Precious oil was discovered in Borno in the Lake Chad basin in 2012. After oil was discovered in the basins in neighboring Chad and Niger, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC commenced serious prospecting in the Chad, Anambra and other basins with high expectancy of discovering oil. True to the projection, in 2012 oil was found in the Borno Lake Chad basin.

But as is the curse of all regions in the third world where oil is found, perhaps not by pure coincidence, a new Boko Haram II terror group reappeared in Borno and was powerfully sponsored to take over from where the defunct Yusufiyyah initial Boko Haram I group that was destroyed by late Umaru Yar’Adua, used to function. This new Boko Haram II was more brutal and determined to kill or expel all indigenes from the oil endowed northern state.

Is Boko Haram interested in the oil wealth buried under the Bornu soil? Is Boko Haram a purposeful tool to inhibit and frustrate the plans to begin exploration of commercial oil from Borno? The plan to explore was set for this 2014, but obviously with Boko Haram in control of the land under which this northern oil find was made, there will be no exploration and harvesting of oil any time soon.

Nigeria’s government forms panels to analyze every minor situation, panels to review the analysis and then panels to discus implementation of the results and then other panels to implement the results… it is rather puzzling that there are no special panels to seriously and holistically review the real pathogenesis of Boko Haram II, the context of the formation of this terror group at the beginning of the Goodluck administration, precisely on October 1st, 2010 (MEND Abuja bombing date), to study its support and to thoroughly analyze the reasons for the complete failure of all approaches the Goodluck administration has currently utilized toward controlling it.

The Association of Petroleum Inland Basins States of Northern Nigeria (APIBONN) has been fighting to fast-track the exploration of oil and gas in basins in the north of the nation; however the terror situation conveniently prevents any serious efforts at exploration. Several Basins mostly north of the Niger river, some with oil finds but most yet to be fully explored according to APIBONN are the Northern Anambra and Southern Bida Basins in Kwara and Kogi States, Niger (Central Bida and Southern Sokoto Basins), Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Taraba (Middle Benue Trough), Bauchi,  Gombe, Adamawa and Yobe (Upper Benue Trough and part of Chad Basin), Borno (Chad Basin) while Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara (Sokoto Basin – oil found).

It is time to ask many, many questions. Is someone stopping exploration? Does someone wish to annex Borno? Does someone wish to care out oil-rich Borno as his new nation? There is no question that the find of oil reserves in 2012 potentially puts the entire conflict in the north in a different light. Blood oil?

Dr. Peregrino Brimah; http://ENDS.ng [Every Nigerian Do Something] Email: drbrimah@ends.ng Twitter: @EveryNigerian

Source: NewsRescue

Lt. Col. Adeboye Obasanjo, who was shot by Boko Haram, is eager to return to the battlefield

According to reports, the wounded son of former President,Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed his desire to return to the battlefield.

Reports released on Monday, September 8, 2014 had it that Lt. Col. Adeboye Obasanjo was shot and injured by Boko Harammilitants in Mubi, Adamawa where he was leading a platoon.

The younger Obasanjo is said to have told former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who visited him in a Yola hospital, that he is eager to return to battle.

Atiku is said to have visited Adeboye yesterday, September 9, 2014 and he was reportedly impressed at the latter’s desire to get back to work.

Jonathan done fall my hand finally. Chai.

E be like say oga Jona done decide say hin go tell us say hin na Boko haram through and through and we eida accept it or go hang transformer!

Boko Haram are my preferred cabinet.

Who helep me check hin full entourage, someone say dem see Shekau for dia too.

DiaRisGodo! Chai!

We have received sensitive reports that indicate a serious level of suspicion among Boko Haram top field commanders and the groups apex leadership. Mutiny is brewing in the Boko Haram formation.
The top leadership is suspicious of some of its top commanders sent to head conquest missions and plans to apprehend these Generals on suspicion of betrayal. Boko Haram members take very sinister oaths of allegiance, however some group commanders are said to be planning to work with the Civilian-JTF to attack the Shekau top command and later negotiate surrender and disarmament. Several commanders do not have true loyalty to the group’s mission and have been contacting Civilian-JTF for their cooperation in bringing the top leadership to its knees.
A top negotiator for the Jonathan government, Australian Dr. Stephen Davis recently revealed that some commanders had broken group rules and given him names of the sponsors of the group: ex army chief, Azubuike Ihejirika and former Governor of Borno, ALi Modu Sheriff were named. This violation of group code was bitterly received by the top sect command who have grown suspicious of certain of its tentacles.
The have been several reports in the past of Boko Haram soldiers, many forcefully conscripted hoping to find a way out, however the Nigerian army and Civilian-JTF gave them no such option in the past as once captured, they are summarily executed, leaving them the choice between slaughter on mere suspicion of violation in Sambisa camps or slaughter at the hands of the CJTF and Nigerian Military; this is why those members now out of range of the tightly controlled camps, sent on missions as far as Adamawa and Yobe are now negotiating with the CJTF to partner to wage war against the top Boko Haram leadership. The commanders described the Shekau leadership as mentally unstable.
Our sources indicated that Boko Haram leadership is distraught and desperate to kill these regional commanders before the commanders establish their splits. This may be the greatest threat to Boko Haram since its formation as the Nigerian military has never posed a serious or formidable threat to the terrorists.
Our sources also gave us information about the Ali Modu Sheriff led mission to Chad, indicating that Ali Modu Sheriff is a close buddy of the Chadian President and has much of his looted wealth stashed in Chad. Our sources also said that in the past, when Boko Haram members were chased out of Nigeria, only the Cameroonian Government arrested these terrorists, the Chadian Government allowed them relocate into Chad and also allowed their families come meet them there. Further stating that Ali Modu Sheriff who was arrested for Boko Haram terror-linked activities in Cameroon in 2012 can never go to Cameroon.

We will bring more information as we receive it…

Source: News Rescue

Adebayo Obasanjo

 Lieutenant Colonel Adeboye Obasanjo was shot by Boko Haram members in Mubi, Adamawa state

The army officer son of former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, who was attacked by Boko Haram yesterday, is now said to be in stable condition.
Lieutenant Colonel Adeboye Obasanjo was reportedly shot in the legs while leading a platoon in Mubi, Adamawa.
He is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Center in Yola, the state capital.
The younger Obasanjo was supposedly visited by presidential aide, Doyin Okupe who revealed via Twitter that the soldier is now in stable condition.

Northern babalawos have added their voices to the fight against Boko Haram by giving the FG an ultimatum to arrest and prosecute those indicted as sponsors of the insurgents.

Just like the Witches and Wizards Association of Nigeria gave the Boko Haram elements in the country an ultimatum to free the kidnapped Chibok girls or face their wraths, (we are still waiting to see the outcome of the ultimatum that had since expired), the Northern wing of traditional medicine practitioners, aka babalawos, have told the Federal Government to arrest and prosecute former governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff and former Chief of Army Statf, Gen. Azubike Ihejirika, who have been fingered as the sponsors of the dreaded Islamic sect, within 40 days, or it would be forced to sue the men for allegedly financing terrorism.
The herbalists who claim they have what it takes to arrest the kingpin of the Boko Haram insurgents, Abubakar Shekau ,but only waiting for the green light from the FG, also said that if the FG refuses to arrest those indicted, they will resort to a special prayers for God's wrath to fall on Sheriff, Ihejirika and others.

If the Federal Government refuses to do this, our members shall resort to special prayers for 21 days for God’s wrath to befall Sheriff, Ihejirika, their fellow collaborators and Boko Haram members.

Stressing that many of their members have been killed by the insurgents who have also taken over the Sambisa Forest where they get their roots and herbs, the also said:
Babalawos are Nigerians and deserve the same recognition accorded Imams and Pastors by government.

Many churches and mosques have received compensation from state governments for the destruction of their places of worship but not a single Babalawo has received a condolence message or any form of monetary compensation since the Boko Haram problem started three years ago.

Cameroonian troops have reportedly dealt a big blow to the Boko Haram sect by killing 100 of its members

According to reports, the Cameroonian army has killed "over 100" Boko Haram fighters who were attempting to enter its territory.

A spokesperson for the country’s government, Issa Tchiroma Bakary reportedly said in a statement, read out on radio, that the army had dealt "a severe setback" to Boko Haram.
The statement said:

"There were no casualties reported on the Cameroonian side after the attack,"
"Our defence forces responded vigorously with mortar fire aimed at the positions held by units of the Boko Haram terrorist group that was behind the attack."
"The Cameroonian response resulted in over 100 deaths among the aggressors,"

The statement reportedly added that the Boko Haram members were forced closer back to the Nigerian border town of Gamboru Ngala, which Boko Haram allegedly seized over a week ago.

The Secretary to the Borno State Government, Baba Ahmad Jidda reportedly said that Boko Haram has taken over the state

The activities of Boko Haram in Borno state have become cause for alarm, the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Ahmad Jidda has said.

The Nation reports that Jidda made a statement to newsmen in Abuja today, September 7, 2014 as regards the insecurity currently plaguing Borno.

The statement reads:

 “A deep appraisal of the condition prevailing in Borno State at the moment shows a disrupted environment that is in desperate need of peace and restoration.

“As a result of the insurgency caused by Boko Haram, large swathes of the land in the state is currently inaccessible. Normal governmental, economic, social and political activities have been dislocated with huge numbers of displaced persons living in refugee camps in Maiduguri, neighbouring states as well as Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

“The State of Emergency is still in force with its attendant curfews and restrictions on free movement and assembly.

“The Maiduguri Airport is also closed limiting access significantly to and out of Borno State. The threat to security of lives and property as a result of the criminal activities of the Boko Haram insurgents is everywhere and indeed the limited peace prevailing in Maiduguri and the few other areas is achieved largely due to alertness and corporation of the Civilian JTF and the security agencies.

“Moreover the search and rescue efforts for the abducted Chibok School girls remain on the front burner.

The above scenario presents a troubling condition that affects all and sundry in Borno State and the North-East as a Zone.”

 “At this very moment, most parts of Borno State are being occupied by Boko Haram insurgents. Government presence and administration is minimal or non-existent across many parts of the state, with economic, commercial and social services totally subdued. Schools and clinics remain closed.”

The SSG also reportedly said that it is necessary for all political leaders and stakeholders in Borno State to unite and meet with President Goodluck Jonathan for the purpose of finding a solution to the problem.

Boko Haram militants attacked a platoon led by the son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, shooting him today. He sustained serious injuries to his legs and was being transported to the hospital at the time of this report.

Adeboye Obasanjo, an army engineer, was a Lieutenant Colonel at the 3rd Division in Jos, Plateau State.

He and his platoon were engaged with Boko Haram militants at Baza, which is the village of the General Officer Commanding of the 3rd division when the incident took place. The Lieutenant Agwu of the 234 battalion, GOC of the 3rd Division, Major Gen JS Zaruwa and Colonel Victor Ebhaleme who serves as the Brigade Commander of the 23rd Army brigade in Yola were all together advancing towards Michika when Boko Haram fighters unleashed the deadly attack on the soldiers.

Twenty four soldiers in the platoon were reportedly killed by the militants.

Apart from the dead soldiers, the army also lost an armored tank to the militants. As a result of the attack, the army has moved sensitive weapons from Mubi to the Brigade headquarters in Yola leaving Mubi vulnerable to attack. The town of Mubi has practically been deserted following the closure of schools and massive retreat of soldiers from the city.

The former president is currently traveling in Singapore according to family sources.

The Nigerian military are reportedly battling against Boko Haram insurgents at Mubi town following reports that residents of the town are fleeing the area following news of the approaching terrorists.

Excerpt from Punch:

Nigerian soldiers are turning back fleeing residents of Mubi in Adamawa State as they engage Boko Haram insurgents in an attempt to regain the town.

The soldiers are also said to be engaging in a fierce battle with members of the sect all through Sunday night and Monday morning to regain full control of Michika.

Fighter jets are bombing the hideouts of the insurgents while foot soldiers battle their locations around Michika local government area secretariat.

Read more from PUNCH

#Mubi #Michika #Adamawa #BokoHaram #Nigeria #Yola
 

Chairman of the Maiduguri chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Malam Abdulwasiu Alfa, on Monday urged the Federal Government to adopt some of its strategies against the Ebola Virus Disease in fighting Boko Haram, adding the tactics would go a long way in ending insurgency in the country.

``We commend the Federal Government for gallantly curbing the spread of the Ebola virus.

``We urge the government to do so toward ending the Boko Haram reign of terror in the country,’’ Alfa said.

Alfa said that if government had adopted the same strategy in fighting the insurgency the problem would have been solved long ago.

``If the government will fight the insurgency the way it fought the dreaded Ebola virus, the Boko Haram sect will have been crushed long ago,’’ he said.

Alfa also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees (NCR) to be more proactive toward assisting thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno.

``Government agencies charged with providing succor to the IDPs like NEMA and NCR should be more visible in areas which has the highest number of IDPs,’’ Alfa said.

He also called on the Federal Government to issue a white paper on the Gaji Galtimari Committee of Inquiry into the Boko Haram crisis in the state.

#Nigeria #Ebola #BokoHaram

President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday in Abuja called on Nigerians to pray for the nation’s security forces to enable them to contain insecurity in the country.
Jonathan made the call at the inauguration of the “Citadel and Towers”, the new complex of the House on the Rock Church, Abuja.
Represented by the Minister of Agriculture, Akinwunmi Adesina, Jonathan, who also inaugurated the Churche’s Cathedral in Lagos, said both structures were architectural masterpieces.
“We understand the importance of faith-based organisations in building a strong, peaceful, resilient and prosperous nation; your work in this regard is highly commendable.
“Like the citadel, Nigeria is rising, my government is working hard, supported by your prayers and the results are evident.
“Today, Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa; we are producing more food than ever before.
“There are renewal of our rail systems, improvement of petrochemical and gas industries, expansion of construction of roads and other infrastructure.
“Modernisation of our airports, improvement of our educational and health systems are receiving major attention’’, he said.
According to him, together we are building a Nigeria of our dreams; a nation destined for greatness by God, to become a beacon of light to nations.
“Yes, we have our security challenges, but none of these things should discourage us, we are working very hard to address the insecurity in some parts of the nation.
“Our security forces are facing enemies of progress who do not want our nation to prosper; those who maim and destroy.
“We must all arise and pray for our security forces, we must be encouraged everyday and indeed when the enemy shall arise, the Lord will lift a mighty standard against him’’, he said.
He expressed gratitude for the prayers of the church for Nigeria, especially for people in government and for the vision for the new church complex.
Jonathan expressed optimism that great leaders would arise from the Church and other faith-based organisations to move the nation forward.
Pastor Paul Adefarasin of the House on the Rock Church, said true transformation required discipline, integrity, unity, commitment, clarity of purpose and sharpness of vision.
He said the citadel being inaugurated was synonymous with the Biblical nation builder Nehemiah and thus Nigeria must stand guard physically and spiritually.
He harped on the need for social justice and equity in the land.
“Today, we stand in one of such structures built to protect our land and deliver social justice to all; the Citadel and Towers epitomises contemporary 21st century architecture.
“It behoves on us to remember the reason for which the citadel was birthed; this edifice has been prayerfully fashioned as a place of refuge.
“This centre is inspired by a clear understanding of the strategic role of faith based organisations as partners in national development.
“Government alone cannot be left to do the business of building our nation; we must all become veritable vehicles for the actualisation of social justice”, he said.
He said education cannot be overemphasised as a tool for national transformation and the church must play its role.

L-R:General Manager, Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mr Celestine Ogolo, Head of Technical Services Division, Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency, Mitchell Alamina and General Manager, Human Resources and Administration, RSSDA, Tonye Sukubo, during the 2014 Annual Media Report in Port Harcourt, last Friday. Photo: Egberi Sampson

Boko Haram militants travel in convoys to overrun villages, towns and cities in Nigeria's Northeast

Heavily armed Islamists militants from Boko Haram today took over Michika one of the key towns in Adamawa state. The militants who seized Gulak three days ago chased out Nigerian troops and hoisted their flag in the township.

Residents fleeing the city said a Nigerian military jet flew over the area but did not attack the militants.
Some soldiers were alter mobilized to Mararaba Mubi to prevent the militants from capturing Mubi, another key city some kilometers away from Michika.
Soldiers from the 23 Brigade in Yola were told to put on their uniform and get ready to defend Mubi.