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Army Says ‘No Cause For Alarm’ As Explosions Rock Maiduguri

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The army has said there was no need to panic after explosions rocked some communities in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

In a statement signed by spokesperson Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, the army described the attack as a “security breach by suspected Boko Haram (BH) and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists who made futile attempt to maintain potency early this morning, 4 December 2021, with explosions in the outskirt of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.”

The explosions reportedly hit Gomari community and 1,000 Housing Estate in Maiduguri but no deaths were reported.

“This unfortunate incident has caused some level of damage and apprehension in residential areas. Although, no life was lost, sadly a minor sustained injury,” the army said.

“Ground troops in conjunction with the Air Component of OPHK responded swiftly and dominated the area with ground and air interdictions that successfully neutralized the threats and infiltration attempt by the terrorists.

“The general public are urged not to panic as troops are on ground and aggressively dominating the city to effectively take out any perceived threat.

“The good people of Maiduguri are equally enjoined to go about their normal socio economic activities and provide actionable information on the movement of these criminal elements.”

Saturday’s attack comes a day after seven soldiers were reportedly killed by ISWAP jihadists near a base at Rann, close to the Cameroonian border.

In February, at least 17 people were killed and 43 others injured when ISWAP fighters fired multiple rockets on Maiduguri.

The terrorists have also blown up electricity towers on several occasions, plunging the city into darkness for months.

On February 23, 2019, a soldier was killed and 20 others wounded when Boko Haram launched 13 rocket attacks on Maiduguri hours before voting began in Nigeria’s presidential election.

Over 40,000 people have been killed since the Boko Haram insurgency began 12 years ago and more than two million are displaced from their homes.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, visited the scene of the explosions on Saturday and sympathised with those affected.

“It seems the insurgents came very close to the town, the military has to wake up and ensure adequate surveillance,” Zulum said.

This is something that we can avert its occurrence. For the insurgents to have come such close to fire rockets, I think there is something wrong that we should have to check.

“We have to fortify Maiduguri town, we have to ensure adequate patrols on a daily basis to avert future attacks.

“It is very sad and unfortunate we have to witness this kind of attack at this time.”

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Defence and Security

NAF Airstrike Kills 8 Terrorists In Borno

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Airstrike undertaken by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai has killed eight terrorists in Borno State, North-East Nigeria.

The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Cdre Edward Gabkwet, said the aircraft was on armed reconnaissance mission on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 when it took out a guntruck with about eight terrorists at Baranga village in Marte local government area of the State.

He said the strike was carried out when two armed terrorists on a motorcycle along an active track were sighted and trailed to the location.

He said the terrorists after sighting the aircraft, took cover under a thick vegetation.

“Upon engaging the vegetation cover, a gun truck with eight terrorists suddenly appeared, speeding off to evade the attack.

“Subsequently, the gun truck was engaged and destroyed, thus eliminating the terrorists,” he said.

The statement reiterated that remnants of terrorists in the North-East have continued to seek the covers of thick forests and vegetation to evade being detected by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and other security agencies.

He said the strike was yet again a clear indication of the commitment of the AFN towards ensuring terrorists find it difficult to randomly roam about freely attacking law-abiding Nigerians.

 

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Defence and Security

Police kill 3 IPOB Members, Recover Arms In Enugu

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The operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have neutralised three members of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) in their hideouts in Ezioha Mgbowo, Awgu Local Government Area of the state.

The police officers also recovered three pump-action guns, 10 machetes, and other incriminating exhibits.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, who made the disclosure via a statement, said the gunmen were killed at about 2:15 a.m. on Monday, September 18, 2023.

Ndukwe stated: “A joint security team, comprising police operatives of the Enugu State Command, NPF Special Forces, and Troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu, acting on credible intelligence, busted the criminal hideout of IPOB/ESN subversive criminal elements.

“The criminal elements were already perfecting plans to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order in the state.

“Three of the hoodlums, who opened fire on the joint team upon sighting them, were neutralised, while several others escaped with severe degrees of gunshot wounds in the ensuing gunfight.

“There has been an intense manhunt for those on the run.”

He quoted the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, as commending the joint team, assuring the security and safety of citizens and urging them to go about their lawful businesses in the state.

The commissioner reiterated the commitment of the police and other security forces to sustain the onslaught against unrepentant violent criminals operating under any guise, urging the people of Enugu State to report individuals sighted with gunshot wounds to the nearest police station.

“The good people of Enugu State should remain law-abiding and continue to provide the police with actionable security information and intelligence,” Uzuegbu said.

 

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Defence and Security

Ember months: We’re working to prevent security threats – Police

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The Police command in Bauchi State has placed operatives and residents on high alert for possible security threat at ember months in the state.

This is contained in a statement by the command’s spokesperson,  SP Ahmed Wakil made available to newsmen on Saturday in Bauchi.

He said the command is working closely with sister security agencies to ensure that no one or group of persons succeeded in destabilising the peace enjoyed at ember months in the state.

“The command identified herders’/farmers’ feud and communal clashes, armed robbery, kidnapping and abduction as some of the crimes it is working hard to prevent.

“Road traffic accidents, stealing of farm produce and mischief as well as youths’ restiveness amongst others as potential security threats for the ember months season.

“We,  therefore,  notify the public of the proactive security measures which everyone is required to adhere to and enhance general safety and security in the state,” he said.

The spokesman called on the respective organs to refrain from acts of mischief or any acts that could lead to the breakdown of law and order and public peace.

He also advised farmers to evacuate their farm produce in good time before herders begin  grazing freely and it might  degenerate into the aforementioned.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Muhammad reiterated  that the command’s  relentless efforts toward ensuring a crime-free society in our beloved state will never be halted.

“The CP re-emphasises that community engagement in crime prevention, management and control, it is the desired goals and our primary mandate to protect lives and property amongst others.

“The proactive measures came up following  Credible Intelligence and analysis of security threats identified by the command,”  the spokesperson said.

Wakil  advised perpetrators of crime and criminality to vacate the state or face the danger and consequences that came their way

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