Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Boko Haram disguised as military execute christians in church
Christians shepherded into a church by armed men apparently for their safety died when those soldiers turned out to be Boko Haram fighters in disguise, who opened fire on the cowering crowd in their latest attack.
It was one of at least six different raids across northern Nigeria on Monday and Tuesday, when as many as 30 people died.
The attacks again illustrate the militants’ supremacy over Nigeria’s state security forces, who have made little progress in freeing more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped close to two months ago.
Boko Haram's latest offensive came as it was reported Nigerian army officers have been convicted by courts martial for colluding with the al-Qaeda allied group, including providing them with weapons and secret intelligence.
Ten generals and five other senior officers were found guilty in the first of what were said to be several ongoing prosecutions of corrupt soldiers, Nigerian media reported.
The country's military, whose fighters are underpaid and often outgunned, has repeatedly faced allegations that both rank-and-file soldiers and officers were working with the enemy.
Key allegations include that they provided Boko Haram with weapons, or that telephone calls were made to the Islamists allowing them to prepare ambushes as military convoys drove past.
Some reports alleged that soldiers deserted their posts to fight alongside the militants before returning to their army bases in the evening. This could not be confirmed.
Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, the defense ministry spokesman, reissued an earlier statement, saying: "once again categorically that there is no truth whatsoever in the report".
Britain is among several nations offering assistance to the Nigerian government and its military to help find the missing schoolgirls.
Privately, Western security sector sources in the country report exasperation among those coming to help over the slow pace of the Nigerians' reactions to the kidnap crisis.
The girls are understood now to have been separated into several groups, making armed rescue of all the girls at the same time far more complicated and dangerous.
Telegraph
Related story: Video - Boko Haram raid on military base leaves 24 dead
Nigeria draw 0-0 with Greece in international football friendly
Greece and Nigeria battled to a goalless draw in a pre-World Cup friendly on Tuesday night at the home of the MLS Philadelphia Union.
There were few scoring chances in one of the final tuneups for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, which begins June 12.
The best opportunity came for Greece in the 83rd minute when Giorgios Samaras had a shot blocked from 10 yards and Dimitris Salpingidis followed with a header that missed.
Nigeria countered in the 87th minute when Ogenyi Onazi fired a shot from 25 yards that was saved by goalkeeper Stefanos Kapino.
Greece midfielder Giorgos Karagounis, the 37-year-old captain, played the entire first half, much to the delight of the large contingent of Greek fans in the stadium donning his No 10 jersey.
Daily Mail
Related story: Nigeria draw with Scotland 2-2 in international football friendly
There were few scoring chances in one of the final tuneups for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, which begins June 12.
The best opportunity came for Greece in the 83rd minute when Giorgios Samaras had a shot blocked from 10 yards and Dimitris Salpingidis followed with a header that missed.
Nigeria countered in the 87th minute when Ogenyi Onazi fired a shot from 25 yards that was saved by goalkeeper Stefanos Kapino.
Greece midfielder Giorgos Karagounis, the 37-year-old captain, played the entire first half, much to the delight of the large contingent of Greek fans in the stadium donning his No 10 jersey.
Daily Mail
Related story: Nigeria draw with Scotland 2-2 in international football friendly
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Nigerian government reverts on banning public protests for plight of kidnapped schoolgirls
Nigerian police say peaceful rallies to demand the release of more than 200 schoolgirls seized by Islamist militants will be allowed, after earlier banning them.
But campaigners were warned to exercise caution during protests.
Abuja police commissioner Joseph Mbu said the rallies were "now posing a serious security threat".
Nigeria has seen almost daily rallies calling for the government to take firmer action to rescue the girls.
Boko Haram militants snatched the girls from the remote Chibok village near the Cameroon border on 14 April.
'Apply caution'
The government earlier banned public protests across Nigeria after scuffles broke out last week between demonstrators organised under the #BringBackOurGirls and a new government-sponsored group called #ReleaseOurGirls.
Mr Mbu said that public protests had "degenerated" and were now a security threat.
"Protests on the Chibok Girls is hereby banned with immediate effect," he said in a statement on Monday.
But a day later, another police statement denied issuing any protest banning order, insisting that they had only released an "advisory notice".
It said that there was a risk of the protest rallies being attacked by "criminal elements having links with insurgents".
Those wanting to attend such gatherings should "seek proper advice and guidance from the police" in order to "avoid any unpleasant circumstances", the statement said.
The about-turn came as the #BringBackOurGirls groups sought a court order against the ban.
Nigeria's government has been facing growing pressure both at home and abroad to do more to tackle the group and bring about the girls' release.
A deal for the release of some of the abducted schoolgirls in Nigeria was close to being secured when the Nigerian government called it off late last month, the BBC has learned.
Thousands of people have died since Boko Haram began a violent campaign against the Nigerian government in 2009 and in the subsequent security crackdown.
BBC
Related story: Nigerian government bans public protests for plight of kidnapped schoolgirls
But campaigners were warned to exercise caution during protests.
Abuja police commissioner Joseph Mbu said the rallies were "now posing a serious security threat".
Nigeria has seen almost daily rallies calling for the government to take firmer action to rescue the girls.
Boko Haram militants snatched the girls from the remote Chibok village near the Cameroon border on 14 April.
'Apply caution'
The government earlier banned public protests across Nigeria after scuffles broke out last week between demonstrators organised under the #BringBackOurGirls and a new government-sponsored group called #ReleaseOurGirls.
Mr Mbu said that public protests had "degenerated" and were now a security threat.
"Protests on the Chibok Girls is hereby banned with immediate effect," he said in a statement on Monday.
But a day later, another police statement denied issuing any protest banning order, insisting that they had only released an "advisory notice".
It said that there was a risk of the protest rallies being attacked by "criminal elements having links with insurgents".
Those wanting to attend such gatherings should "seek proper advice and guidance from the police" in order to "avoid any unpleasant circumstances", the statement said.
The about-turn came as the #BringBackOurGirls groups sought a court order against the ban.
Nigeria's government has been facing growing pressure both at home and abroad to do more to tackle the group and bring about the girls' release.
A deal for the release of some of the abducted schoolgirls in Nigeria was close to being secured when the Nigerian government called it off late last month, the BBC has learned.
Thousands of people have died since Boko Haram began a violent campaign against the Nigerian government in 2009 and in the subsequent security crackdown.
BBC
Related story: Nigerian government bans public protests for plight of kidnapped schoolgirls
Video - Is negotiating with Boko Haram an option?
The Nigerian government is yet to categorically state whether it would deploy the use of amnesty in securing the release of the kidnapped schoolgirls from Boko haram and ultimately resolve the insurgency. There had been reports that President Goodluck Jonathan had tabled an amnesty offer to the insurgents but the government has come out to deny this.
Related stories: Video - President Goodluck Jonathan declares 'total war' on Boko Haram
Video - The state of Nigerian governance and Boko Haram
Nigeria release squad list for the 2014 Football World Cup
Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Beer Sheva), Vincent Enyeama (Lille)
Defenders: Efe Ambrose (Celtic), Elderson Echiejile (Monaco), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars), Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor), Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough), Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod), Joseph Yobo (Norwich City)
Midfielders: Ramon Azeez (Almeira), Reuben Gabriel (Waasland-Beveren), John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Victor Moses (Chelsea), Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio), Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge)
Forwards: Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United), Michael Babatunde (Volyn Lutsk), Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce), Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen), Peter Odemwingie (Stoke City)
Defenders: Efe Ambrose (Celtic), Elderson Echiejile (Monaco), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars), Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor), Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough), Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod), Joseph Yobo (Norwich City)
Midfielders: Ramon Azeez (Almeira), Reuben Gabriel (Waasland-Beveren), John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Victor Moses (Chelsea), Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio), Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge)
Forwards: Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United), Michael Babatunde (Volyn Lutsk), Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce), Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen), Peter Odemwingie (Stoke City)
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