Regional News
Troops capture 79 terrorists, collaborators, rescue two Chibok girls – DHQ. Source: Premium Times
Troops of “Operation Hadin Kai’’ (OPHK) apprehended at least 79 terrorists and their collaborators in the North-east in the last two weeks. Director, Defence Media Operations, Musa Danmadami, a major general, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday at the bi-weekly news briefing on the operations of the armed forces. Mr Danmadami said troops also eliminated many terrorists in land and air operations and rescued 14 abductees including two Chibok school girls during the period. He said the two Chibok girls, Yana Pogu and Rejoice Senki, were rescued with their children. They were rescued at Bula Davo village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State and Kawur village in Konduga Local Government Area also in Borno alongside 12 other abductees.
Nigerian Navy Hails PRNigeria for Credible Security Reportage, Seeks Partnership. Source: PRNigeria
The Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Vice admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, has expressed delight over PRNigeria‘s ‘dispassionate reportage’ on the Nigerian military and the security sector, in extension. According to Gambo, PRNigeria has consistently remained the Number One news agency and go-to for credible media stories on the activities of military and other security services
ELFON hails Military, Security Services over release of 23 abducted Train Passengers. Source: PRNigeria
The Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria (ELFON) has expressed happiness and satisfaction, and that of the entire nation with the military as well as other security agencies on the release of the remaining 23 kidnapped train passengers held in captivity by Boko Haram terrorists. A statement issued by Godstime Chukwubuikem Samuel; National President of ELFON, said in a reaction to the news of the safe release of the hostages in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s earlier directives, Godstime said the nation owed the military and all other security and intelligence agencies a debt of gratitude for the successful conduct of the operation leading to the release of the hostages.
Military Foils Turji Bandits’ Attack as 26 Villagers Drown while Fleeing from Terrorists in Zamfara. Source: PRNigeria
Nigerian troops on Wednesday repelled an attack by terrorists at Faru Village near their base in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, PRNigeria reports. This is just as 21 children and five women have drowned in a river at Bukuyum Local Government. It was gathered that the deceased were fleeing an attack by terrorists, who invaded their communities, when the two boats conveying them across the river capsized. Meanwhile, the attack in Maradun, launched by bandits suspected to be loyal to the notorious Bello Turji had caused panic among residents of communities close to the military base.
Soldier killed while mediating in herders, farmers clash. Source: Premium Times
A soldier, who was mediating in a conflict between farmers and herders in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State was killed on Wednesday. Residents said the assailants were the herders who were in conflict with farmers in the area. PREMIUM TIMES is yet to independently verify this claim. The assailants also took away the soldier’s rifle. Residents said the soldier, Danlami Danjuma, a sergeant, was among the soldiers who responded to a distress call from Gagiya community where herders were said to have encroached into farmland. The local government chairman, Musa Muhammad, told PREMIUM TIMES that authorities including the Fulani community have condemned the incident and are searching for the assailants and the rifle.
Burkina Faso’s new junta vows to respect timeline for return to civilian rule. Source: rfi
Calm returned to Burkina Faso’s capital on Monday after the country’s military leader fled to neighbouring Togo following the second coup in less than nine months. His replacement, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has promised that a new civilian or military transitional president will be appointed “before the end of the year”.
FG secures release of 23 remaining Kaduna train attack victims. Source: Guardian
The Federal Government has secured release of the 23 remaining captives of Kaduna train attack. Secretary of the Chief of Defence Staff Action Committee (CDSAC), Prof. Usman Yusuf, who made the disclosure, yesterday, in a statement, said: “I am pleased to announce to the nation and the world that at 1600hrs. (4:00pm) today, Wednesday, 05-10-2022, the seven-man presidential committee assembled by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General L E O Irabor, secured the release and took custody of all the kidnapped victims of the Ill-fated train.”
Merchants Of Terror (1): Paying blood taxes, helpless communities sustain Nigeria’s terrorists. Source: Premium Times
The investigation showed how citizens helplessly pay millions in cash to bandits in exchange for peace in communities with little to no government presence.
UPDATED: Six months after train attack, terrorists release remaining 23 hostages – Official. Source: Premium times
Six months after terrorists kidnapped scores of people after attacking a train, the last batch of 23 hostages has been released. This was disclosed by Usman Yusuf, the secretary of a committee set up by the Chief of Defence Staff, Leo Irabor. PREMIUM TIMES reported the attack on the Kaduna-bound train on March 28. At least eight people died in the attack while 168 people were declared missing, most of whom were believed to have been kidnapped. The train departed Abuja for Kaduna before it was attacked in a Kaduna community by the terrorists.
Counter-Insurgency: Theatre Commander Decorates Security Personnel, Journalists in Borno. Source: PRNigeria
Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, the Theater Commander, North East Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Hadin Kai, has decorated officers, soldiers and journalists with gallantry medals for their outstanding performance in the counter insurgency campaign. The theartre commander also presented letters of honour and commendation to five officers of Operation Hadin Kai JTF, who distinguished themselves and demonstrated exceptional bravery, dedication and commitment in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents. Musa said that the awardees were from the Army, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Navy, Police, Department of State Service (DSS), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), the Correctional Service, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Civil Defence and the Civilian JTF. Other recipien’s included journalists who have demonstrated critical roles in their reportage towards the fight against terrorism in the region.
#AK9 Train: Victim’s Brother Confirms Sister’s Release Alongside 22 Others. Source: Humangle
About 63 persons were kidnapped on March 28, after a Kaduna-bound train was attacked by terrorists in Northwest Nigeria. More than half were released in batches over the past six months while 23 remained in captivity.
One Woman’s Journey From Displacement To Resettlement In Northeast Nigeria. Source: Humangle
Since the Boko Haram insurgency started in Nigeria’s northeast over a decade ago, millions of people have had the course of their lives changed for the worse through displacement and resettlement. Yakura Kumshe is one of those people.
Defence Minister Calls for More Intelligence to Boost Military Campaigns. Source: PRNigeria
The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) CFR is felicitating with Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 62nd Independence Anniversary Celebration. This message is contained in a statement to mark this year’s Celebration of Nationhood coming shortly after Nigeria’ impressive performance at the 77th Session of the United Natlons General Assembly, UNGA in Newyork, USA.
Another Chibok Girl And Her Twin Babies Rescued By Nigerian Troops. Source: Humangle
Another abducted Chibok school girl, now a mother of four children, has regained freedom after troops of the Nigerian military invaded a terrorist enclave. Military sources familiar with the development informed HumAngle that the nursing mother who was found in a poor state of health was rescued at the Bula Dawo axis of the Sambisa forest in Bama local government area, Borno state, Northeast Nigeria.
ISWAP Rebrands, Expands Scope Of Operations. Source: Humangle
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has intensified operations and expanded its sphere of influence, bringing other franchises of the Islamic State in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso under a new arrangement where the ISWAP leader has a say in their violent campaign. The ISWAP leadership has now been elevated to the level of the global Shura (advisory) council of the Islamic State, coordinating activities of Islamic State franchises beyond the Lake Chad region.
Terrorists Attack Commuters, Civilian Defense Group In Northeast Nigeria. Source: Humangle
Two attacks in Kirawa and Benisheik towns in Borno, Northeast Nigeria in the past week led to the deaths of several members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and destruction of vehicles. The terrorists had attacked commuters on the Kirawa-Pulka road on Tuesday and left one person injured. The attackers also burnt farming implements, crops, and chemical sprayers carried by the locals travelling from Pulka to Kirawa. The destruction of the vehicles belonging to the CJTF, which often refers to militiamen, hunters or vigilantes supporting the military, could weaken their capacity to patrol Kirawa environs and escort travelers.
Burkina Faso Coup: Deposed military ruler resigns. Source: Premium Times
Burkina Faso’s deposed military ruler, Paul-Henri Damiba, has given conditions for his resignation from government, mediators said in a statement. According to a statement by mediating religious and community leaders, Mr Damiba “offered his resignation in order to avoid confrontations with serious human and material consequences.” The West African country last Friday experienced another coup when army captain Ibrahim Traore announced that Mr Damiba had been deposed and his government dissolved, eight months after the latter in a similar coup ousted President Roch Kabore.
Burkina Faso coup raises more concerns about democratic stability in Africa. Source: Premium Times
There have been seven successful coup attempts in Africa in the last three years, raising concerns about the decline of democracy on the continent. In January, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, while condemning the first coup in Burkina Faso, asked all coup leaders to lay down their weapons and protect the country’s institutions. Eight months after Mr Guterres’s statement, another successful coup occurred in the West African country. He again condemned attempts to seize power by the force of arms and called on all actors to refrain from violence and seek dialogue.
NIGERIA DAILY: First Independence Celebrations In 12 Years, Has Peace Finally Returned To Borno? Source: Daily Trust
It was with joy and relief that the residents of Borno State celebrated this year’s Independence Anniversary. The state last celebrated the occasion in 2008 because of insurgency.
Lynched Suspects In Birnin-Gwari Community Were Terrorists From Sudan, Not Herdsmen — Emirate Cautions Kaduna Government. Source: Sahara Reporters
The group further revealed that the alleged lynching occurred after the suspects forcefully snatched a motorcycle from a farmer on the outskirts of Birnin-Gwari main town. The Birnin-Gwari Emirate Progressive Union (BEPU) has told the Kaduna State Government that the lynched herdsmen in Birnin-Gwari on Sunday were terrorists from Sudan. It had been reported that two herdsmen were killed by a mob of disgruntled teenagers who suspected that the deceased were terrorists ravaging the community.
Burkina junta leader Damiba resigns, flees in wake of military coup. Source: rfi
Burkina Faso’s junta leader, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, agreed to step down on Sunday, religious and community leaders have said, two days after army officers announced his ouster in a coup that sparked internal unrest and international condemnation. Lieutenant-Colonel Damiba “offered his resignation in order to avoid confrontations with serious human and material consequences”, the religious and community leaders said in a statement. The move followed mediation between Damiba and the new self-proclaimed leader, Ibrahim Traoré, by religious and community leaders.
Burkina Faso coup: Ousted military ruler Damiba in Togo. Source: BBC
Burkina Faso’s ousted military ruler has gone to neighbouring Togo after rival officers seized power in a coup on Friday, Togo’s government has said. Togo had taken in Lt Col Paul-Henri Damiba for the sake of regional peace, Akodah Ayewouadan added. New military ruler Capt Ibrahim Traoré has urged cabinet ministers to “move faster” to tackle “urgent” problems. An Islamist insurgency in Burkina Faso has worsened since Lt Col Damiba seized power in January. On Sunday, religious and community leaders said he had formally resigned after Capt Traoré agreed to meet his conditions.
Aluu 4: Ten years from the lynching that shocked Nigeria. Source: BBC
Jane Toku sheds no tears as she recalls the moment when she saw the smouldering remains of her son’s corpse on the morning he and three of his friends were lynched 10 years ago. The four students had run into a local vigilante group at dawn in Aluu, a community behind the University of Port Harcourt in southern Nigeria’s oil capital. There had been a spate of robberies in the area and at that time of the morning, people became suspicions. Accused of being petty thieves, the four – Llody Toku, Ugonna Obuzor, Chiadika Biringa and Tekena Elkanah – were given a mock trial and found guilty.
Chad to further postpone transition to democracy, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno to remain in charge. Source: news24
Chad on Saturday extended the transition period to democratic elections, while keeping the head of the military junta on as head of state in the interim. The decisions were made by a national reconciliation dialogue forum, which has been boycotted by most opposition members, two out of three key armed rebel groups and civil society organisations.
African Union condemns latest Burkina Faso coup. Source: news24
The African Union on Saturday condemned the “unconstitutional change of government” in Burkina Faso, a day after the second coup this year in the deeply poor and restive West African country. Junior officers toppled a junta leader on Friday, saying he had failed to fight jihadist attacks in the country.
Authorities Shut Down Market Accused of “Terrorist Links” In Restive Cameroonian Region. Source: Humangle
Local authorities in a restive Cameroonian region have shut down a large market, saying terrorists were using it to raise money. The mayor of Kumbo, the administrative centre of Bui division in the restive Northwest region of Cameroon, has signed an order closing down the Mbveh market, which is the largest in the municipality “until further notice”. According to the mayor Mborong Vernatius Bongkiyung, the market has become “the source for financing terrorist activities in Kumbo” adding that some traders in the market collaborate with “the terrorists to generate revenue for them”.
UPDATE: Less Than 24hrs After PRNigeria Report, Abducted Birnin Gwari Police DPO FREED. Source: PRNigeria
Barely 12 hours after a report by PRNigeria, the Divisional Police Officer, (DPO) of Birnin Gwari Division, CSP Sani Mohammed Gyadi-Gyadi, abducted about three months ago, has finally been released. This followed a sophisticated intelligence-coordinated operation led by the joint security service, PRNigeria gathered. Gyadi-Gyadi, kidnapped by terrorists in Kaduna sometime in July this year, regained his freedom after 23 train hostages were set free by their abductors on Wednesday.
Buhari lists ‘unprecedented’ acquisitions for Nigerian military. Source: Premium Times
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Kaduna directed the Service Chiefs to replicate the successes recorded in the fight against insurgency in the North-east in other parts of the country, bolstered by the unprecedented acquisitions in military platforms and hardware in the past few years. Addressing the Passing out Parade and Commissioning Ceremony of Cadets of 69 Regular Course (Army, Navy and Air Force) of the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA), the president listed comprehensive and systematic acquisitions by his administration within seven years, describing them as unprecedented in the past 38 years of the Nigerian military. He also used the occasion to commend the military for the safe release of the remaining 23 victims of the March 28 Abuja-Kaduna train attack on Wednesday.
20 Villagers Abducted In Twin Raids In Northwest Nigeria. Source: Humangle
In the early hours of Thursday, Oct. 6, 20 people were kidnapped in Danzamau and Dargaje villages in Nigeria’s northwestern state of Zamfara, according to residents. “None of them have what it takes to pay for ransom. I fear that those criminals are not going to kill them,” said Modi Okada, a relative of one of the victims. The twin attacks occurred at about 6:00 a.m. in the two villages located in Bukuyum local government area of the State. The attack reportedly lasted for several hours without any interruptions from security forces.
Peace and Security
African climate summit in DRC to keep the pressure on rich nations. Source: rfi
Environment ministers from 50 countries will gather in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday for a “pre-Cop27” climate summit, with rich nations likely to come under pressure to raise spending to combat climate change. The talks in the DRC’s capital, Kinshasa, will be informal but are intended to allow various countries and climate action groups to take stock of political positions ahead of Cop27 — the United Nations climate gathering of world leaders — which takes place in Egypt next month.
Mali Experiencing Significant Insecurity, Climate Variability – Report. Source: Humangle
Mali has, over the past decade, experienced violent conflict, rainfall variability, and increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, according to a new Adelphi report. The report, titled “Weathering Risk climate, Peace and Security Assessment”, took a deep dive into the climate crisis in the country and the violent conflicts that have occurred in places like Gao, Kidal, Tombouctou, Mopti, Segou, and now in southern and western regions. The attention on Mali has mostly been about the threats from jihadists and the changes in the political and security landscape after the military coup. Mali has previously experienced coups in 2012, August 2020, and more recently May 2021. The military Junta headed by Colonel Assimi Goita, has set timeline for transition and elections. The country has also been in the spotlight following the withdrawal of French troops from Operation Barkhane, a counter-insurgency mission in the Sahel.
Humanitarian
Over 38 People Fleeing Terror Attack Killed in Canoe Accident In Northwest Nigeria. Source: Humangle
Over 38 residents of Birnin-Wajje community in Nigeria’s northwestern state of Zamfara were found dead after two canoes capsized while moving them to safety across the Zauma river on Wednesday, according to locals
International Teachers’ Day: 10 teachers killed in Kaduna in ten months – ASUSS
Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Kaduna State Chapter, said non-state actors killed at least ten teachers and abducted more than 50 in the state between January to October. This is as the president of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Audu Amba, said the challenges of shortage of teachers, poor infrastructure, inadequate funding and poor remuneration are parts of the crisis hampering the advancement of education in the country.
Satellite Analysis: Uncontrolled Development Increasing Flood Risk In Kano. Source: Humangle
Kano, Nigeria’s second most populous city with a population of over four million, has many problems, including uncontrolled development. With the help of satellite images, HumAngle examines the city’s vulnerability to extreme rainfall, which climate change could amplify. The adverse effects of the ancient city’s unrestrained urbanisation and inefficient flood control systems were evident last month when torrential rainfall submerged neighbourhoods, including the office of the State’s Emergency Management Agency and the famous Kantin Kwari market. In response to the disaster, the State Government constituted a technical committee to investigate the cause.
A Problematic Drainage Project Increases Flood Risk To A Community In Northeast Nigeria. Source: Humangle
The construction of drainage channels in the Garandam community of Borno was needed to control flooding; however, the project has so far been problematic for the residents.
Yunusa Sani: The teacher cycling across northern Nigeria to fight climate change. Source: Premium Times
Mr Sani is determined to cycle across northern Nigeria to teach villagers how to tackle the adverse effects of climate change.
Yobe: Flooding sacks 31, 000 families, displaces 6, 592 communities. Source: Guardian
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), yesterday, said about 31, 000 families were affected by flood, while 6,592 residents were displaced in various communities. SEMA’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Goje, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Damaturu, said the 255 communities affected are sited along Rivers Komadugu-Gana and Yobe banks and flood plains in the state. He stressed that heavy downpours of rain between May and September resulted in flooding of 255 communities across the state.
Excess Water From Dams Increases Severity Of Floods In Adamawa. Source: Humangle
According to a briefing from the head of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mohammed Aminu, 27,800 households and 89,342 hectares of farmlands were destroyed by the flood. He was also quoted to have disclosed that 172,000 farmers in 11 local governments were affected.
One Woman’s Journey From Displacement To Resettlement In Northeast Nigeria. Source: Humangle
Since the Boko Haram insurgency started in Nigeria’s northeast over a decade ago, millions of people have had the course of their lives changed for the worse through displacement and resettlement. Yakura Kumshe is one of those people.
Over 1,500 confirmed cases of cholera in Northeast Nigeria. Source: Humangle
Cases of cholera and acute diarrhoea were recorded in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, with 60 fatalities. Over 1,500 confirmed cases of cholera had been recorded in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa in Northeast Nigeria between January and September, according to data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Cholera, a water-borne infection resulting from poor hygiene and acute diarrhoea, has been a recurring health problem in the region. It is also prevalent during the rainy season. An earlier report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs had revealed that “Some 17 local government areas (LGAs) across the three states are reporting cases that are largely attributed to the widespread contamination of water sources by flooding as the rainy season enters its peak.”
Floods Push Rise In Cholera Cases Alarming Aid Agencies. Source: Humangle
Cases of the water-borne disease cholera have exploded, leaping 900 per cent in recent weeks. Unprecedented levels of flood water lingering from this year’s rains in areas where there are large numbers of people living close together with poor sanitation threaten further spread, relief organisations warn.
Stabilization and economic development
Include climate change in educational curriculum, experts urge FG. Source: Premium Times
Participants at the National Conference on Climate Change have called on the Federal Government to mainstream climate change as a subject into the educational curriculum. This is contained in a communiqué signed by Akinbode Oluwafemi, the Executive Director, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) at the end of a two-day national conference in Abuja. The participants said that making the curriculum conventional became necessary as it would spur interest among the youth and breed a generation of environmentally conscious activists. It said that the conference brought participants together to discuss climate change agenda for the 27th session of the Conference of Parties to the UN Conference on Climate Change scheduled for Egypt in November.
