Jonathan visits Mubi, Baga hails soldiers

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday made a surprise visit to some territories recently recovered from members of the Boko Haram sect by the Nigerian troops in Adamawa and Borno states.

The Presidency in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, described the visit, that took Jonathan to Mubi in Adamawa State and Baga in Borno State among others, as an on-the-spot assessment of efforts of the military and morale booster for the troops.

According to Abati, in the two towns recently recovered, Jonathan, who was dressed in full military camouflage, applauded the Nigerian troops for proving their mettle once again through the rapid recapture of the territories formerly held by insurgents in the country’s north-eastern states.

After Troops Recapture Mubi Town From Boko Haram, Life Returns

See more pics after the cut...

Photos: World’s Largest Ship Is Being Constructed In South Korea

See more photos after the cut...

See Boko Haram members captured in Chad

Graphic photo from Kano Motor park blast

See another photo(very graphic photo) after the cut...

UPDATE : 17 dead, 27 injured in Yobe bus blast –

At least 17 people were killed on Tuesday when a blast ripped through a bus in Potiskum, northeast Nigeria, witnesses and rescue workers said, in the latest violence to hit the troubled region.

The explosion happened at the Tashar Dan-Borno motor park on the outskirts of the city immediately after a man put a bag in the boot of the bus and then tried to board.

“The bus had just loaded with passengers on its way to Kano when a huge explosion happened inside the bus at exactly 11:40 am (1040 GMT),” said a driver’s union official at the bus station.

Potiskum, the commercial capital of Yobe state, has been hit repeatedly by bombings, including on Sunday, when a young girl with explosives strapped to her body blew up at a crowded market.

Suicide Bomber Kills 18 People At Yobe Bus Station

A suicide bomber detonated an explosive today at a crowded bus station in Potiskum Yobe state killing 18 people and injuring at 30 according to hospital sources in the area.

Photo Of Nigerian Soldiers Interrogating The Terrorist Who Disguised As A Woman

See another photo after the cut...

10 Year Old Nigerian Girl Accepted In Uk University To Study Maths Degree

Is this Britain's cleverest girl?
Ten-year-old is accepted on university course to study maths degree despite not going to school

Esther Okade from Walsall has enrolled on Open University course
After degree she wants to study for PhD before running her own bank
Girl's younger brother Isiah is already studying for A-levels aged six
Siblings are both home-schooled by mathematician mother Omonefe

21 Million Nigerians Have Mental Problems- Experts

This disclosure was made by the Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital (FNH),Yaba, Lagos, Rahman Lawal.

21 million Nigerians are currently living with psychiatric disorders, according to an expert.
This disclosure was made by the Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital (FNH),Yaba, Lagos, Rahman Lawal.

Dr. Lawal also spoke, in an interview with ThisDay, on the misconceptions surrounding mental illnesses in Nigeria and the incessant strikes by medical professionals in the country.

Military Releases Video Of Boko Haram Enclaves’ Air Bombardment

The military in Nigeria has released a video of air bombardment of the enclaves of the members of the Boko Haram terrorist group in the north-east, as it continues operations to reclaim areas under the control of the terrorists.

The video released on Monday showed people running in different directions and the aerial bombardment of a community believed to be the hideout of members of the sect.

Spokesman for the military, Major General Chris Olukolade, said the Air Force had stepped up air operations, having identified targets in Gwoza, Bama and Sambisa forest, preparatory to other phases of the mission.

Boko Haram burns military camp in Yobe town

Suspected members of Boko Haram sect yesterday attacked a military camp in Ngelzarma town of Yobe state, burning the military camp as well as a trailer load of grains meant for traders in the town.

According to Daily Trust, the sect members arrived the town at about 4pm and started shooting sporadically into the air. A security source who doesn't want to be named said that the attackers came in a very large number.

Troops Urged to Capture Shekau Alive

Following the spate of recent successes recorded by troops against boko haram insurgents in the north eastern parts of the country, Nigerian troops have been put on red alert for any insurgents’ leader bearing the name of Imam Abubakar Shekau who is believed to be desperately looking for escape routes.

A senior military source however, informed PRNigeria that troops have been urged to try at all costs to capture Shekau alive so that he would face justice.

On at least two occasions now, troops have killed characters calling themselves Abubakar Shekau in videos but the insurgents manages to find other individuals looking like him and pretend that he was still alive.

Bomb Attack In Potiskum, Many Feared Dead

A bomb exploded at a market in Potiskum, Yobe State, with many people feared dead, the News Agency of Nigeria has reported.

The blast occurred on Sunday at the GSM market in the state capital.

Some survivors suspected that a female suicide bomber detonated the explosive, killing herself and others at the busy market.

34 Killed In New Attacks Near Chibok

No fewer than 34 persons were killed yesterday in three separate attacks on Borno communities in Chibok town by Boko Haram militants, a Chibok spokesman has said.

The militants raided the three villages, in Chibok Local Government area of Borno State, in a remote area near Sambisa Forest, where the Nigerian military forces claim to be carrying out an offensive against Boko Haram.

Chibok spokesman Allen Manaseh told SaharaReporters that the insurgents attacked the communities yesterday at about 4pm.  Many people were still in the bush as he spoke with our reporter, he said, adding that some were said to have arrived in Chibok town.

Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha elected Delta FA Chairman

Former Super Eagles captain Austin Jay Jay Okocha has been elected Delta State FA chairman. Okocha pulled 26 out of 27 votes cast. He takes over from current NFF chairman, Amaju Pinnick

Pic of a Boko Haram AFV in flames after it was bombed by troops

Election thugs leave huge knife inside man's chest

LINDA IKEJI'S BLOG

Do you see the huge knife sticking out from the man's chest area? That's the knife right after it was removed. This happened in Surulere, Lagos two weeks ago. The man was on his way to the airport to catch a flight. But because there was a lot of traffic that day, he decided to board a bike. While on his way, he encountered some election campaign hoodlums at Surulere who tried to snatch his bag. In the process, he was stabbed in the chest and the hoodlums left the knife in there and ran away.

He was rushed to the Eko hospital Surulere and from there moved to LUTH where the surgery was performed after two days to remove the knife. Thankfully he's alive and recovering very well. See photos of the knife still in his chest before the surgery after the cut...

See president Jonathan's graduation & Youth Service pics

Photos: Minister breaks down after seeing Boko Haram havoc in Adamawa

Minister of Youth Development and former Governor of Adamawa state, Boni Haruna, broke down yesterday after seeing the widespread destruction done to some villages by Boko Haram in Adamawa state. The Minister was part of a federal government delegation sent to carry out first hand inspection of areas that have been recaptured from Boko Haram in the North East with a view to rehabilitate the area and the villagers who are already returning back to their villages. See more photos and the video after the cut...

Alfa kills friend, shares body parts

According to Punch, Alfa Fatai and Suleiman became friends after they met inside a public transport where Suleiman paid for the transport fare of Alfa Fatai as a mark of respect. After that, the two became friends. Continue...

Buhari's secret medical trip to US today shows APC covering up his health status - Fayose

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has said that the secret trip made today, by the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Major General Mohammadu Buhari (rtd)  to the United Kingdom (UK) enroute United States of America (USA) for medical treatment has shown that the APC leaders, especially Senator Bola Tinubu were covering up his (Buhari) true health status for their selfish gains.

Buhari travelled to the UK today unannounced, fueling speculations that he was flown abroad in an air ambulance.

Ebonyi Assembly Begins Impeachment Moves Against Gov Elechi

This was Curled from LEADERSHIP.NG

Ebonyi State House of Assembly yesterday set up a committee to investigate five separate petitions brought before the House against the Ebonyi State governor, Chief Martin Elechi, his son, Prince Elechi Elechi, the Labour Party governorship candidate and the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters over alleged misappropriation of funds.

The five petitions brought before the House by Ebonyi Integrity Group through their counsel, Barrister Clement Odaah accused the governor, his son (Elechi N. Elechi), Sir Edward Nkwegu and others of financial scam bordering on contract inflation and conniving to use the state fund for private gains.

Military airstrike kills 37 civilians accidentally in Niger Republic

A military airstrike targeted at Boko Haram members in Abadam Faransa village in Niger republic on Tuesday February 17th accidentally killed 37 villagers who were gathered for the funeral of a local chief. 20 others were injured from the airstrike.

Although no nation has claimed responsibility for the airstrikes, some Niger Republic military officers believe the airstrike was launched from a Nigerian jet, a charge the Nigerian Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Gen Chris Olukolade has denied

Jega: I can’t guarantee polls’ll hold on March 28

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Attahiru Jega, on Wednesday, reiterated his preparedness to conduct the   general elections as scheduled but maintained that only the military could guarantee the sanctity of the March 28 and April 11 dates.                      Jega, who appeared before the Senate to explain the level of INEC’s preparedness for the elections, however, stunned many of the lawmakers when he revealed that one million Permanent Voter Cards had yet to be received by the commission from the manufacturers.

The Senators had thoroughly grilled him after he made about three-hour presentation and demonstrated how the card readers work.

Responding to a question by the Minority Leader, Senator George Akume, to give a clear assurance on the dates, Jega replied, “I think it is a very difficult question to answer.

Photos: Nigerian military kill 300 Boko Haram members, capture their weapons

The Nigerian military has released statement stating that about 300 Boko Haram members were killed in two days of Nigerian military operation to clear 11 communities in the North East. The Defence HQ also shared photos of the militants and weapons they captured. See the photos and press statement after the cut...

Asari Dokubo's message to APC leaders

Asari Dokubo who is currently in Mecca, posted this message to APC on his Facebook page. See the screenshot of his message after the cut...

Boko Haram vows to disrupt polls

Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau vowed to disrupt Nigeria’s upcoming general elections in a new video released Tuesday, after two suicide attacks in the northeast blamed on the Islamists killed 38 people.

“This election will not be held even if we are dead. Even if we are not alive Allah will never allow you to do it,” Shekau said in the Hausa language, presumably referring to the polls scheduled for March 28.

The video appeared to be the first message released by the group on Twitter, a sign of its changing media tactics after previous messages were distributed to journalists on DVD.

Terrorists Incur Heavy Casualty In Two Days Of Nigerian Military Operations To Clear 11 Communities

Mopping up operation of some of the communities where terrorists have been cleared in the course of ongoing air and land operations against terrorists has indicated massive casualty inflicted on them within the last two days of the counter terrorists operations.  Over 300 terrorists were killed while a few were also captured.  Several weapons and equipment were also captured and some destroyed.  Nigerian troops after the operations PR Nigeria

Male Suicide Bomber Kills Four In A Fresh Attack In Potiskum

A male suicide bomber killed himself and four other people in an explosion at a restaurant in Potiskum, Yobe State.

Eyewitnesses said the man entered the restaurant and sat down before detonating the bomb.

A hospital source at Potiskum General Hospital confirmed to SaharaReporters that 3 deceased people and the suicide bomber were brought to the hospital, and that 12 others are seriously injured.

Yobe Police Public Relations Officer ASP Toyin Gbadegesin also confirmed the incident to newsmen on phone saying that the incident occurred at about 3:20pm Nigerian Time.

Updates from Biu attacks today

Three loud explosions rocked military check points in Biu town, Borno State killing many, a Civilian JTF said. Early reports suspect the bombs were detonated by Boko Haram militants.

The first explosions happened at Yamarkumi along Maiduguri road at about 10pm, and two others followed after 10 minutes with an unknown number of casualties, according to the same Civilian-JTF source in Biu.

"It has killed many people because when Civilian JTF were trying to rescue people whom were injured another blast occurred. So I can't tell you the casualty figures. There is confusion everywhere now. I saw ambulances bring people to Biu General Hospital in Biu town." Muhammad Isa said.

Biu is about 185 kilometers away from Maiduguri.

Thousands March Against Boko Haram In Niger

Thousands of people marched in Niger’s capital on Tuesday to protest at Boko Haram Islamists who have launched deadly raids in the country from their base in neighbouring Nigeria.

Prime Minister Brigi Rafini led the demonstrators who marched under a heavy police presence, with snipers posted on roofs of buildings along the protest route, including parliament.

“Boko Haram is itself haram (forbidden),” read one sign, referring to the name of the jihadist group, which roughly translates as “Western education is forbidden.”

The Boko Haram fighters have “nothing Islamic, nothing Muslim about them,” Rafini told AFP at the head of the procession.

Muslims in Niger who were previously “troubled, waiting to see, are now free to say no to Boko Haram,” he added.

“All united against Boko Haram,” read a banner at the march, called by the ruling party with support from trade unions, religious bodies, student associations and non-governmental organisations.

Multiple Explosions Rock Biu Town Of Borno State

Multiple explosions have been reportedly recorded in Biu, Borno State, just days after the last week’s suicide attack in the same town.

Leadership reports with reference to the witnesses that the today blasts occurred one after another and were heard echoing all over the town 3 times.

The explosion struck at about 12:50 p.m. on February 17, Tuesday, Premium Times adds.

Muhammed Miringa from the Civilian JTF said:

Nigerian troops recapture two towns from Boko Haram

(Reuters) - Nigerian soldiers recaptured two towns from Boko Haram on Monday as U.S. and regional troops began war games in neighbouring Chad in a growing international campaign to counter the Islamist group.

But militants from Boko Haram, which has killed and kidnapped thousands in a six-year-old insurgency in Africa's most populous nation, still managed to attack a military camp near Waza in northern Cameroon, killing five soldiers.

After coming under fire, the soldiers in Cameroon, where 100 people were massacred in a Boko Haram border raid two weeks ago, hit back in an intense battle lasting hours, army sources said.

Youths nab, handover 2 robbery suspects to police

YOUTHS of Oviri-Olomu, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, have apprehended two suspected armed robbers in the community and handed  them over to the police.

The suspects are 27-year-old Nicholas Omuvwie and Shelter Okorodudu.

Some criminals in the area have reportedly gone into hiding following the daring action of the youths.

Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Delta State  Command, DSP Celestina Kalu, who confirmed that the suspects were in police custody, said, ” When the suspects were searched, one locally made pistol was recovered from one of the suuspects.”

Boko Haram reportedly captures Askira Uba in Borno state

 

Another town in Borno state has reportedly been captured by Boko Haram militants. Askira Uba was captured over night after the terrorists stormed the small town yesterday. They killed some people, burnt down houses, including the Emir's palace. The place is now reportedly completely deserted as many residents fled the town.

 

Politician sets vehicle ablaze in Delta

A one-tburning-car1ime chairmanship candidate in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr Ikechukwu Uwagwu, today, at Issele Uku, Delta state, set ablaze a Hilux vehicle given to him by a senatorial candidate of one of the political parties.

He said the senatorial candidate gave him the vehicle, five years ago, before they fell aprart, he added that setting the car ablaze was to erase the ties between the two of them.

Mr Uwagwu was, however, whisked away by the police from Issele Uku Police Division.

I’ll flee Nigeria if APC wins —PDP National Leader

In this interview with ENIOLA AKINKUOTU, a national leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George, speaks on the recent comments of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other national issues

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says President Goodluck Jonathan plans to perpetuate himself in government like the former President of Cote d’Ivoire, Laurent Gbagbo. What do you think of this comment?

OBJ, a shame to the military —DHQ

The Defence Headquarters has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as an embarrassment to the military institution.

The Defence Headquarters made the comment in a statement posted on its Facebook page while reacting to a statement credited to the former President that the General Elections were postponed to enable the President to use the Service Chiefs for tenure extension in an electronic mail on Monday.

The Defence authorities accused the former President of politicising serious national security and military issues.

Cameroon army kills 86 Boko Haram militants

Cameroon’s army says it has killed 86 Boko Haram militants and detained 1,000 people suspected of links to the Islamist group, as central African leaders held talks on how to combat its bloody insurgency.

Five Cameroonian soldiers were also killed during the clashes in the Waza region near the border with Nigeria, defence ministry spokesman Didier Badjeck said Monday.

Nigeria-based Boko Haram has widened its attacks into neighbouring nations, notably Cameroon and Chad, in a conflict estimated to have claimed a total 13,000 lives since 2009.

New York Times Slams President Jonathan

In an editorial on Monday, the New York Times slammed the postponement of the Nigerian elections.  It pointed out that the action might have been more credible if President Goodluck Jonathan’s government had not spent much of the past year playing down the threat posed by Boko Haram and if there were a reasonable expectation that Nigeria’s weak army has the ability to improve security over the next few weeks.

“It appears more likely Mr. Jonathan grew alarmed by the surging appeal of Muhammadu Buhari, a former military ruler who has vowed to crack down on Boko Haram,” the article said. “By dragging out the race, Mr. Jonathan stands to deplete his rival’s campaign coffers, while he continues to use state funds and institutions to bankroll his own.”

Boko Haram Plans Massacre In Maiduguri, US Reveals

Members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect, on Saturday, wreaked havoc on Gombe, the Gombe State capital, as they attempted to take over the city, forcing some residents to flee while some were forced indoors.

However, the army has stated that it was able to repel the insurgents’attack on the capital city with a combination of air and ground operations, while the state government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on the town and its environs.

The army, through a statement made available to newsmen by PRNigeria, confirmed the attack and how the military overcame through a tweet on the Defence Headquarters’ handle, saying troops were in pursuit of the insurgents.

Ogun state PDP expels Obasanjo

The Ogun state chapter of the PDP has expelled former President Olusegun Obasanjo from the party following the public tearing of his party membership card at a ward meeting this morning.

Speaking to newsmen today in Abeokuta, Ogun state, the state PDP Chairman, Bayo Dayo, said Obasanjo has been expelled and has lost all privileges and respect of other party members

“The totality of the executive, leaders and members of PDP family in the Ogun hereby state categorically as from today Monday 16 February, 2015, Obasanjo Aremu Olusegun stands expelled and excommunicated from the party thereby losing all rights previous, privileges and respect of our teeming party members.” he said

Photos: Aftermath of Boko Haram attack in Chad

Some photos from the wreckage caused by Boko Haram on Ngugua village in Chad yesterday Feb. 13th, the first attack by Boko Haram in the country. Many were killed in the attack while houses and properties were destroyed. More pics after the cut...

Boko Haram attack military formation in Gombe, state govt impose 24hr curfew

Boko Haram militants this morning attacked a military formation in Dadikowa town in Gombe state. The sect members reportedly arrived the town at about 6am today in 36 Hilux buses and a dozen motorcycles and attacked soldiers at the security checkpoints of the town. They then forced their way into the town and burnt the quarter guard of the 301 Artillery Regiment. They bugled some shops and also burnt down public institutions including the police station in the town.

The Nigerian military has launched airstrikes on areas the sect members are currently attacking. The state government has imposed a 24hr curfew in the state.

Updates from Bornu Bomb Blast

At least 16 people are believed to have been killed a latest attack at a market in Biu, Borno today, a hospital official said. Biu is located 185km away from Maiduguri, Borno state capital.

The suicide bomber was identified as a woman, and the explosions occurred around 3pm in the midst of a crowded market, according to the same resident. A resident said the woman came into the market wearing a hijab and detonated the explosives in midst of the market killing 16 people and injuring many others.

Graphic photo: Bomb blast in Biu, Borno state, at least 7 dead

At least 7 people have been confirmed dead after a female suicide bomber blew herself up in a crowded market in Biu, the largest town in Southern Borno state this afternoon. According to reports, the suicide bomber targeted the market men and women who had come to buy and sell their wares as today was their market day. Details later...*graphic pic of the suicide bomber after the cut...