I butcher human beings in 2 minutes, says Boko Haram chief killer

Chief Butcher Zakari Mohammed Ardo

ABUJA — The Chief Butcher of the Boko Haram sect, Zakari Mohammed Ardo, yesterday, gave a chilling description of how the terrorist group used to slaughter people they capture, saying it only takes him two minutes to butcher victims and enemies condemned to death.
Ardo, who had been reported in some media (not Vanguard) as having escaped from Police custody, said the group’s butchering committee was made up of five persons of which he is the chairman, pointing out that the other members will hold down the already tired victim while he cuts off the head.
Speaking through an interpreter in Kanuri, the ‘Chief Butcher’ who claims to be 30 years old and from Darazo Local Government Area of Bauchi State,  said: “I joined the Boko Haaram group two years ago. Before I was arrested, I have slaughtered five people.”

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CALLS FOR MORE U.S. INVESTMENT IN NIGERIA AS BILATERAL TRADE VOLUME HITS $36 BILLION

President Paul Kagame Of Rwanda; President Goodluck Jonathan;
President Mahamadou Issoufou Of Niger Republic And President
Hifikepunye Pohamba Of Namibia At The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
in Washington D.C on Wednesday (6/8/14)

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CALLS FOR MORE U.S. INVESTMENT IN NIGERIA AS BILATERAL TRADE VOLUME HITS $36 BILLION
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said late Wednesday  in Washington DC that the volume of trade between Nigeria and the United States, which has risen to a record level of $36 Billion per annum, will continue to grow with greater cooperation between Nigeria and its allies in the United States Government and private sector.
Speaking at a dinner held in his honour by the United States Chambers of Commerce and the Corporate Council on Africa, President Jonathan said that his administration welcomed the support of the Obama Administration and both organisations for ongoing efforts to positively transform the Nigerian economy and  ensure that it becomes one of the twenty largest economies in the world by the year 2020.

Buhari in narrow escape as Kaduna blasts kill 70

Two explosions ripped through parts of Kaduna in Kaduna State on Wednesday, killing at least 70 people.

The first explosion targeted a popular Islamic cleric, Dahiru Bauchi, while the second targeted a former Head of State, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

Pix 1: Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s jeep after it was hit by a
lone bomber in Kaduna...on Wednesday.
(Pix 2) Another partially damaged vehicle in Buhari’s convoy.
(Pix 3) Another scene of the blasts.

Both men escaped unhurt in the blasts that forced the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew on the city.

Scores of people were injured and over 50 cars damaged in the incidents. The state police command put the death toll at 40 while the Federal Government, through the National Information Centre, said 14 people were injured.

Two of Buhari’s bodyguards and an aide were among the wounded. His Toyota Prado jeep was also hit by a suspected bomber near the 1 Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army in the Kawo area of Kaduna.

Malala in Abuja, five escaped Chibok girls join protest

L–R: Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade
girls education campaigner, Malala Yousafzai; spokesperson
of theState Security Service, Marilyn Ogar; and Coordinator,
National Information Centre, Mr. Mike Omeri, during Malala’s
visit to the National Information Centre, in Abuja... on Sunday

Five of the schoolgirls who escaped from Boko Haram captivity joined the members of the BringBackOurGirls Coalition rally in Abuja on Sunday to drum up support for their colleagues who are still being held captive by the Boko Haram Islamic sect.

Over 200 girls were abducted in their hostel at the Government Secondary School. Chibok, Borno State on April 15.

The girls were brought to the BBOG sit-out meeting at Unity Fountain, Maitama, Abuja on Sunday.

The young girls who sat quietly throughout the duration of the sit-out, looked subdued and withdrawn.

We’ve taken over Boko Haram base, says military

Troops have cleared and taken over Balmo Forest in a military operation that lasted throughout the weekend, the Defence Headquarters has said.

Prior to the operation, Balmo Forest, which stretches from Bauchi through Jigawa states with links to the fringes of the Sambisa Forest, was used by terrorists as bases and hideouts for launching attacks.

A statement by the Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, in Abuja on Monday, said terrorists and armed gangs operating in the forests were completely rooted out while some were captured during the operation.

It however did not specify the number of those arrested during the operation, but said that two foreigners, suspected to be mercenaries, were among those captured.

Also recovered were several weapons and equipment including generating sets, communication equipment, vehicles, motorcycles, foodstuffs and kitchen utensils.

In another development, the military said over 44 terrorists died in Kerenoa and adjoining communities, following an encounter with troops who repelled their attack on the communities.

The military said that members of the sect armed with Improvised Explosive Devices and other high calibre weapons, had carried out a predawn attack on the communities but were overpowered by the troops.

During the operation, several of them were captured as well as weapons and ammunition of various calibre, according to the Defence headquarters.

“Meanwhile, troops on routine patrol around Banki and Miyanti in Borno State during the weekend fought through an ambush laid by the terrorists resulting in casualties on both sides.

“Altogether, a total of six soldiers were lost in the various encounters with terrorists while those wounded are receiving treatment,” the statement added.

Source: The Punch

Nigerian Troops arrest 3 female undercover operatives of Boko Haram

The Nigerian army have released a statement stating that they have arrested 3 women who worked as undercover operatives for Boko Haram. Find the statement below...

In the aftermath of the failed suicide bombing attempt on a military facility by a female terrorist who blew herself up in Gombe recently, troops have arrested three suspected female terrorists who have been secretly recruiting ladies into the female wing of the terrorists group. The suspects, Hafsat Usman Bako, Zainab Idris and Aisha Abubakar were intercepted while travelling to Madagali from where they were to transit to the forest to reunite with their cohorts. Continue...
 Investigations revealed that the suspects, led by Hafsat Bako, have the mission to recruit members into the female wing as well as conduct espionage for the group. Hafsat’s link with the terrorists group had earlier been a subject of investigation in 2012, when security agents on a manhunt for one Usman Bako, her husband who was identified as a terrorist, stormed their residence in Jimeta.  This resulted in the discovery of an AK 47 rifle and 2 loaded magazines.   Though Usman Bako later died in an encounter with troops in Sokoto where he had relocated to continue his terrorist activities, Hafsat continued with the terror group specializing in surreptitious recruitment of members into their fold.
The arrested trio suspects were luring ladies especially widows and young girls by enticing them with male suitors who are mainly members of their terror group for marriage. Before their arrest, they were on a mission to take additional briefing from the leadership of the terror group.
The trio has been operating together as members of the intelligence team of the group.   Their arrest has yielded information still being verified by security agencies.
Colonel ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
for Director Defence Information

Sudan didn’t frustrate Nyanya suspect’s extradition –Envoy

Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche

The Arab Republic of Sudan has said that the process of extraditing one of the masterminds of the April 14,2014 Nyanya blast, Sadiq Ogwuche, is on course and cannot be frustrated.

Contrary to a report that the Sudanese government had blocked the repatriation of the terror suspect, Sudan stated that no such thing happened, stressing that Ogwuche would be extradited to Nigeria as soon as the necessary formalities were concluded.

It stated that the extradition process was being handled by the International Criminal Police, otherwise known as INTERPOL, noting that the suspect would be brought back to Nigeria to stand trial for his crimes.

486 Boko Haram suspects arrested in Abia

A cross-section of the suspected Boko Haram insurgents
arrested in Abia State... on Monday

There was heightened fear in parts of the South-East on Monday as news spread that hundreds of persons suspected to be Boko Haram members were arrested in Abia State.

The suspects, including eight women, were said to have been arrested along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway by soldiers attached to the 144 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Asa in the Ukwa West Local Government Area on Sunday.

Their arrest occurred some hours after security operatives detonated improvised explosive devices planted on the premises of a branch of the Living Faith World Bible Church (a.k.a. Winners Chapel) in Owerri, Imo State.

Police Repel Boko Haram Attack In Kano

Brave police officers last night repelled suspected members of the Islamist terrorist group, Boko Haram, who tried to attack a police station in Sumaila town in Sumaila local government area of Kano State.

A resident of the town told our reporter that suspected sect members besieged the police station and started firing, but the police officers on duty did not waste time in firing back, finally repelling the attackers.

The source added that the insurgents fled the area when it dawned on them that the police were quite prepared to counter their offensive.

The source added that many residents of the area had run out of the town to safety. "We hope that the police will be more vigilant from now because they (Boko Haram militants) often try to attack again with greater force whenever they are pushed back," the source told our correspondent.

Our reporter was not able to reach a senior police officer to officially confirm the development and to provide details about casualties and injuries.

Source: Sahara Reporters

Jonathan’s critics should come up with good ideas – Abati

In this interview with ANULE EMMANUEL, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Dr. Reuben Abati, speaks on the Jonathan administration’s efforts at addressing security challenges in the country as well as its reforms.

As one of the President’s handlers, does it worry you the way some persons attack the President?

We are in a political dispensation and we have an opposition that is hyper active and likes to pick on the government and the President on a regular basis. My position is that in a democracy and under an administration that encourages the freedom of expression, you cannot rule out a situation where people will insist on their freedom of expression and say whatever they like, as long as the media encourages them and gives them the platform to express themselves.

50 TERRORISTS DIE AS TROOPS AVERT RAID ON COMMUNITIES

DHQ/ABJ/901/32/DDI                                                                                                   9 June 2014

 PRESS RELEASE: 50 TERRORISTS DIE AS TROOPS AVERT RAID ON COMMUNITIES

Troops conducting anti-terrorists campaign in North-Eastern Nigeria have successfully averted attempted massive raid on villages in Borno and Adamawa States during the weekend.  The terrorists who were on their way to attack selected communities were ambushed by troops along  Bilta, Borno state on receiving intelligence report of the terrorists’ intention.

The attack was launched on the terrorists as they filed out of the forest to embark on their mission at about 10pm on Saturday.  Over 50 terrorists died in the fierce encounter that ensued, while 30 rifles, 36 Hand Grenades, 7 Machine guns and 11 Rocket Propelled grenade tubes were captured by the troops.  Also recovered from the terrorists were over 3,500 rounds of ammunition, 6 smoke grenade canisters and locally fabricated guns as well as 4 vehicles used by the terrorists in the foiled attack.

The four soldiers who were wounded in the operation are currently receiving medical treatment in the military medical facility.

CHRIS OLUKOLADE
Major General
Director Defence Information

#BringBackOurGirls: Why we want dialogue option — Abati

In this interview with Ben Agande, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, speaks on why the Federal Government will not swap Boko Haram detainees with the Chibok schoolgirls abducted on April 14, some 50 days ago.
He, however, says government is ready to integrate Boko Haram members who lay down their arms and renounce terrorism back to the Nigerian family.
Excerpts:
The President has met with several world leaders since the abduction of the Chibok girls. What have these meetings produced?
The reach out to the international community and the acceptance of offers of support and expression of solidarity by various countries and multilateral institutions has been very productive and fruitful.
The President welcomes any offer of assistance and help. What has been achieved with all these efforts: the Paris meeting, the meeting with the President of the Republic of Congo and the meeting in South Africa on the sidelines of the inauguration of President Jacob Zuma is that the President of Nigeria has been able to mobilise international cooperation.

Abati denies Minister's Amnesty Claim

A sharp disagreement and confusion emerged on Saturday over the offer of amnesty by the Federal Government to members of the violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram.
The Minister of Youth Development, Boni Haruna had on Thursday during a programme to mark the nation's Democracy Day titled 'A day with young leaders of Nigeria.' announced that the President had offered amnesty to the insurgents in his determination to bring the ongoing violent attacks to an end.
President Jonathan, who spoke at the occasion after Boni Haruna made the comment, did not make any reference to the Minister's remarks.
Haruna, at the function said: "President Goodluck Jonathan has also declared amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect. Series of integration programmes have been lined up for the members of the sect who would surrender their arms and embrace peace."

Ghana’s President Mahama Tasks Army To Be On Guard For Boko Haram, Other Insurgents

Ghanaian President John D. Mahama has charged the country’s Armed Forces to ‘be on the alert’ for asymmetrical terrorist attacks from Islamist militants, including the Boko Haram. This call is following an upsurge of attacks in Nigeria, as well as a reported heightened activity in the sub-region. Mr. Mahama, who also doubles as the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), thus tasked his security chiefs to immediately strategize and work towards countering any possible terrorist attack on the country.

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN ARRIVES PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA FOR OFFICIAL VISIT

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN ARRIVES PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA FOR OFFICIAL VISIT

PIC . PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN WITH THE FIRST LADY DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN ARRIVING PRETORIA SOUTH AFRICA ON FRIDAY FOR A HIGH-LEVEL DISCUSSIONS WITH OTHER AFRICAN HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT ON COMBATING TERRORISM IN AFRICA/INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA FOR A SECOND TERM IN OFFICE

PRESIDENT JONATHAN TO CONFER WITH OTHER AFRICAN LEADERS ON JOINT ACTION AGAINST TERRORISM

PRESIDENT JONATHAN TO CONFER WITH OTHER AFRICAN LEADERS ON JOINT ACTION AGAINST TERRORISM

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will fly to Pretoria, South Africa Friday for high-level discussions with other African Heads of State and Government on combating terrorism in Africa.

The continent's five regions will each be represented by two heads of state and government at the talks which will focus on collective action to effectively roll-back the scourge of terrorism in Africa.

Others  expected at the talks which will take place ahead of President Jacob Zuma's inauguration for a new term in office include the leaders of Ghana, Republic of Congo, Chad, Angola, Rwanda, South Africa, Mauritania, Algeria and Ethiopia.

President Jonathan who will be accompanied by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali and some key aides will return to Abuja after attending President Zuma inauguration on Saturday.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 22, 2014

Direct your protest to terrorists – Jonathan

Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide
FCT Minister of State

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday urged those who have been protesting the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, to henceforth direct their protest to the Boko Haram terrorists and not the government.

The President also urged the protesters to learn from citizens of other countries who do not blame their governments for any terrorist act.

He has however admitted publicly for the first time that his administration was currently consulting with some stakeholders with a view to exploring what he called alternative methods of resolving the present crisis.

Jonathan made the disclosure in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Olajumoke Akinjide, to a team of #BringBackOurGirls campaigners, led by a former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwezili.

The protesters, who had planned to take their protest to the Presidential Villa where they wanted Jonathan to address them were restricted by security agents to the Federal Secretariat within the Three Arms Zone, a few metres from the Villa gate.

Address to Bring Back Our Girls Campaigners, May 22

Address by
The Hon. Minister of State, FCT
On the Occasion of  Visit by
#Bring Back Our Girls Campaigners
Thursday, 22nd May, 2014
PROTOCOLS
1.          Good afternoon, my dear brothers and sisters.  As the Minister of State of this great City, Abuja and as a mother like some of you, I, on behalf of Mr. President welcome you all home to the seat of the Federal Government.
2.          The Federal Government is appreciative and supportive of the efforts of your group amongst so many other groups around the world, who have taken out time to demonstrate their disgust and solidarity against the wicked kidnapping of innocent school girls and the senseless mayhem of the Boko Haram terrorists.
3.          Many other groups have sent messages of solidarity and support to the Federal Government in writing and we want to use this opportunity to thank them.
4.          For a government that has placed so much premium on addressing major areas of reform and development in the nation, especially the development of women and the girl-child through increased investment in girl-child education and added opportunity for women, this wicked act has been indeed very painful.
5.          Our present world is under the grip of terrorism. Yesterday, a market in China where ordinary people go to shop was bombed. Two days ago, terrorists visited our beautiful town of Jos and detonated bombs killing scores of people.

Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide
FCT Minister of State

6.          The communities of Kano, Maiduguri, Abuja, Nyanya, Madallah, amongst others, have at various times been bombed. Churches, mosques, parks and newspaper houses have not been spared.  Terrorists and their sponsors have brought terrorism to our land. This is sad.  This we must resist.
7.          In the last three weeks, our country has been in the spotlight. Some evil individuals who call themselves Boko Haram abducted our daughters, the future mothers of our nation, and have refused to release them. This evil act has sparked protests all over the world. This is as it should be. There must be a united movement for the release of our daughters and that movement must now be turned into a united action against terrorism.
8.          Government has mobilized available resources, Military and diplomatic in the search for our girls who have suffered so much trauma in captivity by agents of terror.
9.          From the very first day this kidnapping occurred the Federal Government took action, directing our security services to go after the abductors.  The search for our daughters has now assumed regional and global proportion and our nation has received strong support from our neighbouring countries and the international community including the United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, among others.
10.     The security forces also reached out to the Borno state government and community members for support and collaboration to bring back our innocent daughters. So far, the campaign to bring our daughters back home is on, and is receiving global support.

Blasts kill 150 in Jos market

Last month, they abducted over 200 schoolgirls in Borno State; on Thursday, they attacked two schools in Bauchi State; on Sunday, they bombed Kano city. Today (Tuesday), it is the turn of Jos again. God where are we heading for in Nigeria?”

These were the words of a trader in the ever-busy Jos Terminus Market where twin bomb blasts occurred on Tuesday.

The trader, who gave his name simply as James, said he was lucky to have survived with minor injuries but vowed to relocate his family from Jos where he had lived for two decades.

How Nyanya blast was planned, executed — DSS

Abuja— Four weeks after the Nyanya bomb blast that claimed 74 lives and injured many others, the identities of the masterminds of the blast were made public by the Department of State Services, DSS, yesterday.

Parading the suspects at its headquarters in Abuja, DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations, Marilyn Ogar, announced that the bombing was masterminded by one Rufai Abubakar Tsiga, described as a Boko Haram leader and assisted by one Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, an army deserter and son of a retired Nigerian Army officer.
Ogar, who was flanked by the Defence, military and police spokesmen during the briefing, said the two men, who were now at large, hatched and carried out the bombing of the busy transport terminal on April 14.
The DSS said it was Tisga and one Muhammadu Sani Ishaq, who moved the explosive-laden vehicle to Nyanya bus station on the night of April 13, while Tsiga personally drove the vehicle to the actual position in which he detonated the bomb the following morning.