News

Court orders release of 313 suspected Boko Haram arrested by military

Published

8 months ago

March 28, 2024

The Defence Headquarters on Thursday said a Federal High Court in Borno has ordered the release of no fewer than 313 suspected terrorists arrested by the military.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on the military operations, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Buba Edward, said the court ordered their release for lack of evidence to nail the suspects after the investigation.

“During the week, as follow up to a court order of the Federal High Court in Maiduguri. A total of 313 suspects in detention for terrorism-related offenses were to be released to the Borno State government.

“The court ordered the release for want of evidence after the conclusion of the investigation and other ancillary matters.

“Accordingly, they would be handed over to the Borno State Government for further action,” the defence spokesman said, adding that the cases were prosecuted by the Department of Prosecution and the Federal Ministry of Justice.

He also gave an update on suspected criminals arrested by troops in several parts of the country.

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed at least 50 terrorists in Borno and Adamawa states respectively.

The suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents were neutralised in Gwoza, Gamboru Ngala, Bama LGAs Borno as well as Madagali LGA of Adamawa States.

Several calibre of weapons and the sum of N340,500.00 were also recovered from the slain terrorists.

“Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 52 terrorists, arrested 137 and rescued 78 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 3 M56 rifles, 40 AK47 rifles, three PKT guns, 13 fabricated rifles, two hand grenades, one locally made explosive, 889 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 310 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 60 rounds of 7.62 x 25mm ammo, 99 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, six AK47 rifles magazines, two M56 rifle magazines, two magazine carriers, one motorcycle, six mobile phones, one HH radio, three bicycles and the sum of N340,500.00 amongst others.

“The air component of Operation HADIN KAI in multiple passes conducted air interdiction on terrorists hibernating in North West Arina Woje and Tumbum Shitu on 22 and 24 March 2024. The locations were observed to be active with terrorist activities and logistics. Consequently, the location was acquired and attacked with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their logistics destroyed,” he said.

News

Canada Introduces Stricter Visa Rules, Ends Automatic 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visas

Published

2 mins ago

November 9, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

Canada has revised its visa policies, discontinuing the automatic issuance of 10-year multiple-entry visas for tourists.

The new guidelines, released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), give immigration officers more discretion in determining visa validity and type.

Under the previous system, eligible visitors were routinely granted long-term visas that allowed multiple entries over a decade. However, the revised policy requires each application to be assessed individually, with officers deciding whether to issue a single-entry or multiple-entry visa and determining its validity period.

According to IRCC, “Multiple-entry visas issued to maximum validity are no longer considered standard. Officers may exercise their judgement in issuing visas and deciding their duration.”

The IRCC clarified that this change is part of a broader strategy to address challenges such as housing shortages, rising living costs, and infrastructure constraints. The shift reflects Canada’s efforts to align its immigration policies with current economic and resource realities.

Prior to this change in policies, Canadian tourist visas were available in two forms: single-entry and multiple-entry. The latter was the default option, allowing visits for up to 10 years or until one month before the passport’s expiration. Single-entry visas, often issued for specific events or official visits, were less common.

Under the new guidelines, officers will tailor visas to the applicant’s needs and circumstances, moving away from the standard practice of issuing maximum-validity multiple-entry visas.

Although the application fee remains unchanged at CAD 100, the policy could result in higher costs for frequent travelers, who may need to reapply more often due to shorter visa durations.

In addition to the visa changes, Canada plans to reduce its permanent resident admission targets, lowering the 2025 target from 500,000 to 395,000, with further reductions expected in subsequent years. These measures are part of a broader effort to manage immigration levels and address the country’s economic and infrastructure pressures.

News

Nigerian Military Neutralizes Over 70 ISWAP Fighters in Borno State

Published

17 mins ago

November 9, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

The Nigerian Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has successfully conducted airstrikes resulting in the elimination of over 70 fighters and commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.

The strikes, carried out on November 6, targeted ISWAP camps in the southern Lake Chad region, specifically at Kwallaram and Arainna Ciki islands near Jibilarram in Marte Local Government Area. These camps were reportedly under the control of a prominent ISWAP commander known as Usman.

Credible sources on the ground confirmed that the operation dealt a significant blow to the group, with over 70 fighters neutralized at Kwallaram camp. While the exact number of casualties at Arainna Ciki remains unclear, reports indicate that several terrorists were also killed during the strikes.

Zagazola Makama, a trusted source, described the airstrikes as among the most effective operations conducted by the Nigerian Air Force under OPHK.

Following the assault, reports on November 7 revealed that ISWAP began mobilizing reinforcements, including fighters from its Sambisa Forest faction and elements from northern Cameroon. These reinforcements reportedly gathered in the Kusuma and Sigir areas of Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area, territories still controlled by Usman Russia, a senior ISWAP figure.

The exact intent behind the group’s regrouping efforts remains uncertain.

News

Just in: 24 people feared dead, others injured as bomb explodes in train station

Published

3 hours ago

November 9, 2024

Naijablitznews

No fewer than 24 people were killed and more than 40 injured in a bomb blast at a railway station in Quetta in southwestern Pakistan on Saturday, police and other officials told Reuters.

Pakistan is grappling with a surge in strikes by separatist ethnic militants in the south and Islamist militants in its northwest.

Inspector general of police for Balochistan, Mouzzam Jah Ansari, said 24 people have died from the blast so far.

The target was army personnel from the Infantry School,” he said, with many of the injured in critical condition.

“So far 44 injured people have been brought to civil hospital,” Dr. Wasim Baig, a hospital spokesman, told Reuters.

Senior superintendent of police operations, Muhammad Baloch, said the blast seemed to be a suicide bomb and that investigations were underway for more information.

“The blast took place inside the railway station when the Peshawar-bound express was about to leave for its destination,” Baloch said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blast at Quetta’s main railway station, which is usually busy early in the day.

In August, at least 73 people were killed in Balochistan province after separatist militants attacked police stations, railway lines and highways.

The assaults in August were the most widespread in years by militants fighting a decades-long insurgency to win secession of the resource-rich southwestern province, home to major China-led projects such as a port and a gold and copper mine.