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Explosive Have Killed 789 Civilians in North East, Injured 1,356 Others, Says UN

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Explosive Have Killed 789 Civilians in North East, Injured 1,356 Others, Says UN

Explosive Have Killed 789 Civilians in North East, Injured 1,356 Others, Says UN

By: Michael Mike

United Nations has decried that 789 persons have been killed by explosive in the ongoing insurgency in the North East.

Speaking during the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action event in Nigeria, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Matthias Schmale said for Borno, Adamawa, Yobe (BAY) states, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) collated 1,532 incidents involving explosive hazards from January 2016 to January 2022 involving more than 10,000 causalities out of which 1,356 civilians were injured and 789 killed.  

He said: “In Northeast Nigeria, explosive ordnance in their different forms continue to represent an immediate, grave and additional threat to already suffering populations. The use of indiscriminating improvised mines kills, maim and constitute an obstacle to the basic right of safe freedom of movement. 

“These devices are also an obstacle to early recovery and development efforts. For the BAY states.”

He said: “Mines and other explosives are an everyday threat to civilian populations. We particularly condemn the use of improvised mines which kill and maim without discrimination. It is important to remind that such devices go against international humanitarian law. Restriction of safe freedom of movement, endangered everyday life, killing and maiming indiscriminately, purposely targeting civilians, causing unnecessary suffering is not acceptable. Populations shall be protected against such threats.”

He revealed that: “With donors’ support, and under the coordination of the United Nations, especially through UNMAS, action is already taken by humanitarian partners such as the Youth Awakens Foundation, Danish Refugee Council and Mine Advisory Group to mitigate the effects of this threat through risk education and mapping of contaminated lands.”

He said: “I am pleased to stress that since January 2019, Mine Action organisations have provided critical life-saving information to mitigate the risk by Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) for more than 1.2 million (including almost 60% girls and boys) conflict affected communities, IDPs in camps, host communities, refugees and returnees.

“Also, life-saving assistance was provided to 999 humanitarian workers of more than 1032 UN agencies, International and National NGOs and Civil Society Organisations as well as stakeholders (government officials, service providers and caregivers) through explosive ordnance awareness to protect them during their travel and work.

Also Read: Train Attack: 21passengers still missing, 7 coaches…

“A lot has been accomplished. However, these efforts must be sustained. The 2022 Humanitarian Needs Overview process has identified 1.2 million people immediately at risk and in need for life-saving assistance in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.  

“Again with donors’ support, the Humanitarian Response Plan will target 407,000 individuals from all genders and age to facilitate with decisive lifesaving risk education, mapping and marking of hazardous areas, identification of survivors and affected communities across BAY States. As well, capacity building projects will be conducted to sustain the response.”

He however noted that full integration of Mine Action within humanitarian, early recovery and development strategies and plans is essential to effectively and efficiently protect communities. 

He said: “Be reassured that as the Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, I pay the utmost attention to this necessary coordination and thank UNMAS for their action. I also praise all endeavors to ensure that our actions are developed and coordinated in close cooperation with Nigerian authorities and institutions.

The humanitarian and development community appreciates the relentless actions born by Nigeria security forces to clear the roads from improvised mines and to dispose of Explosive Remnants of War.”

He revealed that the UN was ready to collaborate with the federal government to extend the demining to the North West with record of growing crisis in the region.

Schmale said: “The United Nations, especially through UNMAS, are more than willing to provide technical advice and coordination support for the Government of Nigeria to fulfill this objective.”

Explosive Have Killed 789 Civilians in North East, Injured 1,356 Others, Says UN

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Military

Nigerian Troops eliminate 8 Boko Haram Terrorists in Raid in enclaves

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Nigerian Troops eliminate 8 Boko Haram Terrorists in Raid in enclaves

By: Zagazola Makama

The troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in conjunction with hybrid forces and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), nutrialised eight Boko Haram terrorists when it raided the terrorists enclaves in Bula Marwa in Bama Local Government area.

It was gathered that the troops recorded the feats on July 28, 2024, when it made contact with the terrorists and neutralized eight of them ahead of Siraja village, forcing others to flee.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops subsequently exploited the general area but made no further contact.

The sources said that the operation resulted in the recovery of one Anti-Government Launcher (AGL) and one MK 4 rifle, as well as a bag containing a pair of desert camouflage uniforms and other terrorist uniforms.

Nigerian Troops eliminate 8 Boko Haram Terrorists in Raid in enclaves

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Joint Military-NDLEA Operation Seizes 2.5 tonnes of Illicit Substances Bound for Terrorist Groups

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Joint Military-NDLEA Operation Seizes 2.5 tonnes of Illicit Substances Bound for Terrorist Groups

By: Zagazola Makama

A joint operation between the troops of 21 Armored Brigade of the Nigerian Army and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully intercepted a large consignment of illicit substances destined for Boko Haram Terrorists in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that acting on intelligence, the joint team launched a swift and decisive operation to disrupt the supply of illicit substances to the terrorist groups.

The operation, which was carried out following a tip-off, resulted in the recovery of 163 bags of the substance, equivalent to 2.5 tons in a warehouse in Konduga.

The suspected illicit substances, known as “Goom” or “Akusukura”, is a deadly psychoactive substance that represents a serious threat to public health and poses a challenge for drug policy.

The substance, which is of different varieties, is used in both liquid and powdered form by people who mostly seek to raise their levels of psychological or nervous activity in the body, or put it in simple terms, get high.

The recovered items were handed over to the NDLEA team leader, and the area was cordoned off by the military.

The operation highlights the effectiveness of interagency collaboration and the commitment of the military and NDLEA to keeping Nigeria safe.

Joint Military-NDLEA Operation Seizes 2.5 tonnes of Illicit Substances Bound for Terrorist Groups

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Police Commissioner express displeasure over farmer, herders clash in Yobe

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Police Commissioner express displeasure over farmer, herders clash in Yobe

By: Our Reporter

The Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Ahmed, has expressed displeasure over the recent incidents of farmland disputes and farmer/herder clashes in the state. The command recorded 14 incidents during the period under review, resulting in loss of lives and several hospitalizations.

A statement from DSP Dungus Abdul Karim said the Commissioner of Police calls for a reassessment of how farmlands are allocated to farmers by local authorities, especially as the farming season approaches. The command is currently investigating an incident that claimed one life and left several others hospitalized. Suspects allegedly claim trespass and unlawful cultivation and resort to illegal and arbitrary means to evict intruders.

“On July 1, 2024, personnel from the Nangere Divisional Police Headquarters apprehended Mohammed Bulama (aka Mai Zarma), 65, the Village Head of Gazarkuma Village, Nangere LGA. He mobilized a gang of youth with deadly objects, including knives, cutlasses, bows, and arrows, and attacked a farmland belonging to Maigari Mato 65, at Gubate Village The attack resulted in the death of a tractor driver, Mohammed Kabiru, 35, and grievous injuries to Hassan Lawan.” The statement said.

In a similar vein, on June 26, 2024, at about 1600hr, police in Damagum arrested Abduwahab Abubakar, 40, and four other suspects for conspiring and attacking Hussaini Lawan Sani, 45, of Goba Abba Village. The assailants, carrying dangerous objects, attacked and robbed the victim of N250,000.00. The suspects are currently behind bars, and a discreet investigation is ongoing at the State CID.

“The recurring incidents are attributed to a lack of early reporting of aggressive trespass, previous unsettled disputes, and informal arrangements in allocating farmlands. Criminally minded community members are taking the law into their hands for ulterior motives. The command will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute culprits.” The statement added.

The Commissioner of Police further urges local authorities to address issues of farmland disputes and farmer/herder clashes by organizing seasonal community engagement to facilitate a long-lasting, peaceful partnership between farmers and herders. The command is equally committed to addressing agro-related conflict issues through designed programs for parties at various LGAs.

The Divisional Police Headquarters are directed to:

Encourage early referral of disputes

  • Organize monthly community engagement of farm owners and herders
  • Ensure robust surveillance on mischievous elements

He reiterated that mob action is a crime, and individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court. Any assault on a person suspected of committing a crime or being arrested after committing a crime is a violation of human rights. He appreciates the public’s cooperation and urges them to continue reporting incidents to the authorities.

Police Commissioner express displeasure over farmer, herders clash in Yobe

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