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Boko Haram: Terror survivor tells story of resilience amid adversity
Boko Haram: Terror survivor tells story of resilience amid adversity
By: Michael Mike
Abdullahi Hurso Bashir, a former councilor from Marte Local Government Area in Borno State, has shared his harrowing tale of survival and resilience in the face of Boko Haram’s insurgency. Bashir’s life was forever changed when his community was attacked in 2014, forcing him to flee and become an internally displaced person (IDP).
This was disclosed in a statement yesterday by Ahmed Mustapha, the Spokesperson of The Truth Alliance, which is a a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) dedicated to exposing the evil agenda and countering the narratives of Boko Haram terrorists and splinter groups like the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Ansaru.
Despite numerous challenges, including abduction by Boko Haram and the loss of his livelihood, the statement read, Bashir remains determined to rebuild his life. With support from organizations like Neem Foundation and CARE International, he has found hope and a sense of security.
Mustapha said that Bashir’s story is just one of many tales of survival and resilience in Borno State, highlighting the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance and effective security measures to restore stability and hope to the lives of many.
Part of the statement read: “In the strife-torn Borno state, where Boko Haram’s insurgency has devastated communities since 2009, Abdullahi Hurso Bashir’s story stands as a testament to resilience and survival. Once a local councilor in Marte Local Government Area, Bashir’s life took a dramatic turn when escalating Boko Haram attacks forced him and other stakeholders in Baderi Nglewa Ward to flee their homes in 2014.”
“One of our Lawans was killed during the battle. They (Boko Haram) started hunting stakeholders. As a councilor, I was already a target,” Bashir recalls. Displaced and stripped of his livelihood, Bashir’s attempt to rebuild his life as an internally displaced person (IDP) has been fraught with challenges. “Farming, which is our biggest concern, especially in Marte, where we come from, is not possible again,” he laments.
Despite the adversity, Bashir adapted by engaging in small-scale farming and other businesses, though without the peace of mind he once knew. His ordeal took a darker turn when Boko Haram abducted him, suspecting him of collaborating with the military. “Four of them pointed their guns at me while I was making a phone call by the roadside. I was suspected of collaborating with the military,” he recounts the chilling moment when his life hung by a thread. Thankfully, a thorough examination of his phone revealed no incriminating evidence.
Bashir’s survival in captivity was partly due to being recognized by a Boko Haram member as a local driver, which led to an exchange of phone numbers and a dire warning not to escape. Considering fleeing to Lagos for safety, Bashir was thwarted by a sudden network blackout in Borno.
Despite the trauma of abduction and continuous instability, Bashir remains determined to build a better future. With support from organizations like the Neem Foundation and CARE International, he finds hope.
“They have improved our relationships… and helped protect our children from the darker elements within the camp,” Bashir notes.
“Abdullahi Hurso Bashir’s story is one of countless tales of survival, resilience, and the quest for peace in Borno state. His experiences underscore the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance and effective security measures to restore stability and hope to displaced communities,” the statement further noted.
According to Mustapha, The Truth Alliance is dedicated to uncovering the truth behind violent and extremist groups and empowering communities to resist tyranny and violence. He said that through education, outreach, and collaboration, they strive to build a safer, more resilient society. Their campaign, ‘Time to Tell the Truth,’ aims to expose how extremist groups manipulate, deceive, and destroy, promoting a message of resistance and resilience.
Boko Haram: Terror survivor tells story of resilience amid adversity
Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover rifle in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have arrested a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle during a routine patrol in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said the arrest was made on April 3 at about 11:30 a.m. by troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kurya.
The suspect was apprehended at Tungan Haki village and found in possession of one AK-47 rifle mounted with a magazine containing 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The sources disclosed that the suspect and the recovered weapon are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that troops have continued to intensify patrols and surveillance operations across the area to curb criminal activities.
Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover rifle in Zamfara
IED explosion injures two security personnel during patrol in Anambra
By: Zagazola Makama
Two security personnel have been injured following the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) during a fighting patrol in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Security sources said the incident occurred on April 3 at about 12:30 p.m. when troops of Sector 5, Operation UDO KA, deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Lilu, conducted a patrol alongside Nigeria Police personnel.
It was gathered that the team sighted the IED within the Lilu general area and attempted to destroy it.
However, the explosive device detonated during the process, injuring an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel and a police officer.
The injured personnel were immediately administered first aid at the scene before being referred to a medical facility for further treatment.
Authorities said the situation has been brought under control, while operations continue in the area to ensure safety and prevent further incidents.
IED explosion injures two security personnel during patrol in Anambra
Troops neutralise two terrorists, destroy hideouts in Plateau clearance operations
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), under Operation Wutan Daji, have neutralised two suspected terrorists and destroyed several hideouts during clearance operations in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources said the operations were carried out in conjunction with local vigilantes across Babangida, Adua and Bokayi villages within the Dutsen Zaki forest.
It was gathered that troops made contact with the terrorists along the Babangida–Adua road, leading to a gun battle in which two of the suspects were neutralised, while others fled with possible gunshot wounds.
No casualties were recorded among the troops, and all equipment was accounted for.
During the operation, troops recovered one locally fabricated gun, a belt containing 105 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a cutlass.
In a related development, troops of CSI Battalion XIV, in collaboration with 332 Artillery Regiment and vigilantes, conducted further clearance and raid operations in Dadin-Kowa and Dada villages.
The operation involved 47 soldiers and four vigilantes, supported with motorcycles, gun trucks, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle and an artillery gun.
The troops established a gun position and carried out fire missions on suspected terrorist locations in Madam Forest to deny them freedom of action.
Subsequent raid operations in Dadin-Kowa village led to the destruction of suspected terrorist hideouts, although no contact was made with the fleeing elements.
Troops neutralise two terrorists, destroy hideouts in Plateau clearance operations
Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover rifle in Zamfara
Troops recover suspected rustled cattle in Plateau
Troops neutralise kidnapper, rescue victim in Enugu
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