GENESIS OF BOKO HARAM, TRAINING AND CHANGING TACTICS.

In 1995, the group was said to be operating under the name Shabaab, Muslim Youth Organisation. It operated from the Indimi Mosque, located along Damboa Road, Maiduguri, Borno State and had one Mallam Lawal as leader and another Mallam Usman as secretary.
It was learnt that in 1999, Lawal left Nigeria for further studies at the University of Medina, Saudi Arabia, thereby yielding the leadership of the group to the man known as Mustapha Modu Jon, commonly called Mohammed Yusuf.
Yusuf’s leadership was said to have opened the group to political influences and increased popularity.
Although Yusuf’s religious activism was linked to Kano, where he had brushes with popular Islamic clerics, he was said to have laid the foundation for the growth of the organisation.
Details about the late Yusuf, however, indicated that he hailed from Gingir village in Jakusko Local Government Area of Yobe State. He was born on 29 January 1970, married four wives and had 12 children.
“By 2000, Yusuf had won the respect and confidence of some clerics and youths at Indimi Mosque. He started presiding over some mosque activities and along the line, he upstaged all the teachers to emerge a leader. Many youths who followed him saw the older clerics as secular and anti-Sharia.
“His followers are largely illiterate youths who engaged in petty trading or had dropped out of school,” a source said.
ESTABLISHMENT OF MUHAMMAD YUSUF.
He then established his own mosque in an area called Railway Quarters in Maiduguri, while also extending his preaching to the mosques located at Kandahar, Unguwar Doki (near Monday Market) and Millionaire’s Quarters.
Investigators were also told that by early 2004, the Islamic sect had grown in states of presence with Borno, Yobe and Bauchi being notable and that some of the converted youths abandoned their studies to join the group. The ready-made army of followers were, however, said to be the Almajiri.
It was after 2004 that the sect leaders were said to have established links with the Algerian Salafist Group, now known as Al-Qaeda in Islamic Magreb, (AQIM), which gave them training on combat and use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
From trainings acquired in AQIM, it was gathered that members of Boko Haram were able to show dexterity in handling of weapons and manufacture of what is called “dirty bombs” through IEDs
NEW STRATEGY.
It was gathered that investigations by operatives have revealed that following recent arrests of high profile members of the sect as well as the fortification of most high targets, including headquarters of security outfits, a strategy has been put in place to ensure precision of attack.
Said a source close to the administration, “recent discoveries have shown that due to the fortification of premises of important buildings set aside as targets by Boko Haram, strategy has been put in place to simulate convoys of high profile Nigerians so as to gain access to target buildings.”
The plan, according to sources, is to use convoys with sirens to infiltrate headquarters of security agencies and local government area offices of such agencies to unleash terror.
Another strategy is to attack christian worship centers in volatile Northern states, this will trigger reprisal in all parts of the country, therefore the security will be highly involved in containing the situation that will enable Boko Haram to unleash deadlier attacks to their targets easily and achieve their aim of causing general chaos and anarchy.
RECRUITMENT.
As a result of the comments said to have been attributed to a top Nigerian security source that the Boko Haram would soon run out of suicide bombers, investigators were also said to have confirmed fresh recruitment drives.
It was gathered that the group now uses internet to propagate its activities and enhance its radicalisation and circulation of extremist ideologies.
Already, it was said that the sect is planning to double its huge following in such states as Kano, Bauchi, Adamawa, Yobe, Sokoto, Plateau, Kaduna and Katsina.
The recruitment drive is said to be targeted at muslims between ages of 17 and 30, a source said, adding that the group has also been recruiting its followers through prison breaks when freed prisoners are brainwashed to become adherents. - Nigerian Dan Arewa.

JTF Arrest Militant General, Gbereke .

The Joint Task Force (JTF) have apprehended Mr Seiyifa Gbereke alias General Cairo. General Cario is one of the most wanted militants operating in the Niger Delta, who has been accused of been responsible for various pipeline vandalizations along Bayelsa and Delta creeks.
JTF release said that they lured to Bayelsa from Warri where he was arrested and been questioned for his activities.

How Oshiomhole’s convoy was attacked – Police

THE Edo State Police Command said yesterday that it has commenced investigation into the attack on the convoy of Governor Adams Oshiomhole Thursday night and the burning of the Police post by youths alleged to be students of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Usen.
However, the State Government in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Louis Odion, alleged thugs loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state opened fire on the Governor’s convoy at about 6pm, shortly after he paid a visit to the Onogie of Usen,  His Royal Highness Oluogbe 11,at his palace.
It stated however that “the brave security details attached to the governor, supported by an additional contingent of regular policemen deployed to maintain law and order, rose to the occasion. They were able to shield the governor, key government functionaries and ACN leaders.  But several official vehicles including Toyota Land cruisers, Hilux pick up van and Toyota Corrola Saloon car were either badly damaged or riddled with bullet”.
The attack is coming barely two months after the Governor escaped death following the accident involving his convoy at Auchi, where three journalists in his convoy lost their lives.
However, the Police Command in a statement signed by its spokesman in the state, DSP Anthony Airhuoyo, narrated that “the governor went on campaign tour to Usen town in Ovia South West Council of Edo state, the governor while on his way to the campaign venue met the students and promised to address them on his way back.
After the campaign at about 6: 15pm, the governor decided to address them on a later date as it is already getting late.
But the students barricaded the high way at the outskirt of the town and were compelling the governor to visit their institution. When there demands could not be met, it became riotous. Throwing stones and missile at the governors convoy.
“In the process of dispersing the riotous students, two of them were injured and are currently receiving treatment.
No body was killed in the process. The students later regrouped and went to Usen Police out post and vandalized the place. However, investigation has commenced as the area is closely being monitored by the police” it stated.

Jumbo salaries: Reps evasive on court order

The House of Representatives has avoided making a direct comment on whether it will comply with the order of an Abuja Federal High Court asking the National Assembly to compute and make public the total salaries and allowances collected by lawmakers from 1999 till date.

The House, in a reaction to the decision of the court, total sum of us that its comments on the issue would be “prejudicial.”

According to the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Zakari Mohammed, the House will not commit itself by saying whether it will comply with the order or not.

Mohammed said, “Our comments will be prejudicial; we are an arm of the government and the order of the court was on a specific issue.

“The matter is before the court; so, we won’t commit ourselves.”

An organisation, the Legal Defence and Assistance Project, had sought the leave of the court to compel the Clerk of the National Assembly to make public the salaries and allowances of senators and members of the House.

Arguing that the lawmakers were earning more than they deserved, the body sought the leave under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

The court granted the prayer on Monday.

However, while the Senate responded on Wednesday that it would obey the decision of the court, the House claimed that its comments would amount to prejudice.

The Leader of the Senate, Victor Ndoma-Egba, stated, “We have nothing against the judgement.

“We have nothing to hide. Our salaries are already public knowledge.

“Our salaries are fixed by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission and we will not be disclosing anything new.”

The Senate leader had dismissed insinuation that members of the National Assembly were being paid “jumbo salaries.”

He argued that the acclaimed jumbo salaries were actually funds provided in the budget of the National Assembly for the running of offices and supply of utilities.

New NSA, Dasuki, meets with Sambo, declines comments

New National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with Vice-President Namadi Sambo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Issues relating to government’s expectations from the new NSA were said to have formed part of the meeting that lasted about 30 minutes.
Before leaving the villa, Dasuki also went into the office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadhome.
It was not clear whether he met with Oghiadhome.
Dasuki however declined to grant interviews when approached by State House correspondents.
“You want to talk to me? Not now, not now,” he said.
President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday appointed Dasuki, a former ADC to former military President Ibrahim Babangida, to replace Gen Owoye Azazi as the NSA.
Azazi was sacked alongside the Minister of Defence, Dr. Haliru Bello.
Jonathan during his presidential media chat on Sunday justified the sacking, saying it was borne out of the need to change tactics in order to confront the Boko Haram sect.
Meanwhile, Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima has insisted that the wave of terrorism in some parts of the country will not lead to the nation’s break-up.
He said this after a session of the Senate Retreat on Tuesday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
He said, “Our leaders at the various levels of government must also be reminded of the fact that it is not that easy to dismember Nigeria along religious lines. As we speak, of the six states in the South-West, four of the governors are Muslims, and in these states, we have substantial number of Muslims, tell me, are we going to throw them in the lagoon?
“In the North too, we have substantial number of indigenous Christians; are we going to kill all of them? Nigeria is too big for any group of persons to hold it to ransom. However, as leaders, we must have the sincerity of purpose, commitment and political will to tackle these problems.”
President of the Senate, David Mark, in his address at the opening of the retreat on Monday, warned that the country’s unity was threatened by the continued attacks on churches.
He noted that the patience of the victims could no longer be guaranteed, calling for a decisive action to stop the bomb blasts.
Shettima however commended the Senate for focusing the retreat on national security.
He said, “A situation where a crisis broke out in a state, and you treat the state, as if it is not part and parcel of the federation, called Nigeria, in no distant future, the crisis in one state, could spread to other states, and by which time it becomes difficult to control immediately.
“If you recall, even before I was sworn in as a governor, I expressed my willingness to toe the line of dialogue in resolving this matter. I even went as far as saying I was ready and willing to grant them amnesty.”

OGSIEC recognises Obasanjo faction’s list for council election

The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission on Tuesday said it would recognise only the list of candidates for the forthcoming local government elections submitted by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state believed to be loyal to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

OGSIEC’s position was, however, in defiance of Wednesday last week’s ruling of a state High Court in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government, which ordered that only the state Executive Committee of the Ogun PDP, led by Chief Bayo Dayo, had the authority to nominate and submit the list of candidates for the July 21 council election in the state.

Chairman of OGSIEC Screening Committee, Mr. Mutiu Agboke, who is also a commissioner of the electoral body, said at a press conference in Abeokuta on Tuesday that the commission sought clarification from the PDP national headquarters on which of the factions should be accorded recognition for the purpose of the July 21 council poll before reaching the decision.

Agboke said the commission had therefore rejected the list of candidates forwarded to it by the Dayo-led faction of the Ogun PDP.

Citing section 221 of 1999 Constitution, as well as Section 5 (M) of the 2012 Ogun election guidelines, he explained that the commission’s activities were guided by the sanctity of the constitution which mandated OGSIEC to deal with political parties, and not individual or group of persons.

Agboke further said the commission received a letter from the national headquarters of the PDP which though recognised factions in Ogun PDP, instructed OGSIEC to recognise only the caretaker committee set up under the chairmanship of Mr. Ireti Oniyide in the state.

In the letter dated June 26, 2012 obtained by our correspondent, Oyinlola stated, “As you are aware, the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos has by its recent ruling in Suit No. CA/L/-38/2012 granted a stay of proceeding in a matter brought before it by some people opposed to the decision of the National Working Committee of the peoples Democratic Party to endorse candidates fielded for the forthcoming local government elections in Ogun State.

“Following the development, the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission is hereby requested by Ogun State Caretaker Committee under the Chairman of Chief Ireti Oniyide for the purpose of enabling PDP candidates validly recognised by the PDP National Working Committee to participate in the forthcoming local government elections in the state.

“We also enjoin you to also deal with the said Committee for all issues pertaining to Ogun State PDP.”

Agboke therefore said, “For anybody to be a candidate, such person should have been nominated by his political party. The Commission cannot exclude any political party. The Commission sought clearance from the national headquarters of the party on which of the factions should be recognised.”

STF summons Jagaba, committee members over bribery scandal

Police Special Task Force has again summoned members of the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Management.

Investigations by our correspondent on Tuesday showed that the fresh invitation followed the STF’s discovery that the $620,000 bribe Zenon Oil Chairman, Femi Otedola, claimed that he gave the committee chairman, Farouk Lawan, was allegedly shared among the members.

The STF last week invited the committee members, through a letter written to the Speaker, Mr. Aminu Tambuawal.

The police also invited the Chairman of the House Committee on Narcotics/Drug and Financial Crimes, Mr. Adams Jagaba.

While Jagaba sent a letter to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, denying that the N96m bribe was handed over to him by Lawan, the fuel subsidy committee members had yet to report to the police.

A police officer said, “Investigators have got fresh facts that the committee members must have benefitted from the bribe following the refusal of the main accused person, Farouk Lawan to reveal the whereabouts of the money.

“There is no way they can be excluded from the investigation. They must come here (police headquarters to clear their names.”

It was learnt that STF invited the committee members following Jagaba’s denial that the money was given to him by Lawan.

The turn of events left the police with no choice than to interrogate the committee members who had been silent on the scandal since it broke out two weeks ago.

Sources told our correspondent that the police might declare the committee members wanted if they fail to show up at the Force Headquarters on Wednesday (today) as their absence had frustrated and delayed the probe.

A police source said, “Police had written to the committee members twice asking them to come and assist the STF in its investigations; they declined to come the first time and a reminder was sent to them individually, but if they don’t show up tomorrow (today), then we will have no choice than to declare them wanted and issue a warrant for their arrest.”

The committee members are Ali Ahmad (PDP); John Enoh (PDP); Umar Sade (PDP); James Faleke (ACN) Eucharia Azodo (PDP) and Irona Alphonsus (PDP), Farouk Lawan (PDP) and Boniface Emenalo, a civil servant.

Meanwhile,the Bishop of the Akure Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Michael Ipinmoye, said on Tuesday the sacking of Andrew Azazi as National Security Adviser and Bello Haliru as Minister of Defence would not be enough to check the activities of Boko Haram.