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Maiduguri Protest: A Patriotic and Clarion Call for Peace and Stability
Maiduguri Protest: A Patriotic and Clarion Call for Peace and Stability
By Christopher Godwin Akaba
Yesterday’s protest in Maiduguri saw a notable presence of minors, primarily almajiris aged 9-15, who obstructed the Maiduguri-Kano road and vandalized public property. For a long time, these almajiris have frustrated car owners in the state, with motorists often swarmed by them begging for alms. Consequently, the Borno State Arabic and Sangaya Education Board must take immediate action to address this issue, as part of its core mandate is to end street begging and protect Almajiri schoolchildren from abuse.
In contrast to the chaos, Governor Babagana Zulum has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the welfare of Borno State citizens, surpassing many other state governments. He has diligently distributed federal government-provided palliatives across the 27 local governments, ensuring transparency and accountability. Additionally, his initiatives in the transportation sector, such as subsidized fares and solar-powered taxis, have greatly benefited citizens, cushioning the effect of fuel subsidy removal.
The protest does not accurately represent the sentiments of the Borno State people, who are peace-loving. While hunger and hardship are widespread across Nigeria and other parts of the world – as the inflation crisis is globally, Governor Zulum’s efforts deserve recognition and commendation from all well-meaning citizens of the state. His dedication to the people’s welfare is evident, and he should be appreciated for his tireless work.
I felt the pain of those who hurriedly locked up their shops and businesses to comply with the curfew imposed by the state government. The curfew is not meant to inconvenience the public but a proactive step by the state government to prevent the exploitation of unsuspecting minors by terrorist elements seeking to capitalize on the situation. These extremists are waiting nearby, trying to seize the opportunity to launch an attack, as evident from the recent bomb blast in Kawuri, Konduga Local Government Area, which tragically claimed the lives of 18 people on the eve of the protest. This is even as the Borno Police Command had alleged that Boko Haram elements infiltrated the Thursday protest along Baga Road in Maiduguri, killing four persons, while 34 others sustained various degrees of injuries. By imposing the curfew, the government aims to maintain control and prevent the situation from escalating into chaos. Maiduguri cannot afford to fall into the hands of terrorists again.
I urge all citizens to reject the protest being instigated by forces opposed to democracy. I am confident that the federal government has heard the youth’s concerns and our responsive President will take steps to address some of them in the best national interest, just as he has done before. Let us not forget the devastating experiences Maiduguri faced during the Boko Haram insurgency over the past decade. We know firsthand the horrors of war and chaos; let us work towards peace and stability.
Maiduguri Protest: A Patriotic and Clarion Call for Peace and Stability
Troops neutralise eight terrorists in failed ambush operation in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade (21 SAB), in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and hybrid forces, have neutralised eight suspected terrorists during an ambush operation in Bama Local Government Area of Borno.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 2:06 a.m. on April 1 around the Gadangari axis, behind Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Bama.
The source said the troops conducted a planned ambush targeting suspected Boko Haram terrorists and their logistics collaborators operating around the area.
“While lying in wait, the troops intercepted terrorists’ collaborators and logistics suppliers moving towards Yale axis,” the source said.
He added that the troops engaged the targets in a brief exchange of fire, resulting in the neutralisation of eight terrorists, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds.
The source further noted that follow-up operations were ongoing to track fleeing elements and dismantle their logistics networks in the area.
He assured that the situation remained under control, with troops maintaining aggressive posture in the general area.
Troops neutralise eight terrorists in failed ambush operation in Borno
Troops rescue two teenage boys escaping suspected terrorist camp in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 25 Brigade, operating from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, have rescued two teenage boys who reportedly escaped from a suspected terrorist camp in Dusula.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on April 1 after the village head of Azir alerted troops to the arrival of two minors in the community under suspicious circumstances.
The source said troops immediately mobilised to the village and apprehended the boys, who were later taken to the Forward Operating Base for interrogation.
He identified the teenagers as Abuna Yammadu Kala, 15, and Abulkaka Yammadu Kala, 10.
According to preliminary interrogation, the boys reportedly disclosed that they recently escaped from a suspected terrorist camp located in Dusula.
The source said the children stated that they fled the camp due to harsh conditions and fear for their lives.
He added that the minors have been moved for profiling and further necessary action.
Troops rescue two teenage boys escaping suspected terrorist camp in Borno
Troops arrest three suspected terrorists in Adamawa, foil alleged attack plan on Mubi barracks
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 232 Battalion (Tactical), in collaboration with professional hunters, have arrested three suspected terrorists during a cordon-and-search operation in Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 1:15 a.m. on April 1 in Angwan Rami general area based on credible human intelligence on terrorist activities.
The source said the troops apprehended three suspects identified as Ado John, 27; Umaru Yunusa, 22; and Alhaji Saleh Mamman Ibrahim, 44.
He added that preliminary investigation confirmed the suspects to be members of terrorist elements operating in the area.
According to him, one of the suspects, Alhaji Saleh Mamman Ibrahim, who was previously documented as a repentant terrorist, allegedly confessed to participating in the attack on Ngoshe in Borno State.
The source further disclosed that the suspect also admitted to acting as a double agent and allegedly planning an attack on Mubi barracks with the intention of carting away weapons.
He said the suspects are currently in the custody of 232 Battalion for further investigation and intelligence exploitation.
He reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to sustain ongoing operations aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action in the North-East.
Troops arrest three suspected terrorists in Adamawa, foil alleged attack plan on Mubi barracks
Troops neutralise eight terrorists in failed ambush operation in Borno
Troops rescue two teenage boys escaping suspected terrorist camp in Borno
Troops arrest three suspected terrorists in Adamawa, foil alleged attack plan on Mubi barracks
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