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Operation Lafiya Dole: Troops crush more terrorists, capture trucks, cache of arms, ammunitions in mop-up operations in Northeast (Graphic Images)

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Operation Lafiya Dole: Troops crush more terrorists, capture trucks, cache of arms, ammunitions in mop-up operations in Northeast (Graphic Images)

Scores of Boko Haram and Islamic State’s West Africa Province terrorists have suffered severe casualties as the ever vibrant troops of Operation FIRE BALL a subsidiary operation under Operation LAFIYA DOLE continue to exhibit their dexterity and tactical superiority against remnants of the criminals within the North East Theatre of operation.

Consequently, in the early hours of 17 December 2020, unconfirmed number of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province in Gun Trucks and foot fighters attacked Army Super Camp 17 at Cross-Kauwa.

According to the Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko, the troops of 401 Special Forces Brigade in a swift reaction knocked out the enemies.

“The superior firepower unleashed by own troops during attack inflicted heavy casualties on the criminals. After the decisive encounter, 4 Boko Haram/ISWAP criminals were neutralized while 2 Gun Trucks, one Anti Aircraft Gun and assorted ammunitions were captured.

“Earlier, on 16 December 2020, troops of Army Super Camp 11 Gamboru came under BHT/ISWAP ambush  around Kenuba general area. Troops swiftly dismounted and engaged the criminals in fierce fight thereby forcing the terrorists to withdraw in disarray. In the aftermath of the encounter, 5 Boko Haram criminals were neutralized while one BHT Gun Truck was destroyed, one Anti Aircraft and 3 AK 47 Rifles were captured from the fleeing criminals.

“The troops of Operation FIRE BALL under Operation LAFIYA DOLE are highly commended for their continued dedication and determination in flushing out remnants of the terrorists from their hideouts.They are also encouraged not to relent but build on the successes recorded so far.” He said.

General Onyeuko assured he entire populace of the North East region of the Nigerian military high command determination to finally rout the remnants of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province criminals from their enclaves in this zone.

He equally encouraged them to avail the troops with credible information that will help in the execution of the operation.

Kankara schoolboys arrive Katsina

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Kankara schoolboys arrive Katsina

Schoolboys abducted from Government Science Secondary School, Kankara on December 11 have arrived Katsina State.

The boys regained their freedom on Thursday night.

The students were escorted into the state capital by security operatives.

Some of the schoolboys were still clothed in their school uniforms, PUNCH reports.

Governor Aminu Masari had on Thursday night said the boys were at Tsafe, Zamfara State and would be transported to Kankara on Friday.

Kankara students’ release show God’s faithfulness to Nigeria, Buhari – Interfaith group

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The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace (NIFROP) has welcomed the release of abducted students of Government Science Secondary School in Kankara, Katsina State.

The NIFROP, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Bishop Sunday Garuba, on Friday, said the release is a demonstration of God’s faithfulness towards Nigeria and the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Recall that the respected group, alongside other Nigerians had on Tueaday embarked on a one-day national prayer for the safe return of the schoolboys.

Bishop Garuba had charged Nigerians to return to God in prayers to compliment the efforts of the gallant troops.

And barely 48 hours after, the release was confirmed by the Katsina State Government without payment of any ransome.

In reaction, Bishop Garuba described President Buhari as God’s anointed servant who can not be disgraced by those against the interest of the country in its quest towards sustainable growth and development.

He further thanked all well-meaning Nigerians for their prayers and supplications for the safe return of the abducted boys to their families and love ones.

On behalf of the group, Bishop Garuba also hailed the security agencies that worked tirelessly to secure the safe return of the boys.

He, however, charged all citizens to continue to pray for the administration of President Buhari against those that have constituted themselves as clogs in the wheels of the progress of the country.

Read full statement below:

The National Interfaith and Religious Organizations for Peace welcomed the rescue of the abducted schoolboys from their dormitories in Kankara, Katsina State as a demonstration of Gods awesomeness towards Nigeria.

We are stating in unequivocal terms that the rescue of the abducted boy is indeed an indication that God loves Nigeria and President Muhammadu Buhari.

This is indeed a testament to the fact that President Muhammadu Buhari is Gods servant and can’t be disgraced by those that have elected to be against the interest of Nigeria in our quest towards sustainable growth and development.

The National Interfaith and Religious Organizations for Peace is using this medium to extend its appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for his display of sound leadership in ensuring that the various security agencies put in their best towards the rescue of the abducted boys.

President Muhammadu Buhari has once again proved that his stewardship of Nigeria is in the overall interest of Nigerians and not a select few as has been the case with previous administrations in Nigeria.

Nigerians must indeed come to terms with the realization that President Muhammadu Buhari is Gods anointed for Nigeria and therefore all those that have been plotting on ways to discredit his administration should have a rethink and change their ways for the bible states in the book of Psalms 105:15 “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”

The National Interfaith and Religious Organizations for Peace thank all well-meaning Nigerians for their prayers and supplications for the safe return of the abducted boys to their families and love ones.

We consequently extend our gratitude and commendation to the security agencies that worked tirelessly to secure the safe return of the boys. They have indeed displayed tremendous acts of patriotism and commitment to the Nigerian cause.

Our security agencies are deserving of our commendation for rising to the occasion in this critical task that saw to the safe return of the abducted boys.

It consequently behoves on all well-meaning Nigerians to continue to pray for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari against those that have constituted themselves as clogs in the wheels of the progress of the country.

The National Interfaith and Religious Organizations for Peace shall continue to offer intercessory prayers for President Muhammadu Buhari as he leads Nigeria towards the path of sustainable growth and development.

We are also using this medium to call on Nigerians from all walks of life to stand on the side of truth by extending their support to the lofty plans and policies of the Muhammadu Buhari led administration.

The safe return of the abducted boys is another testimony of Gods abounding love and faithfulness to Nigeria.

Nigeria now in second wave of Covid-19, says PTF

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Nigeria now in second wave of Covid-19, says PTF
The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has said that there are strong indications that the country has entered a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Lamenting the development, Chairman of the PTF and Secretary to the government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha, said the country stands the risk of not just losing the gains from the hard work of the last nine months, but also losing precious lives of citizens. PTF’s expressed these concerns ahead of next week’ s submission of its end of term report the President on December 22. Speaking at the national briefing on Thursday, the PTF chairman, who was represented by the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, said: “the events and statistics of the last two weeks, within and outside Nigeria, have been very mixed. “On the one hand, the cheering news of the COVID-19 vaccine, while on the other hand, we have witnessed spikes in number of infections at home and abroad. “The real threat is upon humanity and the progress made in the global health sector in the last five decades or more. ”In Nigeria, the indication is that we have entered a second wave of infections and we stand the risk of not just losing the gains from the hard work of the last nine months but also losing the precious lives of our citizens. “The PTF believes that if we do the right things, adhere to the NPIs and step up our testing and detection, loss of lives will be minimised and the rising curve will begin to flatten”, the chairman said. Mustapha further stated: “we are in a potentially difficult phase of the COVID-19 resurgence; accessing the hope offered by the arrival of the vaccine is still some time ahead. ”Vaccines alone cannot cure the virus, rather, but a combination of initiatives, including the NPIs; that more than ever before, we need compliance.” The SGF also stated that the PTF “shall escalate risk communication and community engagement strategies to higher levels. “Lives have been lost, but we must slow down the pace of the spread; and at the rate at which the numbers are rising should be examined and our vigilance and compliance with the NPIs should be intensified,” he said. On the report to be submitted next week, Mustapha said: “Last Tuesday, the PTF held the end of term technical session. It afforded the PTF the opportunity to assess the progress made and the present dangers that confront us. “The report of the PTF will be submitted to the President on Tuesday, 22nd December, 2020. Current realities, however, point to the fact that the course of further opening up of the economy may have to be reviewed,” he said. While cautioning Nigerians ahead of the Christmas season, the PTF said: “the festive season is here and we remain conscious of the fact that large gathering events will take place. ” It is our strong advice that all non-essential trips be cancelled outrightly. We also urge citizens to avoid large gathering events,” he added.

#OurBoysAreBack: Nigerians Hail Buhari, Military Over Release Of Kankara Schoolboys

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#OurBoysAreBack: Nigerians Hail Buhari, Military Over Release Of Kankara Schoolboys

Nigerians have applauded President Muhammadu Buhari and the military for the safe release of hundreds of abducted schoolboys in Kankari, Katsina.

Using the hashtag ‘#OurBoysAreBack’ on Twitter, the Nigerians expressed gratitude for another successful operation by the military.

Recall that Special adviser to the Katsina State governor on security Ibrahim Kastina confirmed the release of the students to the news media on Thursday night.

“Alhamdulillah. The boys have been rescued and are now at Tsafe, Zamfara State. But, we shall be moving them to Kankara tomorrow (Friday),” he said.

Governor Aminu Masari confirmed that no ransom was paid for the release. facilitated by the leadership of MACABAN/Miyetti Allah.

This is what Nigerians are saying on the social space.

Read also: Abducted Kankara school boys released, to return home Friday

Enugu APC expels four members

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Enugu APC expels four members

THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has expelled Okey Ogbodo and four others.

Chairman Ben Nwoye announced their expulsion at the swearing in of the caretaker committee.

Nwoye, who was returned as the caretaker chairman, said their expulsion followed their failure to withdraw their lawsuit against the party as directed by the National Executive Committee (NEC).

He said: “Acting on the directive of the party’s National Legal Adviser, we set up a disciplinary committee to investigate members found wanting.

“Deacon Okey Ogbodo and his cohorts – Chike Omeje, Rufus Nwagu, Rev. Onuorah Ani and Chinedu Okosisi – in disregard to NEC resolutions failed to withdraw their cases at the appellate court.”

Read also: Enugu govt inaugurates three isolation, treatment centres

#OurBoysAreBack: Nigerians hail Buhari, military over release of Kankara schoolboys

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#OurBoysAreBack: Nigerians hail Buhari, military over release of Kankara schoolboys

Nigerians have applauded President Muhammadu Buhari and the military for the safe release of hundreds of abducted schoolboys in Kankara, Katsina.

Using the hashtag ‘#OurBoysAreBack’ on Twitter, the Nigerians expressed gratitude for another successful operation by the military.

Recall that Special adviser to the Katsina State governor on security Ibrahim Kastina confirmed the release of the students to the news media on Thursday night.

“Alhamdulillah. The boys have been rescued and are now at Tsafe, Zamfara State. But, we shall be moving them to Kankara tomorrow (Friday),” he said.

Governor Aminu Masari also confirmed that no ransom was paid for the release, facilitated by the leadership of MACABAN/Miyetti Allah.

This is what Nigerians are saying on the social space.

Wike redeems N171m scholarship pledge to legionnaires’ children

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Wike redeems N171m scholarship pledge to legionnaires’ children

RIVERS State Governor Nyesom Wike has redeemed his N171 million scholarship pledge for children of war veterans in the state.

A statement by his media aide, Kelvin Ebiri, said the governor fulfilled his promise yesterday after the Emblem Appeal Fund Launch to mark the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

The governor also donated N20 million to launch the emblem and urged the 23 councils to donate N1 million each towards the cause.

Wike restated the need for the government to institute an enduring reward system for war veterans to justify their ultimate sacrifice to keep Nigeria safe and united. According to him, this would motivate officers to quality service.

Read Also: COVID-19: ‘Disregard Wike’s 8pm-6am curfew, enforce FG’s 10pm-4am directive’ – Rivers police to officers

The statement reads: “Many soldiers return with injuries while many die in battle. You don’t understand what it takes for someone to volunteer to protect the country’s territorial integrity.

“Government must find something to put permanently on ground to assure them it’s indeed worthy to die for the country.”

Governor Wike promised that his administration would continue to offer members of the Nigerian Legion necessary support to cushion economic hardship.

Chairman of Nigeria Legion ACG Justice Chichi said security agencies were ready and committed to confronting the Boko Haram insurgents, bandits and other forms of insurgency.

‘Mentor young Nigerians to emulate Abba Kyari’, Customs CG charge family, friends

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‘Mentor young Nigerians to emulate Abba Kyari’, Customs CG charge family, friends

The Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd), has tasked friends and family of Abba Kyari to mentor the next generation of Nigerians to uphold the values of the late Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Col. Ali gave the charge at a book presentation in Kyari’s honour on Thursday at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.

The book titled ‘The Man Abba Kyari’ was written by David Onmeje, a UK-based author and lecturer.

In his remarks, Col. Ali said the late journalist, lawyer and businessman was often misunderstood by many because of his integrity and deviation from the norm.

He said, “Anyone that undertakes the challenge of passing through the road of credibility, honesty, and integrity will end up being the most controversial and misunderstood person, and that is what Mallam Abba Kyari was.

“He passed through that path. And in the course of doing so, you would agree that one would roughen some edges. That was happening in the course of his life as a private citizen.

“And when he found himself in government, it was rough, in the sense that when he choose to say ‘yes’ to the left and ‘no’ to the right, the chances were that he had a lot of controversies and enemies”.

The Customs boss, who said he knew Kyari for over two decades also said that the late Chief of Staff to President Buhari stood for what he believed and was uncompromising.

“Mallam Abba, whom I knew closely for 22 years, was someone who does not hold back his views. He was ready to take up a fight when you decide to deviate from the norms. He doesn’t take ‘No’ for an answer,” he added.

“The issue with regards to the controversy is normal, some of us are into it and will continue to be in it. Some of us are being hated, but we would continue to do what we believe in. That was exactly what Abba did until his death.”

Col. Ali, however, urged the family and friends to pass his legacy to young Nigerians.

Similarly, Governor of Borno, Babagana Zulum said the late Kyari was not a controversial man, instead, he discharged his duties to President Buhari with dedication and loyalty.

Represented by his Chief-of-Staff,  Professor Isah Hussein, he said, “Abba Kyari was a typical technocrat. He excelled in all the disciplines or organizations he found himself. He was a people’s person.

“Abba Kyari, some have said, was a controversial person. He was not. He was just doing his job. To be a chief-of-staff you must have certain qualities. Abba had all of those. One of them is dedicated to his job. But most importantly, is loyalty to your boss, and it must be total.

“People tried to get to Mr. President or had their own agenda found that Abba Kyari was always there. They could not bend him. That’s why a lot of people say he was controversial. He was just doing his job.”

Reviewing the book, Prof. Udenta Udenta, said the book portrayed Kyari’s character and its contradictory assessment by the people.

“The book would open a floodgate of commentaries, and accounting about the life and times of this very complex individual (Abba Kyari),” he said.

On his part, Onmeje described the late Chief of Staff as a patriot and committed public servant who was widely respected for his loyalty and commitment to the goals and aspirations of President Buhari.

Parents deny knowledge of students in Boko Haram video

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Parents deny knowledge of students in Boko Haram video

Some parents of the abducted students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina and residents have dismissed the video purportedly posted by the Boko Haram sect on Thursday morning, showing some youths in captivity in a forest.

A father of one of the students Aminu Dayyabu said none of the youths showed in the video was a student of the school.

Mr Dayyabu, whose 12-year-old son, Farouq Aminu, was among the abducted students, however, prayed that the bandits did not kill the students in retaliation for any other steps taken by the government apart from negotiation to secure the release of the students.

“None of the students shown in the video, including the older one, who spoke in Hausa, was a student of the school.

“I will appeal to the government not to use violence to get the students freed. The bandits and members of the Boko Haram sect are parents too and would not want to harm the students. But Almighty Allah knows the best,” he said.

A woman Murjanatu Danja who is a mother of another abducted student, Hussaina Nasiru, said the faces in the Boko Haram video were not that of abducted students.

She said, “The faces in that video are not that of the abducted students. Even if I cannot identify other faces, I should be able to identify Hussaina’s face. But the faces are strange.

“I appeal again that government should secure the release of our children before their abductors take them far from home.”

Their reactions came before the state government announced the release of the boys on Thursday night.

Governor Aminu Masari said the boys were safe at Tsafe, Zamfara State, and would be transported to Kankara on Friday.

QED

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