Nigeria: Report Gives Details, Says Terrorist Groups Gaining Foothold in Nigeria

A witness told our reporter that the gunmen might have trailed the policemen "because immediately they swerved across their path with one of their motorcycles, two of them took up positions in separate directions of the fleeing officers and shot at them until they were sure they had died."

Six policemen have so far been killed in Maiduguri in attacks following similar patterns. One civilian was also killed while another sustained injuries. In all attacks, the gunmen rode on motorcycles.

Residents fear that this could be a comeback or revenge attempt by the Boko Haram sect, which recorded heavy losses in days of fighting with security forces last year.

In Damaturu, the gunmen attacked Gaidam's residence at the Gwange area around 8pm on Wednesday, killing Constable Barde Emos, State Police Commissioner Mamman Sule told journalists. The governor is away in Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj.

"The attackers were two in number and they went to the house on a motorcycle," he said. "Immediately they arrived, they used gun and killed the police constable who was guarding the house before they fled away. He died shortly after taking him to hospital. We did not arrest anybody but we have recovered some pellets (used bullets) at the scene of the attack," he added.

Emos said incident was exactly like the one that happened few months ago at the residence of former Governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim, where the attackers killed a policeman and fled away.

"As at now, we are yet to ascertain the actual mission of the attackers even though some people have started giving it political coloration. Personally, I feel it is a reprisal attack by the remnants of the Boko Haram sect," he said.

The commissioner said two members of the Boko Haram sect were arrested at the weekend in Damaturu while downloading some speeches of the late leader of the sect Mohammed Yusuf.

"Some of the sect members are resur facing in town because they have been discharged and acquitted by courts," the commissioner said.

He said security would be beefed up in Damaturu to forestall further attacks. "We would intensify stop-and-search surveillance from 6pm to 6am everyday," he said.

[Description of Source: Abuja Daily Trust Online in English -- Website of the independent pro-North daily; URL: http://www.news.dailytrust.com/]

Suspected Nigerian 'Islamists' Kill Policeman, Wound Five Civilians in North

AFP20100907642001 Paris AFP (World Service) in English 2132 GMT 06 Sep 10

['Islamists kill officer, wound five in Nigeria KANO;" AFP headline]

KANO, Nigeria, Sept 6, 2010 (AFP) - Suspected members of an Islamist sect that launched an uprising last year have killed a retired police officer and wounded five other people, the latest of such attacks in Nigeria's north, police said Monday.

Motorcycle-riding gunmen opened fire on the victims in three separate incidents on Sunday in and around the northern city of Maiduguri, the centre of the 2009 uprising, said Borno state police commissioner Ibrahim Abdu.

"We had three incidents in Borno state yesterday, which suggests that Boko Haram is on the attack," Abdu told AFP, referring to the sect also known as the Nigerian Taliban.

"We strongly suspect they are responsible for the spate of hit-and-run attacks we have been witnessing in the last few weeks."

Police in Nigeria's mainly Muslim north said recently that they suspected the sect was behind at least seven other similar killings that have occurred in recent months.

In one incident on Sunday in the town of Bama outside Maiduguri, gunmen shot and killed a retired police officer.

The two other incidents occurred in Maiduguri, including one that saw a local chief shot and wounded outside his house along with two other people.

Abdu said local chiefs helped police locate Boko Haram members after the uprising and the suspects may have targeted him because of that.

Two people were also shot and wounded outside their home in another part of town on Sunday. Police have not made any arrests.

Last year's uprising by the sect began with attacks on police posts. It was crushed by a police and military assault, with hundreds eventually killed and the sect's headquarters and mosque left in ruins.

Boko Haram means "Western education is sin" in local Hausa dialect.

[Description of Source: Paris AFP (World Service) in English -- world news service of the independent French news agency Agence France Presse]

Boko Haram Islamists Allegedly Kill One, Wound Five in North

FEA20100907009027 - OSC Feature - AFP (World Service) 2132 GMT 06 Sep 10

['Islamists kill officer, wound five in Nigeria KANO;" AFP headline]

KANO, Nigeria, Sept 6, 2010 (AFP) - Suspected members of an Islamist sect that launched an uprising last year have killed a retired police officer and wounded five other people, the latest of such attacks in Nigeria's north, police said Monday.

Motorcycle-riding gunmen opened fire on the victims in three separate incidents on Sunday in and around the northern city of Maiduguri, the centre of the 2009 uprising, said Borno state police commissioner Ibrahim Abdu.

"We had three incidents in Borno state yesterday, which suggests that Boko Haram is on the attack," Abdu told AFP, referring to the sect also known as the Nigerian Taliban.

"We strongly suspect they are responsible for the spate of hit-and-run attacks we have been witnessing in the last few weeks."

Police in Nigeria's mainly Muslim north said recently that they suspected the sect was behind at least seven other similar killings that have occurred in recent months.

In one incident on Sunday in the town of Bama outside Maiduguri, gunmen shot and killed a retired police officer.

The two other incidents occurred in Maiduguri, including one that saw a local chief shot and wounded outside his house along with two other people.

Abdu said local chiefs helped police locate Boko Haram members after the uprising and the suspects may have targeted him because of that.

Two people were also shot and wounded outside their home in another part of town on Sunday. Police have not made any arrests.

Last year's uprising by the sect began with attacks on police posts. It was crushed by a police and military assault, with hundreds eventually killed and the sect's headquarters and mosque left in ruins.

Boko Haram means "Western education is sin" in local Hausa dialect.

[Description of Source: Paris AFP (World Service) in English -- world news service of the independent French news agency Agence France Presse]

Suspected Members of Nigerian Boko Haram Islamic Sect Attack Prison in Bauchi

AFP20100907648012 Paris AFP (World Service) in English 1940 GMT 07 Sep 10

["Suspected Islamists attack prison in Nigeria: authorities"]

KANO, Nigeria, Sept 7, 2010 (AFP) - Suspected members of an Islamist sect that launched an uprising last year attacked a prison in northern Nigeria on Tuesday, authorities said, while residents reported gunshots in the area.

"The Bauchi central prison was attacked this evening by people believed to be members of Boko Haram in an attempt to free their comrades," Bauchi state police commissioner Danlami Yar'Adua said, referring to the name of the sect.

An adviser to the Bauchi state governor also confirmed the attack. Both said the situation had been brought under control, but neither said whether anyone was killed or if any prisoners had escaped.

Residents reported gunshots in the area on Tuesday evening.

The attack comes after a recent spate of deadly shootings in northern Nigeria blamed on members of the sect. Police officers have been among the victims.

Last year's uprising by Boko Haram, also known as the Nigerian Taliban, began with attacks on police posts.

It was crushed by a police and military assault, with hundreds eventually killed and the sect's headquarters and mosque left in ruins.

Its leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was captured alive and then killed on July 30 last year by police, who said he was trying to escape.

Police also insist that Yusuf's deputy, Abubakar Shekau, was killed last year, though he recently appeared on video issuing new threats. Police say the clips are digital mock-ups.

[Description of Source: Paris AFP (World Service) in English -- world news service of the independent French news agency Agence France Presse]

Nigerian Police Official Says Boko Haram Attacks Prison To Free Jailed Members

AFP20100907648014 Paris AFP (World Service) in English 2049 GMT 07 Sep 10

["Suspected Islamists attack prison in Nigeria: authorities" -- AFP headline]

KANO, Nigeria, Sept 7, 2010 (AFP) - Suspected members of an Islamist sect that launched an uprising last year attacked a prison in northern Nigeria on Tuesday, officials said, sparking a fierce gun battle with authorities.

Authorities in Bauchi said they repelled the attack, which followed a spate of recent shootings blamed on the sect. Residents said that military and police were occasionally firing into the air as they locked the area down.

"There was heavy fighting between the attackers and the security forces which lasted for almost an hour. It was quite terrifying," resident Usman Ahmad told AFP by phone.

Residents took cover to avoid being caught in the crossfire and to keep from being mistaken for one of the sect members, he said.

"The army and police personnel have been deployed in large numbers and have taken control of the area around the prison," Ahmad said.

"But for sporadic shooting in the air by the army and the police, it's calm. Fighting has stopped."

Bauchi state police commissioner Danlami Yar'Adua and an adviser to the state governor confirmed the attack, with both saying the situation had been brought under control.

Neither said whether anyone was killed or if prisoners had escaped. It was also unclear how many alleged sect members were involved.

"The Bauchi central prison was attacked this evening by people believed to be members of Boko Haram in an attempt to free their comrades," Bauchi state police commissioner Danlami Yar'Adua said, referring to the name of the sect.

"They arrived at the prison and began shooting sporadically to gain access, but we deployed our anti-riot policemen, who engaged them and contained the situation."

Police have been among the victims of the recent deadly shootings in northern Nigeria blamed on members of the sect. At least nine people have been killed by motorcycle-riding gunmen.

Last year's uprising by Boko Haram, also known as the Nigerian Taliban, began with attacks on police posts.

It was crushed by a police and military assault, with hundreds eventually killed and the sect's headquarters and mosque left in ruins.

Its leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was captured alive and then killed on July 30 last year by police, who said he was trying to escape.

Police also insist that Yusuf's deputy, Abubakar Shekau, was killed last year, though he recently appeared on video issuing new threats. Police say the clips are digital mock-ups.

At the time of the one-year anniversary of the uprising in July, authorities in Maiduguri, where the sect was based, insisted there was no threat of attacks, but security was tightened and intelligence agents blanketed the city.

The recent shootings had signaled the sect may be preparing to strike again in Africa's most populous nation.

Most of the shootings occurred in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, where authorities earlier Tuesday banned the use of motorcycles at night in a bid to stop the violence.

Tuesday's attack comes just before the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan and ahead of January presidential elections.

Boko Haram, which means "Western education is sin" in local Hausa dialect, had fought for the creation of an Islamic state in Nigeria, whose 150 million population is divided roughly in half between Christians and Muslims.

Nigeria's north is mainly Muslim, while the south is predominately Christian.

The vast majority of Muslims in the country reject the sect's hardline ideology, and many observers say the group grew out of frustration with Nigeria's widespread corruption, poverty and lack of opportunities for youths.

[Description of Source: Paris AFP (World Service) in English -- world news service of the independent French news agency Agence France Presse]

Nigeria: Police Say Suspected Islamic Sect Members Attack Prison in Bauchi State

AFP20100908565001 Ibadan Nigerian Tribune Online in English 08 Sep 10

[Report by Ishola Michael: "Boko Haram Warriors, Policemen Clash in Bauchi"]

A number of people were, on Tuesday, killed in a shoot-out between suspected members of the dreaded Muslim fundamentalists, Boko Haram.

The fundamentalists had stormed the Bauchi prisons with the intention of setting free some of their members awaiting trial from last year's religious crisis, which claimed many lives and properties worth several millions of naira.

The fundamentalists reportedly stormed the prisons at about 6.30 p.m. immediately after the breaking of fast by Muslims and tried to force themselves into the prison a move that was resisted by the armed prisons warders around but whose fire arms could not match those of the fundamentalists, who were well armed.

It was pandemonium as people around the Emir Drive, Bakaro, Karofin Madaki, Kobi and Railways areas ran for cover from stray bullets and the fundamentalists were said to be shooting sporadically with their bullets hitting innocent people who did not envisage anything as they prepared for the breaking of the Moslem fasting of the month of Ramadan.

Bauchi State Police Commissioner, Danlami Yar'adua confirmed the crisis in a telephone interview, saying, "yes, there was an attempt by suspected persons to break into the Bauchi prisons and they were said to be armed, we have mobilised our armed anti-riot mobile policemen to the prison to ensure that the situation did not get out of hands."

The police boss added that, "for now I cannot tell you whether there are casualties or not, but as soon as we have the details, you will be duly informed but let me assure you that the situation is under control as our men are battle ready to check the crisis."

At the time of filing this report, residents of Bauchi had deserted the streets while armed security men had taken over the patrol of the town to ensure that the crisis did not spread to other parts of the town while the state government has asked people to remain calm as the situation is under control and will not be allowed to spread.

[Description of Source: Ibadan Nigerian Tribune Online in English -- Website of the privately owned daily; URL: http://www.tribune.com.ng]

Official Says Islamist Attack on Nigerian Prison Frees 732 Inmates

AFP20100908309004 Paris AFP (World Service) in English 1001 GMT 08 Sep 10

["Attack on Nigerian prison frees 732 inmates: official" -- AFP headline]

KANO, Nigeria, Sept 8, 2010 (AFP) - An attack on a prison in northern Nigeria by suspected members of an Islamist sect freed 732 inmates, including members of the extremist group, the state prisons head said on Wednesday.

"The prison had 762 inmates at the time of the attack," Mohammed Ahmed told AFP, adding that "732 escaped, leaving 30."

Referring to the sect, he said, "All the Boko Haram suspects on remand have escaped. There were 150 of them."

[Description of Source: Paris AFP (World Service) in English -- world news service of the independent French news agency Agence France Presse]

Fear reported in northern Nigeria over re-emergence of Islamic sect

AFP20100908011004 Caversham BBC Monitoring in English 08 Sep 10

Fear reported in northern Nigeria over re-emergence of Islamic sect

Background briefing by BBC Monitoring on 8 September

A spate of killings targeting government officials and police officers in northern Nigeria and the invasion of a prison by gunmen chanting "Allahu Akhbar" is raising fears that outlawed Islamic sect Boko Haram is making a comeback in the region.

The attacks on the police by motorcycle-riding gunmen took place in the towns of Maiduguri and Damaturu in Borno and Yobe states respectively. The two cities were the focus of deadly violence sparked by the sect in July 2009. The prison raid took place in neighbouring Bauchi State, and the authorities say up to 800 inmates were freed, including Boko Haram sympathisers.

The Nigerian authorities have said the gunmen are suspected to be members of Boko Haram (Hausa for Western education is a sin). Hausa is the main language of northern Nigeria and most of Sahelian Africa.

The resurgence of the sect, also known as the Nigerian Taleban, is said to be causing anxiety and panic among the population in the north ahead of a general election in January 2011.

In July 2009, Boko Haram launched a violent uprising, which left hundreds dead and its headquarters in ruins. Four senior police officers are due to stand trial for allegedly executing the sect leader, Mohammed Yusuf, during the mayhem.

Boko Haram "resurfacing"

In the latest of the attacks, members of the sect appear to have "resorted to guerrilla warfare as they waylay and shoot their victims", according to a report published on 26 August by the English-language Daily Trust website, a privately-owned pro-north daily.

On 7 September, the state-owned NTA TV channel reported that "a large number" of Boko Haram members "violently invaded" a prison in Bauchi State, where they set free members being held awaiting trial. Several people, including "a handful of policemen", died in the ensuing gunbattle between security forces and attackers, French news agency AFP reported on 8 September.

The Bauchi state police commissioner, Danlami Yar'Adua, told AFP that the attack was carried out by "people believed to be members of Boko Haram in an attempt to free their comrades".

On 5 September, suspected members of the sect killed a retired police officer and wounded five other people in Maiduguri. The "motorcycle-riding gunmen" opened fire on the victims in three separate incidents around Maiduguri, said state police commissioner Ibrahim Abdu. (AFP 6 September)

"We had three incidents in Borno State yesterday, which suggests that Boko Haram is on the attack... We strongly suspect they are responsible for the spate of hit-and-run attacks we have been witnessing in the last few weeks," said Abdu.

On the night of 25 August, two policemen were shot in Maiduguri and their guns taken by four suspected members of the sect, who were also riding bikes, while another police officer was killed in Damaturu (Yobe State) when other gunmen attacked the private residence of state governor Ibrahim Gaidam the same day. (Daily Trust website 26 August)

Borno police commissioner Abdu told the Daily Trust website that investigations were "pointing to a particular direction". His Yobe counterpart, Mamman Sule, said the incident at Damaturu was "exactly" like another that happened months earlier at the home of a former state governor, Bukar Abba Ibrahim, where the attackers killed a policeman and fled.

There is fear that this could be a comeback or revenge by the sect. "As at now, we are yet to ascertain the actual mission of the attackers even though some people have started giving it political colouration. Personally, I feel it is a reprisal attack by the remnants of the Boko Haram sect," said Sule. (Daily Trust website 26 August)

Sule added that two members of the Boko Haram were arrested in Damaturu while downloading some speeches of the late leader of the sect. "Some of the sect members are resurfacing in town because they have been discharged and acquitted by courts," he added (Daily Trust website 26 August)

Government reaction

Besides deploying large numbers of security personnel the areas around the Bauchi prison, the government has also banned the night-time use of motorcycles in Borno State, reported AFP 7 September.

"This is only the beginning... If this strategy doesn't work, we will call for a total ban on motorcycles in the state," the state police commissioner Abdu said.

The Borno authorities have inaugurated a 12-member committee to regulate the conduct of Islamic preachers in the area. Governor Ali Sherrif said the move was to avert the occurrence of the 2009 crisis, stressing that the government had discovered that some preachers "often took advantage" of Ramadan to incite their followers against the authorities by using derogatory language, reported the privately-owned Nagarta Radio on 4 September. This Hausa-language station is based in the key northern city of Kaduna, and is co-owned by former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida.

Governor Sherrif said members of the committee would use their vast knowledge of the Koran and Islamic texts to "checkmate bad preachers", adding that only scholars who were "duly licensed" by the board would be allowed to preach in the state.

Anticipating violence during the January 2011 election, the federal government has secured armoured helicopters from the US, in a move that the federal inspector-general of police, Ogbonna Onovo, described as "pro-active" (weekly Nigerian Compass Online 4 September).

Media reaction

The Nigerian media have used critical phrases during factual reporting of Boko Haram's members and activities.

The privately owned Nigerian Tribune Online described sect members on 8 September as "dreaded Muslim fundamentalists", while a report on 7 September by the state-owned NTV TV channel dismissed Boko Haram members as "outlawed religion fanatics".

North in "state of panic"

Since late July, the Nigerian media has been reporting that residents in the north fear the resurfacing of the sect.

On 28 July, NTA TV reported that Maiduguri was "calm and peaceful" after mounting anxiety over a possible resurgence of hostility by Boko Haram sympathisers.

A commentator on 5 August wrote in the New Nigeria newspaper that the public in northern Nigeria were "in a state of panic" as Boko Haram was not under any threat of being convicted for killings, "given the shoddy manner" of their prosecutions. The paper is owned by the federal government and champions the interests of the north. The commentator continued: "More worrisome to many people, especially victims of the carnage, is the apparent sympathy those facing trial for involvement with the sect seem to be enjoying from highly-placed Nigerians. And after a recent judgment to the effect that the police and Borno State government were ordered to pay money to the family of a suspect killed during the fracas, Nigerians are beginning to despair in fighting Boko Haram," he wrote.

Another writer on 18 August said on the Lagos-based privately-owned Business Day Online that the 2011 elections could push many northerners towards groups like Boko Haram.

"The north appears increasingly alienated from the government in Abuja, and popular respect for traditional Islamic institutions may be eroding. Some of the Muslim population has become receptive to more radical influences, mostly of indigenous origin, as evidenced by the bloody Boko Haram insurrection in Kano in July 2009, which the Nigerian military suppressed only with difficulty." (Business Day Online on 18 August)

A man said to be a sect member was reported by AFP as saying that Boko Haram had "gone underground" and was no longer centred around Maiduguri. The 35-year-old member told the AFP that sect had "weapons stored in various parts of the country". He added: "We are ordained by Allah to be prepared and amass weapons in case the enemy attacks."

Four senior police officers have been suspended and are to stand trial for allegedly executing Boko Haram leader Mohammed Yusuf, in 2009 (The Source on 23 August).