FG SIGNS CEASEFIRE DEAL WITH BOKO HARAM •AS UK BANS SECT

THE Federal Government has announced the signing of ceasefire deal with the Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, announced the ceasefire agreement on Radio France International Hausa services monitored in Kano, on Monday afternoon.

This is coming as the government of the United Kingdom (UK) planned to enact a law prohibiting association with Boko Haram and UK-based Minbar Ansar Deen.

The British Home Secretary, Theresa May, asked that the two radical Islamist organisations to be banned under terrorism laws.

According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), “if the two groups are banned, it will be illegal to support or become a member of either group, to arrange meetings or wear clothing in support of them.”

Offenders, as stated, could face fines of up to £5,000 (N1,250,000) or up to 10 years in prison.

Meanwhile, the Joint Task Force (JTF), codenamed Operation Restore Order in Borno, has confirmed that the state chairman of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), Alhaji Mala Othman, is currently in custody, undergoing investigation over alleged sponsorship of Boko Haram.

It will be recalled that one week ago, the youth vigilance group, popularly called “Civilian JTF,” set ablaze his house in Maiduguri.

Spokesman of the JTF in Borno, Lieutenant-Colonel Sagir Musa, told newsmen in Maiduguri that Othman’s involvement in the activities of Boko Haram would be made known to the press when investigation was concluded.

Sagir also commended the efforts of citizens and residents of Borno State, particularly the vigilance group, for their determination to assist security agencies to stamp out terrorists from the state.

He said the JTF was aware of the fears and concerns of some members of the public with regards to the activities of youth vigilance group, adding that it was doing its best to ensure the youth were monitored, guided and regulated in such a way that they could impact positively in the fight against terrorism in the state.

In another development, JTF has taken over  Bulabulin, Bayan Quarters and Ngaranam areas of Maiduguri metropolis with massive deployment of personnel and equipment in the areas.

Sagir said JTF had also dislodged the insurgents in the area and had recovered arms and ammunation, including four AK-47 rifles, seven empty magazines, four RPG launchers, three army camouflage and two tricycles.

UNICEF, JNI condemn killing of children in Yobe
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in Abuja, on Monday, expressed displeasure over the killing of some school children in Yobe.

UNICEF, in a statement by its Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Mr Manuel Fontaine, said there was no justification for targeting children and those looking after them.

Also, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) condemned the Yobe school massacre and appealed to the government to restore the use of GSM in the affected states, to facilitate security alert in a situation of insecurity.

JNI, in a statement signed the Secretary General, Dr Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, said it received with consternation and bewilderment, the senseless killings at Government Secondary School (GSS) Mamudo, by yet-to-be identified criminals.

Army reviews curfew in Adamawa
Authorities of 23Armoured Brigade, Yola, Adamawa State, on Monday, announced the review of curfew imposed on the state, following the declaration of state of emergency.

A statement issued by the Brigade’s Public Relations Officer, Lieutenant Ja’afar Nuhu, said the 8.00 p.m to 5.00 a.m curfew currently in force had been reviewed to 11.00 p.m to 5.00 a.m.


“In view of improved security situation in Adamawa and the up-coming month of Ramadan, the headquarters of the 23 Brigade wishes to inform the public that with effect from July 8, 2013 the curfew timing will be from 11.00 p.m to 5.00 a.m.
“This is to enable law-abiding citizens to pursue their religious obligations in an atmosphere of peace and harmony,” the statement read.
It warned that anyone who dared to use the development to disrupt law and order would face the full wrath of the law.

Source: Tribune