Category Archives: Nigeria

Boko Haram Changes Tactics But Targets Remain The Same

In what appears to be a new tactic that is being deployed by Boko Haram, over the past few days four female suicide bombers have carried out a series of attacks in Nigeria’s second largest city.

On Wednesday, a female suicide bomber killed six people at a college campus in the city of Kano. According to eyewitnesses, at about 2:30PM (1330 GMT), an assailant blew herself up at a noticeboard on the campus of the Kano Polytechnic College. Government spokesman Mike Omeri confirmed the attack, disclosing that six people were killed and six others were injured. He also confirmed that a female suicide bomber, whose age was not immediately known, was responsible for the attack.

This is the fourth incident of a female bomber carrying out an attack in northern Nigeria in the past several days. On Sunday, a young woman injured five police officers after she blew herself up at another campus in the city. The following day, two young women, believed to be in their late teens or early 20’s, separately attacked a petrol station and a shopping centre. The two attacks killed at least three people and injured thirteen others.

The latest violence also comes as the government announced Wednesday that security officials arrested a 10-year-old girl who had explosives strapped to her chest. On Tuesday, security forces disclosed that they had stopped a car in Kano’s neighbouring state of Katsina, arresting three suspected Boko Haram members. Government spokesman Mike Omeri has disclosed that the group included one male and two girls, aged 18 and 10, adding that while the older two attempted to flee the scene, the “10-year-old…was discovered to have been strapped with an explosive belt.”

While this new tactic of deploying young women and girls is likely being used by the militant group as a means of lowering their profile to prevent being targeted by security officials, the method is not new as international terrorist organizations have in the past used female suicide bombers as women typically raise minimal suspicions. Furthermore, while Boko Haram’s tactics are evolving, the group’s targets remain the same and highlight the group’s anti-Western views. 

The change in Boko Haram’s tactics demonstrates the militant group’s continuing threat and ability to transform to the altering security conditions. With the on going military operations, launched in May last year, Boko Haram has adapted itself to Nigerian military bombings and operations by pushing themselves out of the urban city centres in northern Nigeria and into the remote villages and areas, including along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon. This latest tactic appears to be a new way in which the militant group can continue carrying out their attacks with minimal detection while maintaining their grip on fear within Nigeria’s society.

The use of female suicide bomber will likely spur further outrage as the country continues to be unable to contain the violence. While it currently remains unclear whether the group is recruiting female bombers, or forcing kidnapped girls to carry out suicide missions, officials in Nigeria fear that Boko Haram may be using those girls who were abducted during a raid in April on a boarding school in Chibok.

Ramadan Festivities Marred as Boko Haram Carry Out a Series of Deadly Bombings

Two separate blasts on Monday, carried out by female suicide bombers, have killed at least three people and injured thirteen in Nigeria’s Kano city, bringing the number of attacks this week in the area to five and overshadowing festivities marking the end of Ramadan.

Kano police spokesman Musa Magaji Majia confirmed both attacks, stating that the first blast went off at roughly 10:30 AM (0930 GMT). Officials later disclosed that the attacker had strapped herself with a “low-caliber explosive, which is why the casualties were minimal,” adding that she had targeted women who had lined up to purchase kerosene at a petrol station in the Hotor area, which is located on the outskirts of Kano, Nigeria’s second largest city. Eyewitnesses reported that at the time of the blast, the queue was long as the widely-used cooking gas is often in short supply, noting that when a new shipment arrives, women typically rush to their local vendor to purchase it.

Roughly three hours after the first attack, another female suicide bomber approached the Trade Fair Complex, located in the key commercial district of the city. According to Kano state police chief Aderele Shinaba, the woman was stopped at the gate and blew herself up, adding “it was the same modus operandi…six people were injured, including two police officers.” The attack occurred near the brand new Ado Bayero Shopping Center, which opened in March. The launch of the modern shopping complex, which also includes the only northern Nigerian outlet of South African retailer Shoprite, was seen as a sign that the city was still attractive to investors despite the on going violence.

The latest attacks come after a weekend of violence that has forced authorities to cancel festivities marking the end of Ramadan and has given further indication that Boko Haram militants are seeking to increase their attacks outside of their stronghold, and are likely now focusing on attacking key urban centers like Kano.

On Sunday, police officials confirmed that a female suicide bomber blew herself up outside a university in Kano after police officers had prevented her from carrying out an attack. According to police spokesman Frank Mba, “a female suicide bomber was isolated as she was walking towards the gate of the university.” The attack occurred when the police officers were about to ask a female colleague to body search the woman when she detonated the bomb, killing herself and injuring five others.

At least five people were killed and eight others injured Sunday when a bomb erupted in front of a Catholic church located in a mainly Christian neighborhood of Kano. According to police spokesman Franc Mba, the attack occurred shortly after mass ended at the Saint Charles Catholic church, adding that police investigators “…suspect an IED was thrown from across the road,” at the church, which is located in Kano’s Sabon Gari district. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the district of Sabon Gari has previously suffered a number of attacks carried out by Boko Haram.

During the early morning hours on Saturday, suspected Boko Haram militants targeted the village of Sigal, located just seven kilometers (4 miles) from Rann, which was attacked the day before. According to local sources, the militants raided the village and abducted a police officer from his house.

Tagged as: Boko Haram, Kano, Nigeria

Liberia Implements New Ebola Measures as Virus Spreads to Fourth Country

Strict Measures Implemented in Liberia

In a bid to halt the continuing spread of the deadly virus, Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has ordered the closure of most of Liberia’s border crossings and has ordered strict quarantines for those communities affected by the Ebola outbreak. The latest measures come just one month after the Liberian President warned that anyone caught hiding suspected Ebola patients would be prosecuted.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has announced the closure of most of Liberia’s land borders adding that stringent medical checks are being increased at those airports and major trade routes that will remain open. A statement released by the government indicated, “all borders of Liberia will be closed with the exception of major entry points,” adding that all these entry points will have preventive and testing centres. Three major border crossings, a provincial airport and Monrovia’s international airport are exempted from the closures. The government has also banned public gatherings of any kind, including events and demonstrations. Authorities have not disclosed how the long these closures will remain in place.

The announcement, which occurred late Sunday, came just one day after the Liberian President formed a new taskforce charged with containing the disease that has already killed 129 in the country and more than 670 in the West African region. According to a statement released by the President’s office, the special Ebola task force will ensure that “communities that are seriously affected will be quarantined and travels in and out of such communities restricted.” The new orders include strict observation at the international airport of all outgoing and incoming passengers, who are now liable for inspection and testing. All government facilities and public places will also install public access for washing of hands while all hotels, restaurants, and film centres are to play a five-minute information clip on Ebola awareness and prevention.

While Guinea has borne the brunt of the outbreak, in recent weeks, Liberia has seen a sharp rise in Ebola cases and deaths. Amongst those killed by the deadly virus is prominent Liberian doctor Samuel Brisbane, who died this past weekend after a three-week battle with the virus. Two American aid workers have also fallen ill. Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian charity, confirmed Sunday that its physician Kent Brantly was in stable condition and had been isolated at the group’s Ebola treatment centre at the ELWA hospital in Liberia’s capital Monrovia. The charity further disclosed that Nancy Writtebol, a missionary with the SIM Christian charity that runs that hospital, is also in stable condition. Ms Writtebol had been working as a hygienist responsible for detoxifying protective suits worn by those entering and exiting Ebola isolation centres. Dr Brantly is the medical director of the Samaritan’s Purse Ebola case management centre in Liberia, where the agency is continuing to work with Liberian and international health officials in a bid to contain the outbreak. He began working with the group’s Liberia team in October and since June, he has been focusing on Ebola patients.

Ebola Virus Spreads to Nigeria with first Confirmed Death in Lagos

On Friday, officials in Nigeria disclosed that the Ebola virus has caused the death of a Liberian national who died while in quarantine in Lagos. The announcement confirms that the worst-ever outbreak of the virus has now spread to Africa’s most populous country, which is already battling a deadly militant insurgency in the north.

Nigeria’s Health Minister Onyebuch Chukwu told journalists that “thorough medical tests” had confirmed “the virus of Ebola” as the cause of death. The 40-year-old Liberian national, who died overnight, had worked for the Liberian government and had travelled to Nigeria from Monrovia by air via Togo’s capital Lome. According to the Liberian government, the man’s final destination had been the southern city of Calabar, where he was scheduled to attend a meeting organized by the west African bloc ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States).

While fears are growing that the Ebola virus may rapidly spread in the populous city of Lagos, Nigeria’s Health Minister has attempted to calm local citizens, noting that upon the man’s arrival, he was transported directly to hospital, noting that the patient “avoided contact with the general public and that there was no time for him to mingle in Lagos.” According to Chukwu, “all the passengers that the patient came in contact with have been traced and are being investigated,” insisting that health officials have made direct contact with everyone on board the flight and are now monitoring their conditions. The patient had been flying on Togo-based ASKY Airlines.

In the wake of the first Ebola death in Nigeria, the country’s largest airline, Arik Air, has suspended all flights to Liberia and Sierra Leone. The company has disclosed that the decision to halt flights is a precautionary measure. A statement released by the airline, which operates routes across West Africa, indicated “we feel especially compelled to take the business decision to immediately suspend flight services into the two Ebola affected countries due to our interest in the well-being of Nigerians,” adding “we humbly suggest that as a first step, all inbound flights into Nigeria which originate from any of the Ebola affected countries, be immediately suspended.”

Nigeria has put all its entry points on red alert after confirming that a Liberian man died of Ebola after arriving at Lagos airport on Tuesday.

First Ebola Death Confirmed in Freetown

Meanwhile in Sierra Leone, a woman suffering from the first confirmed case of Ebola in the country’s capital city died Saturday after her parents forcibly took her from hospital. According to a statement released by the health ministry, Saudatu Koroma, a 32-year-old trainee hairdresser, was admitted to a clinic on July 23 had tested positive for the disease adding “her farther and mother forcibly took her away from the hospital” just two days after she was admitted.

While her disappearance prompted authorities in Freetown to broadcast a nationwide television and radio alert, which eventually persuaded her to return for treatment, Koroma died on Saturday while on her way to an Ebola treatment centre in the country’s east. According to an official, Koroma “…was severely dehydrated and weak and could hardly speak,” adding, “blood samples taken from both the father and mother are now being tested.” The house where Ms Koroma had lived in, in the eastern area of Freetown, has been quarantined over the past twenty-one days.

Sierra Leone’s health ministry confirmed Monday that an Ebola treatment centre has been established at Lakka Hospital, with health staff trained to handle the disease. Surveillance has also been increased throughout the country, with people now being requested to report all suspected cases to local health authorities.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of July 20, the number of Ebola cases recorded in the months-long epidemic stood at 1,093. This includes more than 660 deaths.

German Citizen Kidnapped in Northern Nigeria

Police officials reported late Wednesday that gunmen riding on motorcycles have kidnapped a German national in northeastern Nigeria.

Adamawa police spokesman confirmed the incident, which occurred during the early morning hours in the town of Gombi, stating, “security agents are working assiduously to track down the kidnappers and free the hostage.” A German foreign ministry spokesman has indicated that he “was aware of the case” however the official declined to comment further. The identity of the German citizen has not been released.

Residents in Gombi, located 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Yola, the capital of Adamawa state, have identified the hostage as an instructor at a government-run technical training center, disclosing that he was attacked by about twenty gunmen outside his home in the Anguwa Faransa neighborhood, the French quarters of the city, as he left for work. One local resident reported “the kidnappers were riding on 10 motorcycles, two on each, and laid ambush around the house of the German expatriate.” The German expatriate works at the Technical Training Center (TTC), which has been set up by the regional government in Adamawa to combat the massive youth unemployment in the region. Local sources have reported that there are a number of German expatriates working at the Center.

No immediate claim of responsibility has been confirmed, however initial blame has fallen on Boko haram. While the militant group is opposed to schools teaching a so-called Western curriculum, and has in the past launched attacks targeting students and teachers, Ansaru, an offshoot of Boko Haram, has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of at least eight foreigners in northern Nigeria since 2012. While the group has been largely dormant for more than a year, this latest kidnapping may signify that the group is ready to target foreigners in the region in a bid to fund the on going insurgency. The 2013 abduction, and subsequent release of a French family of seven, including four children, across Nigeria’s northeastern border in Cameroon is believed to have netted Boko Haram a ransom payment of several million dollars.

Nigerian President Seeks US $1 Billion to Fight Boko Haram Insurgency

Days after Nigerian President sought approval from parliament to borrow up to US $1 billion (£580 million) abroad, in order to help the armed forces tackle the security threat posed by Boko Haram, Nigeria’s National Assembly has broken up for a two-month recess, effectively meaning that approval for the loan will have to wait until at least September.

On Wednesday, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan submitted an urgent request to borrow US $1 billion abroad to help the armed forces tackle the security threat posed by Boko Haram. In his statement to Parliament, which was read to deputies by the leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives, the President stated “you are no doubt cognizant of the on-going and serious security challenges which the nation is facing as typified by the Boko Haram terrorist threat,” adding “for this reason, I seek the concurrence of the National Assembly for external borrowing of not more than $1 billion.” The president noted that this loan would be used to upgrade the equipment, training and logistics of the security forces and that such a loan could include a “government to government arrangement,” however he did not name any specific foreign country.

Nigeria’s parliament was expected to debate the issue at a time when Boko Haram’s five-year insurgency has gained international attention. However with the summer recess, both chambers of Parliament are not due to sit again until the end of their annual recess in September. While sources have indicated that it would normally take several days for such a loan to be approved the President’s request is likely to raise some questions as Nigeria’s 2014 budget already includes nearly US $6 billion in security spending while the government is facing allegations put forth by former central bank governor, Lamido Sanusi, who has stated that billions of dollars of oil revenues are failing to reach the national treasury. Once Parliament is back in session, both the lower and upper houses will debate the loan request. It will then pass the request to the committee and then back to the chamber for approval. If however the chambers differ on the request, a joint committee will be formed in order to reach an agreement on the amount the loan should be set at.

While Nigeria’s military is currently receiving training, advise and intelligence support from allies, including Britain, France, Israel and the United States, it is still struggling to counter the almost daily raids, frequent kidnappings and targeted bomb attacks carried out by Boko Haram militants. President Jonathan’s government has also been accused of not doing enough to protect civilians from such attacks.