Tag Archives: Bomb

Bomb scare at US embassy in Lagos over abandoned bag

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A mystery bag, which was allegedly abandoned in a vehicle on the premises of the United States Embassy in Lagos yesterday, triggered fear among visa seekers, visitors and embassy workers.

This is coming a day after London terror attack left four people dead and at least, 40 persons injured after an attacker drove a car along a pavement in Westminster, stabbed a policeman and was shot dead by police in the grounds of the Parliament.

News of an abandoned bomb immediately went viral soon after the bag was discovered by one of the security guards attached to the embassy. Visitors and visa applicants as well as employees of the embassy ran for their dear lives to avoid being caught up in the event of an explosion.

Immediately, a combined team of anti-riot policemen from the Anti-Bomb Unit of the state command and mobile policemen were drafted to the scene. Policemen cordoned off the area while detectives went in to ascertain the nature of the IED.

Minutes later, the police team along with some officials of the embassy left. Addressing newsmen on the development, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Owoseni, dismissed it as a bomb scare.

Owoseni insisted that there was no bomb planted at the American Embassy in the state. He disclosed that the suspected bag kept in one of the vehicles at the Consular General office, in Victoria Island, only contained medical equipment.

“We got a call around 7:40a.m. yesterday concerning the strange bag. I immediately dispatched the anti-bomb team, marine police and anti-terrorist personnel to the scene. The anti-bomb team professionally removed the bag from the vehicle. After scanning the bag, they discovered that all items inside were medical tools.

“We are, however, investigating the reason why the bag was left there and who the owner is. We don’t want to leave anything to chance.

We want to also allay the fears of people in Lagos and the diplomatic community that there is no cause for alarm. There is no bomb planted at the America Embassy in Lagos.

“The police in Lagos assure foreigners and citizens of their safety. We are ever ready to live up to our constitutional responsibilities. Since the bag was removed, normal activities have resumed,” he said.

Owoseni displayed the content of the bag before newsmen, which included bandages, scissors, plaster among others.

 

Source: The Guardian

BREAKING: 7 dead, 20 injured in bomb attack in Pakistan’s Lahore.

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At least five people were killed and 30 injured after a blast ripped through a building in an upscale shopping area of Pakistan’s Lahore Thursday, officials said, the latest in a surge in Islamist violence.

“It was a bomb attack,” Nayab Haider, a spokesman for the provincial Punjab police said. Rescue services spokeswoman Deeba Shehnaz provided the casualty toll.

Television footage showed a smouldering building and several crumpled cars with their windows blown out.

It came a day after the military announced the launch of a nationwide anti-terrorist operation in the wake of a series of bloody assaults that have killed more than 130 people in the past two weeks.

They included a previous bomb blast in Lahore on February 13 which killed 14 people, and a devastating suicide attack at a Sufi shrine in Sindh province that left 90 devotees dead.

The attacks, which were claimed by the Islamic State group and the Pakistani Taliban, dented growing optimism over the country’s security after it appeared to be making strong gains in its decade-and-a-half long war on militancy.

The emergence of IS and a Taliban resurgence would be a major blow to Pakistan. Analysts have said the apparently coordinated nature of the attacks suggested militants were regrouping.

Pakistan has accused neighbouring Afghanistan of harbouring the militants who have carried out the attacks. Kabul and Islamabad routinely accuse one another of giving militants safe haven.

“The enemy is taking advantage of the turmoil in Afghanistan to launch terrorist attacks on Pakistan’s soil,” a foreign office spokesman told reporters at a regular press briefing Thursday as he condemned the attacks.

Islamabad launched a crackdown in the wake of the attacks, saying it has killed dozens of “terrorists” in recent days and carried out airstrikes on militant hideouts along the Afghan border before announcing the fresh military operation Wednesday.

Analysts said the military was seeking to limit militants’ movements from one place to another by carrying out a nationwide operation.

“This operation will basically target sanctuaries… of militants in Punjab province and restrict their movements,” defence analyst and retired general Talat Masood told AFP.

Pakistan had vowed to hold the final of its hugely popular Pakistan Super League in Lahore next month despite the surge in violence, part of an effort to bring international cricket back to the country, promising “head of state level” security for foreign players taking part.

The city, capital of Punjab province and Pakistan’s second largest metropolis, was also the scene of an attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team bus in 2009. Pakistan has not hosted high-level visiting teams since then.

 

Source: The Guardian

BREAKING: Al-Shabaab attack on Somali hotel claims at least 7 lives [VIDEO]

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At least seven people were killed after two car bombs exploded outside a popular Mogadishu hotel Wednesday, and gunmen forced their way inside the building and opened fire, police said.

The attack, claimed by the Al-Qaeda-aligned Shabaab insurgent group, began when a car loaded with explosives rammed the gate of the Dayah Hotel near the Somali parliament and state house.

Gunmen then stormed the hotel and exchanged fire with security guards, according to police official Ibrahim Mohammed.

 

A second massive blast went off after ambulances and journalists had already rushed to the scene, leaving at least four reporters injured, including an AFP photographer who suffered shrapnel wounds to his shoulder and leg.

AFP images showed security forces and civilians milling about outside the devastated hotel — its windows and doors blown out — after the first explosion, when a second car exploded with a massive blast, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air and sending people fleeing.

Gunfire rang out from the hotel as civilians and rescue workers carried away the injured.

“So far we have counted about seven dead, most of them civilians and security guards. There are also many people who were wounded in the two blasts,” said Mohammed.

“Two gunmen were killed and the area is under control of security forces,” he said.

The Shabaab group claimed responsibility in a statement distributed on its Telegram messaging account.

“The mujahideen fighters have attacked a hotel and have managed to enter the hotel after detonating a car loaded with explosives,” it said.

The Shabaab is fighting to overthrow the internationally-backed government of Somalia and regularly stages deadly attacks on state, military and civilian targets in the capital and elsewhere in the war-torn country.

– ‘Limited’ election –
The hotel attack is the deadliest so far in Somalia in 2017 and comes as the country is in the midst of a drawn-out election process to choose a new government.

In December 2016, more than 20 people were killed when a truck laden with explosives was detonated near a military base close to the Mogadishu port.

Somalia has not had an effective central government since the 1991 overthrow of president Siad Barre’s military regime which ushered in decades of anarchy and conflict in a country deeply divided along clan lines.

The clan rivalries and lawlessness provided fertile ground for the Shabaab to take hold and seize territory, frustrating efforts to set up a central administration.

After a series of transitional governments were formed abroad, a previous parliament was chosen by 135 clan elders and set up in Mogadishu in 2012.

Somalis were promised a one-person, one-vote election in 2016.

But political infighting and ongoing insecurity due to the presence of Shabaab meant Somalis were handed a “limited” election, in which 14,025 specially picked delegates voted for 275 parliamentary seats distributed according to clan.

Another 72 seats in a new upper house were shared out according to region.

The newly-elected lawmakers will soon vote for a new president, however a date has not been set for the election, which has been delayed numerous times.

The 2016 process is seen as taking the country a step closer to a universal suffrage election now planned for 2020.

Rann Bombing: 54 victims stabilized in 3 Maiduguri hospitals

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At least 54 victims of the military bomb misfire in Rann, headquarters of Kala-Balge are hospitalized in three hospitals located in Maiduguri with all of them in stable conditions, the Borno State Commissioner for Health, Haruna Mshelia, said in an update released on Wednesday.

Mr. Mshelia said of the 54 victims, 32 persons are receiving treatment at the State Specialist Hospital; 16 victims are being treated at 7th Division Military Hospital in Maimalari Barack while 6 persons are hospitalised at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

The Commissioner said that all the 54 hospitalised victims are in stable conditions with medical experts from the state, humanitarian partners and the military attending to their health needs.

The Commissioner said it was still too early to give an accurate number of deaths because as at the time of issuing the update, evacuation of survivors was still ongoing using four helicopters provided by the United Nations and the Nigerian Air Force.

Mr. Mshelia also said that bodies were being recovered.

The Commissioner said humanitarian partners like the MSF, International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, the United Nations and different stakeholders have been extremely dedicated to the emergency evacuation and medical response.

He also said Governor Kashim Shettima has since morning deployed his Deputy, Usman Mamman Durkwa, and the House of Representatives member, representing Kala-Balge, Bama, Dikwa and Ngala federal constituency of Borno State, Mamman Nur Sheriff, and the Assembly member among other officials to scene of the incident at Rann, headquarters of Kala-Balge local government area in order to assess the situation and supervise evacuation of victims to Maiduguri.

While the Deputy Governor was at Rann, Governor Shettima was scheduled to meet officials of the Nigerian Air Force to get formal brief on the incident. The Governor was also remained in Maiduguri to coordinate responses from different quarters and ensure all appropriate steps were being taken.

While in Maiduguri, Governor Shettima received a Presidential delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, who came alongside the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali, Minister of information, Lai Mohammed, Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Olanishakin, Chief Army Staff, Lt-Gen TY Buratai, and other military officers operating within and outside Borno State.

?”The President and C-in-C is very distressed about the incident, and has instructed us to embark on this condolence visit. This kind of incident happens occasionally in war, especially when dealing with terrorists like Boko Haram who arbitrarily and in cowardly fashion hide among civilians. The President deeply regrets the incident. The Armed forces will take extra care to ensure this doesn’t happen again. The Federal Government is working with the State, Local, and International partners to ensure speedy resettlement of IDPs” the Chief of Staff said.

Governor Shettima said the incident was an unfortunate tragedy and a painful price of war.

“It is most unfortunate and wasn’t meant to happen. Nothing can justify this tragedy but going memory lane, incidents of friendly fire is unfortunately as old as history of wars in the world. There are many incidents of friendly fires since the 1st and 2nd World Wars down to ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan, Syria and other parts of the world.

“It is gratifying that nobody made any effort to hide anything or sweep things under carpet. In years gone by, people would have resorted to blame games. I am happy that rather than blame game, information was made public with sincerity, mistakes were accepted and focus was channelled into evacuation and rehabilitation of victims. ?War comes with different kinds of very terrible prizes and this is one of such painful prizes. We pray this crisis ends and we shall remain forever grateful to all stakeholders for their support,” Mr. Shettima said.

?Our correspondent reports that following the unfortunate situation at Rann in Kala-Balge local government area of ?Borno State, Governor Kashim Shettima had ordered the State Ministry of Health to set up medical emergency response units and coordinate rehabilitation of victims.

Governor Shettima had received the news with shock and very deep concern. The Governor had particularly commended the MSF for its rapid response in providing first aide treatment to victims at the scene while also thanking the ICRC and the UN.

 

Source: Premium Times

Rann Bombing: President Buhari’s delegates arrive Maiduguri

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A federal government delegation led by the Chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, has arrived Maiduguri, Borno State, in respect of Tuesday’s bombing of a displaced persons’ camp in the state.

 

At least 52 persons were killed and 120 others injured after an Air Force jet mistakenly targeted the IDP camp at Rann, near the border with Cameroon, where people displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency, lived.

 

The government delegation comprises of the Chief of State, Abba Kyari, Ministers of Defence and information; the Chief of Defense Staff, as well as the Chiefs of Army and Air Staffs.

 

The team has left for the Borno Government House, where it will meet Governor Kashim Shettima.

 

Source: Premium Times

“We will not shut UNIMAID despite bomb explosions” – Vice Chancellor

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The Vice Chancellor, University of Maiduguri, UNIMAID, Abubakar Njodi, says the university will not close in spite Monday’s bomb blasts by Boko Haram insurgents that killed a professor and at least three others.

Mr. Njodi spoke on Monday in Maiduguri, when Lucky Irabor, the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole of the Nigerian Army paid him a sympathy visit.

“I can convince the senate, the management and the university community to close the school to save lives,” the don said.

“But if we do that, we are not helping because we have to give the security our maximum support and our support is not to join them in the battle field.

“If we run away, that means there is nobody they should be fighting for. We should stay and resolve it, after all the war is about us, western education.

“If we stay, the terrorists will be frustrated because that is their aim.

“What is the point of fighting for us if we run? We should stand our ground so that the military will be proud that the people they are fighting for are on ground.

“Therefore, our decision is not to close the university. We want to assure you our theatre commander, the university remains open and we will continue with our examinations tomorrow.

“We suspended the exams for today because we want the military to come and access what happened,” the professor said.

Mr. Njodi, however, appealed to the military to beef up security in the outskirts of the university to forestall future occurrence.

Earlier, Mr. Irabor said he came to the sympathise with the UNIMAID community on death of a professor, Aliyu Mani, and others who died as a result of the suicide bomb attack.

“As we have already said and will continue to say that there is frustration in the Boko Haram camp,” the major general said.

“They have tried severally to bring sorrows and pain to the university and the rest of the communities and have failed.

“We, therefore, enjoin you not to be deterred. This is a clear sign that the end of Boko Haram has come.

“The people should, therefore, continue with their normal life to let the Boko Haram know they have failed.

“We should let them know that the extent of their stupidity and callousness do not have any impact on us anymore, ”Mr. Irabor said.

 

Source: NAN

UPDATE: University Of Maiduguri Management Postpones Examination after Bomb Attack

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The University of Maiduguri, has announced the postponement of all examinations originally scheduled to take place on Monday, following the suicide bombing attack that rocked the institution in the early hours of the day.

The postponement was revealed in a statement signed by the Director, Senate and Academic matters of the university, Filibus Yamta Mshelia.

Mshelia said the management’s action, followed the prevailing security situation in the campus.

According to the notice, examinations are however expected to resume on Tuesday, January 17.

“The University management has directed that all examinations scheduled to hold on Monday 16th January 2017, has been postponed to a later date.

“Examinations will resume as scheduled on Tuesday 17th January 2017,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the management has also urged students to remain calm and vigilant.

A suicide bomber had found his way to a mosque in the University staff quarters, killing himself, a veterinary medicine professor and two others in the process.

Police has also foiled another attempt by a suicide bomber at Gate 5 of the university.

According to the Police Commissioner, Damian Chukwu, the bomb vest detonated, killing only the bearer.

 

Source: Channels TV

5 killed, 20 injured as Boko Haram bomb Mosque at the University Of Maiduguri.

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A bomb explosion has occurred in a mosque at the University of Maiduguri in Nigeria’s troubled northeastern state of Borno.

 

Eyewitnesses told Saharareporters that an explosion rocked the university during early morning while some students and staff of the university were observing prayer at 6:30 am.

 

Security forces have been mobilized to the scene of the attack. Our sources said several persons have been killed, but there is no official confirmation of casualties.

 

Source: Sahara Reporters

BREAKING: Bomb hits Madagali again

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At least three suicide bombers blew themselves Friday morning in Madagali, Adamawa, North East Nigeria, residents and officials have said.

Residents said three suicide bombers blew up themselves while approaching a security check point, where vehicles are stopped and screened before being allowed into the town.

“This morning the suicide bombers blew up themselves after they were intercepted by local vigilantes stationed at the check point and already two vigilantes lost their lives in the process,” Ladi Musa, a local resident, said.

But when contacted on phone , the chairman of Madagali Yusuf Muhammad Gulak, told journalists that the casualty figure was yet to be established.

“Presently I am on my way to the town, but I was reliably told that the incident occurred at the entrance of the town where people gather for screening before getting to the town.

‘’You know today is the market day, and probably the suicide bombers might be aiming the market where people do business and other transactions.

‘’I am yet to get the casualty details,’’ the chairman said.

The member representing Madagali and Michika Federal constituency, Adamu Kamale, said that, ‘’ We wake up again today with yet another sad development as at 8:30 a.m. we got reports that bombs exploded at a checking point in Madagali.

‘’Though we are yet to get details of lost of lives but we heard that there were injuries.

Akintoye Badare, a Major and spokesman of the 28th Task Force Battalion, Mubi said he was yet to get details.

Six Egypt police officers killed in checkpoint blast in Cairo

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Six police officers on Friday were killed when bombs exploded at a security checkpoint in Cairo in a road leading to the Pyramids, a media report said.

 

“The blast also injured three other policemen and three civilians,’’ it noted.

 

However there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack near a mosque in Al Haram Street.

 

Sources added that two bombs, exploded by remote control, were planted in a dust bin under a tree in a garden around the mosque.

 

The bomb disposal team are combing the crowded street for other possible explosives.

 

All the roads leading to the Pyramids are blocked in the search for suspects.

 

In Egypt, bomb attacks are endemic in North Sinai Province, where an Islamic State-affiliated group claim responsibility for most of them.

JUST IN: Two bomb blasts kill 10 in Madagali town market, BokoHaram blamed

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Police say two explosions have ripped through a market in northeast Nigeria’s Madagali town, and a survivor says they killed at least 10 people.

 

Boko Haram Islamic extremists are blamed for the attack Friday morning on the edge of the group’s Sambisa Forest stronghold, which Nigeria’s military has been bombing ahead of ground assaults.

 

Since the military has dislodged the extremists from towns and villages this year, the insurgents have been attacking soft targets.

 

Survivor Ahmadu Gulak says the two explosions struck simultaneously at opposite ends of the market selling grains and vegetables. He says he counted at least 10 bodies and many wounded people being ferried to a nearby hospital by ambulance.

 

Police spokesman Othman Abubakar confirms the blasts but says he has no toll of victims yet.

Police detonates bomb near U.S. embassy

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Philippine police on Monday conducted a controlled detonation of a homemade bomb found in a trash bin near the U.S. embassy in Manila and said militants sympathetic to Islamic State could have been responsible.

National police chief Ronald dela Rosa said components of the improvised explosive device suggested it could have been planted by the Maute, a Muslim rebel group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State.

Maute’s fighters were locked in a standoff with the military for a third day in the country’s south.

More rebels were reported killed on Monday, taking the number of dead to 19.

“We could theorise that they could use this as a diversion,’’ dela Rosa told a news conference.

The embassy had no immediate comment on the discovery of the bomb, which was left about 200 meters from the compound.

Business there continued as normal, with dozens of Filipinos queuing outside for visa applications.

“An 81 mm mortar round was used as an explosive device and that was a signature of the group,’’ Dela Rosa said.

Similar components were used in a Sept. 2 bombing in Davao, which killed 15 people and wounded about 70.

Maute were blamed for that attack and four of its members were arrested and found with video clips of them pledging allegiance.

Dela Rosa said intelligence operations would be stepped up and checkpoints would be set up around the capital.

Since the Davao bombing, the Philippines has been under what is termed a “state of lawlessness”, allowing the military to support the police, if required by the president.

That has led to frequent speculation that martial law could be declared to support President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly drugs war, something his office has repeatedly dismissed.

“For God’s sake, the government will not use an incident that will cause panic, fear and undue harm to declare martial law,’’ he said.

In Lanao, a restive southern province, soldiers battled the Maute group to re-take an old town hall building, sending hundreds of residents fleeing.

Army spokesman Major Filemon Tan said about a dozen soldiers had been wounded in an air-and-ground assault.

BREAKING: Bomb near Baghdad kills more than 70 people, most of them Iranian Shia pilgrims.

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At least 70 Shia pilgrims have been killed in a truck bomb attack at a road stop in Iraq, officials say.

 

The blast struck at a petrol station and restaurant near al-Hilla, some 100km (60 miles) south of Baghdad.

 

The road stop was full of people returning from the Arbaeen pilgrimage in the city of Karbala. Iranians and Bahrainis were among the victims.

 

The Islamic State group said it carried out the attack, and claimed the death toll was more than 80.

Nigeria to lose 300,000bpd as militants bomb three oil pipelines.

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The Niger Delta Avengers militant group said it has bombed three oil pipelines in southern Nigeria, an attack it said would lead to a production loss of 300,000 barrels per day in the OPEC-member nation.

Attacks on pipelines by several militant groups have slashed Nigeria’s oil production helping to tip the country into recession as it struggles to adapt to the low price of crude globally.

The Niger Delta Avengers, blamed for a wave of such attacks since the start of the year, said the latest bombing was to register its displeasure with way the government was handling grievances in the oil region.

“At about 11.45 pm November 15, 2016, our Elite Strike Team 03 struck Nembe 1, 2 and 3 truck line operated by Agip, Oando and Shell with supply capacity of 300,000 barrel per day to Bonny export terminal in Bayelsa State,” the NDA said in a statement late Tuesday.

“We are only reiterating our strong resolve that time is running (out) against the Nigerian government, that there is doom ahead,” it said.

“The Nigerian government needs our cooperation more than we need the government as it concerns the extraction of the crude oil and hydrocarbon resources in our God-given land,” it said.

There was no immediate confirmation of the attacks from the government.

Nigeria has deployed troops to end the renewed insurgency in the region and has initiated peace talks with the oil rebels.

But divisions between rival militant groups appear to be making it hard for the government to strike a lasting peace deal.

A 2009 amnesty deal with militants helped end sabotage, but the violence reignited after President Muhammadu Buhari’s cash-strapped government temporarily ended amnesty payments and charged a prominent warlord with graft.

N’Delta: Soldiers Rescue 12 Hostages, Bomb Illegal Refineries

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Troops attached to the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, OPDS, Friday rescued 12 persons from sea robbers and suspected kidnappers in various operations in the Niger Delta.

Lt Col, Olaolu Daudu, the Joint Media Campaign Centre Coordinator of the task force fighting militancy and other crimes in the region, told journalists that the operations took place in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states.

He added that Troops of Sector one in Delta State foiled an attack on market women in Bomadi and rescued six civilians who were held hostage by the hoodlums.

Similarly, Daudu noted that troops rescued three indigenous staff of LEX Oil earlier kidnapped on November 3, 2016, at Ikuru town, Andoni Local Government Area, Rivers State.

“In addition, troops deployed at Koluama conducted a raid on Sea Pirates hideout in Kasabubou Forupa Waterways, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

“Troops rescued three persons namely; Peter Atijera, Lukeman Balogun and Pius John and recovered Speedboats mounted with Double Engine 115/80 Horse Power, two Binoculars and one Motorola radio.

“The Air Component of Operation DELTA SAFE while on patrol over Isaka town, Kidney Island, Alakiri and Bille in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State sighted two barges loaded with illegally refined products which were incapacitated”, he said.

According to him, soldiers in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also conducted a raid on suspected criminal/illegal drug dealers hideout at Emu Obodeti Community in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Delta State.

“The operation led to the arrest of one Mr. Moses Eni and Mrs. Boyi Kamanda and Fifty Five (55) bags of substance suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered. The items are in the custody of the NDLEA office in Kwale Delta State”, the JTF disclosed.

Read More: thisdaylive

BREAKING: Bomb explosion rocks Maiduguri.

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Reports reaching DAILY POST have it that an improvised explosive Device, IED, exploded this morning behind the Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri, Borno State.

 

As at the time of filing this report, information on the attack is sketchy and there have been no reactions from both the Army and the camp of Boko Haram insurgents.

 

It is, however, not clear if any causality was recorded.

 

Army Spokesman, Sani Usman, has not been briefed yet on the attack, but will get back to our reporter with details.

 

Details later…

Police discovers suspected IED near Abuja shopping mall.

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Report reaching us has it that the Nigerian Police anti-bomb squad, just found a parcel suspected to be an Improvised Explosives Device, IED, under the Jabi bridge, near the Shoprite shopping mall, Abuja.

 

Access road to the bridge has now been blocked, while police operatives are redirecting commuters.

The Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, Don Awunah, could not confirm the report when contacted because he was not on seat.

 

“I’m currently not available. I traveled for a burial, but I will get back to you after I establish contact with the FCT Command,” Awuna said.

 

Details later…

Army foils Avengers’ attempt to bomb gas facility, kills two.

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The Joint Military Force deployed to the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe, says it successfully repelled an attack by Niger Delta Avengers at a gas facility in Delta State and killed two pirates in ongoing operations in the region.

A statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olaolu Daudu, the spokesman of the Joint Force, made this known in Bayelsa State on Tuesday.

Daudu said the operations were carried out between Saturday and Tuesday.

He said: “Troops deployed at Delta State while on watch at the Nigeria Gas Company Outpost in Batan/Egwa Area of Warri South West Local Government of Delta encountered suspected militants who claimed to be members of Niger Delta Avengers.

“They came in two 200 Horsepower Speed capacity boats but were subsequently engaged and repelled. Effort is ongoing to apprehend the criminals.

“Troops also rescued a Passenger boat from sea robbers at Idoro River in Ozobo Community, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.

“While trying to escape, the sea robbers’ boat collided with that of the passenger boat and capsized.

“Four of the suspected sea robbers were arrested however, four locally made double barrel guns belonging to the suspects fell into the river.

“Efforts are ongoing to recover the guns while suspects are in custody for further investigation. They are presently in custody for further investigation.”

Daudu also said that troops on patrol at Asugbo Tibigbene and Beneth River Warri South Local Government Area impounded a wooden boat carrying 53 drums of illegally refined substance at Asugbo.

Also, troops, while on clearance operation at Yorkiri, Obotobo, Chamomi Creek Okerenkoko and Open River, arrested a Cotonou boat conveying Jerrycans for possible loading of substance.

The Spokesman said that in another development troops arrested a 21-year-old man, Usman Jafar, an indigene of Adamawa State, who had been parading himself as a serving soldier.

The suspect allegedly robbed Atima Aghogho along Ajanuga Road and the following items were also recovered from him: one fake Nigerian Army Identity Card, one First Bank of Nigeria ATM Card and an iPhone belonging to one of his victims.

Daudu said: “Following a tip off, troops in conjunction with members of Petroleum Task Force conducted a raid at Ifieporo community in Warri South Local Government and discovered an area used or storage of stolen petroleum products

“Other items discovered are several rubber drums and Jerricans containing substance suspected to be illegal oil bunkering mats.

“Troops also recovered a black coloured Audi vehicles loaded with several water proof bags containing substance suspected to be products of illegal bunkering.

“Following another tip off troops discovered four identified hideouts used for storing substance suspected to be illegally refined Automated Gas Oil around Ohoro junction, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

“No arrests were made while troops are on the trail of the perpetrators.”

Daudu also said that on Tuesday the troops arrested one suspected bugler, while on routine check, with N136,000 cash, one Infinix Note II handset and one other handset.

He said the items and the suspect would be handed over to the Nigeria Police.

He said: “Troops at Batan reported a loud sound suspected to be an explosion.

“Further findings revealed that a Barge carrying equipment used for the repairs of the Trans Forcados Pipeline at the repair site in Eweregbene community was blown by suspected Niger Delta Avengers militants who retreated after troops repelled the attack.

“However, two un-exploded dynamites were found at the scene on a branch and swamp buggy were successfully detonated by troops.”

Militants Bomb Oil Pipeline In Warri

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Nigerian militants on Tuesday bombed a state-run oil pipeline near the southern port city of Warri, the second attack within a week, a community leader and army officer said.

“The line which was undergoing repair after the previous attack … was billed for commissioning either today or tomorrow,” before the latest attack, chairman of Batan community Dickson Ogugu told AFP.

He said four surveillance guards deployed to protect the Trans Forcados export line narrowly escaped death after the militants opened fire on them.

“The hoodlums after chasing them from the spot came down from their speedboat, planted dynamite on swamp boogie, barge, crane and on the line,” he said.

“Unfortunately, only the dynamite on the barge exploded and immediately sank into the water. As I speak to you, the military are at the scene of the incident trying to dismantle the other dynamites.”

An army officer, who did not want to be named, confirmed the incident.

“We heard the shots in the middle of the night, but as you know, we do not patrol the area at night, so there was nothing we could do,” he said.

The line has been previously targeted by rebels.

Last week, the line was bombed just hours after President Muhammadu Buhari met with representatives of militant groups in the Niger delta to discuss how to end the unrest wracking the region.

The state-owned Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) operates the pipeline which receives crude from the Batan flowstation and feeds the Forcados export terminal.

Since the start of the year, several militant groups have attacked oil facilities, slashing the nation’s output and hammering revenues.

The militants claim to be seeking a fair share of the nation’s oil wealth for local residents as well as political autonomy for the region.

The government has launched peace talks with the rebels to end the violence.

Credit: AFP

“Why we bombed Forcados pipeline.” – Militants

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A militant group, Niger Delta Defence Corps (NDDC) has threatened to continue the bombing of oil pipelines unless its members were represented in the on-going peace meeting between the Pan Niger Delta group, headed by Chief Edwin Clark and the Federal Government.

NDDC, led by one General John Egbe, had threatened to blow up two pipelines in Delta and Rivers states, noting that the failure to invite the group would have dire consequences as the group would carry out attacks on oil pipelines.

A few hours after the first meeting between the Niger Delta leaders and the Federal Government, a major oil pipeline was blown up in Delta.

NDDC in a statement claimed responsibility and served notice that more oil pipelines would be attacked until representatives of the group were invited to join in the meeting between the Niger Delta stakeholders and the Federal Government. According to Egbe, more attacks on the oil pipelines would demonstrate to the Federal Government that the Pan Niger Delta group cannot halt the bombings of pipelines in the region.

He accused the Niger Delta elders of refusing to include representatives of militant groups in the Pan Niger Delta group and giving the Federal Government the impression that they can influence militants in the region.

He said the Federal Government should hold the Pan Niger Delta group responsibile for allowing the attacks as it did not ensure a proper representation, especially of militants in the meeting.

He said Chief Clark, King Diete-Spiff and some unnamed Niger Delta leaders from Delta masquerading as peace makers do not have the capacity to call militant leaders in the region to order.

“We, the Niger Delta Defence Corps (NDDC), are responsible for Trans-Forcados Export Trunk Line at Batan community in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State. As we promised the Federal Government on Monday, October 31, 2016, more attacks will soon be launched. Let the Federal Government hold Pan-Niger Delta Forum responsible for the attacks. They have not contacted us. The Federal Government should go to the media and contact all the groups and send us invitation and we will send our representatives. The Niger Delta leaders are aware that they cannot stop the bombing of oil pipelines. What they can do is to appeal which we can chose to ignore,” it said.

Following the festering militants activities in the region, President Muhammadu Buhari last Tuesday met with leaders from the region in Abuja.

The stakeholders tabled a 16-point demand.

The shopping list which bordered on the socio-economic development, security and restoration of peace in the region, included the need to fast-track interventions on some of the region infrastructure, award of oil bloc to Niger Delta indigenes, presidential amnesty programme, law and justice issues and the effect of increased military presence in the region

The forum is one of the strategies by the Federal Government to resolve the crisis.

24 Hrs After Parley, Niger Delta Militants Bomb Shell Pipeline

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Less than 24 hours after a dialogue between President Muhammadu Buhari and leaders of the Niger Delta to resolve the crisis in the region, unrepentant militants on Wednesday blasted an oil pipeline belonging to the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Batan community in Warri South West Local Government area of Delta State.

Sources said that the incident occurred at SPDC Camp Five between 4 and 5 a.m. with a huge fire enveloping the site of the attack.

“Suspected militants attacked the SPDC pipeline in Batan 4 and 5 a.m. with dynamites. As I am speaking, the place is engulfed with fire but efforts are being made to put it off,” a community source said.

Another community source confirmed the incident, stating that they heard a huge explosion in the early hours of the day only to discover it was a pipeline belonging to Shell that had been attacked.

“We heard a huge explosion. As usual, when we came out, we discovered that the Shell pipeline has been attacked again. We are not sure whether it was militants that caused it or not.”

The Niger Delta Advengers (NDA), the militant group that has claimed responsibility for the destruction of oil facilities in the Niger Delta, was yet to claim responsibility for this one at the time of filing this report.

The same pipeline had been attacked by suspected militants on July 18, this year without any resistance by the military stationed in the area.

Security sources disclosed that the latest attack by the militants might be as a result of the commencement of repair work on the pipeline while negotiations are ongoing between the Niger Delta leaders and the Federal Government.

“You know that they have always warned that no repair work should be carried out on any of the oil pipelines breached. Maybe they are angry that SPDC has commenced repair work and had to resort to the attack,” a military source said.

An undercover security agent however had a contrary view, claiming that illegal oil bunkerers have deployed a new tactic of engaging militants to breach pipelines to divert the attention of security agents away from their illegal act.

Credit: ThisdayLive

JUST IN: Suicide bomber targeting Maiduguri IDP camp neutralized by soldiers.

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Soldiers on Sunday shot dead a suspected male suicide bomber trying to attack an IDP camp which nearly came under attack in Maiduguri, Borno State capital on Saturday, Premium Times reports.

One of bombs strapped to the suicide bomber immediately went off after he was shot by vigilant soldiers.

A leader of the civilian JTF, Alhaji Dan-Batta said the bomber was lurking around the camp fence when he was spotted.

He said,“The male suicide bomber was seen loitering around the back perimeter fence of Bakassi camp at about 9 a.m. He was shot down before he could advance closer to the camp. One of the bombs he was carrying exploded, but another is still strapped on his body did not explode. The anti-bomb squad operatives are trying to defuse that one”.

There has however not been reports of any other injured or dead person from the botched attack.

Recall that two bombs went off in Maiduguri on Saturday, including one in front of the same IDP camp.

Berlin Bomb Attack Plan Suspect Commits Suicide In Custody

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A Syrian refugee suspected of planning a bomb attack “with Islamist motives” on a Berlin airport has strangled himself to death with his shirt in detention, Saxony state justice officials said Thursday.

Investigators believe that 22-year-old Albakr, who arrived in Germany last year, was close to staging a terrorist attack. German police have said that Albakr’s “approach and behavior” suggest an ISIS link.

“On the evening of October the 12th, 2016, Jaber Albakr, the prime suspect in planning a serious attack against the state, took his life in the prison hospital of the Leipzig correctional facility,” the ministry said in a statement on its website, also confirming the news to CNN.
The Saxony Justice Minister Sebastian Gemkow told reporters that Albakr had strangled himself with his shirt but it was not immediately clear if he had hanged himself in his cell.
Gemkow said Albakr had been seen by a psychologist earlier in the day, but it was assessed that suicide was unlikely.
Authorities then decided to reduce its checks on him from every 30 minutes to every 15.
Albakr was on a hunger strike and refused to drink, Gemkow said, adding that authorities tried to resuscitate him for about half an hour after they found his body.
Read More : cnn

New York Bomb Suspect Charged By NYPD

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US federal prosecutors have charged an Afghan-American with detonating and planting bombs in New York and New Jersey that left at least 31 people wounded.

The prosecutors said on Tuesday that Ahmad Khan Rahami, 28, carried out twin bombings on Saturday in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighbourhood and along the route of a US Marine Corps run in the New Jersey town of Seaside Park.

A criminal complaint was unsealed in Newark, New Jersey, shortly after a virtually identical filing was unsealed in New York.

The Afghanistan-born American restaurant worker, who lives in Elizabeth, New Jersey, was critically wounded in a police shootout on Monday.

Two officers were shot in the encounter, but suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Chris Bollwage, the mayor of Elizabeth, said Rahami had also sustained shots and had been taken away by  ambulance. Rahami underwent surgery on his wounds and remains in hospital.

Read More: aljazeera

Syrian rebel blows himself up by taking a selfie with a phone rigged to a bomb

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This video appears to show the moment a Syrian rebel blows himself and his fellow freedom fighters up by taking a selfie with a phone connected to a bomb.

The footage, which has not been verified, shows members of the Free Syrian Army gathering around a camera.

The eight men are seen sitting in front of a rebel flag as they sing into a microphone, with two rifles propped up in front of them.

This video appears to show the moment a Syrian rebel (left, holding phone) blows himself and his fellow freedom fighters up by taking a selfie with a phone connected to a bomb

This video appears to show the moment a Syrian rebel (left, holding phone) blows himself and his fellow freedom fighters up by taking a selfie with a phone connected to a bomb

The 30-second clip shows one of the men picking up a phone and holding it  up to take a picture of him and the other rebels.

A clicking noise can be heard moments before a sudden blast rocks the room, with flames and smoke obscuring the camera’s view.

When the dust clears, the camera has been blown backwards onto the floor and is pointing towards a ceiling fan.

The rebels can be heard shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ – meaning ‘God is great’ – as they jump over the camera to help their comrades.

A clicking noise can be heard moments before a sudden blast rocks the room, with flames and smoke obscuring the camera's view

A clicking noise can be heard moments before a sudden blast rocks the room, with flames and smoke obscuring the camera’s view

When the dust clears, the camera has been blown backwards onto the floor and is pointing towards a ceiling fan

When the dust clears, the camera has been blown backwards onto the floor and is pointing towards a ceiling fan

The fact that the camera was not destroyed and that the other men in the room appear uninjured suggest the bomb may have been smaller than others seen used by rebels and ISIS in Syria.

It is not known if anyone was injured or killed in the blast.

The Free Syrian Army is allied with the coalition of western nations – including the US, UK and France – in the fight against ISIS.

The rebel group is also fighting against forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad following the uprising in the nation in 2011, which has led to vast bloodshed and a refugee crisis.

Militants Bomb Shell Pipeline In Delta

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Daring militants monday blasted an oil pipeline belonging to the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Batan community in Warri South West Local Government area of Delta State.

Security sources said that the incident occurred at SPDC Camp Five at about 1 a.m. with a huge fire enveloping the site of the attack.

“Suspected militants attacked the SPDC pipeline in Batan at about 1 a.m. with dynamites. As I am speaking, the place is engulfed with fire but efforts are being made to put it off,” one security source said.

Another community source confirmed the incident, stating that they heard a huge explosion around midnight only to discover it was a pipeline belonging to Shell that had been blasted.

He said: “We heard a huge explosion when we were sleeping. We rushed out and found that the Shell pipeline was on fire. We are not sure whether it was militants that caused it or not.”

The Niger Delta Advengers (NDA), the militant group that has claimed responsibility for the destruction of oil facilities in the Niger Delta, was yet to claim responsibility at the time of filing this report.

Instead, the group disclaimed reports of a meeting between itself and the Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung, at Oporoza in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Reacting to the minister’s claim that he met with the Avengers at the weekend, the militant group said he must have been duped by fraudsters since it did not send any representatives to “meet with a common minister”.

“The Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung narrated how he met with some self claimed Niger Delta Avengers in Oporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom. We are here to let the general public know that Niger Delta fraudsters have defrauded the minister.

“Niger Delta Avengers can’t stoop so low to send representatives to meet with a common Minister of Youths and Sports that doesn’t know his work.

“Let us make this clear, any meeting with Niger Delta Avengers that the international community is not part of as witness, we will not be part of any such dialogue,” it said in a press release signed by its spokesperson, Mudoch Agbinibo.

Credit: Thisday

Suspected Militants Bomb Gas Pipeline In Nigeria

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Suspected Niger delta oil rebels have bombed a gas pipeline owned by the Nigeria subsidiary of Italy’s Eni, the latest attack on the country’s oil facilities, a company official said Wednesday.

The militants blew up the Agip gas pipeline at Ogbembiri in the Southern Ijaw area of Bayelsa state on Sunday, leading to an oil production drop equivalent to 1,000 barrels per day, said the official who asked not to be identified.

“I can confirm the sabotage to that pipeline. The production impact is approximately 1,000 bpd of Eni’s equity,” he told AFP.

The pipeline has been repeatedly breached this year amid renewed violence in the region.

Credit: Guardian

Militants Give Condition To Stop Bombings In N/Delta

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Top militant leaders, who have been causing havoc in the Niger Delta and major oil depots in the South-West, have laid out conditions under which they would stop the renewed bombing of oil installations and embrace peace.

 

 

The militants told newsmen in Abuja that they would only drop their arms when the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, meets and negotiates with them.

 

 

The militants issued the position after a secret meeting involving their leaders from the Niger Delta and their counterparts in Alepo, Agric, Epe, Ikorodu, Itoki and Igbokoda areas of Lagos.

 

 

One of the top leaders, who gave his name as General Levi, told Vanguard that they would not want to back down until the Petroleum Minister meets them and secures amnesty for their members to avoid being persecuted by security agencies.

 

The militant leaders also said after meeting with the minister, they would thereafter take over the responsibility of tracking and exposing those bent on causing further destruction to all facilities and meting our appropriate punishment to them.

 

 

They said they had been pleading for amnesty since the days of the President Jonathan’s administration but nobody took them into consideration and were ready to work with the new administration to bring about an end to oil bunkering and pipeline vandalisation in the Niger Delta region and the South-West.

 

 

Levi said: “We are ready to drop our arms and denounce hostility with the government on the condition that the Minister of Petroleum will meet with us and hear our own side of the story. We are not against the government but we have genuine issues yet to be addressed by successive administrations in this country.

 

 

“We are ready to commence discussion and denounce association with this present situation. From now henceforth, we are ready to block any channel for anyone not to go through to bomb oil pipelines.”

 

 

The bombing of oil installations in the Niger Delta commenced last week as militants blew up major oil and gas pipelines in the area.

 

 

 

Credit : Vanguard

Boko Haram’s Suicide Bomber Girls Often Unaware They’re Carrying Bombs — UN

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A UN expert has said many of the young girls Boko Haram sends out as suicide bombers in Nigeria and neighbouring countries are probably unaware that they will be blown up.
Leila Zerrougui, the UN secretary-general’s special representative on children and armed conflict, suggested Tuesday that especially the children used in this way were in many cases not aware of what they were about to do.
“Many of them don’t know that they will be blown up with remote devices,” she told reporters, pointing out many of the girls are as young as 11 or 12.
“I personally doubt that the children know,”

 Zerrougui added that security forces had informed the UN that the bombs are often set off remotely.

“That means that it is not the person herself who did it,” she said.

Zerrougui lamented that the use of children as human bombs is one of the worst manifestations of an increasingly blatant disregard for the safety and security of minors in conflict situations around the world

.“This is the worst form where children are really put in danger and their bodies are really used as a weapon,”“I can say that 2015 was really a difficult year for children all over the world where conflicts are ongoing,” she said.The world is currently dealing with six major conflicts, including in Syria and Yemen, compared to one or two normally.And if you count protracted conflicts, a jaw-dropping 20 are currently impacting the lives of children around the world, “We have thousands of children killed, maimed, schools attacked and children by the thousands recruited in many places,” Children are not only affected, they are specifically targeted.”

 AFP

Female Somali Journalist Killed In An Explosion From A Bomb Planted In Her Car

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Hindiya Haji Mohamed, a female journalist working with Somalia’s national television station, SNTV was killed when a bomb exploded under her car in Mogadishu Thursday December 3rd. Mohamed was returning home from university when the bomb detonated. She later died of her wounds at the hospital. Her late husband, also a journalist with the same television station, was killed in a suicide attack on a Mogadishu restaurant in 2012.

“Hindiyo died at the hospital of the serious injuries she sustained, we are very sorry about her death,” said Abdirahin Ise Ado, director of Radio Mogadishu. “We condemn the killing… she was dedicated to serving her county and the people,” said Minister for Information Mohamed Abdi Heyr Mareye in a statement. There was no immediate claim of responsibility but Al-Qaeda’s linked Al-Shabaab have been carrying out regular attacks against government officials and journalists. Mohamed left behind a son.

News Alert: Young Boy Caught Planting Bombs, WATCH His Confession

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According to a tweep, a young boy was nabbed by commutants planting bombs. The tweep posted a short video clip of residents interrogating the young boy as regards to the locations he planted bombs.

The boy responds in Hausa, saying, he planted one at night when he was asked who planted the bomb at the market.

See tweet below and watch the boy’s confession during interrogation…

Fresh Plot To Bomb Abuja’s Wuse Market Thwarted

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A plot by some suspected terrorists to plant Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the popular Wuse Market in Abuja has been thwarted by a special intelligence response team set up by Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase.

The elite team, made up of highly-trained intelligence and operations officers, has so far, arrested a total of five suspected terrorists who will be paraded before the media any moment from now and, thereafter, charged to court in the next few days.

It was gathered that the terrorists, who were planning to carry out their attack in various parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were picked up from their hideouts at Karamajiji village behind the National Military Cemetery along Abuja Airport Road and Iddo village located directly behind the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Two others were picked up from a hideout at Dan-Asato village, in Suleja, while another was picked up at Gauraka village, also in Suleja, a satellite town in Niger State, near Abuja.

Items recovered from the terrorists, according to a top security officer, include various kinds of chemicals used for making IEDs numbering over 30, plastic containers and a registered motor vehicle licence.

The police special intelligence response team also recovered 15 bombs in the four locations mentioned, which suspects said were to be planted at strategic location in the nation’s capital.

Read More: sunnewsonline

3 Boko Haram Militants Killed Transporting Bomb

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Three militants of the Boko Haram group died on Tuesday when a bomb they were transporting exploded in Niger’s Far East region of Diffa, local sources said.

The bomb exploded when they were about to enter Bosso town, one of the sources told newsmen, adding that the militants were planning to carry out an attack.

On Sunday, 10 people, among them one soldier, five civilians and four suicide bombers, were killed in two separate suicide attacks by Boko Haram in Diffa.

The two bombs targeted a military camp and a Mosque in Diffa, a few days after two Nigerien soldiers were killed in an ambush by the militants in the same region.

Read More: vanguardngr

Bomb Hits IDP Camp In Yola

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The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that a bomb tore through the warehouse of an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, Friday afternoon.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency confirmed the bombing as well, reports TheCable.

Sanni Datti, spokesman of the state emergency agency, gave the name of the camp as Malkohi and said its inhabitants are currently being evacuated.

“I can confirm to you that there was a bomb blast at Malkohi camp this morning but we don’t have the details for now because we are busy evacuating people,” he told TheCable.

BUSTED! Boko Haram Planned To Bomb Nnamdi Azikiwe Int’l Airport

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A plot by Boko Haram terrorists to bomb the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was uncovered last Monday by the Department of State Service, DSS.

The DSS made this known on Saturday in a statement by an official, Tony Opuiyo in which he said a fourteen year old boy,  Sulaiymon Abdulraman (a.k.a Sunday AJAYI), of Kogi State was apprehended inside the airport.

On interrogation, Abdulraman allegedly disclosed that he infiltrated the airport with the assistance of one Dauda Sadiq (a.k.a Peter) who the DSS said, is presently at large and was directed to spy on the installation and pass information in respect of travelers’ movement including passenger screening, boarding procedures and other processes in the departure and arrival halls.

Read More: leadership

Police Recover Unexploded Bombs in Damaturu

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Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Mr Marcus Danladi, told reporters that six more unexploded bombs were discovered in the vehicle, after a thorough search by men of the Explosive Ordinance Department of the command.

Mr Danladi explained that in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State in Nigeria’s north-east region, four pieces of 81 mm Calibre capable of travelling 1,000 metres radius and two other improvised ones were retrieved and effectively diffused at the scene.

He stressed further that a woman in the Jeep was carrying with her, a bag containing six unexplored Mortar Bomb, which she was still holding at the scene of the blast.

According to the police boss, “the woman that was crying for help at the scene of the blast was aiming to trigger the Mortar Bomb capable of travelling 500 metres radius to claim more lives, but her mission was fruitless as she was ignored by the officers and men on ground having known her mission”.

Mr Danladi added that the woman later died at the scene as a result of the injuries sustained in the blast, confirming that the Mortar Bomb in her custody were recovered and successfully diffused.

He also said that men of the command on patrol at Bara in Gulani Local Government Area of Yobe State recently engaged the Boko Haram militants and liberated an evaded Village Market from possible attack.

Items recovered in the operation included a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), Tow AK 47 rifles with 2 AK 47 loaded magazine, 60 rounds of ammunition, an Improvised Explosive Device and 500 units of GPMG life ammunition.

Source – Channelstv.com

Army Confirms 50 Killed in Damaturu Bomb Blast

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Two female suicide bombers detonated bombs at a screening area for Eid prayers in Damaturu early Friday morning, killing at least 50 people, the army has confirmed. The army places the time of the explosion at 7.40am, just as eid prayers got underway to mark the end of the month-long Ramadan fast.

Spokesman of the Nigeria army Colonel Sani Usman said the two women, an elderly woman and a 10-year-old girl detonated devices at screening areas for intending Muslim worshippers at Layin Gwange, Damaturu and at “Phase One”,  (in front of former state secretariat), Damaturu.”

At least “43 people died in the first explosion and several people were injured,” said Usman.
Seven more were killed in the second explosion.

“The situation is under control. Both Yobe State Governor and the Chief of Army Staff,
sympathise with and urged the people to stay calm and be security conscious,” Usman added.

Daily Trust adds that Usman noted that  no amount of terrorist act would deter resolve to stamp out terrorism and insurgency.?

Sallah Day: Multiple Explosions Rock Damaturu

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map-yobeMultiple explosions rocked Damaturu, the Yobe State capital at Phase I near Eid Praying ground, Friday morning.

The explosions are coming on a day when the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Tukur Buratai declared that he will spend his Sallah celebration in Damaturu.

A resident, Abdul Malik, told his account to reporters that “It happened at about 8am. Now we are being asked to return back home. Those that had gotten close to the Eid ground said many people were affected”.

More to follow ……….

Chad War Planes Bomb Boko Haram After Suicide Attacks

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Chad’s military said Thursday it had carried out airstrikes on Boko Haram positions to avenge twin suicide bombings in Chad’s capital that were blamed on the jihadists.

Citing the “cowardly and barbaric acts perpetrated by Boko Haram terrorists”, which killed 33 people in N’Djamena on Monday, the military said that it had “carried out reprisal airstrikes on the terrorists’ positions in Nigerian territory” on Wednesday.

Six Boko Haram bases were destroyed in the air raids, which caused “considerable human and material losses”, the military said in a statement.

Chad would continue its “merciless” pursuit of the insurgents “so that no drop of Chadian blood spilt goes unpunished,” the statement added.

Monday’s attacks on the police headquarters and a police academy in N’Djamena were the first in the capital of the west African country, which has taken a lead role in a regional offensive against Boko Haram.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks but Chad and its allies immediately blamed the Nigeria-based insurgents, who have carried out several attacks recently.

Credit:  AFP

Three Bombers Die On Highway Before Reaching Their Destination In Maiduguri

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Three females suspected to be Boko Haram bombers have died on a highway along Maiduguri before reaching their destination when the bombs concealed on their bodied exploded unexpectedly.

The Borno State Police Commissioner, Aderemi Opadokun who confirmed the incident said their death can be attributed to a failed suicide bombing attempt.

“Three suspected female suicide bombers died in Konduga LGA about 20 Kilometres to Maiduguri on Tuesday when IEDs  strapped to their bodies detonated on their way to Maiduguri. All the three suicide bombers are dead with no other casualty,” Opadokun said.

Explosion hits Yola market

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An explosion has reportedly hit a major market in Yola, the capital of Adamawa state on Thursday evening.

As at the time of filing this report, The Nation was unable to contact the Police concerning the cause of the blast, it was however suspected to be an activity of suicide bombers.

Eye witness, who recounted that the incidence occurred at about 7:00pm at the Jimeta main market, noted that it could be difficult to measure casualty figure but the impact may be much.

Bomb Kills Two, Injures 33 In Maiduguri

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A bomb hidden in a pile of scrap metal beside a busy road has killed two people and injured 33 others in Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria, military and hospital sources said on Wednesday.

The explosion, at around 1630 GMT, struck around 600 metres from army barracks and it follows a spate of bombings in the city by militant Islamist group Boko Haram that has killed around 80 people in the last few days.

“Thirty-three people that sustained various degree of injuries were brought to the hospital from the scene,” a source at a local hospital told Reuters, adding that two dead people were evacuated.

Boko Haram has waged a six-year insurgency in the northeast of Africa’s biggest economy and top oil exporter in a bid to establish an Islamic caliphate.

At the start of the year it controlled a swathe of territory around the size of Belgium, but the military says the group has been pushed back to the Sambisa forest in recent weeks – which Boko Haram denied in a video aired on social media on Tuesday.

New President Muhammadu Buhari, who visited his counterpart in Niger to discuss the group, has vowed to defeat the militant Islamists.

Bomb Blast Hits Market In Maiduguri City, 50 killed

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Many people are feared killed today  after a bomb exploded at the Maiduguri abattoir in the troubled Borno State, witnesses said.

The incident happened around 12.35 pm at a commercial toilet facility within the abattoir, the biggest slaughter house  in Maiduguri where animal protein including camels, cows, sheep and goats are prepared before distribution.

Sources said most butchers in the abattoir take their bath there after the day’s work which normally lasts between 6.30am and 12 noon.

“The bomb was kept in a bag near the rest house and the owner pretended as if he wanted to ease himself,” butcher Tanko Mahauchi said.

“Many people were killed when the bomb exploded and many others sustained serious injuries,” he said.

Fire service men, Red Cross and NEMA officials have mobilized to the scene.

In the early hours of today, hundreds of Boko Haram terrorists had wanted to invade Maiduguri with RPGs but were repelled by the  Nigerian troops.

Nigerian Troops Nab Three Bomb Makers In Gombe

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The Nigerian troops have arrested three suspected bomb producers in Gombe State, North-eastern part of the country.

The Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, said in a statement on Thursday, that “A cordon and search operations conducted by troops in Gombe yielded the arrest of 3 bomb making experts”.

He explained further that “the arrested persons are suspected to be members of the terrorist group in search of soft targets for attack after being dislodged from the stronghold in Sambisa forest and other enclaves”.

On items recovered from the suspects, the military Spokesman revealed that “Items recovered from the apprehended include a tricycle and materials for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation”.

Reassuring Nigerians of safety, Olukolade stressed that “Cordon and search is continuing in certain localities and will be intensified along with mopping up operations in locations where offensive operations are being conducted. The essence is to apprehend the terrorists who have been dislodged from their sanctuaries and in search of escape routes or resorting to attacking soft targets.

“In line with this development, the public is enjoined to be extra vigilant and to report suspicious movements or activities within their environs, as the military is poised to ensuring that the ongoing operations are duly aligned with security arrangement nationwide.”

Unexploded Bomb Found Near Wembley Stadium. Tomorrow’s FA Cup Final Threatened

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Homes have been evacuated as the Army works to defuse an unexploded World War II bomb discovered near Wembley Stadium.
The 50kg explosive, which is believed to have been dropped over London during Nazi bombing raids in the the early 1940s, was discovered by builders working near the stadium.
The British Army has warned of a “genuine risk to life” as homes and businesses, reportedly including the studio in which the ITV show Britain’s Got Talent is filmed, were evacuated outside a 400-metre police cordon.

This bomb is a live munition in a potentially dangerous condition so it’s important that people listen to the police and evacuate their homes if asked.
We will do all we can to minimise the disruption but ask the public to bear with us – any bomb, even under a controlled explosion, could cause significant damage to property and there is a genuine risk to life.

– British Army spokesman.

Kogi Radio Station Bombed, 4 Killed

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There was a bomb blast on TAO FM in Okene, Kogi State, last night at about 8pm which had 4 people, suspected to be security personnel killed.

The radio station which was located at the centre of Okene town, which is the headquarters of Kogi Central Senatorial District has been reduced to nothing. The radio station which broadcasts mainly in Ebira language was popularly known for its radical stance on politics of the people of Ebira.

Kogi state Police Public Relations Officer, Shola Collins, confirmed the incident said that police detectives had already been mobilized to the scene of the incident.

The reason for bombing the radio station was not known as no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The bomb explosion destroyed the radio station at about 8pm on Monday 27th April.

The police have promised to capture the perpetuators of this crime and are currently investigating the case.

Bomb Explodes In Plateau State

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An explosion has occurred at a military facility in Plateau State with yet unknown number of casualties, witnesses and a security source said. The bomb hit the Nigerian Army’s 3rd Armoured Division barracks at Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, at about 9:45 a.m. on Saturday.

The casualty rate was unclear as the police could not be immediately reached. Plateau State has witnessed a series of deadly bomb attacks in recent months. A blast at a bus station in Jos, Plateau, late February killed 13 people and injured 14 others.

More Details On: premiumtimesng

Chadian Helicopters Bomb Boko Haram on Nigeria-Niger Border, Says Niger Army

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Two Chadian army helicopters bombed Nigerian Boko Haram positions on Sunday, killing several dozen militants near a village on the border with Niger, a senior Niger military official told Reuters.

Niger and Chadian soldiers have been fighting the Islamist militants in a joint mission with Nigeria and Cameroon since March 2, in a bid to end Boko Haram’s six-year insurgency in northern Nigeria that is threatening regional stability.

The helicopters destroyed several vehicles and motorcycles carrying fighters in the Nigerian village of Djaboullam, which lies east across the border from the Niger town of Diffa, the Niger officer said. “Niger and Chad had received intelligence that a group of Boko Haram fighters had gathered in the border village,” the officer said.

The Niger military officer, who requested anonymity, said Boko Haram fighters had moved to Djaboullam after they were chased from other towns by the Nigerian army. Militants were also gathering in other border towns from where they routinely launch mortar rounds into Niger, he said. “We know they are massing in Malam Fatori, waiting for us to come,” he said, referring to another northeast Nigerian town about three kilometres (2 miles) from Bosso, the nearest town across the border in Niger.

Read More: Yahoo

Bomb Making Factory Found In Yobe State

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The Nigerian military has discovered a Boko Haram bomb making factory in Nigeria’s northeast.

The Director, Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade said the recovery was made during the ongoing cordon and search by troops in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

According to him, a large quantity of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used by terrorists were recovered from the site.

“The factory, which was located in a fertilizer company, has also converted some of the materials therein for production of all types of IEDs. Troops are still evacuating the materials which include a large quantity of suicide bomber vests from the facility to their base.

“It is believed that the heavy calibre bomb used in blowing up the bridge between Damaturu and Buni Yadi was produced in the factory.

“The terrorists were sacked from Buni Yadi after a military assault that was conducted last Saturday. The troops advance was delayed by the series of IEDs planted on the highway leading to Buni Yadi. Four soldiers died from such IEDs in the course of the operation to clear terrorists from the town.

“This discovery is expected to degrade the capability of terrorists in the production of explosives, which they have been using lavishly in the area until they were dislodged from their stronghold,” he said.

Bomb in Kano Food Market Discovered & Detonated by Police

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Reports reaching us reveals that a high calibre Improvised Explosive Device at Dawnau, a popular food market in the ancient town. Sources say that the bomb was concealed in a sack that was hidden at the busy market.

Kano state police commissioner, Adelenre Shinaba confirmed the report to be true,  adding that “we have successfully detonated the bomb and I can assure you that we have restored normalcy to the market.”

 

Updates from the Kano Central Mosque Attack

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Following the three bomb explosions at the Kano central mosque today, rescue official, speaking to Agence France-Presse, put the casualty toll at 64 dead and 126 hurt, although this has not been independently confirmed.

Aside the three bomb explosions, the attackers also turned gunfire on worshippers, firing randomly at people.

One eyewitness told the BBC’s Focus on Africa that “The imam was about to start prayer when he saw somebody in a car trying to force himself into the mosque. But when people stopped him, he detonated the explosions. People started running helter-skelter.”

BBC Hausa editor Mansur Liman said one witness at a local hospital had described the scenes there as being the most horrible he had ever seen.

Today’s attack is assumed to be targeted at  Emir Muhammad Sanusi II, who has criticised Boko Haram barely a week ago, urging civilians to take up arms against the group. However, the Emir who has been said to be a regular worshipper at the mosque was out of the country during the attack, leaving the assumption ineffective.