Hon Lawan expresses his gratitude to God, the Governor of Borno state, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, party chairman Hon Ali Bukar Dalori, and his colleagues for electing him as Speaker of the Borno House of Assembly for the fourth time.
He promises to fulfill his role diligently.
When asked about his plans for the 10th Assembly, Hon Lawan mentions two critical legislative bills that he and his colleagues find essential for the state’s development.
The first bill aims to protect forests and promote afforestation to combat deforestation and desertification caused by the illicit activities of wood sellers.
The second bill focuses on preserving local culture by introducing the teaching of major local languages in primary and secondary schools in Borno state.
Hon Lawan also highlights the Borno Assembly’s contributions to the fight against Boko Haram, such as passing the law that created the Borno Youth Empowerment Scheme (BOYES) and supporting the establishment of Borno State University and other educational institutions.
Despite these efforts, Hon Lawan’s local government area, Nganzai, remains inaccessible due to Boko Haram’s presence. He urges the federal government to help restore normalcy in Nganza so that displaced residents can return to their homes and livelihoods.
Finally, Hon Lawan praises the cordial relationship between the executive and legislature, attributing it to their shared political party and the governor’s support.
Shocking news about the sad death of Chief Raymond Dokpesi has reached our news desk.
His death begins to trend on social media in the past hours.
His son, Raymond Dokpesi (Jnr) confirmed the news in a press statement he signed.
He said High Chief Raymond Aleogho Anthony Dokpesi, the Ezomo of Weppa-Wanno Kingdom, has passed away on May 29th, 2023.
The news of his demise has left many in deep sadness and with heavy hearts.
“He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many who will be dearly missed.”
“High Chief Dokpesi was not only a family man but a respected and accomplished businessman, a pioneer in the media industry, and a philanthropist who dedicated his life to the service of his country and community. His contributions have impacted the lives of many, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
“The Dokpesi family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this difficult time.”
The family request everyone keep them in their thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of their patriarch. They also ask for privacy as they grieve together as a family.
The passing of High Chief Dokpesi is a great loss to the country and the community he served. He was a man of great distinction and honor, who will be remembered as an outstanding leader and a role model for many. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
One soldier was wounded as the Troops of Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) eliminated three Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists during a clearance operation on the fringes of Lake Chad on May 28.
The injured personnel was airlifted to the Military hospital in Maiduguri for medical attention.
According to intelligence sources, the terrorists were neutralized by the troops of 86 Battalion in the fringes of Malam Fatori in Borno’s Abadam Local Government Area. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the terrorists after the encounter.
Zagazola Makama, a Counter-Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in Lake Chad, confirmed the incident, stating that the troops have dealt a significant blow to the ISWAP terrorists’ nefarious activities in the region.
Insecurity in Nigeria’s Northeast region continues to worsen as reports emerge of yet another kidnapping by suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
On Saturday, May 27, four firewood truck drivers were abducted near Ngwom village in Mafa local government. Mafa is about 50 km east of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state.
The drivers reportedly conveyed laborers, mostly wood fellers and loaders, to the bush when armed terrorists intercepted them.
The terrorists approached the drivers under the guise of needing their services to convey their members to a nearby village. However, the drivers and their passengers were soon taken hostage by the terrorists.
“When we tried to plead with them for mercy, one of them said we should leave immediately,” said one of the laborers, identified only as Abba.
“We were lucky because they have reviewed their policy of targeting poor laborers for kidnapping.”
However, the drivers did not return, and later two of the gunmen appeared and informed the laborers that the four drivers had been kidnapped and wouldn’t be released until each of them paid a ransom of N250,000 (about $500).
The source said the kidnapped drivers were Rawana, Isa, Ba’ana, and Bashir.
This latest incident highlights the growing threat of kidnappings by terrorist groups in the region, which has become a significant concern for the government and citizens.
ISWAP has recently turned to kidnappings of vulnerable villagers, mostly poor IDPs, for petty ransom. This enterprise runs daily and generates revenue for the terrorists.
“Families of the victims are hesitant to report to the police because they often resort to secret crowdfunding to raise the necessary ransom money. The terrorists have threatened to carry out violence if the relatives fail to deliver the money on time,” a local security source, Babangida Musa, said.
Nigerian Army troops have recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) insurgents in Sambisa Forest, Borno State.
The discovery was made during the ongoing counter-terrorist operation, Operation Desert Sanity II, when troops invaded the Ukuba camp on May 13.
The armory contained many weapons and ammunition, including anti-aircraft guns, AK 47 rifles, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) making materials.
This discovery comes almost two weeks after the troops raided the same camp and recovered several weapons and a Hilux vehicle mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun.
Nigerian Army troops discovered a cache of weapons concealed in hidden dug pits by the terrorist group ISWAP, according to intelligence sources.
Experts revealed that the recovered weapons included several variants of Rocket Propelled Grenade Tubes, SMG Rifle, Double Barrel guns, 50 hand grenade bombs, 5 SMK bombs, and other dangerous weapons. The troops also recovered Non-electric detonators, IEDs-making materials, prepared IEDs, and canister bombs.
One terrorist was neutralized, and one AK47 rifle and other items were recovered. Troops successfully evacuated the arms, and their morale and fighting spirit were boosted.
The Nigerian Army’s counter-terrorist operations have weakened the militants’ ability to carry out their activities. Operation Desert-lake-mountain II, which started on April 27, has steadily progressed in the Sambisa-Timbuktu Triangle and Lake Chad shores.
Troops have killed scores of militants and forced others to flee. Recent successful operations have cleared terrorist hideouts, including Garno, Alafa, Alafa D, Garin Doctor, Njumia, Izzah, Farisu, Somalia, Ukuba, Garin Glucose, Garin Ba’aba, and Bula Abu Amir, dealing a massive blow to their activities.
The recovered cache of munitions
The Nigerian Army’s successful recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition from ISWAP insurgents in Sambisa Forest, plus clearance of several terrorist hideouts, has boosted troops’ morale and fighting spirit.
The Army’s commitment to ensuring citizens’ safety and security is evident. These victories are commendable, and the people of Nigeria appreciate the Army’s dedication, bravery, and unwavering commitment to ending insurgency in the country.
Reporting on the same development earlier, Zagazola Makama, a popular commentator on the ongoing insecurity in the Lake Chad region, said Nigeria troops have been “making steady inroads as ground and air support continue to sustain pressure on the terrorists.
“The troops have killed scores of militants, while many others have been forced to flee.”
The Nigerien army said it has intercepted around 1,400 Boko Haram militants who were fleeing to Niger after clashing with rival jihadist group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), with around 30 of them being killed.
The army caught the followers, mostly women and children, who were trying to reach the marshlands of Lake Chad, known to be a bolthole for jihadists.
The movement was first detected on March 7th, while walking along the Kamadougou Yoge River, which marks the border between Nigeria and Niger.
Six days later, Nigerien troops in a regional anti-jihadist task force killed 20 militants and arrested 83 others.
The southeastern region of Diffa, which has borne the brunt of jihadist attacks over the years, has been relatively calm since the beginning of 2023.
However, rebels have planted landmines that continue to claim lives.
France has pledged a €6.9 million aid package to provide life-saving assistance to two million people facing malnutrition and food insecurity in the North East of Nigeria.
Emmanuelle Blatmann, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, announced the package during her visit to the Muna IDP Camp clinic in Borno State.
The funds will be used to address severe acute malnutrition and food shortages in the region through the World Food Programme.
Ambassador Blatmann stressed the importance of the aid package in providing relief to the most vulnerable populations in the area. This contribution is a significant step towards addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the North East of Nigeria, where millions have been displaced.
The Ambassador expressed concern for malnourished children during her visit to the Muna IDP Camp clinic in Borno State. She reiterated France’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region and providing life-saving assistance to those in need.
In addition to the €6.9 million aid package, Ambassador Blatmann revealed that France had financed 28 projects worth €21 million in the region over the last three years, reaching over one million people and addressing various needs such as food security and health.
Mothers and their malnourished child at a WFP treatment clinic in Muna IDP camp
Ambassador Blatmann stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing the multiple drivers of the conflict in the region, including hunger, insecurity, and climate change. She pledged France’s continued investment in the area to improve the lives of vulnerable people.
The Ambassador also highlighted an initiative by France, the World Food Programme, and other partners to mitigate the impact of the crisis in Ukraine on access to food for vulnerable and displaced people in Borno State. This initiative showcases France’s commitment to working with international partners to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Blatmann o has refuted claims of donor fatigue and decreasing humanitarian assistance by announcing their increased contributions to Nigeria.
“We often hear about donor fatigue and humanitarian assistance going down, so I am here to prove that for France, it is the opposite,” she said.
She said France had already front-loaded three million euros to the World Food Programme to address hunger and malnutrition in the region.
Falmata, a mother of twins, said her children were treated for moderate malnourishment at the clinic operated by WFP
“This contribution showcases France’s commitment to helping the affected population and collaborating with the government and UN agencies. The funding will support those in need and demonstrate solidarity with the region.
According to David Stevenson, the WFP Country Director, the organisation will aid 2.1 million people under the humanitarian response plan.
“The plan focuses on children, providing food supplements to the mothers of malnourished children and helping nursing mothers learn nutrition techniques,” he said.
Stevenson emphasised the WFP’s dedication to meeting the needs of conflict victims in the North East. The collaboration between France, the WFP, and other partners is crucial in tackling the region’s humanitarian crisis and giving life-saving support to those affected.
The tenure of the outgoing Managing Director of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Mohammed Goni Alkali, has come to an end, and it’s remarkable how time flies.
Mr Alkali and his team of board members will on Sunday, March 8, 2023 serve their last as the highest decision making officials of the Commission.
Although expected, Alkali’s exit felt sudden, as his tenure was a mixed bag.
During his time, the agency made significant strides in addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East region of Nigeria.
Observers agree that the new commission made massive strides over the past four years.
While the agency made significant strides, criticisms of mismanagement and corruption have also been raised at some points. . However, none of these allegations have been verified with concrete evidence.”
As the new board takes over, Nigerians will be looking for a leadership team that is committed to transparency and accountability, building on the gains made by the outgoing MD, and ensuring sustainable development and peace in the region.
The success of the new board of the NEDC will be judged on its ability to deliver on these expectations.
At least two members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) were killed and several others were injured in a vehicle accident on Tuesday evening along the highways leading to the Sambisa forest, sources said.
Zagazola Makama, a popular counterinsurgency commentator in the Lake Chad region has also reported this via his verified twitter handle.
BNB Online learnt that the accident involved a Toyota Hilux truck carrying ISWAP terrorists in Galmasku village which was moving at a neck breaking speed, apparently to escape Nigerian troops onslaught
One of the tyres of the over speeding truck exploded and caused the vehicle to overturn repeatedly.
Eyewitnesses said the ISWAP fighters immediately evacuated the dead and injured to a nearby village, Shettima Abor.
The deputy governor of Borno state, Usman Kadafur, has identified poverty and single-minded allegiance to religious clerics by the uneducated populace as major contributing factors to the Boko Haram-induced insecurity in the region.
Kadafur explained that the people’s unreasonable reliance on some of the skewed teachings of clerics, without exposure to opposing views or access to alternative sources of knowledge, has fueled extremism in the state.
He noted that the majority of individuals in rural areas of Borno lack basic education, leaving them vulnerable to skewed religious teachings propagated by traditional clerics.
Kadafur’s statements highlight the urgent need for increased access to education as a means of promoting religious tolerance and countering extremist ideologies and even globalization.
The deputy governor made this comment while hosting executive intelligence management course (EIMC) from the Nigeria Institute for Security Studies, syndicate-3, who were in the state on a study tour.
Visiting members of syndicate-3, who are among 89 participants in an ongoing ten-month EIMC, were welcomed to the state by Mr. Kadafur.
The deputy governor praised the group’s visit, while hoping that their tour of assignment in the state would bring about solutions that would further supports the state’s post-insurgency recovery programme. He also highlighted the state government’s investment in the security sector over the past four years, which he said has resulted in the attainment of relative peace in the region.
Kadafur emphasized two key achievements of the state government: the formulation of a 25-year development plan and a ten-year strategic action plan, which serve as guides for post-insurgency programs.
“Our people are, by default, very religious,” Kadafur explained.
“Islam came to Borno centuries before it reached many other parts of Africa. As a result, our people tend to give more weight to the words of religious clerics than even those of their parents.”
The deputy governor’s comments highlight the importance of recognizing the cultural and religious context of Borno state when addressing security challenges and promoting social development. However, he noted that many people in the state lack access to education and are therefore susceptible to misguided teachings from religious clerics.
To address this trend, he said his boss, Governor Babagana Zulum, has invested in education and provided displaced individuals with opportunities for economic activity as they return to their ancestral homes.
These efforts are in line with the state’s 25-year development plan, which includes the successful return of internally displaced persons to their communities.
By prioritizing education and economic opportunities, the Borno state government is working to address root causes of conflict and promote long-term stability and prosperity in the region. This approach recognizes the importance of addressing underlying social and economic issues in addition to security concerns.
According to Adamu Abdul Shehu, a top official of the Institute, 15 participants from Syndicate 3 of the Executive Intelligence Management Courses team were in the state to engage with key stakeholders and gain a better understanding of the root cause of conflict.
Syndicate 3 is a part of the class of 89 participants enrolled in this year’s course of the EIMC. The remaining 74 participants are currently on study tours of five northern states in Nigeria, namely Kaduna, Kebbi, and Nasarawa.
Shehu explained that the participants are drawn from 35 agencies in Nigeria, as well as four African countries – Gambia, Niger Republic, Chad, and Rwanda. They are undergoing a 10-month course at the National Institute, which will lead to the award of Fellow Security Institute (FSI) if they are found worthy in character and learning.
He said the purpose of the course is to impact on the participants the required knowledge to address the dynamic and complex security challenges in the respective countries as well as foster interagency cooperation and international cooperation.
He said the theme of the cause for this year is Globalization And Regional Economic Integration; Implication For Sustainable Development In Africa.
As part of the requirement for the award of FSI, the participants will undertake local, state, regional, and world tours.
The leader of the delegation and a deputy director at the Institute, Ogbeshe, informed the syndicates would be visiting another six selected states in the south with the hope of assessing the situation, doing a peer review, and then making a comparison of their findings to produce a document that would prefer a better solution on how to improve the security to promote globalization.
“At the end of this, we will compile our findings and make a comprehensive presentation in an occasion which his excellency would be invited to witness and judge what we feel can be done better than what is going on right now.”
Bay States News 