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  • ISWAP Leader, Al-Barnawi, Killed

    ISWAP Leader, Al-Barnawi, Killed

    Leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abu Musab Al-Barnawi has been killed in Borno State.

    He was reportedly killed in the last week of August, this year.

    Al-Barnawi was the son of Boko Haram founder, Mohammed Yusuf who was also killed by security forces in 2009 when he launched a war against the Nigerian state.

    More than one thousand people died during the uprising.

    In 2016, the Islamic State (IS) militant group announced Al-Barnawi as the leader of its West African affiliate, Boko Haram, which was hitherto led by Abubakar Shekau.

    Shekau took over as the group’s leader after the death of Mohammed Yusuf.

    Before his dethronement, Shekau had sworn allegiance to IS in March 2015 and had killed thousands of people and destroyed countless communities during his reign of terror that extended up to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    His dislodgement in 2016 heralded the rise of the relatively young Al-Barnawi as ISWAP leader and at the same time, the split of the terrorist group into two factions.

    It was reported that ISIS partly chose Al-Barnawi as leader in the Lake Chad region in order to punish Shekau who reportedly “violated all known norms” and to also retain the confidence of Boko Haram fighters who were loyal to his father, Yusuf, amid threats from other factional groups.

    Al-Barnawi was also said to have been trained by ISIS for years ahead of his ascension to power.

    Shekau, who was declared wanted by the United States with a price on his head, had led the Boko Haram faction with solid footing around the Sambisa forest and part of the Mandara Mountains bordering the Cameroon Republic.

    On the other hand, Al-Barnawi sustained vicious attacks especially on military facilities and troops in the Lake Chad region while at the same time strategising on how to subdue Shekau.

    He controlled large swathes of territory in Northern Borno, imposed taxes on the local population and earned serious income from fishing asides from the financial and material support he got from ISIS.

    Al-Barnawi’s fighters had also destroyed many military super camps in Dikwa, Monguno, Abadam and Marte in Borno; and other military facilities around Geidam in Yobe State.

    He equally established many cells on the Lake Chad islands and surrounding villages from where his fighters launched attacks on Nigeria, Niger and Chad.

    His death in August, after that of Shekau in May 2021, was seen as a turning point in the war against terror even as security experts had called for sustained offensive towards decimating the two rival groups to have a lasting peace after twelve years of uncertainty and carnage.

    They said despite the massive surrender by Boko Haram fighters, nothing should be taken for a ride because there are many fighters who still believe in the course they are pursuing and could recover lost grounds if they get the slightest opportunity.

  • Surrendered Boko Haram, ISWAP terrorists beg Nigerians for Forgiveness

    Surrendered Boko Haram, ISWAP terrorists beg Nigerians for Forgiveness

    Members of the Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, terrorist groups who recently surrendered to the Nigerian Army in the North have begged Nigerians to forgive them of their activities as terrorists.

    Among those who surrendered is the alleged chief bomb expert of the terrorists known as Musa Adamu, a.k.a Mala Musa Abuja, and his second-in-command, Usman Adamu, also called Abu Darda, along with their families in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

    During the reception ceremony, some of the top commanders of the terrorist group displayed placards soliciting forgiveness from Nigerians.

    Some of the placards carried inscriptions such as “Nigerians please forgive us”, “surrender and be freed”, “Borno State remains the home of peace”.

    In a statement issued by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, on Monday, the surrendered terrorists and their families numbered 335 fighters, 746 adult women and children including one of the abducted Chibok girls.

    According to the statement, the acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Brigadier General Abdulwahab Adelokun Eyitayo, received the repentant terrorists at Headquarters 21 Special Armoured Brigade Bama in Borno State.

    SEE PHOTOS;

  • Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters surrender to troops

    Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters surrender to troops

    Troops of 202 Battalion have taken custody of eight Boko Haram Insurgents and their families, comprising 10 adult females and 22 children, who surrendered to troops at Ruwaza village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno state.

    In a similar development, troops of Forward Operational Base (FOB) operating along Bocobs- Bama road have arrested 20 Boko Haram fighters and their families, who surrendered to troops at Nbewa village, also in Bama Local Government Area of Borno state. The surrendering families of the insurgents comprised 15 adult females and 26 children. The suspects all surrendered to the troops, during clearance operations in the areas on 29 July, 2021 following ongoing intense clearance operations by troops in the general areas.

    The children among the surrendering suspects have been vaccinated with polio vaccines, while the adult and female suspects, who have been documented and screened are currently undergoing preliminary investigations.

    In a separate operation, troops of 73 Battalion, Forward Operating Base (FOB) in conjunction with combined team of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and Hunters have intercepted a Boko Haram Terrorists Logisitics Supplier during a fighting patrol along Molai – Damboa Road. On being alerted, the combined team swiftly mobilised and stormed the location, where they arrested the suspect, while he was perfecting plans to deliver logistics to the insurgents in the forest.

    Items recovered from the suspect include a vehicle, 4 jerry cans of 30 Litres of PMS, one 4 Litre gallon of engine oil, one motorcycle pump, one oil treatment, one torch light, one mosquito net, two praying mats, two blankets, four Spanners, 10 packets of 1.5v battery and three dozens of diamond rubber solution. Others are five packets of candies, five packets of seasoning and measures of other food stuff.

  • Troops massacred Over 20 BokoHaram/ISWAP Terrorists

    Troops massacred Over 20 BokoHaram/ISWAP Terrorists

    Nigerian Army troops of Sector 2 Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI in conjunction with the Air Task Force on Sunday 20 June 2021 inflicted heavy casualty on Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) Terrorist groups who were camping around Wartek in the general area of Lambom Forest.

    Acting on credible intelligence, the troops with close air support from the Nigerian Air Task Force component swiftly carried out a simultaneous land and air offensive, penetrating deep into Lambom forest in Borno state.

    “The troops overran the position of the terrorists with a heavy volume of fire from both land and air, killing over 20 insurgents,” army spokesman, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu stated in a communique early on Monday.

    The troops also captured heavy fire weapons and arms, including three Anti Aircraft Guns, three AK 47 Rifles, and two Gun Trucks, aside from two other Gun Trucks that were destroyed by the troops.

    General Nwachukwu disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Major General Faruk Yahaya has congratulated the troops for the successful conduct of the operation.

    The COAS enjoined the troops to sustain the ongoing offensive under Operation HADIN KAI, until the insurgents are completely surmounted.

    He reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army under his leadership to bring terrorism and insurgency to an end in the North East.

    In a similar vein, troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) deployed at the Forward Operational Base (FOB) of 152 Battalion, Kumshe in Borno State have on Sunday, foiled an attempted attack by Boko Haram terrorists.

    The terrorists mounted on four gun trucks and several motorcycles attempted to infiltrate and attack the camp through the northern part of the troops’ deployment but were met with fierce fire by the highly alert troops, resulting in the instant killing of six terrorists.

    Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

    According to Nwachukwu, the troops, who remained dogged and sustained heavy gunfire on the terrorists during the encounter, routed and forced the terrorists to flee in total disarray, leading to the capture of six AK 47 Rifles, one handheld grenade, assorted drugs, and other first aid items.

    Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Major General Faruk Yahaya was at the Theatre Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) on his maiden operational visit to the Theatre from 16-19 June to assess the operational and welfare state of the troops.

    During his visit to the hospitals, he assured troops of adequate medicare and support in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

    The COAS gave the assurances on Friday, 18 June 2021 when he visited the 7 Division Hospital and University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) to commiserate with the sick and wounded in action troops recuperating at the medical facilities.

    The COAS also prayed for their speedy recovery.

    While at the hospital, the COAS took time to interact with the soldiers and assured them of proper medical care and welfare, adding that their medical care is of utmost importance to him.

    He averred that the nation is indeed proud of the soldiers’ selfless service and sacrifices towards restoring peace to the North East region.

  • Boko Haram, ISWAP No Longer Has Authority Over Any Territory – Maj. Gen. Enenche

    Boko Haram, ISWAP No Longer Has Authority Over Any Territory – Maj. Gen. Enenche

    The Coordinator Defence Media Operations, Major-General John Enenche has said that Boko Haram insurgents no longer have authority over any part of the country, especially in the northeast where the insurgents once had a stronghold.

    Speaking on Channel Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Enenche explained that what the country now has are remnants and a weakened enemy (Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters).

    “They are moving from bush to enclave and enclave to bush and no longer have any authority or sovereignty on any territory in the northeast and by extension, to Nigeria,” he said.

    The comments come on the same day that the nation marked the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, in honour of the fallen heroes of the military.

    While the nation continues to record some successes in its insurgency war, many have faulted the government’s claims of its success, even as many, including frontline officers have had to pay the supreme price.

    Still, the government has severally reiterated that the insecurity fight under the current administration has been far more progressive than in previous governments.

    General Enenche also restated this position on Friday, noting that “the Armed Forces of Nigeria made a lot of progress last year in the area of packaging itself to further the defense of this country.”

    “As of 2015 before this administration came on board, at least 17 and 20 local governments were strongholds of the insurgents… by 2016 the whole of the northeast was recaptured and the government took back full authority,” he said.

  • Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists succumb to military onslaught in NE –DHQ

    Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists succumb to military onslaught in NE –DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters says more Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have continued to succumb to the superior tactics and fire power of the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in the North East.

    The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, in a statement on Wednesday, said that the troops had increased the tempo of clearance operations in the theatres of operations.

    Enenche disclosed that the troops of Army Super Camp 11 Gamboru in Borno effectively cleared Kusumu and Warshele Villages which appeared to be the terrorists’ logistics base on June 14.

    He added that the troops also neutralised 13 terrorists in an encounter at Kumo, Diime and Sabori where some marauding Boko Haram criminals were hibernating.

    According to him, after the encounter, the troops captured 21 locally made guns, two Dane guns, one Sniper Rifle, one 36 Hand Grenade, one Improvised Explosive Device Bomb and two Boko Haram flags.

    “Other captured items include five cutlasses, one digger, one spear, five bicycles, three motorcycles, five carts, two loud hailers and one Lister generator.

    “The troops equally rescued 32 captives comprising 16 women and 16 children,” he said.

    Enenche also disclosed that the troops made contact with a band of Boko Haram logistics couriers attempting to cross from the Mandara Mountains to Banki axis along Pulka – Bokko – Kirawa Road.

    He added that two terrorists were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot wounds, adding troops recovered four bicycles and bags of grains from the fleeing insurgents.

    According to Enenche, same troops in conjunction with elements of Civilian Joint Task Force on June 10, successfully ambushed and neutralised three terrorists dressed in foreign military camouflage uniform along Pulka – Firgi – Banki Junction – Sabsawa.

    He said that the troops also captured two AK47 Rifles loaded with magazines, one Rocket Propelled Gun, one Rocket Propelled Grenade bomb, five extra magazines, 45 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one Hand Grenade, one Honda motorcycle, one cell phone and First Aid kits.

    The coordinator further disclosed that troops of 151 Task Force Battalion neutralised one terrorist and one other captured alive at Miyanti in Bama Local Government Area.

    He added that the troops of 117 Task Force Battalion in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force killed one terrorist in an ambush against elements of Boko Haram criminals’ logistics couriers at Gwagwamdi in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno.

    According to him, the troops captured one AK 47 Rifle, two AK 47 Rifle magazines, 27 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 8 bicycles and bags of foodstuff and clothing materials.

    “Additionally, a Toyota Starlet vehicle belonging to the insurgents was burnt during the fire fight.

    “Also on the same day, the combined troops of 242 Battalion, Sector 3 Quick Response Force and elements of Strong Response Area Gajiram while on fighting patrol encountered Boko Haram criminals mounted on three Gun Trucks at Jilgata.

    “In the process, the gallant troops eliminated five of the terrorists and recovered four AK 47 Rifles.

    “One Malam Hassan Bukar earlier abducted by the Boko Haram criminals was rescued while one Toyota Land Cruiser jeep was also recovered by the troops.

    “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai commended the troops for their resilience and patriotism in crushing the remnants of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province criminals.

    “He urged them to maintain the tempo as we approach the end of insurgency in the Country.

    “Equally, the High Command of the Nigerian Military appreciates troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE for their unwavering commitment in the Theatre,” he said. (NAN)

  • Nigerian troops neutralise ISWAP leaders, destroy its structures in Borno

    Nigerian troops neutralise ISWAP leaders, destroy its structures in Borno

    The Defence Headquarters says that several leaders of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and fighters have been neutralised in a successful air interdiction mission by Nigerian forces at Alinwa in Borno.
    The Acting-Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig.-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
    Onyeuko added that the air strike also destroyed the dwellings of the terrorists as they gathered for meetings in a cluster of settlements West of Alinwa on the Lake Chad green fringes in Northern Borno on Wednesday.
    He disclosed that the feat was achieved during the ongoing subsidiary Operation Decisive Edge.
    According to him, the air strike was executed on the heels of impeccable intelligence reports, indicating that some top ISWAP Commanders with their fighters and designated suicide bombers had assembled at the location for meetings.
    The meeting was aimed at orchestrating coordinated attacks against a number of targets in Borno and environs.
    “Operation Lafiya Dole therefore dispatched its fighter jets to the location, recording devastating hits on many of the structures housing the ISWAP leaders and fighters, destroying them and neutralising their occupants.
    “The Nigerian military will continue to sustain the offensive against the enemies of our nation.
    “The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, enjoins the troops of OPLD to maintain the momentum” he said. (NAN)

  • NAF destroys ISWAP training camp in Borno

    NAF destroys ISWAP training camp in Borno

    Abuja, Feb. 17, 2020 The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has destroyed an Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) training camp at Kirta Wulgo on the fringes of the Lake Chad in Northern Borno.

    Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    Daramola said the operation was conducted on Sunday through the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole.

    He explained that the feat was achieved in air strikes conducted on Feb. 16, on the heels of credible intelligence reports as well as series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

    Daramola said the ISR missions had established that some structures within the settlement were being used by the terrorists to house and train their fighters.

    “Accordingly, the ATF dispatched an enhanced force package of attack aircraft to engage the identified locations within the settlement. The fighter jets took turns attacking the target area in successive passes taking out the training facilities,’’ he said.

    The spokesman said the NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, would sustain its air campaign to shape the battle space in the North East for the effective conduct of further ground and air operations.

  • Terrorists killed as NAF destroys ISWAP hideout in Borno

    Terrorists killed as NAF destroys ISWAP hideout in Borno

    The Nigerian Air Force, Director, Public Relations and information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said NAF had destroyed compounds housing Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists in Kaza, Ngala Local Government, Borno.

    Daramola said in a statement on Friday in Abuja, that the Air Force achieved this through the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

    He said the airstrike was executed on February 5 following intelligence reports that some ISWAP members who relocated from nearby Tongule have settled in the area.

    According to him, the reports show that some ISWAP elements have set up camps in a cluster of compounds in Kaza, along with their logistics suppliers.

    “The identified location within the settlement was attacked by the ATF’s fighter jets after confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions, showed a significant presence of terrorists.

    “This resulted in the destruction of the structures and the neutralisation of some of the ISWAP fighters,” he said.

    Daramola said NAF and surface forces will sustain air campaign to shape the battlespace in the North East for the effective conduct of further ground and air operations.

  • ISWAP kills three soldiers, seizes two military vehicles in Borno

    ISWAP kills three soldiers, seizes two military vehicles in Borno

    Islamic State-affiliated jihadists have killed three Nigerian soldiers and seized two military vehicles in an attack in violence-wracked northeastern Borno state, security sources and residents said Monday.

    Fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province, stormed into the town of Askira late Friday in a dozen pickup trucks fitted with machine guns, leading to clashes with troops and local vigilantes.

    “Our men repelled the terrorists but we lost three soldiers and two trucks,” a military official said, adding that the insurgents suffered “heavy casualties”, without giving a toll.

    Vigilante Adamu Galadima said an ambush was laid for the jihadists following information they were heading to the town.

    “It was an intense fight and they were forced to withdraw. Three soldiers were killed and five residents were injured by stray bullets,” he said.

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    Another vigilante, Peter Malgwui, said the retreating jihadists raided Kilangar village, 15 kilometres (10 miles) away, looting drugs from a clinic and burning it.

    On Sunday, ISWAP released a statement claiming it killed seven Nigerian troops and seized three vehicles in the Askira attack.

    ISWAP, which split from the Boko Haram jihadist group in 2016, has focused on targeting military installations and troops since mid-2018.

    Askira Uba district, which lies near Boko Haram’s Sambisa forest stronghold, has witnessed repeated jihadist attacks.

    The decade-long violence has killed 36,000 people in the northeast and displaced around two million from their homes, creating a dire humanitarian crisis.

    The conflict has spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military response to combat the jihadist groups.