Regional News
DSS holds North-east zonal conference in Yobe. Source: Blue print
The North-east zone of the State Directors of Security Services (SDSes) Thursday held its third quarter 21st-23rd conference in Damaturu, with the aim of proffering solutions that would tackle security challenges confronting the North-east and the country in different forms, methods and trends. Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state who declared the two- day conference open said the 9th conference of state directors, Department of State Services (DSS) is coming at the time when the zone is faced by increased security problems and a time when the state is fighting with determination and dedication to ensure safety of lives and properties of people. Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, Buni stated that the relative peace the state is enjoying made displaced persons return to their various communities.
How ‘Terrorists Financiers’ Were Nabbed Inside Zaria Bank. Source: Daily Trust
Troops attached to the Operation Hadarin Daji have arrested two suspected collaborators of terrorists’ financiers in Zaria, Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna state. The military high command disclosed this, saying security agencies have launched manhunt for one Alhaji Abubakar, a suspected terrorist financier over his activities.
Nigeria’s investment in security yielding good dividends – Buhari. Source: Premium Times
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday expressed delight that investments in improving security are yielding good dividends, lauding the Nigerian military for making significant progress in the fight against insecurity and building the momentum in reducing challenges to their barest minimum. Speaking at the Nigeria International Economic Partnership Forum held on the margins of the 77th UN General Assembly in New York, the President pledged that the Federal Government would do more to improve security, recognising that the sector is another critical element in the flow of investment, and overall economic and infrastructural development.
Military eliminates 36 terrorists, others in air raids in North-east – DHQ. Source: Premium Times
The Defence Headquarters says the troops of Operation Hadin Kadin eliminated more than 36 terrorists and several others in air strikes across North-east in the last two weeks. The Director, Defence Media Operations, Musa Danmadami, a major general, said this at the bi-weekly news briefing on the operations of the armed forces on Thursday in Abuja.
38 ISWAP Terrorists Killed as Military Jets Raid Sambisa. Source: PRNigeria
In the past 2 weeks troops in the various theatre of operations conducted several kinetic and non-kinetic operations with significant results recorded. The brief will cover operational activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies conducted in tackling the various security challenges across the Country between the period 8 – 22 September 2022.
MNJTF Receives Sector 3 Commander. Source: PRNigeria
The recently appointed Multinational Joint Task Force ( MNJTF) Sector 3 Commander, Brig Gen Abdulsallam Abubakar (Nigeria) paid an operational/ familiarization visit to HQ MNJTF Farcha N’Djamena on Thursday 22 September 22. After the traditional arrival ceremony, the visiting Commander was given a detailed brief of the operational activities and other aspects of the MNJTF in order for him to be familiar with the workings of the MNJTF.
Mass Exodus Follows Abductions In A North-central Nigeria Community. Source: Humangle
After several persons were seized by terrorists, Lafiyan Zago in Lapai area of Niger State looks like a ghost town. Some of them have lived here all their lives, but everything changed since the kidnapping incident.
17 Boko Haram Terrorists, Family Members Surrender To Nigerian Military. Source: Sahara Reporters
No fewer than 17 Boko Haram terrorists, including their families have reportedly surrendered to troops of 151 Task Force Battalion of the Nigerian Army deployed to Banki-Junction in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. This was confirmed by the Nigerian Army in a post on its Twitter handle on Tuesday. “Due to the renewed military onslaughts by gallant troops of Operation Hadin Kai, 17 Boko Haram terrorists including their family members surrendered with their weapons earlier today to troops of 151 Task Force Battalion deployed at Banki-Junction in Bama LGA of Borno State. “Profiling of the surrendered terrorists is ongoing”, the army tweeted.
Banditry: Military Drops Leaflets, Jingles Warning of impending offensives in forests. Source: PRNigeria
Barely 48 hours after a ‘surprise raid’ by aircraft in Zamfara State that eliminated scores of bandits, PRNigeria gathered that the military has commenced dropping leaflets and airing jingles to advise civilians on security consciousness and on impending major operations deep inside the bandit enclaves. This development is coming as a ‘violent clash’ has broken out between Turji’s fighters and Dan Bokolo, another wanted terrorist commander.
Nigerian Military ‘Precision’ Airstrike Targets Gathering In Northwest. Source: Humangle
The Nigerian military has conducted a precision airstrike likely involving an armed drone against a gathering that included a terror group leader in the north-western state of Zamfara. A Nigerian publication, Premium Times, on Sunday reported that at least 12 fighters and relatives of the terror leader, Bello Turji, were killed in the air raid in Fakai community of the Shinkafi area, Zamfara State, on Saturday. HumAngle understands that an armed reconnaissance drone equipped with guided bombs was behind the initial attack on the target, a mosque.
Priests abducted as church burnt in Cameroon. Source: BBC
Eight people including Catholic priests, a nun and worshippers are being held in captivity by separatist fighters in Cameroon’s South West region. Their abductors also burnt down a church during the attack in Nchang, a community in the region. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The Catholic church authorities said they were shocked by this attack.
Cholera deaths hit camp for ex-Boko Haram fighters. Source: BBC
A cholera outbreak has caused deaths at a camp in north-eastern Nigeria that holds former Boko Haram fighters and their families. Eyewitnesses have told the BBC that at least a dozen people have died, but authorities say only a small number of cases have been reported. The Shokari camp in Borno state is home to thousands of former Islamist militants from the insurgent Boko Haram group.
Terrorists Abduct 40 Worshippers, Residents From Cherubim And Seraphim Church During Vigil In Kaduna, Demand N200million Ransom. Source: Sahara Reporters
Terrorists stormed the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, during a vigil programme at the Bayan Kasuwa quarters of Kasuwan Magani Town, Kaduna State, the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) confirmed on Monday. The union noted that the terrorists kidnapped over 40 worshippers including residents of the area, according to a statement by its National President, Awemi Maisamari, made available to journalists in Kaduna, the state capital on Monday. Maisamari in the statement said that the terrorists reached out to families of the victims and were demanded N200million ransom before the abductees could be set free.
Côte d’Ivoire accuses Mali of using its soldiers as ‘hostages’ Source: rfi
Tension between Mali and Côte d’Ivoire has flared up again after Bamako demanded that Malian politicians in exile in Côte d’Ivoire be handed over to Malian authorities. This in exchange for the release of Ivorian soldiers held in custody since July, 2022. Côte d’Ivoire is struggling to understand the change in Mali’s position following a communique from its interim President, Assimi Goïta, on Friday. He said that the release of the Ivorian soldiers would depend on the extradition of Malian politicians who are facing international arrest warrants issued by the country.
Suspected Boko Haram jihadists killed by Niger military. Source: rfi
Seven suspected “terrorists” have been reported killed and some 30 alleged accomplices of the Boko Haram jihadist group arrested over the past two weeks in South-eastern Niger. In its weekly bulletin on military operations, Niger’s Defence Ministry said the seven suspects were killed in the town of Gueskerou, near the Nigerian border. The army also reportedly dismantled kidnapping gangs in N’Guigmi, further north and near the Chadian border. The weekly report added that the army had, on 9 September, intercepted 30 foreign nationals transporting goods for collaborators with the Boko Haram jihadist group.
Mali’s reconciliation week to ‘chase away demons of division’. Source: rfi
Mali’s junta has launched a week-long national reconciliation forum in a bid to bring civil society and political groups together as part of a roadmap towards a return to democratic rule. The first round of what has been named “reconciliation week” got underway in the Malian capital, Bamako, on Thursday and will continue until Wednesday 21 September. The aim of the forum is to allow Malians to talk to each other and forgive one another after decades of civil and political turmoil. At its opening ceremony, Mali’s junta leader and president of the transition to democracy, Colonel Assimi Goïta, said: “A week like the one we are now launching is a chance to chase away the demons of division and terror so that the prospects for development – a key factor for collective fulfilment – can germinate.”
North East Governors Decry Rising Kidnapping, Banditry. Source: Daily Trust
The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has lamented the rampant and widespread issue of banditry and kidnapping in the country. Chairman of the forum and Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, stated this yesterday in Gombe, while declaring open the seventh edition of the forum’s meeting held in Gombe. The NEGF comprising of the six governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe, met in Gombe to deliberate on the issues affecting the sub-region and the country. Governor Zulum said both the federal and state governments should take a more critical look at the issue of kidnapping, which is becoming too rampant in the country.
North-East govs lament bandits’ movement to region. Source: Punch
The North-East Governors’ Forum says the mass exodus of bandits from the North-West region has made the relative peace in the region vulnerable. Our correspondent reports that Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno Gombe, and Yobe States were present, except Taraba State, who was represented, at its seventh meeting held in Gombe. The group stated this on Friday night in its nine-point communique read by Mai Buni, Governor of Yobe State, and signed by the Chairman of the North-East Forum Prof. Babagana Zulum, the Governor of Borno State. The North-East Governors’ Forum resolved that there is a need for a coordinated road map with the support of the Federal Government to dismantle the criminals. According to the Forum, there was a nexus between mining activities and insecurity, stressing the need for strict compliance with Land Use Act.
ISWAP Frees Woman Abducted 18 Months Ago. Source: Humangle
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has released a civil servant, Rahilatu Garba Musa, abducted in Feb. 2021 along the highway linking Damaturu and Maiduguri, the capitals of northeastern states of Yobe and Borno in Nigeria.
Court Gives More Time To Investigate Hostage Negotiator Involved In Kaduna Train Kidnappings. Source: Humangle
A court has granted the security services more time to investigate the man who facilitated ransom payments to kidnappers holding the remaining passengers seized from a Kaduna-bound train six months ago. The security services can hold Tukur Mamu, a media publisher turned hostage negotiator, for another 60 days to continue their investigation, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled this week.
Insurgency: N/East Women Group Hails Military Over Recent Successes
North East Women Forum for Peace and Stability (NEWFPS) a non-governmental organisation, has commended the Nigerian military for the sustained onslaught and recent successes against insurgents in recent time.
The group, in a statement by its Coordinator, Mrs Aishatu Jimeta on Saturday, urged troops of Operation Hadin Kai to remain focused against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.
Commerce, Peace and Security In Northeast. The Crisis Room: Episode 54. Source: Humangle
The conflict in Northeastern Nigeria has caused thousands of deaths, displaced more than two million people, and left over 8 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. In today’s episode of The Crisis Room, We discuss with Teniola Tayo the role of commerce in driving resilience and a sustainable pathway for peace and security in Northeastern Nigeria.
Priests kidnapped, church burned in Cameroon attack. Source: news24
Five priests, a nun and two churchgoers were kidnapped by attackers who set fire to a church in western Cameroon, the Catholic Church said Sunday, the latest violence in an area hit by bloody conflict between anglophone separatists and the state. The church of St Mary in the village of Nchang was “burned by unknown armed men” in the attack on Friday, the Bamenda Provincial Episcopal Conference said. “It was with great shock and utter horror that we, the Bishops (of the BAPEC) learnt of the burning down of the St Mary’s Catholic Church, Nchang… and the kidnapping of five priests, one religious sister and two lay faithful by unknown gunmen,” the statement said.
Peace and Security
Nigeria’s Porous Borders and Issue of Insecurity. Source: PRNigeria
One of the easiest ways foreigners access Nigeria is through the country’s territorial borders, that are mostly porous. It is no brainer that the challenges of safeguarding Nigeria’s borders, however, is one that seems to be in defiance of the efforts of authorities charged with the task. No wonder that illegal migration into and even out of the country persists; something experts believe is the major cause of insecurity issues such as farmers-herders conflict and Boko Haram insurgency bedeviling the country. To safeguard the nation’s borders and ensure proper documentation on the movement of people into and out of the country, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), not too long ago released some guidelines for international passengers arriving or leaving the country through any of its international airports or borders to ensure that they are in possession of valid documents at the point of entry or exit to their destination country.
2023: Nigerians want government to prioritise insecurity, poll reveals. Source: Blue Print
A recent survey conducted by NOI Poll shows that as the 2023 general elections draw nearer, Nigerians want the current administration and indeed the next president to prioritise attention on crime and insecurity. According to details of the survey released to journalists during a public presentation Tuesday in Abuja, crime and security rank top most among other challenges facing Nigerians. Dr Chike Nwangwu, head of NOI Poll in Nigeria, said before arriving at the result, sample questions were conducted in all parts of the country from where Nigerians want the government to address crime, kidnapping and insecurity.
Humanitarian
Why global leaders must give more attention to health of women, children, others – Report. Source: Premium Times
Global leaders must act now to reverse cuts to vital health services for women, children and adolescents caused by COVID-19, conflict and climate change. Decades of global effort to improve the health of women, children and adolescents and reduce gender inequity are being rolled back by a triple threat from conflict, climate change and COVID-19. Taking place alongside the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, tomorrow’s annual PMNCH Accountability Breakfast will highlight the need for urgent, targeted investment in programmes and policies to tackle the devastating social and economic impact of these crises on the health and wellbeing of vulnerable women, children and adolescents.
Nigeria braces for more floods as Cameroon opens dam. Source: BBC
Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) held an emergency meeting on Tuesday following deadly floods that could worsen after neighbouring Cameroon opened flood gates at a dam to release excess water. Since the start of the rainy season in July, at least 300 people have been killed and more than 100,000 others displaced. Nema Director General Mustapha Habib Ahmed said 13 Nigerian states are at risk.
In Borno, Zulum approves N50m scholarship to 2,019 Ramat poly students. Source: Blue Print
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved N50, 000,000 to pay registration fees of 2,019 Borno students of Ramat Polytechnic. The registration was for the 2021/2022 academic session.
Executive Secretary of Borno State Scholarships Board, Malam Bala Isa, stated this Monday in a chat with newsman at the Board Headquarters, Maiduguri. He also stated that the approval was part of the governor’s commitment to support capacity development of indigenes through different professions.
Flooding Affects Over 600,000 People In Chad. Source: Humangle
Flooding has affected 622,550 people across 16 provinces of the Republic of Chad, including the Capital N’Djamena, according to an assessment by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. According to the report, as of September 12, the worst hit areas were Tandjilé, affecting 166,258 people and Logone Occidental, where 147,129 were affected. 82,608 people were affected in Mandoul and 77,357 in Sil.
Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act Has Been Widely Accepted, But What Now? Source: Humangle
Since 2015 when the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act was signed into law, Nigerian women, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), civil society groups, and gender rights advocates have pushed for its domestication. Seven years later, it appears as though their voices have been heard.
‘You are not dead, Neither are you alive’ Vestiges of Violence: Episode 77. Source: Humangle
In the presence of dwindling funding for humanitarian operations and hunger, displaced persons have fewer alternatives than to brave the cost and security risk associated with farming outside the trench protecting Maiduguri. This is the story of Hagola Biya, a father, farmer and a friend who has to brave the challenges of the insurgency and struggles to farm in Northeast Nigeria.
Yobe Education Trust Fund inspects model, mega schools. Source: Blue Print
As part of efforts to revitalise education in the state, the Yobe Education Trust Fund (YETFUND) has embarked on inspection tour to the newly constructed 7 model and 5 mega schools across the senatorial zones of the state. The committee has so far inspected model and mega schools in Potiskum town under Zone B; Damaturu and Buni-Yadi,Gujba local government area in Zone A; Gashua and Nguru in Zone C, respectively. The YETFUND chairman, Engr. Mohammed K. Abubakar, said the visit would give the committee a basis to prepare for the intervention. Engr. Abubakar stated that the next line of action after the inspection visit would be determined after a meeting with relevant stakeholders in the educational sector in the state.
Fighting The Education Boycott Imposed On English-Speaking Cameroonian Children. Source: Humangle
Ten-year-old Oben Epey has been out of school for the past five years. At his age, he has only had two years of schooling. He and his family escaped from the restive Southwest Region of Cameroon where Anglophone separatists have been visiting havoc on schools in a Boko Haram-type prohibition of schools. Oben Epey is one of seven children his parents took away from Anglophone Cameroon to Douala in order to be able to give their children an education Anglophone separatists are denying them in English-speaking Cameroon. His case is not unique as he is one of about 700,000 English-speaking children who have been forced out of school.
Stabilization and economic development
North East Governors To Establish Regional Airline. Source: Northeastlive
The North East Governors Forum has disclosed that plans are underway by the governors of the region to establish a regional airline to be called ‘North East Airline’. The Chairman of the forum and Governor of Borno State, Prof Umaru Babagana Zulum disclosed this during the 7th meeting of the Forum held recently in Gombe State. Zulum noted that since the formation of the forum two years ago in Gombe, it has become a formidable avenue for social cohesion and a rallying point for the region to collectively discuss and identify its common challenges and proffer pragmatic and viable ways and means of addressing them.
Nigeria Lagging Behind Sustainable Development Goals – CODE. Source: Humangle
The 2019 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) index ranked Nigeria 159th among 162 countries. This means that the country has not made adequate plans towards a better and sustainable future for its citizens. In 2019, an estimated 91.8 million of the Nigerian population lived in extreme poverty, with the prospect of an increased 95.7 million in 2022. Connected Development (CODE), a non-governmental organisation in Abuja, on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in an event marking its 10th anniversary, said it is committed to #flipthescript, joining the UN to call for action towards achieving SDG.
A Decade Of Progress In Agriculture Wiped Out, UN Says. Source: Humangle
Efforts made towards achieving eight Sustainable Development Goals have suffered a devastating setback due to adverse socio-economic impacts of conflict and war, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has revealed. The organisation stated that since 2015, the increase in the number of undernourished people globally has “stalled or even regressed” all the progress made during the previous decade, with hunger figures back to 2005 levels. Millions of people have shifted from “moderate” levels of food insecurity to “severe” levels.
