Tag: ISWAP

  • BREAKING: Nigeria Army locates ISWAP rockets launching site

    BREAKING: Nigeria Army locates ISWAP rockets launching site

    The gallant men of the Nigeria Army has unearth the location where ISWAP used to target Air base in Maiduguri and launch several mortal attack on its Citizens

    The terrorists who have been repeatedly humiliated by their failed mortal attack, who recorded little casualty, compare to what they intended.

    The last mortal attack by the terrorists was when the President visits Maidiguri and the terrorists launched attack, which killed unspecified number of civilians

    According to source privy to our correspondent

    “Troops of 73 battalion headed by Lt Col. Yakubu and a CJTF Commander Joint Task Force, conducted clearance OP. Around Mulai, Katapilan, Jeriya, Kulakumu, Duwari, and Katapilan Bimi” The source said

    “They found location used by ISWAP to fired rockets targeting Maiduguri Air Base”. The source added

  • ISWAP moves N18bn annual revenue through Nigeria’s financial system -Buhari, Emefiele and Ahmed

    ISWAP moves N18bn annual revenue through Nigeria’s financial system -Buhari, Emefiele and Ahmed

    President Muhammadu Buhari; CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele; and Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed

    THE Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa, established by the Economic Community of West African States, says Boko Haram splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province, moved about N18bn ($36m) generated from trading and taxing communities in the Lake Chad region through the Nigerian financial system annually.

    The group, set up by ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in 2000, stated that both Boko Haram and ISWAP had continued to mobilise, move and utilise funds through the nation’s formal financial and commercial system.

    It noted that the government lacked adequate insight into Boko Haram and ISWAP international linkages and abuse of the formal financial and commercial sectors.

    It said even though the Department of State Services had significant ability to identify and investigate terrorist financing activity, and that it even conducts parallel financial and terrorism investigation, there was little evidence of the effectiveness of such efforts.

    The group, known as GIABA, stated these in its 2021 Mutual Evaluation Report, where it also noted that Nigeria lacked an explicit policy to confiscate proceeds of crime or property of equivalent value, including terrorism financing.

    It also said the Nigerian government, led by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), failed to confiscate the assets of terrorists as stipulated in the global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards.

    Nigeria has been battling Boko Haram insurgency for about 12 years, during which thousands have been killed, including civilians and soldiers; several persons, including schoolchildren and women, were kidnapped with many still in captivity while millions have been displaced.

    Meanwhile, the GIABA report was adopted by the global financial intelligence agency, Financial Action Task Force, whose recommendations help authorities to go after the money of criminals dealing in illegal drugs, human trafficking and other crimes.

    The report stated, “Boko Haram/ISWAP pose significant TF (Terrorist Financing) risks that are challenging to disrupt, operating in large part outside the formal financial and commercial system in the conflict zone.

    “In these areas, Boko Haram and ISWAP are mainly able to “live off the land” through a variety of means, including kidnapping for ransom, extortion and taxation, raiding and controlling commercial activity.

    “As with other forms of illicit financial activity, the pervasive use of cash enables these groups’ funding. A study estimated ISWAP’s revenues, deemed larger than Boko Haram’s, at up to USD$36m annually, much of it from trading activity and taxation in the Lake Chad region.

    “According to Nigerian authorities, both groups have also continued to mobilise, move and utilise funds through the formal financial and commercial system as well, accounting for a relatively small portion of TF activity. These groups also engage in international trafficking activities and as sworn adherents to the Islamic State, also have links with other regional and global terrorist networks.

    “The authorities believe that any external support from ISIS Core may account for a small portion of ISWAP’s overall revenues. However, trade with broader criminal networks that could extend to regional jihadist organisations appears to generate significant income for both Boko Haram and ISWAP.”

    The Financial Action Task Force assessment noted that the Nigerian authorities did not prioritise terrorism financing investigations, as there were only a few terrorist financing prosecutions and convictions, which do not reflect the country’s risk profile in terrorist financing.

    Notably, no individual, body or corporation has been convicted in Nigeria for funding terrorism since the insurgency started in 2009.

    The Task Force said in the assessment, “Nigeria has a significant but incomplete understanding of its TF (terrorist financing) threats and risks. It lacks adequate insight into Boko/ISWAP’s international linkages and abuse of the formal financial and commercial sector. The authorities do not prioritise TF investigations, as there are only a few TF prosecutions and convictions which do not reflect Nigeria’s TF risk profile.

    “The Department of State Services, Nigeria’s lead counter-terrorism agency, has significant ability to identify and investigate TF activity. It conducts parallel financial investigations in conjunction with terrorism investigations. However, there is little evidence of the effectiveness of such efforts.

    “The content of TF-related Suspicious Transactions Reports submitted to the NFIU (Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit) has not been of demonstrable value, appearing to add little to Nigeria’s CFT (Combating the Financing of Terrorism) efforts. The agency maintained that Nigeria did not demonstrate effective legal and operational frameworks for seeking international cooperation, including for the recovery and repatriation of assets.

    “Nigeria did not demonstrate that it prioritises and provides constructive information or assistance, including adequate, accurate and current basic and beneficial owner information of legal persons promptly.”

    It noted that the nation recently enacted the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, 2019 to streamline processes for mutual legal assistance

    The financial task force observed that the larger commercial banks and those affiliated with international groups have a good understanding of money laundering and terrorism financing risks.

    In contrast, it submitted that the non-bank financial sector such as bureau de change, microfinance banks and insurance intermediaries have a low level of understanding of money laundering and terrorism financing risks, stressing that the level of supervision of registered/licensed forex dealers was not commensurate with the risk of the sector.

    “At the same time, thousands of forex dealers operate informally and are entirely unsupervised,’’ the GIABA report affirmed.

    Already, the Central Bank of Nigeria in July suspended sale of forex to BDCs due to what it termed illegal activities and corrupt tendencies. The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, said Nigeria was the only country selling foreign exchange to BDCs.

    He said the apex bank sustained the practice because of the role the BDCs played in the economy, but that it was disappointing to find that they turned themselves into agents that facilitated graft and corruption in Nigeria, which necessitated their suspension.

    About 400 BDC operators and traders were arrested in Kano, Borno, Abuja, Lagos, Sokoto, Adamawa, Kaduna and Zamfara for alleged money laundering and terrorism financing by security agencies in March while 190 others nabbed for alleged link to terrorism reportedly paid N900m in penalties before they were allowed to return to their business.

    Months after they were apprehended and despite promises by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, the suspects have not been arraigned or prosecuted.

  • BREAKING: ISWAP Abducts Borno Govt Officials

    BREAKING: ISWAP Abducts Borno Govt Officials

    Not fewer than five officials of the Borno State government supervising have been abducted by Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).

    The victims, who were supervising the construction of Chibok-Damboa road, were forcefully taken away on Wednesday.

    The incident occurred near Wovi, a remote village in Chibok Local Government Area.

    A source revealed that one of the abducted staff, a driver, escaped unhurt.

    A top state official confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, “Yes, it is so sad and we are worry about this latest developments.

    “The abductions came as a shocker to us. I can confirm to you that they were abducted this morning.”

    Details later…

  • BREAKING: ISWAP suffers devastating loss in an attempt to attack Damboa

    BREAKING: ISWAP suffers devastating loss in an attempt to attack Damboa

    The Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) suffers devastating attack, when they tried to attack Borno largest local government Damboa

    The aggressive pack of armed terrorists met their ends, when they were intercepted by the Airforce and the ground force of the Nigeria military

    A source noted that:

    The terrorists were first sighted around Mandara Garau Yesterday while converging in large number of trucks. They fled after they sighted the Airforce Jet. Again, they returned this Morning.

    Sources added that they wanted to attack Ex-Militant transit camp in Sabon Gari, Damboa.

    but at each time they tried to infiltrate, they are met by superior forces of the Nigeria Army

  • Buhari mourns Brig. General and three soldiers killed during clash with ISWAP

    President Buhari has expressed his sadness over the death of Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and three soldiers killed during a clash with ISWAP members in Borno state on Thursday evening November 13.

     

    In a statement shared on his Facebook page, President Buhari said he has sent his condolences to the Chief of Staff as well as families of the deceased military officers.

    His statement reads;

     

    ”I am extremely saddened to hear of the demise of Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and three soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice, in a very rare display of gallantry, as they tried to help their compatriots in the war against terrorists.

    Nigeria has lost brave soldiers. I salute their courage. May their souls Rest In Peace. General Zirkusu leaves us sad and devastated. The soldier in him will remain immortal.

    I have asked the Chief of Army Staff to accept my heartfelt condolences and that of the nation, and to convey same to the members of the families of those martyred.

    I pray to the Almighty to give the Armed Forces and the bereaved families the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss.”

  • BREAKING: Brig. General, Others killed as Battle between Military, ISWAP continues in Borno

    BREAKING: Brig. General, Others killed as Battle between Military, ISWAP continues in Borno

    A Brigadier-General of the Nigerian Army has been reportedly shot dead as the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) ambushed him and other personnel in Bulguma, a few kilometers from Askira town in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

    It was learnt that the General, who is yet to be identified, was alongside other soldiers attacked by the terrorist group while they were on their way to Askira Uba town where the military and the ISWAP were exchanging gunfire.

    According to reports, troops of 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok, had mobilised to provide reinforcement in the area following the attack.

  • Troops Exterminate Four ISWAP/Bokoharam At Forward Operating Base In Wulgo, Borno State

    Troops Exterminate Four ISWAP/Bokoharam At Forward Operating Base In Wulgo, Borno State

    From Dauda R PamMaiduguri

    Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in the north east in conjunction with the Cameroonian Defence Force, on October 18,2021 exterminated four terrorists of Islamic state of West Africa/ Bokoharam terrorists, ISWAP/BHTs at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Wulgo, Borno state.

    This was contained in a  statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General, Onyeama Nwachukwu, said the troops successfully foiled an attempted infiltration of the terrorists group into the camp, while on a patrol to dominate their area of responsibility.

    According to the DAPR the troops swiftly responded with overwhelming volume of fire and spontaneous reinforcement from the battalion headquarters, compelling the terrorists to retreat.

    According to him, “Troops immediately carried out a hot pursuit and exploitation after the encounter, along the terrorists’ route of withdrawal and neutralised three BHTs and recovered three AK 47 rifles, six magazines and 50 rounds of 7.62mm special.

    Equally, four ISWAP/BHTs terrorists met their waterloo  around the  151 Battalion location in which the terrorists were burnt beyond recognition, as their Gun truck mounted with Anti Aircraft Guns ran over Vehicle Improvised Explosive Device. 

    “Own troops are currently conducting further exploitation ahead of the location to clear any surviving terrorist”, the statement said.

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, elated with their performance, has commended the efforts of the troops and charged them to remain aggressive and focused, as they dominate their areas of operational responsibility, in order to ensure complete extermination of the terrorists and restore normalcy.

  • INSECURITY: Troops Repel ISWAP Attack On Military

    INSECURITY: Troops Repel ISWAP Attack On Military

    By Muhammad Goronyo, Sokoto

    …..elimates scores of terrorists

    Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji in conjunction with other security agencies, successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic States for West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists and bandits on the Forward Operation Base (FOB) at Burkusuma in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    This was contained in a release signed and issued to newsmen in Sokoto by the army’s Director Information Service, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyer.

    The failed attack, which took place at about 5:30am, 26 September 2021, in the remote border settlement with Niger Republic was swiftly repelled by troops.

    The aggressive operations of troops of the FOB as witnessed in recent months in the North West region, has been a thorn in the flesh of ISWAP and bandits. The attackers came in large numbers using telecom network provided from neighbouring country, capitalised on the lean rear area protection force when the main troops were out conducting offensive operations within their area of responsibility.

    However, the swift reinforcement by own troops helped to counter the attack as many of the ISWAP fighters were eliminated while some scrambled with various degrees of injuries, resulting to their pursuit to Bassira in Niger Republic.

    Unfortunately, there were some level of casualty recorded on the part of own troops during the encounter.

    Meanwhile, Nigerian and Nigerien forces in a collaborative operation are currently trailing the remaining ISWAP fighters. The general security within the FOB and its environs has been stabilized.

  • We Won’t Allow Foreigners Overrun Nigeria – Military

    We Won’t Allow Foreigners Overrun Nigeria – Military

    The Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, says the Nigerian military will not allow the Islamic States West African Province (ISWAP), a foreign terrorist group, to have a strong footing in Nigeria.

    Musa stated this in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday, in Maiduguri

    According to him, ISWAP is a foreign terrorist organisation that is funded by foreign individuals and probably some locals and that they have foreign leadership which means they have no stake in Nigeria.

    “It is very clear that ISWAP are foreigners coming to invade our country which we will never allow to happen.

    “That’s why I want to encourage those of them, especially those members that are with them to pull out and understand that they have no stake in what those guys are doing.

    “They don’t wish the country well they don’t wish themselves well and we will never allow any foreigner step an inch on ground in Nigeria,” he said.

    The theatre commander stated that the military had advised the governments on the need to adopt the system of involving the victims in dialogue on the handling of the surrendered terrorists.

  • Gbajabiamila didn’t compare IPOB, Yoruba Nation Agitators with Boko Haram, ISWAP

    Gbajabiamila didn’t compare IPOB, Yoruba Nation Agitators with Boko Haram, ISWAP

    It has come to the attention of the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives, that some media reports on Wednesday, September 15, claimed that the Speaker, in his welcome address to his colleagues at Wednesday’s plenary, purportedly said IPOB and Yoruba nation agitators are the same with Boko haram.

    In view of the impression created by the said reports, it has become necessary to clarify that the Speaker, in his speech, never mentioned any group.

    For the records, the Speaker said some miscreants and criminals are taking advantage of the separationist agitations to carry their activities.

    Hereunder is what the Speaker said:

    “We must now add to these concerns an emerging threat that presents the same clear and present danger. In the South of Nigeria, East and West, MISCREANTS AND CRIMINALS MASQUERADING AS SEPARATIONIST ACTIVISTS have emerged to wreak havoc, take lives and commit economic sabotage against fellow Nigerians and the state.

    “These people, in their inclination for devastating violence against fellow citizens, their appetite for the destruction of private property, their disruption of academic activities, commerce, and industry, their propensity for defiling institutions of the state, society and community, their refusal to engage in debate, or to consider the possibility of dissenting opinions and alternative viewpoints, are no different from Boko Haram and ISWAP. Given space and time, they will take our nation down the same path of destruction.”

    From the above, there was nowhere that the Speaker mentioned the name of any group. What was conspicuous in the Speaker’s speech was the focus of the activities of MISCREANTS AND CRIMINALS, and its effect on the country.

    The Speaker never condemned secessionists or compared them to terrorists.

    As a matter of fact, the Speaker is not alone on the concern about an apparent emergence of a band of miscreants and criminals as different patriotic Nigerians have expressed similar concerns and even condemned the act of maiming, killing, destruction of property and other criminalities perpetrated by the masqueraders.