology and creative industries. According to the statement, The launching which took place on Wednesday was held at the State House in presence of the Vice-President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, with co-financiers representatives in attendance.
