Boko Haram

By Anwar Usman

Troops of the Nigerian Army, deployed for a special operation in Sambisa Forest, have eliminated 11 Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists.

The Nigerian Army, in a statement on its official Twitter handle, disclosed this on Saturday.

It said the feat was achieved in coordinated special clearance operations with a hybrid force against a terrorists’ enclave in Jongo Village within the notorious Sambisa Forest.

It stated that the troops targeted the portion and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, killing some while others fled in disarray.

The army stated that its troops conducted further exploitation ahead of the enclave, leading to the capture of some weapons.

According to the post, the arms include 99 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm on a metal link, 19 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm, 3 AK-47 rifle magazines, two 36-hand grenades, and two locally made guns.

“This successful operation showcases the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian army in combating terrorism and securing in the region.

“The neutralisation of ISWAP terrorists and the confiscation of their weapons will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing security and stability in the area.

The post added that, “This further demonstrated the commitment of the Nigerian military to eradicating terrorism and protecting the citizens”.

By Abdullahi Khairallah

Jaiz Bank of Nigeria has donated 10 million Naira to provide medical support to the victims of the recent Gwoza bomb blast in Borno State. The bank presented the cheque as part of its corporate social responsibility to the community.

Receiving the delegation at the Council Chamber Government House Maiduguri, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, received the cheque for onward disbursement to the victims of the bomb blast. He assured that the medical support would be channelled appropriately to the victims while thanking the bank’s board and management for their gesture and support to the people and government of Borno State.

Earlier, while presenting the donation to the Acting Governor, Dr Kadafur, the chairman of the bank’s Board of Directors, Alhaji Muhammed Mustapha Bintube, said the bank’s board and management considered it necessary to contribute their quota and complement the efforts of the state government in supporting the victims in this trying time.

“This unfortunate and needless loss of lives is indeed a colossal loss not only to the Gwoza community but also to Borno state and the county at large.

“We sincerely empathise with the affected families and extend our hands of affinity to the Gwoza Community and the entire people of the state,” Bintube said.

He commended the state governor and his deputy for their good work for the people and assured them of the bank’s continuous support for the government and the people of Borno State.

Malam Mustapha Bintube prayed to Allah to forestall future mishaps and ensure a quick return to peace in the state.

Present at the gathering include Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, Acting Head of Service Dr. Abubakar Sadiq, Commissioner for Transport and Energy Hon. Aliyu Lawan Buba, Commissioner for Local Government And Emirate Affairs, Alhaji Sugun Mai Mele, Permanent Secretary Administration and General Services Governor’s Office Dr. Muhammed Ghuluze, APC Party chairman Gwoza local government, Abdullahi Danjatau, Council Secretary Hajiya Fatima Musa, Special Advisers, among others.

By Uzair Adam Imam

According to authorities, two female suspects have been arrested in connection with the detonation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Gwoza local government area of Borno State on Saturday.

A local government official confirmed that 30 female suicide bombers were sent to Gwoza to detonate IEDs at different locations within the area. However, only four suicide bombers had carried out the attack so far.

One of the female bombers, who came from the Pulka axis, detonated the IED at a checkpoint, killing herself, a soldier, and a civilian JTF member. The women were said to have entered Gwoza from different locations, including Pulka and the Mandara mountains.

Security operatives are currently on the lookout for the remaining would-be suicide bombers to prevent further disasters. The source explained that one of the female bombers that came from Pulka axis was responding to military interrogation at the checkpoint when she panicked and detonated the IED.

The Borno State government has condemned the attacks and vowed to continue the fight against insurgency. The governor of Borno State visited the victims of the bomb blast and reiterated the government’s commitment to ending the insurgency.

The investigation is ongoing, and security operatives are working to prevent further attacks in the region.

By Abdullahi Khairalla

Borno State Police Command has confirmed that eight people were killed and fifteen others sustained various degrees of injuries following a bomb explosion in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, which is about 100 kilometres away from Maiduguri.

Police Public Relations Officer ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso reported that the tragic incident occurred on June 29, 2024, at approximately 15:40 hours. 

The command further notes that ” a woman carrying a baby detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at a busy motor park in Mararaba T. Junction in Gwoza town. 

The explosion claimed the lives of the woman, her baby, and six others, with fifteen individuals who sustained injuries currently receiving treatment at General Hospital Gwoza”.

This is happening in the wake of the cropping season, which many observe is part of the sinister efforts of the insurgents to cause havoc and instil fear in the people, thereby preventing them from accessing their farmlands.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced the arrest of Ahmad Mohammed, aged 42, for allegedly supplying drugs to insurgents in Borno State, as part of a recent crackdown on drug traffickers and dealers. 

According to Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mohammed was apprehended along with 23 other suspected traffickers and dealers. 

He was found to be supplying illicit drugs to insurgents in the border region of Banki, between Nigeria and Cameroon. 

Mohammed’s arrest took place on Friday, February 9th, at a checkpoint in Borno State. Upon inspection of his luggage, NDLEA operatives discovered 20,000 capsules of tramadol, intended for delivery to the border town. 

In a separate incident, NDLEA operatives intercepted a truck with registration number Lagos JJJ 64 YC on Sunday, February 4th.

The truck was transporting 367 jumbo bags of cannabis sativa, weighing 4,037 kilogrammes, from Akure, Ondo State, to the Shabu area in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State. 

Three suspects, identified as Shuaibu Yahaya Liman (35), Monday Audu (33), and Linus Samuel (42), were arrested in connection with the seizure.

By Zailani Bappa

The satellite television, Arewa24, with headquarters in Kano, will continue to be a pain for northerners who cherish their heritage. It is a necessary evil and a bad influence on the teeming youth in a predominantly conservative society. But, it is established to achieve a purpose and do that efficiently and quickly.

I learned the medium was established by the US government through one of its established NGOs some nine years ago. Amidst the devastating experience of Boko Haram in this part of the country, several studies have indicated to the West that the passion for Islamic values in the North and the teeming followership of a springing set of radical Salafists in the region is the major cause of such developing activism….or should I say…terrorism.

Hence, the decision to spend the hard-earned tax-payers money of the American people to build an entertainment television station in the heart of conservative Kano (after rejecting Kaduna and Abuja as a base for the new medium). I am sure you know that when these guys give you a dime worth of something with the right hand, they are sure enough to take back something worth a dollar from you with the left hand.

So, the Arewa 24 came into light with a bang…..good hands employed mostly popular actors from the entertainment industry as pioneer staff, with good pay for them to work optimally and to stay, very enticing and entertaining programmes with fresh breath of air and of course, all programmes beamed to us with the best of technology one can find around here. Significantly, most programmes target women and the young.

Free of charge, we were entertained until the station became a menu that came to every table in the house. Then came the next stage of the plan (as I see it). It was sold out to a very rich and powerful Nigerian who has the capacity and the passion to run it according to both the quality of content and the pursuit of the target.

Gradually, the programmes started becoming more daring in their approach to change. There is mild and uncoordinated resistance here and there, but the medium has a strong advisory consultant. They evade or outrightly neutralise every challenge from angry quarters at times. And they will continue to do so.

I firmly believe that the Arewa 24 debut, acceptability, prowess, and popularity (often challenged with visionless resistance) are only the tip of the iceberg. This is an era of globalisation. It is a moving train we cannot stop. It will reach its destination, ultimately. Our resistance to it will continue to be a massage to its global ego.

So, for those who understand this phenomenon, just pray, stay calm and do your own thing according to your conscience. Teach your young ones to value your values the way you can, very hard and consistently; then, leave the rest to God. This fight is just too big for us……..for every one of us.

Zailani Bappa wrote from Bauchi State via zailanbappa@gmail.com.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

In an effort towards ensuring transitional justice and reconciliation, the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development, an indigenous non-governmental organisation, announced the successful deradicalization and reintegration of 30 women associated with Boko Haram in Borno State. 

At the inaugural meeting of a media forum on transitional justice and reconciliation in the state, Executive Director Hamsatu Allamin revealed the foundation’s commendable achievement.

The women were not only deradicalised but also empowered and reintegrated into society as part of the foundation’s new programme aimed at fostering peace and reconciliation in Borno. 

Mrs. Allamin emphasised the importance of this new programme in facilitating transitional justice in the state, particularly following the mass surrender of Boko Haram members.

She underscored the crucial role of the media in creating awareness about transitional justice and the responsibilities of various stakeholders in ensuring its success. 

“The objective of this forum is to engage media professionals in vital conversations concerning the promotion of transitional justice and reconciliation efforts within Borno State and the broader North-Eastern region of Nigeria,” stated Mrs. Allamin.

She highlighted the media’s influence in shaping public discourse and framing issues, emphasising its role in fostering a development-oriented approach to transitional justice and social cohesion. 

In response, Abdulkareem Haruna, Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Borno Chapter, expressed gratitude for the foundation’s collaboration with the media in promoting reconciliation.

He reiterated the commitment of journalists in Borno to work towards peace and normalcy in the state. 

The successful deradicalisation and reintegration of these 30 women represent a positive step towards healing and reconciliation in Borno State, as efforts continue to bring an end to the conflict and secure a peaceful future for the region.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The Nigerian Army said Monday that it had rescued Mary Nkeki, a 27-year-old Chibok girl, in the Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno. 

Recall that insurgents of Boko Haram kidnapped Nkeki and more than 200 other students from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok in 2014. 

The Operation Hadin Kai Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, made this statement on Monday in Maiduguri upon the delivery of the girl to the Borno Ministry of Women Affairs. 

He noted that on August 14 in Dikwa, soldiers from the 81 Task Force Battalion freed Nkeki, who had serial number 55 on the list of the kidnapped Chibok girls. 

“While in captivity, she was forcefully married to one Adam, a Boko Haram terrorist fighter. 

“Since her rescue, she has undergone thorough medical examination in our medical facility. 

“Equally, she has been adequately resuscitated and would be handed over to Borno State Government for further administration,” he said. 

Chibuisi reaffirmed the military’s commitment to maintaining security in the region’s north and east while bringing about sustainable peace. 

Nkeki described her experience since being kidnapped in 2014 to reporters as being filled with pain, recounting that she and her husband managed to flee throughout the night and were found by a military patrol squad. She said she had left behind two other Chibok girls. 

By Muhammadu Sabiu

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says it plans to resume its orientation programme for new corps members in Borno, 13 years after it was put on hold owing to the Boko Haram insurgency.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the insurgency has, for numerous years, forced corps members who had been posted to the state to do their orientation course in Katsina State.

The next orientation would take place in the state, according to Mr Lawal Yusufu, the state’s commissioner of police, who was speaking to reporters at the ad hoc orientation camp on Monday at the Arabic Teachers College in Maiduguri.

Yusufu, who spoke after examining the camp’s facilities, stated that security agencies will collaborate to provide security for the incoming NYSC members at the camp’s entrance, exit, and other strategic locations.

Government representatives, including the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, the State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, and the State Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board, Alhaji Mohammed Badiya, accompanied the commissioner on the tour.

The new NYSC members’ orientation programme is scheduled to start on August 18.

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

In the war-torn region of Gwoza, two remarkable girls, Mabruka Manu, and Maryam Abubakar Musa, emerged as beacons of hope and resilience. Despite the devastating impact of the Boko Haram insurgency on their lives and education, they defied the odds and became registered midwives. 

Their inspiring journeys from displacement and despair to fulfilling careers are a testament to their unwavering determination and the power of education.

Mabruka Manu was born and raised in Maiduguri, while Maryam was born in Katsina State but raised in Gwoza, Borno State. As with many thousands, both young ladies had their dreams of education shattered by the insurgency. However, an NGO called Girl Child Concerns, GCC, provided them with a lifeline, offering opportunities to realise their full potential. 

In 2018, GCC undertook a remarkable initiative in Borno State with support from MDS’s Merck for Mother selecting and training over 300 adolescent girls from various communities (primarily affected by the Boko Haram insurgency) to become Village Health Workers (VHW). The goal was to address the pressing maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) needs in these areas, where many health workers had left due to the Boko Haram insurgency, leaving women and children with limited access to healthcare. 

Among the trained VHWs were Maryam and Mubruka, whose dedication and resilience stood out. With support from Borno State Government, GCC further trained over 500 VHW and equipped them with essential skills, including training as Per Mother’s Support Groups for Infant and Young Children’s Feeding, serving as supportive supervisors, and encouraging them to pursue further studies, leading to their qualification for the Foundation Year Program (FYP) initiated by Women for Health. 

With the support of their loved ones and overcoming financial obstacles, Maryam and Mubruka’s journey eventually led them to gain admission to the prestigious College of Nursing and Midwifery in Maiduguri, where they began their inspiring path toward becoming Registered and Licensed Midwives.

In 2020, GCC continued its mission to empower women in rural communities by organising a training program for health workers, including Maryam and Mubruka, and nearly 100 others, to address the challenges rural women face in providing basic health screening, counselling, and managing common ailments.  

This training taught participants good infant and child feeding, promoted immunisation, and provided referral services. Maryam and Mubruka’s active involvement in this initiative showcased their commitment to their communities’ well-being as they diligently acquired the necessary skills to support and educate mothers on proper infant and child nutrition.

The stories of Maryam and Mubruka exemplify the transformative impact of GCC’s initiatives on the lives of young women and their communities in Borno State. Through their training as Village Health Workers and their subsequent journey to become Registered and Licensed Midwives, they have become invaluable assets to their communities, offering crucial healthcare services and expertise where it was previously lacking. 

Additionally, their involvement in the “Mother Support Group for Infant and Child Nutrition has furthered the cause of empowering rural women and enhancing the health and well-being of their children. 

GCC’s dedication to uplifting and supporting women in the healthcare sector continues to bring positive change to Borno State, fostering a brighter future for its women, children, and communities.

Maryam Abubakar Musa, who faced numerous challenges in her journey, including the horrors of the Boko Haram insurgency, displayed incredible determination and commitment to education. 

Despite setbacks and low exam scores, Maryam pursued her passion for healthcare, eventually graduating with a diploma in Chemistry Education. Her perseverance paid off, and she successfully graduated, landing a job in her chosen field.

These fantastic stories of Mabruka and Maryam are shining examples of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of education against all odds. Their unwavering spirit and commitment to their community exemplify the best of humanity. 

They highlight the importance of providing educational opportunities and support systems to individuals from marginalised areas affected by conflict, proving that resilience and dedication can overcome any obstacle to a brighter future.

The journey of Mabruka and Maryam is a source of inspiration for their community and countless others facing similar challenges. Their triumphs showcase the transformative power of education and the impact of collective efforts from NGOs like GCC and Women For Health. 

These stories remind us that even in the darkest times, hope can prevail, and with the proper support, individuals can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. Recognition for their remarkable achievements arrived when Mabruka and Maryam were offered jobs at the Ultra Modern Police Hospital in Yobe State. 

Their inspiring narratives, shared through a Girls for Girls phone-in radio program initiated by Girl Child Concern in Collaboration with Education Cannot Wait and UNICEF, caught the attention of a good Samaritan. Their employment solidifies their career paths and serves as a testament to the power of their resilience and the impact of their stories on others.

Mabruka Manu and Maryam Abubakar Musa’s journeys from displacement and adversity to becoming registered midwives are tales of unwavering determination, resilience, and the transformative power of education. Their stories underscore the importance of providing support and opportunities to individuals in conflict-affected regions.

Mabruka and Maryam’s achievements inspire hope, demonstrating that with perseverance and the right support, anyone can overcome obstacles and forge a path toward a brighter future.

Lawan Bukar Maigana is the Communication Officer for Girl Child Concerns, GCC, Borno State, and can be reached via email: lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com.