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ICC, AI, others plot to prolong war against insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria — CNM

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The International Criminal Court, Amnesty International and their cohorts plan to prolong the war against insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria, the Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) has said.

The coalition’s position trails the criminal court’s allegation of crimes against humanity and war crimes leveled on the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

According to the CNM, the ICC’s claims discrediting the noble gains recorded by the troops is not only mischievous but an agenda well-intentioned to cause international embarrassment to the Nigerian government.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Abuja, National Coordinator, Patriot Sabo Odeh, revealed that AI has conscripted the ICC to undermine the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, hence fuelling the insurgency.

Like customarily, Patriot Sabo regretted that such move comes when substantial gains are being recorded by the troops in the war against insurgency and terrorism.

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement,  therefore, charged the troops to avoid distractions from ICC, AI and others, remaining focused on the task of clearing the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists.

The coalition, however, advised ICC to endeavour to redeem its credibility by apologising to Nigerians and admitting that it erred substantially on its statement.

Read the full statement below:

The leadership of the Coalition for Nigeria Movement welcomes you all to this press conference convoked to shed light on some issues of strategic importance in the efforts of Nigeria in the war against insurgency and terrorism.

This press conference is scheduled on the overarching objective on informing Nigerians of the plot by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its cohorts to prolong the war against insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria.

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement having dissected the issues raised and canvassed by the ICC wishes to state that the position of the ICC is laced with mischief and an agenda well-intentioned to cause international embarrassment to the government of Nigeria, by discrediting the noble gains recorded by the Armed Forces in Nigeria in the war against insurgency and terrorism in the country.

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement wishes to state in unequivocal terms that there is a high tendency Amnesty International has conscripted the ICC to discredit the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the prosecution of the war against insurgency and terrorism in the country.

This is on the heels that whenever the Armed Forces are recording substantial gains in the war against insurgency and terrorism, the promoters and sympathizers of terrorist and insurgents groups in Nigeria would do all within their means to distract the Armed Forces by making unsubstantiated allegations in the public space.

It must also be stated that Amnesty International is one of such organizations that has been notoriously involved in this enterprise. We are therefore constrained to believe that since the activities of Amnesty International has been exposed; the use of proxies to continue their nefarious activities is responsible for the recent enterprise of the ICC on behalf of Amnesty International.

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the position of the ICC with regards to the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria is indeed the voice of Jacob and the hands of Esau.

This much Nigerians must come to terms within the sense that the conspiracy to prolong the war against terrorism and insurgency has reached an alarming stage with the conscription of the ICC at a time when substantial gains are being recorded in the war against insurgency and terrorism.

It is our considered opinion that Nigerians must understand that there is a need for collective action in defeating insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria. The Armed Forces, aside from engaging the insurgents and terrorist in the trenches, are also dealing with a well-orchestrated slander campaign enforced by Amnesty International and most recently the International Criminal Court.

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement is using this medium to sound a note of warning to those vested interests that are keen on prolonging the war against insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria to desist from their nefarious ways as the Armed Forces of Nigeria have the full support of Nigerians.

Nigerians also recognize the patriotic efforts of the Armed Forces in addressing the threats posed by terrorist and insurgent groups in Nigeria and as such the position of the ICC is egregious and must be resisted by the relevant authorities in Nigeria.

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement is therefore encouraging the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to remain focused in the task of clearing the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorist group in the country.

We are also charging the troops to refuse to be discouraged by the slander campaign launched by some unscrupulous elements hell-bent on causing a distraction so the already degraded insurgents’ elements can regroup to prolong the war against insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria.

Consequently, the ICC must recant and redeem its credibility by apologizing to Nigerians that it erred substantially on its statement on the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the prosecution of the war against insurgency and terrorism.

The ICC must not look further in identifying the promoters of terrorism such as Amnesty International and begin its prosecution for crimes against humanity. This is indeed what is expected from the ICC instead of forming an unholy alliance with notorious groups to prolong the war against insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria systematically.

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement charges Nigerians to stay vigilant as there would be more scathing attacks on the efforts of the government and the Armed Forces in the war against insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria.

We thank you for your attention and time. Nigeria shall defeat insurgency and terrorism to the chagrin of those vested interests that do not wish the country well.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

God bless the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Let’s save Omah Lay now

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Toby
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By Onyeka Nwelue 

Today again, I had a long call with my artiste, clearly telling him that what happened to our rising star, Omah Lay in Uganda, can happen to anybody. Telling him how it is important to learn of the challenges and stress of going on tour.

What happened to the young man in Uganda, is demoralising. It’s not his fault. The show promoters should be held responsible but every country has its law.

I have lived in Kampala. The weather is humid and dusty.

Omah Lay may not survive the cranky weather. I am rooting deeply for him. I love his music. Such a gentleman! In my own way, I have been reaching out to people that can help him. He can’t possibly survive the filthy and rat-infested cells in Uganda. Not only in Uganda, I was imprisoned in Rwanda.

This is not a time to judge Omah Lay.

In 2018, I was arrested by eight men in black (dirty) suit from the lobby of Onomo Hotel in Kigali. They told me their boss wanted to see me for a few minutes. I left with them. They brought my luggage along. That was how I spent EIGHT days on the bare floor of a Rwandan prison.

Lots of people, on hearing about my detention, intervened. Calling on the government to release me and when the government of Rwanda released me, they were quick to post these on the official website of the Rwanda Investigation Bureau stating their own side of the story and also sharing a copy of an apology letter they coerced me into writing:

  1. On 23 October 2018, Mr Nwelue Onyeka, a citizen of Nigeria, was detained for questioning by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) following a complaint of public insult lodged by a Rwandan company.

 

  1. Upon arrest, Mr Onyeka complained of a medical condition and was immediately taken to King Faisal Hospital, where he received treatment and medications at RIB expense. After being discharged, he was taken to Kicukiro RIB Station, where he was accommodated in a private room and provided with food and drink of his choice.

 

  1. Mr Onyeka was questioned about the allegations after being informed of his rights under Rwandan law, including the right to remain silent and to have legal counsel, both of which he waived. He acknowledged the insults he had made on social media, and attributed them to “anger”. He signed a letter of apology to this effect written in his own hand (attached).

 

  1. As a result of his admission, RIB determined that the matter did not merit criminal prosecution at this time, and Mr Onyeka departed Rwanda for Johannesburg, South Africa on 29 October 2018. However, this decision could be revisited if Mr Onyeka makes additional statements that amount to public insult under art 161 of Law Nº68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general UNDER Rwandan Law.

When I got out of Rwanda, I had to treat a skin disease and checked into a psychiatry. I was damaged. The Rwandans tried to ruin my life, which is why I can’t be comfortable in the same space with any Rwandan, dead or alive.

Omah Lay’s meteoric rise as an artiste can not be destroyed now. Every Nigerian needs to lend their voice to get him out of Uganda now.

We need him back in Nigeria, back in the studio, back in the limelight!

Ede poly rector suspended for fixing bed in office

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Toby
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The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, John Adekolawole, has been suspended by the Academic Board of the institution for fixing a king size bed in his office among other alleged misconducts.

According to the Chairman of the institution’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Adekunle Masopa, the academic board had submitted a paper containing 21 grounds for its decision to suspend the rector.

Masopa said when he heard that members of the academic board had a rowdy session at their meeting, he quickly went to the venue, but was told not to intervene.

He noted that the board members told him that a position paper on the decision taken at the meeting would be submitted to the union.

The ASUP leader further said, “We tried to intervene, but members of the academic board said they had taken a decision and that their decision would stand. They, however, said a position paper would be communicated to us. The said position paper has been communicated to us.

He said, “The following are some of the reasons adduced for the action: one, flagrant dereliction of duty by absconding from office for about a month. Two, the desecration of the highly respected office of the rector with the creation of a bedroom furnished with a king-size bed which has made it possible for him to be sleeping at work.

“Improper improvisation of dual award programme of National Diploma plus NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education) programme in collaboration with a consultant.”

But Sola Lawal, the Protocol/Media Relations Officer of the institution, while responding through a statement, explained that the issues causing disagreements in the institution would be resolved.

The statement read in part, “Following the purported suspension of the Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, by the Academic Board of the institution, I wish to first and foremost restate that the school is not in crisis in any way whatsoever.

“While we are cognisant of the fact that there are pending fundamental issues to be resolved; as a one big family, I want to assure members of the public and the polytechnic community that the management is on top of the situation and working assiduously to douse the tension

“Furthermore, it is imperative to inform the public and the academic community that the National Board for Technical Education in collaboration with eminent stakeholders within Ede Community are working round the clock to amicably resolve all contending issues without delay.”

We’re not responsible for new N162 petrol pump price — FG

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Toby
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The Federal Government said on Monday that it has washed its hands of the pricing of Premium Motor Spirit popularly called Petroleum in the country

The government noted that it has now taken a backseat in the issue of petrol pricing in the country.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, made this known while speaking at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa Abuja.

The event was the inauguration of the bipartite plus technical committee on Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, pricing framework on Monday.

A statement from Ngige’s media office, quoted him as saying that the government did not fix the new PMS pump price that took off in the country on Monday.

According to him, the new N162.44k fuel price “was a price reduction gotten from the commercials like demurrage, transshipment and storage.”

Said Ngige, “Make no mistake about it. Government has taken the backseat. Government did not fix the price that took off from today.

“This Committee is expected to do more to enthrone transparency in the area.”

This would be the second bipartite meeting this month.

During the last bipartite meeting between the Federal Government and organised labour, represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), held on December 7, 2020, an agreement was reached to reduce the PMS pump price by N5, with effect from yesterday, December 14, 2020.

COVID-19: Sanwo-Olu’s health condition improving — Health Commissioner

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Toby
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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s health condition is improving after testing positive for COVID-19, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has said. 
In a statement on Tuesday, Abayomi said the governor is in stable condition with no sign of the adverse effect of the contagion. 
Recall that Sanwo-Olu had on Friday self-isolated immediately after one of his close aides tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.
 
The governor and other members of his team were tested by the Lagos State Biobank on Saturday with his result showing he tested positive for the virus.
And Abayomi, who himself contracted and recovered from the virus in May, assured that the governor will “soon be free of the virus and fully back on the beat to steer the ship of our dear State”.
He added that, “Our thoughts, prayers and well-wishes are with our Governor at this time. We wish him full recovery soonest”.
The commissioner, however, urged  Lagos residents to remain vigilant and compliant to avoid #COVID19  infection.
Lagos remains Nigeria’s epicentre with over 25,000 of the country’s 73,374 cases, representing nearly 35 per cent.

Putin congratulates Joe Biden on U.S. election victory

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Toby
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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday congratulated Joe Biden on his victory in the U.S. presidential election, after Biden won the state-by-state Electoral College vote that officially determines the U.S. presidency, the Kremlin said.

The Kremlin had said it would wait for the official results of the election before commenting on its outcome, even as other nations congratulated Biden on the win in the days after the Nov. 3 vote.

“For my part, I am ready for interaction and contact with you,” the Kremlin cited Putin as saying in a statement.

“Putin wished the president-elect every success and expressed confidence that Russia and the United States, which have a special responsibility for global security and stability, could, despite their differences, really help to solve the many problems and challenges facing the world,” the Kremlin said.

 

Katsina Boys: Group holds national prayers for safe return of students, wisdom for armed forces leadership

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Toby
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The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace (NIFROP), on Tuesday, held a one-day national prayer session for the safe return of abducted Katsina students and the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

According to the group, the best way to get the nation out of the clutches of agents of darkness hell-bent on bringing sorrows, tears and blood to Nigerians is to return to God.

While extending its thoughts and prayers to the families and relatives of the students, the NIFROP called on all Nigerians to join in this spiritual exercise against those undermining the peace of the country.

In a statement signed by National Coordinator, Bishop Sunday Garuba, the group also hailed the proactive response of the military and other security agencies attempting to rescue the abducted children.

Heavily armed with the prayers of Nigerians, Bishop Garuba, however, expressed optimism that soon the kidnapped children shall reunite with their families.

Affirming its support for the Armed Forces, the inter-faith group, therefore, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to do likewise, providing useful information that would lead to the successful rescue of the abducted children.

Read the full statement below: 

The National Interfaith and Religious Organizations for Peace wishes call on the attention of Nigerians from all walks of life on the need for a One-Day National Prayers for the safe return of the kidnapped students in Katsina state recently.

Our country is in the middle of a great battle, and we know that the best way for us to battle is on our knees. And the best source to turn to is the Word of God.

We are told in James 5:6 that “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” We may not have the power to meet the President or other authorities in our government, but we can pray for them, and God can do mighty things through our prayers. We may not be able to change other peoples’ hearts or minds with our words, but we have the power to pray for them and see God do miracles in their hearts through our prayers.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and relatives of these innocent students that were kidnapped from their dormitories by agents of darkness that are hell-bent on bringing sorrows, tears and blood in the country.

The National Interfaith and Religious condemns in its totality acts of sabotage aimed at disrupting the peace and tranquillity in the country by some individuals and organizations that do not mean well for the growth and development of Nigeria.

The reward for those that are bent on destabilizing Nigeria can be seen in the book of Psalms 34; 21 “Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.”

I declare that those that have conspired against the peace of Nigeria would meet their waterloo in the fullness of time and the righteous in the land shall indeed sing songs of praises to the host of heaven.

The National Interfaith and Religious Organizations for Peace is urging Nigerians from all walks of life and various religious bodies to embark on a one-day national prayer for the safe return of the abducted children.

The National Interfaith and Religious Organizations for Peace commend the proactive response by the military and other security agencies in the efforts to rescue the abducted children. We are optimistic that very soon; the abducted children shall reunite with their families by the grace of God.

We, therefore, call on all well-meaning Nigerians to extend their support to the military and other security agencies by providing useful information that would lead to the successful rescue of the abducted children.

Our firm belief is in God, and we wish to assure Nigerians that God is not a man that he should lie for his promises are yes and amen and by his special grace, the military operations to rescue the kidnapped children shall be very successful to the glory of God.

The National Interfaith and Religious Organization for Peace also affirms its confidence in the leadership of the Armed Forces to ensure that the abducted children are rescued and united with their parents and loved ones.

As contained in the book of Isaiah 61; 1 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek. He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound,”

I declare the captives free and assure Nigerians that the students and any other Nigerian held captive by the terrorists anywhere in Nigeria will return home and alive.

COVID-19: Kaduna govt orders shutdown of schools

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Toby
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The Kaduna State Government has directed all schools in the state to close on Wednesday, 16th December.

In a statement on Tuesday morning, Commissioner of Education, Alhaji Shehu Usman Muhammad said, “the ministry wishes to inform the general public, parents, guardians and students of the date of school’s closure due to rising cases of COVID-19 infections in the state which shows a replicate of figures recorded in the first wave of the pandemic in April, May and June 2020. Indicating that a new wave of the infection is rapidly spreading across the state.”

He said, “The state’s ministry of health has further confirmed that, while the infections cut across age groups, this new wave, especially, affects those between 10 and 35 years (which form a majority of the populace in the education sector).

“Thus, in it’s efforts to contain the spread of the pandemic and save the lives of people in the state, the Kaduna State Government is directing all Public, and private schools to conclude all necessary arrangements and close on Wednesday 16th December, 2020 as opposed to the initial closings.

“Therefore, all examinations must be concluded on or before, Tuesday, 15th December, 2020 in all institutions of learning across the State.

“Physical classes in the universities and other institutions of higher learning will not be held during the period of closure. Institutions can make other arrangements for teaching and learning and other activities in line with their conformity and contingency plans. In order to minimize the impact on learning and teaching, all schools will continue to plan lessons or where possible, provide online resources for students or online lessons where schools are equipped to do so.

“However, learners in the basic, post basic and secondary schools levels can continue learning while at home from the Kaduna State TV and Radio e-learning programmes.”

He added that “While the state government continues exerting efforts to prevent the spread of the pandemic, the general public is urged to continuously comply with all COVID-19 protocols to avoid the likelihood of the worst case scenarios of the disease in the state.

“All residents of the State are, therefore, encouraged to adapt the spirit of the FORWARD campaign which encourages everyone to adhere to the guidelines provided by authorities in the healthcare sector which includes:

“Wearing face masks aways, observing physical distancing, respiratory hygiene, washing hands with soap under running water or using hand sanitizers, avoiding large gatherings, remaining indoors when there is no need to be outdoors and dieting, eating balanced meals to boost immunity.”

War Against Terrorism: Attempt by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to Demonize Nigerian Security Forces for ‘Crimes Against Humanity’ and War Crimes, a Shot in the Dark -GICN

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A Nigerian based pro-democracy, human rights and justice sector group, Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), has condemned in strongest possible terms the attempt by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to blackmail the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security forces presently fighting the war against terrorism in some parts of Northern Nigeria. While speaking to newsmen in Abuja today, the Compliance Officer of the group, Barrister Peter Alake noted with bitterness that ICC under the leadership of Madame Fatou Bensouda as Chief Prosecutor is beginning to lose focus from being the international court of last resort for the common man that it used to be.

According to Alake, the planned move to investigate Nigerian security forces for so called “crimes against humanity” and war crimes is a shot in the dark, caricature and headless task which will yield no useful results. It rather exposed the ICC as giving tacit cover to Boko Haram terrorists so they can continually perpetrate their dastardly acts against innocent citizens. He added that Amnesty International, a crisis merchant with headquarters in London, United Kingdom over the years hoodwinked ICC into believing that the Nigerian Army being at the forefront of the counter-insurgency war violated rules of engagement in Northern Nigeria by abusing the rights of unarmed civilians.

In his words; “We at GICN are not unaware of the antics of Amnesty International which is being used by their paymasters in the Middle East to destroy Nigeria. They practically resorted to the continuous writing of damaging reports and petitions against the Nigerian Army years ago. On several occasions, Amnesty International accused our security agencies before the ICC of using brutal force and human rights violations while turning a blind eye to the nefarious activities of Boko Haram terrorists which have led to the death of more than 20,000 Nigerians since the year 2012”.

The group wondered why the Chief Prosecutor of ICC will choose to direct her powers towards distracting the military, and by extension, President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government of Nigeria from sustaining the gains so far recorded in restoring peace and security to Northern Nigeria. Obviously, Boko Haram terrorists are known for using the unconventional strategy of launching attacks on soft targets. This makes it extremely difficult to identify and isolate its members; hence attempts to repel them had often cost security agencies the lives of many personnel. We are therefore worried that the International Criminal Court is insisting that terrorists should be treated with kid’s glove and probably served tea at the theatre of war, even as they unleash mayhem on military officers.
Alake stated further; “As far as we are concerned, the hasty stance taken by Madame Fatou Bensouda as Chief Prosecutor of ICC to open investigation against the military points to pre-conviction. It has not been shown to our satisfaction that Nigerian Courts are unable to handle any human rights litigation that may have emanated from military-civilian relationship. What the Chief Prosecutor of ICC has done by her lopsided report gives us reason to suspect that she is part of the grand conspiracy to subtly expand neo-colonialist tendencies in Nigeria purely for selfish gains. The bitter truth is that ICC has found the African Continent a fertile ground for its sort of imperialist campaign. If we may ask; for how long will ICC continue to bully Nigeria with reports and threats of prosecution as though we are not a sovereign nation? To what extent has the self-serving ICC frowned at terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN)”?
“Let it be known that the attempt by enemies of Nigeria using ICC to destabilize our democracy through promotion of insecurity and reckless killings in various parts of the country will never work. We shall vehemently resist any attempt at dampening the morale of our military forces and strengthening the terrorists. As a group made up of patriotic citizens, GICN has resolved to do everything possible to defend democracy in Nigeria not minding the cost. We submit that Fatou Bensouda, the ICC Chief Prosecutor, erred in her Annual Report on Preliminary Examination Activities (2018) wherein she posited that there is a reasonable basis to believe that Nigerian Security Forces committed crimes punishable under various Sections of the Rome Statute 2002. Judges of the International Criminal Court who have the final voting power must not grant approval for further harassment of our dear country”.
On the whole, we encourage the ever gallant Chief of Army Staff and leader of the counter insurgency war in Nigeria, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai to remain focused on the task at his hand. The soldiers who laid down their own lives that we may sleep with our two eyes closed are highly appreciated. We want them to be assured that our prayers are with them, especially at this crucial period when they are working round the clock to rescue Nigerian students abducted from the all-boys Government Science School in Kankara District, Katsina State on Friday, December 11, 2020.

Boko Haram leader, Shekau, is crippled — Captured terrorist

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Toby
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A captured Boko Haram fighter, identified as Mohammed Adam, has revealed that the leader of the terror sect, Abubakar Shekau can no longer walk properly.

According to Mohammed Adam, a Boko Haram fighter currently in the custody of the Army, Shekau was injured during an air bombardment of their camp in Timbuktu, Sambisa Forest, Borno State.

Adam disclosed that Shekau can no longer lead any operation physically. The suspect narrated that he was abducted by Boko Haram at the age of 10. The teenage fighter, who spent five years in captivity, claimed he knows Shekau personally.

“I am a well-trained insurgents war front soldier who specialised in weapons handling including AK-47 riffles and GPMG as well as planting IED’s along troops patrol route,”.

“We are also given training on other unconventional techniques to inflict heavy casualties on troops.”.

“I escaped with the intention of being rescued by the troops of the Nigerian army which will in turn afford me the opportunity of fulfilling my dreams of going to school to acquire knowledge,” said Adam.

He said he escaped from one of the camps in Sambisa forest due to hardship and hunger, resulting from cholera outbreak, which left over 500 militants and their families in critical condition.

Shekau had, in the wake of the slaughtering of 43 rice farmers in Borno, appeared in a 2 minutes video, in which he claimed, that the farmers were killed to as serve as deterrent to their colleagues who take delight in divulging their modes of operations to the Nigerian Army.

He vowed to deal ruthlessly with anyone working against the terrorist group.

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