Recent Appearances...

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Recent Appearances...

India-Pakistan

Flight operations briefly suspended at Karachi Airport, resume in Lahore, Sialkot

2025-05-08

[GEO.TV] Flight operations at Karachi airport were temporarily suspended, according to the Pakistan Airports Authority.

The authority confirmed that flight operations at Lahore and Sialkot airports resumed after a brief suspension.

Some flights were affected due to operational measures, the airport authority added.

Link

Africa Subsaharan

Borno State Receives Over 300,000 ''Repentant'' Boko Haram Members In Three Years

2025-04-27

[SAHARAREPORTERS] The Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, has revealed that 300,000 "repentant Boko Haram members" have been received by the state within the last three years.

The governor shared the information with the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; and other top military commanders during their visit to Maiduguri.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Governor Zulum raised the alarm that Boko Haram terrorists were regrouping in the Tumbus areas of Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills, both located within the dreaded Sambisa Forest.

While acknowledging the efforts of the military, he had noted that there are challenges making it difficult to effectively combat the rising threat of terrorism, and these need to be urgently addressed.

He stated that while the Nigerian Army is pursuing kinetic measures, it should also consider non-kinetic approaches, which are equally important.

"Borno State has, within the last three years, received more than 300,000 repentant Boko Haram fighters, and not all of them are fighters. Some of them are farmers,” he noted.

"Manpower is very essential. While I’m aware of the constraints of the Nigerian Army—because right now, you are everywhere in Nigeria: the Northeast, Northwest, North Central, as well as southern Nigeria—I’m aware of your limitations."

"But still, considering the northeastern region, the Nigerian Army should look into the possibility of sending more trained manpower. There is a difference between Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandits."

He also emphasised that ISWAP and Boko Haram are receiving international support.

"ISWAP and Boko Haram are terrorists getting support internationally, and looking at our porous borders, they remain infiltrated through the Sahel, which is our major problem."

"If the Sahel is not secured, Nigeria will never be secured. So, there is a need for us to fortify the security situation in the Sahel with a view to ending the crisis in the entire nation."

"We need air support. I know the kind of constraints you face accessing fighter helicopters and others, but attack helicopters are very important in these areas, and drones are also very important."

"The last attack that happened in Wulgo, carried out by ISWAP and Boko Haram—a confirmed statement said it was carried out with the support of armed drones. They hit the MNJTF with drones."

"This is the time for the Nigerian military to rise again and procure sophisticated drones and anti-drone equipment so that we get rid of these problems."

Earlier in April, while speaking at a Special Expanded Security Meeting, Zulum condemned the continuous attacks and kidnappings, noting that these incidents occur almost daily without significant resistance from security forces, according to Channels TV.

He described the situation as a serious setback for both Borno and the wider Northeast region.

"As I address this important gathering today, it is unfortunate that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities almost on a daily basis without confrontation signal that Borno State is losing ground,” Zulum said.

The meeting was attended by Major General Abubakar Haruna, General Officer Commanding 7 Division; sector commanders; the Commissioner of Police; heads of other security agencies; and traditional rulers, including the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, and the Shehu of Bama.

Zulum pointed to the recent dislodgement of military formations in Damboa Local Government Area (Wajirko and Sabon Gari), Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area (Wulgo), and Gwoza Local Government Area (Izge) as deeply concerning.

"While my administration has been very supportive of the military and other security agencies in the fight against Boko Haram, it is disheartening to note the recent attacks and dislodgement of military formations in Wajirko, Sabon Gari in Damboa, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, and Izge in Gwoza, along with the killing of innocent civilians and security personnel."

"This calls for serious concern and signals a setback in the fragile state of Borno and the Northeast,” he added.

Link

Africa Subsaharan

Sokoto State: Security Adviser Seeks Support To Reintegrate Ex-Boko Haram Members — Voice of Nigeria

2025-04-26

[VON.GOV.NG] The Special Adviser on Security to the Governor of Sokoto State, Colonel Ahmed Usman (rtd), has called on the State for Support to Reintegrate 390 Repentant Boko Haram

... not to be confused with Procol Harum, Harum Scarum, possibly to be confused with Helter Skelter. The Nigerian version of al-Qaeda and the Taliban rolled together and flavored with a smigeon of distinctly Subsaharan ignorance and brutality...
Members.

Colonel Ahmed Usman (rtd) made the appeal while discussing with Journalists in sokoto State.

He said the state government has strengthened its support mechanisms to complement military efforts in ongoing counterinsurgency operations.

''This appeal aims to ensure the full reintegration of 390 repentant Boko Haram members.

'' While the Nigerian Army has fulfilled its responsibility of deradicalizing and rehabilitating former Lions of Islam through the Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR) programme under Operation Safe Corridor.

''it is now the duty of state governments, community leaders, and society members to help these individuals fully reintegrate into society.

''These individuals have undergone intensive psychological counseling, vocational training, and civic education at the DRR camp and are no longer a threat,'' Usman Ahmed said.

He added that the 390 ex-combatants, identified as Special Batch 6/2024 and Sulhu Batch 7/2024 clients, were recently handed over to their respective state governments after completing their programme.

He noted that they have acquired relevant skills in trades such as carpentry, tailoring, welding, agriculture, and shoemaking.

Link

Africa North

Nigerian army has killed a top commander of a bandit network and 31 bandits

2025-01-25

[PUBLISH.TWITTER]

Nigerian army has killed a top commander of a bandit network and 31 bandits in a military operation in the violence-ridden northwest region.

In a statement, the country's Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the army killed bandit leader Bello Turji's second-in-command, Aminu Kanawa,… pic.twitter.com/wNWdt4dQjZ
— Clash Report (@clashreport) January 24, 2025

… Aminu Kanawa, and 31 terrorists and wounded some of Turji's close allies, including his younger brother, in the Fansan Yamma operation.

Bello Turji is known for carrying out numerous attacks and killing civilians and security forces in the north-western parts of the country, particularly in Zamfara and Sokoto states.

Link

Africa Subsaharan

DHQ declares nine more terrorists wanted as new group emerges

2024-11-08

[PUNCHNG] The Defence Headquarters has, on Thursday, declared nine more gunnies wanted.

Unlike previous declarations, these individuals were named without the inclusion of a bounty.

The wanted gunnies are Abu Khadijah, Abdurrahman, Dadi Gumba, also known as Abu Muhammed, Usman Kanin Shehu, Abu Yusuf, Musa Wa'a, Ibrahim Suyeka, BA Sulhu, and Idris Taklakse.

The DHQ also confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist group known as 'Lukarawas.' The group is primarily based in the northwestern part of Nigeria.

Good to know — a new entry for the archives.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba revealed this while briefing journalists on the military operations in Abuja.

Buba explained that the new terror group emerged from the Republic of Niger following the coup that led to the breakdown of military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger.

The gunnies began infiltrating northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States, primarily from the Niger Republic and Mali, particularly after the coup in Niger.

He said that before the coup, there were joint border operations with Nigerien security forces, which had kept the gunnies at bay.

''This new group that has penetrated the northwestern part of the country, known as the Lukarawas, is affiliated with ISIS in the Sahelian region. It is indeed the first attempt by Sahelian jihadists to establish a foothold in our country.

Nigerian military warns of new militia threat from Niger and Mali

[REUTERS] Nigeria's military has warned of a new krazed killer group, Lakurawas, infiltrating the country's northwest region from neighbouring Niger and Mali, its spokesperson said on Thursday.

Defense spokesperson Major-General Edward Buba said the group, an affiliate of militias operating in the Sahel region
... North Africa's answer to the Pak tribal areas...
, has been active in northwest Sokoto and Kebbi states. The ideology of the group is not known.

So possibly jihadis, possibly non-jihadi bandits or old-fashioned Communist insurrectionists. How exciting.

"They began an incursion into northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states from the Niger and Mali axis, particularly after the coup in Niger Republic," Buba said in statement.

The influx of Lakurawas is linked to the July 2023 coup in Niger, which disrupted joint military patrols along the border between Nigeria and Niger.

While patrols have since resumed, the military remains vigilant against further infiltration, Buba said.

Nigeria has been grappling with a long-running insurgency in its northeast, primarily driven by the Islamist gang Boko Haram

...formerly ISIS or ISIL, depending on your preference. Before that they were al-Qaeda in Iraq, as shaped by Abu Musab Zarqawi. They're really very devout, committing every atrocity they can find in the Koran and inventing a few more. They fling Allah around with every other sentence, but to hear western pols talk they're not really Moslems....
West Africa Province (ISWAP).

But the emergence of Lakurawas highlights a growing security threat in the country's northwest, a region already prone to attacks by armed gangs and kidnappings for ransom.

Buba reported that the military had killed 163 krazed killers, arrested 82, and rescued at least 80 kidnapped individuals in the northwest region last month.

Link

Africa Subsaharan

Military arrests 15 Boko Haram arms suppliers, bandits kill policeman

2024-09-04

[PUNCHNG] Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested no fewer than 15 individuals allegedly supplying arms and logistics to snuffies in Taraba, Kaduna, and Yobe states.

This was as suspected bandidos, in the early hours of Monday, killed one police officer, Inspector Eze, and one other local vigilante officer in Sokoto State.

During the Taraba, Kaduna, and Yobe operations, some arms and ammunition, Point of Sale machines, vehicles, and handcuffs were also recovered.

According to a statement posted on X, on Monday, the army said five of the suspects were arrested in Taraba State.

The service said troops recovered three AK-47 rifles, two fabricated rifles, two single-barrel guns, and two Dane guns, among others, during the operation.

The post read, ''Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, acting on credible intelligence, have successfully captured 15 terrorist gunrunners and logistics suppliers and neutralised one in an encounter.

''On August 30, 2024, troops conducted a raid on terrorist gunrunners and logistic suppliers at Mararaba Donga and Manya village in Donga and Takum Local Government Areas of Taraba State.

''The operation, executed with precision, resulted in the arrest of five suspects. The troops recovered three AK-47 rifles, two fabricated rifles, two single-barrel guns, 2 Dane guns, one rifle butt, 61 rounds of 7.62 mm (special) ammunition and 8 live cartridges.

''Other items seized by the troops include two extra AK-47 rifle magazines, one pistol holster, one magazine holster, one pair of handcuffs, three daggers, one police helmet, one axe, one point of sale machine and 10 mobile phones.''

The Army also said in Yobe State, troops arrested three Boko Haram

... not to be confused with Procol Harum, Harum Scarum, possibly to be confused with Helter Skelter. The Nigerian version of al-Qaeda and the Taliban rolled together and flavored with a smigeon of distinctly Subsaharan ignorance and brutality...
logistic suppliers at Jimbal Village of Tarmuwa Local Government Area.

''During preliminary investigation, the suspects revealed that they had been in the business for more than two years, evading security checks by collaborating with some local vigilantes in the area.

''Items recovered from the suspects include three vehicles, five cycle of violences, a large quantity of cycle of violence tyres, numerous spare parts, and a significant quantity of drugs.

''Troops also seized rolls of fabrics used by snuffies to sew uniforms and the sum of N48,000,'' the statement added.

Link

Africa Subsaharan

Israel's downfall began with Al-Aqsa Storm operation: Nigerian cleric

2024-08-25

[IRNA] ''The usurper Zionist regime has weakened and is on the verge of downfall'', Sheikh Zakzaky

…Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky (and a number of other spellings), the former head of the Muslim Brotherhood in Nigeria, converted to Shi'ism after a visit to Iran and now is a fiery Iranian sock puppet. He founded the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), the Shiite version of the Muslim Brotherhood — only beholden to Iran. Nigeria declared IMN a terror group in 2019, which didn’t really change anything. The good sheikh is regularly arrested for troublemaking…

was quoted by Iraq's al-Ahad channel while he was attending the al-Aqsa Call Procession in Karbala on Saturday evening.

The destruction of the Zionist regime will happen soon which is not optimism but the existing evidence shows this trend well, he said.

The Nigerian Moslem leader further stated that despite spilling the blood of innocent Paleostinians by the Zionist regime, Gazoo
...Hellhole adjunct to Israel and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, inhabited by Gazooks. The place was acquired in the wake of the 1967 War and then presented to Paleostinian control in 2006 by Ariel Sharon, who had entered his dotage. It is currently ruled with an iron fist by Hamas with about the living conditions you'd expect. It periodically attacks the Hated Zionist Entity whenever Iran needs a ruckus created or the hard boyz get bored, getting thumped by the IDF in return. The ruling turbans then wave the bloody shirt and holler loudly about oppression and disproportionate response...
will be ultimate victor and that will pave the way for Moslems around the world to offer prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque in al-Quds.

Link

Good Morning

2024-08-18

Congress Passed A Loophole For Illegals To Vote

Sunday 08/18/2024

Top Hezbollah commander killed in Lebanon after IDF drone strike

Jeanne Crain: Elegant Hams

Africa North New footage of the Azawad special military operation against Wagner forces in Mali from July		Home Front: Politix Chicago mayor warns influx of illegal migrants could come to city before Democratic convention: report
Africa Subsaharan Bandits Kill Katsina Governor's Aide, Wife During Night Raid, Abduct Another Victim		Africa Subsaharan Gunmen Invade Anambra Community, Attack Nigerian Police Checkpoint, Kill Officer
Africa Subsaharan Abducted Emir In Sokoto Begs For Help From Captivity As Terrorists Release Brutal Video		Africa Subsaharan Terrorists Release Nigerian Lecturer In Kaduna State

Earthquake of magnitude 7.0 hits off the coast of Kamchatka

Link

Africa Subsaharan

Abducted Emir In Sokoto Begs For Help From Captivity As Terrorists Release Brutal Video

2024-08-18

[SAHARAREPORTERS] The Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District in Sokoto state, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, who was kidnapped by terrorists, has cried out for help in a new video released by the button men.

The Emir and his son were kidnapped in July at the Kwanar Maharba area while travelling from Sokoto to his home town, Sabon Birni, the headquarters of Sabon Birni local government of Sokoto State.

''The bandidos on sighting the Emir's vehicle, started shooting guns which resulted in the tires of the vehicle bursting, and the driver losing control of the car. This forced the car to suddenly stop,'' Gobir, one of his sons had said.

''The bandidos kidnapped the district head and his driver who happens to be his biological son.''

The abductors few days after the incident requested the sum of N1 billion as ransom for the release of the victims.

In the video released online, the monarch speaking in the Hausa language narrated how they were kidnapped by the terrorists.

He said their lives are in danger in the hands of their abductors, adding that they had been suffering in the forests where they are currently held.
Pleading for help, he urged the government to urgently come to their rescue.
Also in the video, one of the button men can be heard speaking in Hausa dictating to the victims what to say.

Link

Africa Subsaharan

US to Supply Nigeria Drones to Curb Insecurity

2024-07-17

[THISDAYLIVE] The United States government has revealed plans to supply drones to Nigeria as part of its commitment to help overcome security challenges in the country.

The American Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Mary Beth Leonard, stated this in Sokoto at a round table discussion with journalists in the state.

She said the drones would help Nigeria to end the activities of bandidos, kidnappers, and Boko Haram

... not to be confused with Procol Harum, Harum Scarum, possibly to be confused with Helter Skelter. The Nigerian version of al-Qaeda and the Taliban rolled together and flavored with a smigeon of distinctly Subsaharan ignorance and brutality...
in the country.

The American ambassador said: "Insecurity has shortchanged the development of the country in many areas of human endeavour.

"America is concern about the security situation of the country."

The ambassador further explained that the US has been supportive of Nigeria on information gathering and hardware to combat security through modern technologies and other relevant areas of concern.

She said, however, protocols and channels that facilitate the implementations were considered by departments and expertise.

The ambassador who is going round states in the country to inspect American programs in the country said, "USAID had from 2015 to date invested about one hundred and twenty-two million dollars on different activities that comprised improving primary healthcare, immunisations, public access to quality healthcare, education, agriculture, and empowerments programmes.

"USAID future interactions aimed at strengthening the commitments include improving agriculturalists’ capacity for farmers to engage on right agricultural practices for growth and enhanced food production."

She added that the Safe Schools Initiative and other educational support was accorded with priority, stressing that the US government accorded respect and concern on the plights of Nigerians.

She noted that the US government is assisting Nigeria in various human endeavours, stressing that her country is the largest single bilateral contributor to Nigeria.

The Ambassador commended the Sokoto State government for its commitment to developing the agricultural sector especially the cotton value chain.

Link

Africa Subsaharan

200 kidnapped Nigerian students and staff released from captivity

2024-03-25

[IsraelTimes] Kaduna Governor Uba Sani says country’s national security adviser coordinated development, thanks armed forces; doesn’t specify how captives, kidnapped earlier in month, were freed

More than 200 students and staff were freed unharmed after button men kidnapped them from a school in northern Nigeria this month, the Kaduna state governor’s office announced on Sunday, days before the deadline to pay a ransom.

The button men carried out the kidnapping on March 7 in the town of Kuriga in northwestern Kaduna State, the first mass kidnapping in the country since 2021, when more than 150 students were kidnapped from a secondary school in Kaduna.

The murderous Moslem group Boko Haram

... not to be confused with Procol Harum, Harum Scarum, possibly to be confused with Helter Skelter. The Nigerian version of al-Qaeda and the Taliban rolled together and flavored with a smigeon of distinctly Subsaharan ignorance and brutality...
was the first to carry out kidnappings from schools in Nigeria, the most notable of which was the kidnapping of 276 students from a girls’ school in Chibok in northeastern Borno state 10 years ago. Some of those girls were not released.

But since then, criminal gangs with no ideological affiliation have largely followed suit, seeking financial ransoms.

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani said the country’s national security adviser had coordinated the release of the students who were kidnapped from a school in Kuriga, but he did not provide further details.

"The kidnapped Kuriga school children are released unharmed," Sani said in a statement that did not specify how they were freed.

"This is indeed a day of joy," he said, thanking the army, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national security adviser, and "all Nigerians who prayed fervently for the safe return of the school children."

Tinubu had vowed to rescue the children "without paying a dime" as ransom.

"The Nigerian Army also deserves special praise for demonstrating that with courage, determination and commitment, the capabilities of criminal elements can be curbed and security restored to our communities," Sani said.

Last week, the button men demanded a ransom equivalent to about $690,000 in exchange for the release of the students and staff.

The government said it would not pay any ransom after doing so was legally banned in 2022.

However,
man does not live by words alone, despite the fact that sometimes he has to eat them...
kidnappings carried out by criminal gangs for ransom have become common in Nigeria, especially in the north of the country, which constitutes a crisis for families and communities that are forced to collect savings to pay the ransom, and in many cases, do not find any way to release their relatives except by selling the land and livestock they own.

Kidnap victims in Nigeria are often freed following negotiations with the authorities, though officials deny ransom payments are made following the 2022 law banning them.

Link

Africa Subsaharan

Nigeria: Parents of abducted school children wait anxiously for news

2024-03-11

[AFRICANEWS] Parents of kidnapped children in Nigeria waited anxiously to hear off any news concerning the recovery of the children on Saturday.

Nearly 300 children were kidnapped from their school by cycle of violence-riding button men in the latest mass kidnapping, which analysts and activists blamed on the failure of intelligence and a slow security response.

The abduction of the 287 children in Kaduna state, near the West African nation's capital, is one of the largest school kidnappings in the decade since the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Borno state’s Chibok village in 2014 stunned the world.

Analysts and activists say the security lapses that allowed that mass abduction remain.

"They came in dozens, riding on (motor) bikes, shooting sporadically and randomly," said the school's assistant headteacher, Nura Ahmad.

The victims of the latest attack — among them at least 100 children aged 12 or under — were surrounded and marched into a forest just as they were starting the school day, said locals in Kuriga town, located 55 miles (89 kilometers) from the city of Kaduna.

One man was rubbed out as he tried to save the students, school authorities said.

One mother, Rashidat Hamza, had five of her six children among those kidnapped.

She hopes her children, aged between 7 and 18-years-old, can be brought back home swiftly.

"We don’t know what to do but we believe in God. We don’t have security, no soldiers, no police to protect the school," Hamza said.

"Since this happened, my brain has been scattered. I can’t even walk around because I am worried about the children and their condition," said Shehu Lawal, whose son was also kidnapped.

No group has grabbed credit for this mass abduction but locals blame it on the bandidos who carry out frequent mass killings and abductions for large ransoms in remote villages across Nigeria’s northwest and central regions.

Women, children and students are often targeted in the mass abductions in the conflict-hit northern region and many victims are released only after paying huge ransoms.

Link

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