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Saudi Arabia throws open it’s doors to tourists, relaxes dress codes

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Saudi Arabia throws open it’s doors to tourists, relaxes dress codes

Image result for arab women tourists

Saudi Arabia has thrown open its doors to foreign tourists, announcing that it would launch a new visa programme for 49 countries in a bid to draw foreign companies to invest in the country’s tourism sector.

The conservative Muslim kingdom is also relaxing strict dress codes for female visitors that previously required them to wear all-covering black robes, or abayas.

Tourism chief Ahmed al-Khateeb told Reuters in an interview in the run-up to the official announcement that abayas will not be mandatory for women tourists but modest dress is, including at public beaches.

The country announced the new visa programme and appealed to foreign companies to invest in a sector it hopes will contribute 10 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.

Visas will be available online for about $80, with no restrictions for unaccompanied women as in the past. Access to the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina is restricted.

More details, including which countries are eligible, were expected later on Friday. Khateeb said China, Japan, Europe and the United States were among the top outbound targets.

Until now, foreigners travelling to Saudi Arabia have been largely restricted to resident workers and their dependents, business travellers, and Muslim pilgrims who are given special visas to visit Mecca and Medina.

The country has in recent years relaxed strict social codes, such as segregating men and women in public places and dress requirements for women.

But as it liberalises rules on tourism, Khateeb indicated that alcohol remains banned: “We will have enough tourists to come to Saudi Arabia to enjoy other things.”

Somali hospital short of medicine after flights blocked

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Somali hospital short of medicine after flights blocked

The suspension of all flights between Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, and the southern city of Kismayo, has led to medical shortages that could put lives in danger, the Kismayo hospital director said.

Flights have been blocked by the federal government since Monday because of tensions with the regional administration in Kismayo.

The general hospital in the city is facing a lack of medicine and cannot refer any patients to Mogadishu or other cities in East Africa, director Hussein Sheik Osman said.

“Medication and other hospital facilities have finished or are scarce,” he said.

“This might cause a death because of a lack of medicine.”

Dr Hussein also said it was a problem that the hospital could not evacuate some patients.

“There are people who we can’t help and there is no opportunity that we could send them to another hospital.

“The only route that was open was flying and that is not available now.”

Road travel to Kismayo from the capital has been blocked by the Islamist militant group al-Shabab since 2012.

The current tensions between the federal government and the government of the Jubbaland region came after Ahmed Mohamed Madobe, a former militant, won a disputed local election in August, which the federal government cancelled.

Your reforms in Army yielding good results, NGO tells Buratai

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Your reforms in Army yielding good results, NGO tells Buratai

…Confers on him Grand Achiever Award (GAA)

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Organisation of Environmental Agric and Health Development (OEAHD), has asserted that the reform agenda championed for the Nigerian Army, by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, is already paying off.

The Founder and President, of the organisation, Mrs. Tabitha Isechap Nzuta gave the commendation when her organisation visited the Army chief at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

“Sir, your reforms in the Nigerian Army, sophisticated strategy, motivation to our troops, rapid deployment of equipment and the vigour with which you are pursuing the task of fighting insurgency and several other crimes across the country, is yielding positive results,” she said.

She noted that prior to Lt. Gen. Buratai’s assumption of office as COAS, issues of insecurity, banditry and terrorism were quite widespread and alarming, particularly in northern Nigeria and in a few other locations in the country.

But according to her, Buratai’s assumption of office has since changed the narrative, as large swaths of areas that were once taken over by these bandits and insurgents have been recaptured.

The NGO, also presented the “Grand Achiever Award” (GAA) to Buratai at the occasion.

The OEAHD founder, disclosed that the GAA presentation to the Army Chief is one sincere gesture aimed at encouraging the COAS, and his soldiers for putting their lives at risk, in other for Nigeria to be safe and secure.

“In truth, there is no nation today in the world that is 100 percent free of conflicts, insecurity, cross – border banditry, and terrorism.

“But how the military and security institutions tackle these menace is what matters. In these area, we can confidently say you have done very well, and you are doing great,” Mrs. Nzuta told Buratai.

She appealed to the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives to support and increase funding to the Army in order to procure more high – tech security equipment, and also improving the welfare of soldiers.

Lt. Gen. Buratai applauded the NGO’s founder and officials for the courtesy call, assuring them that he remains committed to building a professionally-responsive Nigerian Army, in the discharge of its duties and core responsibilities.

The Chief of Army Staff was represented at the occasion by the Chief of Policy and Plans of the NA Lt Gen Lamidi Adeosun who appreciated OEAHD for championing the issues of maternal and child healthcare, youth and women empowerment, Girl – Child education, and the fight against drugs and substance abuse in Nigeria.

Army lauded for research based technological advancement

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Army lauded for research based technological advancement

Army showcases combat and support equipment at Abuja Trade Fair

Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu has praised the Nigerian Army for demonstrating excellence in research and innovations.

Dr Onu was speaking on Wednesday while inspecting some combat and support equipment showcased by the Nigerian Army at the ongoing Abuja International Trade Fair.

Dr Onu said; ”I am overwhelmed by what I have seen today because it gives me so much hope for our dear nation.

”For too long we have depended on other countries to meet our basic needs but with all these, we can no longer do so.”

He emphasized that one area that self reliance is critical is in national security which the Nigerian Army has consistently demonstrated.

In his remarks, Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai restated the commitment of the Nigerian Army in the pursuit of research based technological advancement in its mandate of defending the territorial integrity of the nation.

He praised the team of engineers who manufactured the products for their resilience and innovations without any foreign help.

”This I say lays a solid foundation for future consolidated on local production of military hardware. Similarly it will reduce our dependence on importation of defence logistics.

”The sustenance of local capacity for the production of both lethal and non-lethal military hardware rest solidly on quality manpower.” He added.

Items displayed at the fair include; light artillery urban patrol vehicles, borehole drilling, machines, Mines Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, agricultural implements as well as uniforms and boots all locally produced by the Command Engineering Depot.

The event was attended by Principal Staff Officers, senior military and paramilitary officers as well as the business community and members of the National Assembly.

Insecurity: Army to commence ‘Python Dance IV’, other operations nationwide

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Insecurity: Army to commence ‘Python Dance IV’, other operations nationwide

Owing to the alarming spate of insecurity and other criminal activities across the country, the Nigerian Army said it is set to commence multiple operations with a view to bringing the situation to normal across the country.

In a statement made available by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations Col Sagir Musa said the exercises which will take place simultaneously across all the geopolitical zones include; Exercise ‘Ayem Akpatuma ii’, ‘Egwu Eke iv’ and ‘Crocodile Smile iv’.

Below is the full text of the statement.

NIGERIAN ARMY TO COMMENCE EXERCISES AYEM AKPATUMA 11, EGWU EKE IV & CROCODILE SMILE IV

In her spirited efforts to combat insecurity across the nation, the Nigerian Army (NA) is set to commence simultaneous routine training exercises in the various Geo-political zones of Nigeria.

The exercises are Exercise AYEM AKPATUMA II in the North Central and parts of North Western States of Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi and Taraba as well as Kaduna and Niger States in 1 and 3 Divisions Area of Responsibilities (AOR) including Headquarters Command Army Records, Guards Brigade and 707 Special Forces Brigade, Exercise EGWU EKE IV which will be carried out in the South Eastern part of Nigeria comprising Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States in 82 Division AOR, while Exercise CROCODILE SMILE IV will as usual take place in the South South and parts of South Western States of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Ogun and Rivers States in 2, 6, 81 and 82 Divisions’ AOR.

Similarly, Operation POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION will also be extended across the nation to checkmate bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, ethnic militia, cattle rustlers as well as other sundry crimes across the various regions of Nigeria.

In the same vein, as part of Programmes inbued into the exercises, – the Nigerian Army Women Corps, will stage a robust show of force/confidence building patrols in some selected locations in Nigeria.

Accordingly, in order to consolidate on the existing cordial Civil-Military Relations, an elaborate Civil Military Cooperation Line of activities in the areas of community outreaches such as free medical outreach, educational outreach, rehabilitation of identified dilapidated roads, hospitals, schools and old peoples homes in various selected communities in Nigeria.

Additionally, the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, will as usual, visit and donate to motherless babies homes and other identified disadvantaged groups in selected communities across the nation.

These exercises will start concurrently from the 7th of October to 24th of December 2019.

The NA, once again, use this opportunity to enjoin all Nigerians not to panic on seeing an increased presence of military personnel and other security agencies as well as movement of Military vehicles /hardwares. The NA wishes to reassure the nation of her commitment and determination to secure the country, protect lives and properties of all Nigerians (which in addition to training of her personnel) is one of the basis for the exercises.

Mercy Corps suspends operations as Army seals it’s offices in the Northeast

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Mercy Corps suspends operations as Army seals it’s offices in the Northeast

An international aid group Mercy Corps said it is suspending operations in Nigeria’s restive Northeast following the closure of it’s offices by the Nigerian Army in the region.

“Mercy Corps is suspending operations in Borno and Yobe States, Nigeria, following the closure of four of our field offices by the Nigerian military,” the group said in a statement.

Recall that the Nigerian Army last week closed the office of an aid group Action Against Hunger which it claimed among others is responsible for providing groceries to Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.

Eye witnesses say soldiers are camped at the entrance to the Mercy Corps’ office in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

Who is afraid of peace in Borno?

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Who is afraid of peace in Borno?

By Adamu Itodo

Since 2009 when Boko Haram terrorist took up a violent campaign against the state, not many of us thought it would drag till this very time. Not many of us also believed that those politicians that initially seemed to be advancing the case of the people would be the ones taking advantage of the crisis to the detriment of the people of North-East Nigeria.

The situation in Borno state is indeed a sad tale of how politicians have entirely hijacked the system and turned it into a money-making machine. I stand to be corrected, the very day the Boko Haram crisis comes to an end, the politicians in Borno State would relocate from Nigeria because of the way and manner they have exploited the system to their advantage.

While this position has been stated in numerous forums about the activities of Borno politicians and how they have been engaging in acts that would ensure that the crisis in the state does not come to an end, it must be expressly stated that with the position of things, there ought to be some level of connivance or conspiracy between Borno politicians and the Boko Haram group.

It is evident that with the return of peace to Borno state, lots of questions would pop up as regards the usage of funds meant for the people of the state by those who occupied political offices. To put it modestly, since 2009, I doubt if the monies intended for local government areas in Borno state could be accounted for. I also doubt if whatever it is that is on the ground in these local government areas would indeed reflect the quantum of monies that have been released in the past 11 years of the Boko Haram Insurgency in the state.

This, in my opinion, might be responsible for why in some quarters it has been stated that the war against terrorism in Borno state might not come to an end soon because of how the politicians are busy smiling to the bank while the people are cramped in IDP camps all over the state.

This in a way could also explain the hue and cries that usually greets the introduction of new operational strategies by the Nigerian Military in the sense that the end of Boko Haram might be around the corner, and this isn’t always the wish of those politicians that are neck-deep in the embezzlement of the collective wealth of the people.

The question of who is indeed afraid of peace in Borno state can be best answered by the political class that is hell-bent on seeing to the fact that the crisis continues unabated so that they can continue to enrich themselves to the detriment of sustainable growth and development in Borno State.

This is indeed a sad tale and one of the factors why there seems to be some level of resistance to the operations of the Nigerian Military in the state. For one, whenever these merchants of death notice that the Military is gaining grounds in the war against terrorism, they devise means and strategies to thwart such efforts, not minding whose ox is gored.

This is the state of affairs in Borno state today as it stands, and it is such a pity that these individuals would be so mean to the extent of feasting on the blood of innocent people all in the quest for pecuniary gains. They hide under various nomenclatures to siphon monies meant for infrastructural development. They even go as far as embezzling monies earmarked for the resettlement of IDPs back to their host communities. If this is not wickedness, I don’t know what else to call it.

In some quarters, it is also speculated that some Borno politicians have been covertly sponsoring the activities of the Boko Haram sect so that there would be continued instability in the state, which provides that conducive environment for them to continue with their nefarious activities.

This is indeed a serious business endeavour that has cost the state billions of naira. A very good business that yields dividends for as long as bombs continue to detonate and gunshots are heard from near and far. In exact terms, the local government funds are worst hit by the activities of those I have labelled as the Borno merchants of death.

They don’t care about the number of lives that have been lost in this crisis that has engulfed the state. They don’t care about the number of years it would take in rebuilding the state from the present ruins which they are by extension part and parcel of. I dare say for the politicians in Borno state; it is good business and as far as they are concerned nothing in this world, not even the efforts of the Nigeria military should come in between them and their goldmine.

But at some point, they should also remember that nothing stays the same forever. They must come to the realization that monies that were meant for schools and hospitals that they ended up diverting would one day run dry, and the same infrastructures they refused to build might end up being their greatest undoing in the lives of their children and great-grandchildren.

I am, however, consoled by the words Mahatma Gandhi, who stated that our greatest achievements in life are not to change the world but to change ourselves. This words of wisdom by Mahatma Gandhi is directed to the politicians in Borno State because the rational thing for them to do now is to change their ways in the interest of peace in Borno state. This they must understand as a matter of urgency and in the interest of peace and tranquillity.

Itodo is a researcher in conflict resolution and wrote from ATBU, Bauchi.

Re: We need better arms to fight Boko Haram

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Re: We need better arms to fight Boko Haram

In Nigeria today, wonders shall indeed never end. I have longed questioned the role of the media in National Development, as well as the role of the media in the war against terrorism in Nigeria. I recall that at a recent forum, I had spoken how the Nigerian media have played a pivotal role in assisting the Nigerian Military in the fight against terrorism and the need to do more. However, this is not saying there are no bad examples in the Nigerian media space. Some engage in acts that can be best described as unprofessional and an embarrassment to journalism in Nigeria.

Without mincing words, the recent report by Punch Newspaper titled “We need better arms to fight Boko Haram-military commanders” is one of the ways the media in Nigeria have failed to live up to expectations in the course of National Development.

As futile as the attempt by Punch newspaper to promote a particular interest, it indeed behoved on myself as one conversant with the operations of the Nigerian Military in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria to question the narrative pushed forward by Punch Newspapers which in my opinion is aimed at misleading the general public while promoting the interest of their paymasters.

As a start, there is no iota of truth in the said report. This is so because the emphasis of the usage of Shilka riffles purchased by the administration of former President Shehu Shagari to prosecute the Boko Haram war is a very puerile attempt at creating a sensational headline in a bid to sell the paper and appease their paymasters. The Punch newspaper has now abandoned editorial integrity for a plate of porridge. If this is not the case, one wonders how and why such a report laced with half-truths would be given the clear for publication.

Unless Punch newspapers want unsuspecting members of the general public to think or believe that since after the administration of President Shehu Shagari in the 2nd republic, the Nigerian Military has not made any effort at upgrading its military wares. But again, on May 21, 2019, the same Punch Newspaper carried a news story that goes thus: “Banditry: Army Gets New Weapons.”

In the said story, it was reported that the Nigerian Army had taken delivery of new arms and ammunition purchased to tackle banditry and killings in the North-West, as well as the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East region. It further highlighted that “Although the army did not disclose the financial worth or types of the new ammunition, sources said the military hardware included long-range artillery weapons, ammunition for infantry ground operations and special facilities for Special Forces to conduct night offensives.”

Let us assume that the above was the only time the Nigerian authorities ever made purchases for arms and ammunition, it has ultimately brought out the mischief in the recent publication by Punch Newspaper. However, that is not all on May 18, 2018; it was on record the Nigerian Military received consignments of arms and ammunitions that consists of rockets, bullets, and projectiles, as well as spare parts for operational vehicles.

Again, on October 18, 2018, it was on record that the Nigerian Army received large consignments of ammunition to enhance its operational capabilities and combat efficiency as reported by most dailies across the country. This is aside from the fact that the Nigerian Army has embarked in the production of light tactical vehicles and other weapons at the Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company (NAVMC) to assist in addressing internal security challenges as well as its ongoing operations in northeast Nigeria. And the list goes on.

In the light of the above-stated facts, one wonders what the sponsors of the ridiculous story in Punch newspapers aimed to achieve. In my opinion, it is indeed an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerians and an affront to some of us that are conversant with the efforts of the Nigerian Military in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.

The worrisome part of the whole story is that Punch Newspapers allowed itself to be used as an avenue to spread mischief that is capable of heating the polity. But the plot failed woefully. I would want to suggest that the story was smuggled into the Punch news medium without proper scrutiny to ascertain its factual accuracy. But again, this is the reality of the times we are in, and it calls to question the role of the media in national development.

I am tempted to state in unequivocal terms that this is nothing but the handiwork of some members of the opposition that are still rueing their loss at the recently concluded general elections in Nigeria. Since they openly vowed that Nigeria would not know peace, when such half-truth stories hit the airwaves, it only reinforces their desperation and desire to see that Nigeria does not make progress. But again, they failed.

The pertinent question is for how long would we continue to allow these unscrupulous elements to heat the polity just because of their selfish interests? And for how long would the media allow itself to be used as agents of destabilization against the unity of our country?

This is nothing but shame and a massive dent on the image of Punch Newspapers with all of its years of experience in journalism. This deplorable news report is a severe intellectual and civic let down for Nigeria in that journalism, which traditionally relies on the bedrock ‘verifiable fact’ for its credibility and acceptance, has been taken over by falsehood and rumours due to a culture of brown envelope journalism or ‘cash for news reports’ as evident in this Punch Newspaper report.

The management of Punch Newspapers must, as a matter of urgency constitute a probe on how such a story was published without verifiable facts. They must question Olusola Fabiyi, Ifeanyi Onuba, Tunde Ajaja, Olaleye Aluko, Jesusegun Alagbe, and Kayode Idowu, on how they came about the story in the interest of the sensibilities of the generality of Nigerians. This is indeed a great disservice to Nigeria.

Kolawole PhD is a University teacher and wrote from Keffi.

Boko Haram: Diplomatic community raises alarm over French’s role in terrorism, writes President Buhari to sanction francophone countries

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Boko Haram: Diplomatic community raises alarm over French’s role in terrorism, writes President Buhari to sanction francophone countries

The Centre for Diplomacy and Conflict Management (CDCM) has accused France and its colonies of aiding Boko Haram/ Islamic State in West Africa’s (ISWAP) activities, appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari to sanction these nations.

The Centre made this known in a letter signed by Executive Director Dr. Angulu Rilwan and addressed to President Buhari with the title “The Urgent Need to Demand Decisive Action from France in the Ongoing War Against Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorist Operating within Francophone Countries”.

In the piece, the diplomatic community applauded the rapid progress made in the war against terrorism under President Buhari’s administration, evident in the takeover of Camp Zero – the operational headquarter of Boko Haram in Sambisa Forest.

However, the Centre moaned over gross negligence on the part of neighbouring states – in a supposed military pact with Nigeria which have sabotaged the gallant Nigerian troops.

According to the group, these Francophone nations are safe havens for the radical sect to regroup, launch offensive as well as recruit fighters.

Being French colonies, the diplomatic community reckoned that these countries may only be acting the script of their master, France, who uncharacteristically remained silent despite several allegations of funding and arming the terrorist group.

It is on this premise, however, that the Centre appealed to President Buhari to extend cold diplomatic relations to France until it takes a decisive action towards confronting Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

“Mr. President may wish to note that the takeover of the operational headquarters of Boko Haram Terrorist by the Nigerian Military indeed marked a significant milestone in the war against terrorism in North-East Nigeria. And this consequently resulted in the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists to flee in droves into neighbouring countries such as Chad, Benin, Cameroon, and Niger,” the letter reads in part.

“ It is instructive to state that these countries are francophone countries that have entered into a strategic military pact with Nigeria that culminated in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) comprising military units from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria and headquartered in N’Djamena with a mandate to bring an end to the activities of Boko Haram.

“ Mr. President may also wish to know that the MNJTF is an offensive and stabilization military forces to combat Boko Haram and other groups labelled as terrorists operating around the Lake Chad Basin. However, credible information suggests that Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters have indeed found these francophone countries as safe havens for regrouping and launching offensives against the Nigerian Military. This is on the heels that there is a growing security concern that these regional movements have expanded their reach in recruiting terrorist fighters, as well as the route where Boko Haram/ISWAP get their supplies of arms and ammunitions despite the presence of Operation Barkhane an ongoing French anti-insurgent operation in Africa’s Sahel region, that consists of a 3,000-strong French force headquartered in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad.

“ Mr. President, Operation Barkhane has been designed with five francophone countries, that are former French colonies, that span the Sahel. These countries are collectively referred to as the “G5 Sahel”, and many questions have been asked as to the commitment of France in assisting to putting an end to the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism in Nigeria.

“ Mr. President, we must admit that the resurgence of Boko Haram/ISWAP forces around Lake Chad means continuing conflict for Nigeria and neighbouring states, as well as ongoing peril for civilians caught in the crossfire.

“ The Sahel belt of Sub Sahara Africa has been riddled with conflicts and unstable governments from Mali, through Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, and Sudan and this has led to a steady flow of arms across the continent, helping to fuel more conflicts and fanning the growth of extremist in Nigeria.

“ Mr. President, it is no longer news that the French authorities have not made any substantial efforts towards curtailing the activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist who have found the francophone countries as safe heavens. This has further heightened the suspicion that the French authorities are giving covert support to the activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP by its refusal to act as at when necessary.

“Mr. President, for inexplicable reasons that French authorities have refused to address issues that have been raised in numerous quarters on how Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists have been able to turn the francophone countries to a haven for recruitments and supply of arms and ammunition for its fighters.

“ The case of Chad is more worrisome given the fact that Operation Barkhane is stationed in Chad and Chad has remained a relatively safe home for Boko Haram terrorists when they come under heavy bombardment from the Nigerian Military. Chad has also been a route of guns and narcotics supply and trade for Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

“ Mr. President, France’s role has fallen short of the required obligation required of them, and this in our considered opinion does not augur well for the sustenance of the war against terrorism in Nigeria and the region.

“ Mr. President, this lackadaisical stance of France, requires that Nigeria must take urgent actions in ensuring that France acts appropriately to support Nigeria in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria because if the Francophone countries remains a haven for Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist, then North-East Nigeria and Nigeria in general would continue to witness unrest for many years to come.

“ Mr. President, The Centre for Diplomacy and Conflict Management is as a result of this, advocating that the Nigerian authorities extend cold diplomatic relations to France until it takes a decisive action towards confronting Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists operating within Francophone countries.

“ Mr. President, the Nigerian authorities must take this decisive action to send a strong message towards ensuring that the nefarious activities of Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorist are curtailed within the shortest possible time.

“ Mr. President, the Centre for Diplomacy and Conflict Management is convinced that this line of action is what is needed for the remnants of Boko Haram/ISWAP to be cleared within the shortest possible time.”

Troops bust notorious cult gang in Maiduguri

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Troops bust notorious cult gang in Maiduguri

A gang of suspected cultists suspected to engage in armed robbery and kidnapping in Maiduguri and environs have been arrested by troops of the Nigerian Army Super Camp 1 Molai in conjunction with other security agencies and local hunters.

The arrest came following credible information received from well meaning individuals, and
in line with the Super Camp Concept of the Counter terrorism efforts Of Operation LAFIYA DOLE (OPLD).

The alleged cultists were about to perform an initiation rite on some new members into their confraternity, when the Army troops, other security personnel and local hunters stormed their hideout in Maiduguri.

The cultists’ attempt to flee and escape arrest was unsuccessful as they were effectively overwhelmed and rounded up by the troops.

The general area was cordoned off and 18 members of the cult group, comprising civilians and alleged students of the University of Maiduguri were arrested at the initiation scene. Three serving personnel of the Nigerian Army were also arrested.

Those arrested have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Borno State (Maiduguri) Command for further investigation. While the arrested soldiers were immediately interrogated and tried in line with military justice system by 7 Division Military Police, in conjunction with their Units.

Consequently, the soldiers were dismissed and handed over to the Borno State Police Command for further action.

The Theatre Commander OPLD Major General OG Adeniyi, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General AK Ibrahim, the Commissioner of Police, and Director of State Security Service (SSS), as well as other heads of security agencies in Borno State visited the scene for on-the-spot assessment of the situation .

In a statement the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at the Theatre Col Isa Ado said a joint patrol by troops of OPLD, and other security agencies has been intensified within Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and it’s environs.

”While we continue to intensify the fight against insurgents and other criminals, members of the general public are once again enjoined to continue to support the security agencies with information that could assist in dealing with the criminals”.

The Theatre Command OPLD further called on the public to be on the watch out for fleeing terrorists from the Lake Chad area.

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