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DHQ condemns Borno suicide attack
*Describes attack as acts of cowardice done to cover terrorists’ weakness
By Francesca Hangeior.
The Defence Headquarters has described the terrorist bomb attacks in Gwoza, Borno State, as cowardly acts intended to project an image of strength despite their weakness and decline.
The bomb attacks carried out by the terrorists on Saturday were the deadliest in recent times.
These incidents have since generated significant attention both locally and internationally.
Explaining how the incidents happened, the DHQ in a statement on Tuesday by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Buba Edward stated that four female suicide bombers were used to carry out the separate attacks in Gwoza.
He noted that the first attack involved a woman posing as a beggar at a wedding reception, the second attack occurred on the same street while efforts were being made to stabilise casualties, the third attack happened as troops and hybrid forces were enforcing a curfew imposed on the residents and in the fourth incident, the suicide bomber detonated the bomb prematurely after being detected early.
The statement read, “Over the weekend, troops of Joint Task Force OP HADIN KAI in the NE theatre recorded a series of reprehensible terror attacks in Gworza LGA of Borno State. The coordinated attacks comprised multiple Person Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices, otherwise known as suicide bombings.
“All the attacks took place on Saturday, 29 June 2024. The first was recorded at about 1500hrs when a female suicide bomber disguised as a beggar invaded a wedding reception at Mararaba Hausari Street and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device.
“Thereafter, at about 1700hrs, while efforts were on to stabilise and move casualties of the initial explosion to hospital for further treatment. There was a second detonation from another female suicide bomber. The second explosion was on the same street and near the first explosion. Troops immediately imposed a curfew on the community to get members of the community indoors and prevent further casualties. However, while troops and hybrid forces were enforcing the curfew a third explosion was recorded.
It added, “The third explosion targeted the troops enforcing the curfew. The troops were attacked from behind by a third lady strapped with an IED vest. The explosion killed a soldier and two members of hybrid forces.
“The fourth incident was averted when the suspect was identified early enough and she detonated the bomb prematurely whereby she became the only casualty. On the whole, 20 persons were killed while 52 sustained various degrees of injuries and receiving treatment. ”
He said, “The armed forces view every life lost as a result of the ongoing war, whether civilian or military, as an immense tragedy. The sad loss of lives is a tragedy for the society, community and the nation. Accordingly, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen CG MUSA, officers and members of the armed forces, we express our condolences even as we mourn with all who have lost loved ones. We also commiserate with all victims needing healing and recovery.”
Buba noted that the attacks were a result of the successes being recorded against the terrorists.
He added that the terrorists attacked to cover their weakness.
Buba said, “Given that we are in a state of war, it must be recognized that this despicable act is a response to recent successes in ongoing military operations. Indeed, our recent operations have decapitated the leadership of the terrorists, depleted their resources, reduced their support base and reduced their influence.
“Clearly, the terrorists embarked on these cowardly attacks against innocent citizens to project an image of strength to cover their weakness and decline. Citizens must see through the smoke screen of the terrorist. We must realize that the terrorist aims to counter the reports of their weakness and create panic in the general population.”
He said the attacks indicated that the terrorists were desperate to get attention, reduce support for security agencies and recruit new members.
Buba added, “The military is aware that in this phase of their ending life-cycle, the terrorists are desperate to attract attention, bolster relevancy, mobilise recruits, reduce support for the armed forces and reduce support for the government. ”
Buba therefore vowed that troops would ensure the terrorists pay for this on the battlefield.
He said, “Accordingly, we call on citizens to stand united, remain vigilant, and continue to support the efforts of the armed forces to ensure a secure and peaceful future. The fate of the terrorists that perpetrated this insecurity will be violent and short as troops will stop at nothing to take them out of the battlefield.”
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Court Gives Falanas, January Date To Prove Case Against VDM
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A Lagos High Court has adjourned the defamation suit brought by Femi Falana and his son against social media influencer, Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, until January 23, 2025.
The case was brought by human rights activist Femi Falana and his son, Folarin, popularly known as Falz.
VeryDarkMan arrived in court dressed in a red native outfit, accompanied by fans who cheered him on, but the Falanas were not present.
The case could not proceed as several applications filed by the parties were still not included in the court file. As a result, the court decided to adjourn the hearing until January 23, 2025.
On October 14, Justice Matthias Dawodu ruled on an ex-parte application filed by the Falanas, granting them legal protection from defamation. The judge ordered that VeryDarkMan remove a defamatory video he posted on September 24, 2025, which targeted the senior lawyer and his son. Additionally, the court prohibited VeryDarkMan from posting or sharing any defamatory content about them on his social media accounts until the matter is resolved.
The Falanas had filed separate lawsuits seeking N500 million each in damages, claiming that VeryDarkMan posted a video accusing them of accepting N10 million from Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, to influence a legal matter.
They argued that VeryDarkMan knew the allegations were false but chose to spread them, causing harm to their reputations. The Falanas further pointed out that the video continues to circulate online, further damaging their reputations.
In response, VeryDarkMan applied to the court for permission to appeal the ruling.
He argued that refusing his request would be an injustice, as the case involves significant legal questions that require further examination. He stated, “A refusal to grant leave may result in the enforcement of a decision that does not reflect a correct application of the law, leading to outcomes that may be detrimental not only to the parties involved but also to the administration of justice as a whole. The appellate court’s role in clarifying and, where necessary, correcting trial court decisions is vital in maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.”
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READ 8 Facts About New Lakurawa Terror Group in North West
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Lakurawa, a new terror group is now wreaking havoc in northwestern part of the country. It was once dismissed as harmless herders.
Initially seen as seasonal migrants, the Lakurawa group has evolved into a powerful militant force linked to jihadist networks in the Sahel.
With roots stretching back six years, Lakurawa has grown under the radar, exploiting Nigeria’s porous borders and limited government oversight.
Here’s what you need to know about this escalating threat and the challenges it poses to the region’s security.
From Herders to Terrorists
Originally seen as seasonal herders from Niger, the Lakurawa group quietly entered Sokoto communities in search of pasture, later gaining a reputation as militants with ties to jihadist networks across the Sahel.
Authorities’ Early Misjudgment
Locals first reported suspicious activities by Lakurawa herders nearly six years ago, but authorities dismissed them as non-violent. However, recent intelligence from Nigeria’s Defense Headquarters reclassifies Lakurawa as a new terror group with connections to extremist networks.
Cross-Border Threats
The Lakurawa exploit Nigeria’s porous borders with countries like Niger, Chad, and Mali, entering remote areas to promote radical ideology, often in Hausa and Fulfulde languages, and impose strict “Islamic” rules on communities.
Unusual Alliances
Invited by local leaders to fend off other bandits, Lakurawa quickly grew from an auxiliary force into a dominant presence, controlling communities through a mix of militant enforcement and religious influence.
Camp ‘Darul Islam’ in Forests
Lakurawa established camps around Gwangwano, Mulawa, Wassaniya, and Tunigara along the Nigeria-Niger border, naming them Darul Islam, or “Abode of Islam.” Their membership has since swelled to over 200 young men.
Escalation and Armed Attacks
Once tolerated by local communities, the group’s violent tendencies surfaced through alleged attacks on military bases and confrontations with Nigerian security forces, marking a shift to full-scale militancy.
Radical Ideology and Social Control
The group enforces stringent rules, often forbidding music and dancing, and collects levies disguised as religious Zakat. They pressure locals to obey these laws, maintaining authority over vulnerable communities.
A Growing Regional Concern
With ties to jihadist groups across the Sahel, Lakurawa’s presence reflects broader security challenges. The breakdown in joint border patrols after Niger’s recent coup has only worsened Nigeria’s exposure to such extremist threats.(PRNigeria)
News
It’s wrong to arrest individuals in place of suspects — Says PSC chairman
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd) has condemned the practice by Nigeria Police Force operatives of arresting individuals in place of actual suspects.
He also frowned at the handcuffing of suspects during arrests, adding that the law prohibits these practices.
A statement on Wednesday by the spokesperson for the commission, Ikechukwu Ani, said Argungu made this known
during training on international Human Rights-based policing and effective oversight of personnel of the Police Service Commission.
Ani said the PSC chairman stressed that every suspect must be accorded humane treatment and must not be subjected to any form of torture, cruelty, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
The statement read, “DIG Hashimu Argungu, x-rayed human treatment of arrested suspects and declared that a suspect shall be accorded human treatment, having regard to his right to the dignity of his person and not be subjected to any form of torture, cru
Argungu noted that a suspect shall not be arrested merely on a civil wrong or breach of contract and shall be brought before the court as prescribed by law or otherwise released conditionally or unconditionally.
He explained that “a person shall not for any reason be arrested in place of a suspect adding that the law prohibits the handcuffing or any other unnecessary restrain of an arrested person, except if there is reasonable apprehension of violence or an attempt to escape; the restrain is considered necessary for the safety of the suspect or defendant or by order of court.”
Ani added the PSC chairman also noted that all over the world, police officers generally have broad powers to carry out their functions and duties.
“He noted that the constitution as amended and other procedural laws, however, place limits on how far Police can go in trying to enforce the law.
“According to him, one of the primary purposes of these laws is to protect citizens from abuses by the government, including police misconduct,” the statement added
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