One soldier killed, Ag. GOC escapes death in Boko Haram’s ambush

The Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Victor Ezugwu and his convoy were about 8.30am, Tuesday, ambushed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists during the general’s visit troops in Bama local government area of Borno state.

Boko Haram Kingpin

Bama is south east and about 75 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital.

According to Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman in a statement issued on the platform of Operation Lafiya Dole said, 1 soldier loss his live and 2 others were injured during the ambush.

“Although 1 soldier loss his live and 2 others were injured, they were able to clear the ambush, killing some of the terrorists and recovered vehicle and weapons from them. The recovered items include a Toyota Hilux vehicle, 2 AK-47 rifles and several ammunitions.

“The Acting GOC has continued his operational visit to Bama, while the body of the late soldier and the wounded have been evacuated to Maiduguri. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has also spoken with the GOC.

“The Nigerian Army wish to reiterate its unalloyed commitment and determination to continue to clear the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists wherever they might be hiding”. Kukasheka stated.

One soldier killed, Ag. GOC escapes death in Boko Haram’s ambush

Troops kill nine Boko Haram members in bama

The troops of the Nigerian Army have killed nine members of the Boko Haram sect during a clearance operation at Wulwuta near Jere in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

Boko Haram Kingpin

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said in a statement on Saturday that the troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion who carried out the operation also destroyed an Improvised Explosive Devices factory in the area.

Usman said that the troops recovered ‘one laptop, a solar panel, a pair of Nigerian military desert and woodland camouflage uniform each, as well as bandolier vest and six ready IEDs pressure plates.’

Also said to have been recovered from the insurgents were a loaded pistol with registration    number  D557954, three rounds of  7.65mm, 13 rounds of  7.62mm (NATO) ammunitions and combat boots, among others.’

According to Usman, the troops also freed 21 captives of the deadly sect now said to be undergoing screening at the headquarter of the 155 Brigade for medical attention and possible hand over to the relevant agencies.

Usman stated that the rescued comprised eight men, four women, and nine children.

He added the troops also defused two artillery shells that were loaded with IEDs by the insurgents.

He stated however that a soldier was injured in action during the operation.

Troops kill nine Boko Haram members in bama

Scale of destruction in Bama, Konduga have humbled me – Lai Mohammed

* Described Nigerian soldiers as unsung heroes

* As reconstruction begins in recaptured areas

By Emmanuel Elebeke

MINISTER of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has showered encomiums on Nigerian soldiers for what he called their gallant fight and bravery in dislodging the elements of Boko Haram in Bama and Konduga LGAs of Borno state, saying that the December deadline given by the President will be achieved.

Lai Mohammed

The minister gave the commendation, yesterday, during an official visit to Bama and Konduga Local Government Councils of the State. Mohammed who led a team of information reporters to the visit said, he was humbled by the high scale of destruction and damages left behind in the areas by the insurgents as well as the palpable suffering and poverty undergone by the surviving victims of the Boko Haram war.

He commended the Nigerian army for rising to the occasion when it mattered most in restoring the integrity of federal government by rooting out the insurgents and the ongoing efforts to recapture the remaining areas before the December deadline. “They are very happy about what we are doing and are very committed to restoring peace in North-East and unity of this country. We went to Bama and Konduga and saw firsthand, the scale of damage and destruction that the Boko Haram terrorists left behind.

“It humbled many of us, and we all came back very very sober. I hope that with this visit, my colleagues in the media will show more restraint, more understanding in reporting the efforts being made in the war against terrorism. We are also confident that by today, we are much more informed about the corruption war,” he said.

On the visit to the IDP camp in Bama, where the team saw the victims of the war, old people, women and kids, the Minister lamented the impact of the war on the victims, and promised that government would do everything possible to rehabilitate them soon. ”Many of them they are victims of war they did not know about and many of the kids were their clapping without understanding what were being said. We saw abject poverty with sorrow, fear in the eyes of all the people there.

“I must publicly commend our military because it takes one to believe here the enormity of challenges they are facing. They are not only winning the war against insurgency but are also winning the peace, and even the humanitarian burden is probably heavier than the military burden. I saw a soft side of the commander of the Theatre, who was moved by the condition of the IDPs and suggested that the kids be adopted to reduce their sufferings.”

He lamented that these kids are going to sleep in this harsh weather but I promised that we are going to come back soon, to address their plights through resettlement and reconstruction,” he added.

State government’s effort

On the effort being made by the state government to assuage the suffering the people, the Minister lauded the state Government for taking the initiative of commencing the rebuilding and reconstruction of the damaged areas.

He also commended the Governor for creating a special ministry for to fast-track the rebuilding process and assured him of federal government’s support.

“Because of the premium the Governor had placed on the plight of the victims, he had created a new ministry in his cabinet office called Ministry of Reconstruction and we saw traces of reconstruction in Bama and Konduga: The markets, maternity complex, LGA headquarters that was razed down under reconstruction among others.

“These are clear evidence that peace is gradually returning to North-Easter, Borno state in particular. It takes one to be there to appreciate how the Governor has combined governance with the reconstruction of destructions by insurgency. This was possible because of the bold decision he had taken in area of agriculture, empowerment, education, health and environment. I am confident that in few months time, everything will be brought to normalcy,” the Minister said.

Responding, the Governor assured the Minister that come 2nd January, 2016, the State Government would commence rebuilding of Bama with about 1,000 houses and 108 in Konduga.

The Governor, while commending the Minister for the visit, however took a swipe at former information Minister, Mr. Labaran Maku, who he said never visited Borno State to ascertain the veracity of damages but went about commenting about the activities of Boko Haram without firsthand information.

According to the Governor, who described the visit as historic said, the past Ministers of information since 2009 failed in their duties for misinforming Nigerians about the activities of Boko Haram until Lai Mohammed broke the jinx to enable him avail federal government and the public on the true position of things on ground, particularly the level of successes recorded by the military.

“The fact that the President and Vice superintend over the functions of the ministers, does not erase the strategic role of the information Minister. With the continued declaration of war on the North-East, particularly, the Borno state since 2009, the most important duties of every Minister should be the Boko Haram mayhem.

“And for a minister to get the right information on the activities of Boko Haram, can only be derived by a visit to Borno State, which has been the epi-centre of the crisis.

“The former Minister of Information (Maku) had been speaking about Boko Haram, even going to the media to cast aspersion on the state government. Since 2009, Boko Haram started, no Minister of Information, I repeat, no Minister of Information ever visited Borno state until December 5, 2015, Lai Mohammed visited,” he observed.

According to Governor Shetima, the Minister is not the only information to visit Borno, but also the first under the APC government to visit

Scale of destruction in Bama, Konduga have humbled me – Lai Mohammed

Photos: Soldiers arrest Boko Haram financier

By Ehi Ekhator

The Nigerian military recorded a great success in the fight against terror after arresting the sect financier in Borno State on Tuesday.

Boko Haram financier

Troops of 112 Battalion & Special Forces in Mafa & Dikwa on a joint patrol raided a Boko Haram camp at Bulungwa Naibe in Dikwa LGA of Borno State

Buffalo vehicle mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun, a RPG, 2 Machine Guns and 1 Sub-machine Gun 5 AK-47 rifles, were recovered.

It was gathered that Mohammed Maina, a suspected Boko Haram financier and stimulant dealer was arrested in Bama with N1m  cash and other items.

He gathers money and other materials from the sect sympathizers along that axis and sends to the terrorists camps.

Photos: Soldiers arrest Boko Haram financier

Nigerian troops recapture Bama from Boko Haram

After a six-month occupation, troops yesterday regained the control of Bama from Boko Haram insurgents.

Nigerians soldiers with Boko Haram flag

The insurgents on September 2 last year seized the town, including a military barracks.

They hoisted their flags and imposed their rule on the indigenes.

The battle forced the Brigade Commander of Mohammed Kur Barracks, Police Area Commander, DPO, Commandant of MOPOL 53 and more than 500 troops  in Bama to relocate to Maiduguri to re-strategise.

But the troops, backed by powerful air strikes, yesterday reclaimed Bama from Boko Haram.

A tweet by the Defence Headquarters said: “Nigerian troops this afternoon routed terrorists from Bama. Mopping up operation is ongoing.”

A defence headquarters source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Nigerian troops have taken over Bama. Official statement later today.

“This is one of the strongest bases of Boko Haram in the Northeast. It is a significant achievement for our troops. The insurgents had attempted to use Bama and Konduga to launch attacks on Maiduguri.”

Another source said: “For about three days, troops were locked in battle against Boko Haram insurgents until Monday afternoon when the military reclaimed the town, which is located in the South-East of Maiduguri.

“Most of the warlords of Boko Haram were born and bred in Bama. The regaining of the town has restored the pride of the Nigerian Army.

“For about six months, these rag-tag insurgents held sway in Bama, but we have routed them out.”

In September 2014, United States, through its Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Amb. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said it was troubled by the capture of Bama and some towns in Borno and Yobe states by Boko Haram.

But the DHQ said there was no cause for alarm because the military was on top of the situation.

The statement said: “In the light of the present challenges in the counter-terrorism efforts in the Northeast, which has elicited a sense of apprehension among citizens and even foreign allies, the DHQ wishes to reiterate the pledge and commitment it made while briefing the Joint Committee on Defence of the National Assembly to the effect that everything will be done to reverse the situation and defeat the  terrorists.

“While welcoming the concerns shown by Nigerians and a section of the international community, following the increased menace and activities of terrorists, it is necessary to reassure all that the Nigerian Armed Forces is  determined and committed to the defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria, regardless of any odd.

“It is not only the pride and reputation of the military that is at stake but that of the nation.

“We, therefore, urge our citizens not to lose hope or be disenchanted, but to remain steadfast and supportive of the military, as steps are being taken to ensure the success of the counter-insurgency operations, especially at this crucial time when our sovereignty is being challenged.

“With this in mind, it is important to reiterate that the military is conscious of its obligations to the Nigerian state and remains willing and ready to perform its duties with utmost diligence.”

The Defence Headquarters said last night that troops survived many landmines to reclaim Bama from Boko Haram.

It said the mission was accomplished with “heavy casualty inflicted on the terrorists.”

The DHQ said Goniri, the last major stronghold of the terrorists operating in Yobe State, was on Monday morning taken over completely by troops after days of manoeuvre

The Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, in a statement on how Bama was liberated from Boko Haram, said: “Troops this afternoon finally succeeded in routing terrorists from Bama in Borno State.

“The mission, which was accomplished with massive casualty inflicted on the terrorists before the remnants finally fled the town, lasted days of careful manoeuvre and efforts to scale a series of obstacles and land mines planted by terrorists, who have occupied the town for months.

“The Chadian partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force have been mandated to undertake a pursuit of the terrorists, who are believed to be heading for the borders after being dislodged from Bama.

“Nigerian troops are continuing with cordon and search of the town and surroundings. Arms and ammunition are being recovered as troops conduct an aggressive patrol of the entire vicinity on the looking out for any terrorists, who may be stranded or trying to operate elsewhere in the area.”

The statement added: “In a related development, Goniri, the last major stronghold of the terrorists operating in Yobe State, was this morning taken over by troops after days of manoeuvre.

“Cordon and search is continuing in and around Goniri town, which is in the same local government with Buni Yadi where a bomb making facility was discovered in the course of cordon and search recently.

“This completes the clearing of Gujba Local Government Area, one of the two local governments occupied by the terrorists in Yobe State. The other local government, Gulani, was finally cleared earlier in the month. This makes Yobe the second to be successfully cleared among the three states slated for the mission to dislodge terrorists’ bases.

“The comprehensive offensive aimed at clearing the terrorists from all parts of the mission area is continuing with coordinated air strikes on identified terrorists hideouts and enclaves along with ground assaults.”

Nigerian troops recapture Bama from Boko Haram

Military moves to liberate Bama

The Nigerian Army has launched a major operation to liberate the strategic town of Bama, Borno State from Boko Haram insurgents.

Bama: Military orders arrest of General for running into bush with troops in fear of B’Haram

Investigation revealed on Tuesday that deployment of ground forces and equipment was preceded by days of targeted aerial operations in Bama and its environs.

An intelligence source, who made this known, said that the military was expecting a productive result from Bama which was captured by the insurgents in September last year.

He said, “The battle for Bama has started; troops have started going in. You know that the Air Force was deployed last week to carry out targeted bombardment of the town.

“Bama promises to be a tough one because those people have fortified the place; they planted mines around the town but our soldiers are in high spirits.

“By the Grace of God, we are expecting results tomorrow. The aerial bombardment started at the weekend and now the ground troops are moving in…”

Bama and Gwoza are believed to be the two surviving operational bases of the Boko Haram in the country since the commencement of the latest military offensive against the sect.

Our correspondent could not get the Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, to speak on the operation as the calls to his mobile did not connect.

But late on Tuesday, another military source claimed that they had liberated the town.

He added that the development led to   jubilation in the Maimalari Barracks, the headquarters of the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri.

The source, who also said that the General Officer Commanding   the   division, Lamidi Adeosun, led the operation.   attributed it to the renewed motivation given the troops.

He said, “We are happy that our Commander-in-Chief(President Good-luck Jonathan) has been able to upgrade us and as we speak, we have the right equipment to end the war in the next one week.

“The GOC is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that we meet the deadline for elections.

“The general did not even use our crack boys in Konduga. He just took his team from our supply of new boys here and drove straight into Bama on Monday, leaving the Konduga guys to rest   till we took over Bama, chased the bad people out,   removed their flag and installed our authority.”

Military moves to liberate Bama

Bama: Military orders arrest of General for running into bush with troops in fear of B’Haram

There were indications, weekend, that the Army High Command has ordered the arrest and detention of a Brigadier-General attached to the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army (names with-held) over allegations of negligence that gave Boko Haram terrorists an opportunity to overrun some communities in Borno State recently.

Vanguard gathered that the senior officer who hails from one of the states in the South West, was the officer coordinating the military onslaught to dislodge several Boko Haram terrorists from Bama, Gwoza, Madagali, Michika and other communities in Borno and Adamawa states that later fell into the hands of the terrorists.

The General was accused of providing poor leadership and failed to instil confidence in the soldiers, resulting in several soldiers allegedly abandoning the fight against the terrorists while several of them lost their lives.

According to the source, when the Boko Haram insurgents came in full force to attack Bama,some top brass of the unit offered no resistance by running into the bush.

The source disclosed that the insurgents entered the Brigade Headquarters and Armoury freely and carted away  vehicles and Tanks.

Vanguard was told that some of the commanders were rescued from the bush by a battalion deployed at Konduga, which was stationed about 15 kilometers behind Bama, the last deployment before Maiduguri.

The Military high command was said to be furious that the insurgents after taking over Bama and killing hundreds of civilians ransacked the armoury with no soldier offering resistance, leaving the insurgents to have a free day.

According to the source; after seizing the equipment at the 21 Brigade Bama, the terrorists used the same weapons to attack the infantry battalion at Konduga but met their waterloo where hundreds of the Boko Haram insurgents were killed.

The source added that the 21 Armoured Brigade which had several armoured tanks could not withstand the battle that was later decided by less than 400 infantry soldiers in Konduga.

It was further gathered that after running away from Bama, some top brass of the brigade and about 800 troops went straight to Maiduguri instead of joining the troops in Konduga to repel the attack.

To face court-martial

Vanguard gathered that a board of inquiry is investigating the  conduct of the officers for acts of negligence among other offences.

Military sources further told Vanguard that Boko Haram terrorists were not really better armed in the terror war but rather leadership of troops on ground has been discovered as a problem that needed to be tackled.

Giving an instance, a source said: “Commanders of troops are supposed to lead soldiers from the frontline but what we discovered is that most of the commanders operate and give orders from the rear.

“If not that our soldiers are rugged and know that the Boko Haram terrorists could not match them professionally, what we are seeing today would have been the opposite. Actually, when terrorists see soldiers coming, they run for their lives, but due to poor leadership, the back-up arrangements are not activated. When soldiers therefore run out of ammunition and the terrorists regroup, soldiers will have no other choice than to retreat”.

The source cited the successes recorded severally in the battles to take over Konduga as the perfect way the Nigeria Army operates, noting that even though there were four different attacks with heavy weaponry, the army was able to defeat them and recovered stolen weapons.

Military extends restriction of vehicular movement in Maiduguri.

Meanwhile, the ban on vehicular movements in Maiduguri, which was to last from 5 pm last Friday till 7 am today has been extended till tomorrow.  The ban was imposed following intelligence reports that Boko Haram terrorists will attack mosques, markets and other public places during the sallah period.

A statement by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of 7 Division Col. Sanni Usman, said “all necessary security measures are being implemented, while members of the public are hereby requested to comply fully with this embargo as defaulters will be severely sanctioned”.

He said, however, that workers on essential services such as hospitals and fire services with clear identification are exempted from the restriction.

Colonel Usman then advised members of the public to report any suspicious movement of persons or vehicles around their environment to the nearest security agencies.

 

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Bama: Military orders arrest of General for running into bush with troops in fear of B’Haram

A message to the Northern politicians - Northern youths

By Ehi Ekhator, Naija Center News

It is obvious that not all Northern youths are in support of what’s going on in the region. A group, North East Youths For Jonathan Again. (Neyojoa) 2015 has taken on the Northern politicians for brainwashing the youths into terrorism.

Boko Haram killed in Bama

Speaking with NAIJA CENTER NEWS (NCN) correspondent, the group National Coordinator, Musa Mikaya disclosed that Bama, which is his home town, is like a war zone at the moment; he said he was saddened by the recent development. ”The northern politicians are brainwashing hungry boys using a costly weapon to kill people. they cant afford a decent life yet a decent weapon is within their reach”, he lamented.

The group had earlier released a statement lashing at the northern politicians for their roles in the growing attacks in the North.

The statement reads ”Northern Elders, shame on you. Sponsors of terror, shame on you. These young men are now terrorist or insurgents, earlier than this time they were told they were defending a noble course.

”You cannot win elections honorably so you let the ignorant child of the poor and the needy have the promise of Paradise, and thus die ignobly. You gave them N300, 000 worth of a killing machine, yet you allow them to die wearing N5.00 rubber slippers.

”Your children are sleeping under thick blankets and in a 10 inch, 35 density mattresses, while they stay out there in the cold without warm clothing.

”They honestly pray 5 times a day serving their God and then wrongfully slaughtered because you miss lead them, while your children, rich and well fed, never even knows the road to the nearest Mosque.

”They die shouting Allahu Akbar, may your children never find time to say that before they face their most horrible death. Remember, these young men die calling on the name of the God they truly serve and honored, what of your children?.

”Northern youths, your enemy is not GEJ, your enemies are these northern politicians that wants power at all cost so that their children can go to the most developed countries, attend the best institutions while you stay home and be labeled as BH.

”Remember, you will always be a Nigerian first, a northerner second, and a Muslim or a Christian third. We are one. Say no to this evil politicians no matter where they come from. The politicians cannot take us any further than where our good creator has kept us, OUR NIGERIA, OUR BELOVED NORTH”

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A message to the Northern politicians - Northern youths

Boko Haram: We"ll defend our territorial integrity by all means - Defence HQTR

The Defence Headquarters said the armed forces will do everything to defend the nation’s sovereignty.

In a statement by Major General Chris Olukolade, Director of Defence Information said, the armed forces said: “DHQ wishes to reiterate the pledge and commitment it made while briefing the Joint Committee on Defence of the National Assembly to the effect that everything will be done to reverse the situation and defeat the rampaging terrorists.

Nigerian soldiers

“While welcoming all the concerns shown by Nigerians and a section of the international community following the increased menace and activities of terrorists, it is necessary to reassure all that the Nigerian Armed Forces is more than ever determined and committed to the defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria, regardless of any odd.

“It is not only the pride and reputation of the military that is at stake but that of the entire nation. We therefore urge our citizens not to lose hope or be disenchanted but to remain steadfast and supportive of the military as all steps are being taken to ensure the success of the counter-insurgency operations, especially at this crucial time when our sovereignty is being challenged.

“With this in mind, it is important to reiterate that the Nigerian military is fully conscious of its obligations to the Nigerian state and remains willing and ready to perform its duties with utmost diligence. Therefore, what the military requires at this critical period in the nation’s history is not pillories but continued support from all stakeholders and comity of nations.

“Indeed, this is not the time to despair or shift blames. Rather it calls for concerted effort by all and sundry to stop the agents of darkness who seek to destroy our country and civilization. On its part, the Nigerian military as a fighting force, assures Nigerians once again that this battle will be won.”

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Boko Haram: We"ll defend our territorial integrity by all means - Defence HQTR

Boko Haram: Bodies litter Bama town

Bodies remain littered on the streets of a northern Nigerian town two days after it was seized by militant Islamists, a lawmaker has told the BBC.

Boko Haram fighters were patrolling the streets of Bama, preventing people from burying the dead, Ahmed Zanna said.

On Wednesday, the state government denied the town had fallen.

Officials said about 26,000 people had been displaced by fighting in Bama, a key town in the battle for control of Nigeria’s north-eastern Borno state.

Earlier this week, the Nigeria Security Network (NSN) think-tank said the group had made “lightning territorial gains” in recent months, raising fears that the country could disintegrate like Syria and Iraq, where the Islamic State (IS) rebel group has declared a caliphate.

Boko Haram has also said it has set up a caliphate in the areas it controls – it is not clear if the two groups are allied.

Mr. Zanna, a senator in Borno, said the humanitarian situation in Bama was “terrible” and there had been a “lot of killings” in the town.

“So many bodies litter the streets, and people are not allowed to even go and bury the dead ones. So the situation is getting worse and worse,” Mr Zanna told the BBC’s Newsday programme after speaking to a resident who fled the town.

Boko Haram has captured a string of towns in northern-eastern Nigeria in recent months, fuelling concern that it could advance towards the main city, Maiduguri.

Mr Zanna said it would be “catastrophic” if Boko Haram launched an assault on Maiduguri, which has a population of more than two million.

“I’m begging the government to send more troops and armoury to Maiduguri,” he said.

“Boko Haram do come overwhelmingly because they recruited en masse in the villages [in Borno state],” he added.

Boko Haram: Bodies litter Bama town

Boko Haram takes over Bama - Senator Zanna confirms

By Ehi Ekhator, Naija Center News

Senator Zanna has confirmed the speculation that Boko Haram has actually taken over Bama, the second largest town in Borno State after over-powering the Nigerian troupe with their re-enforcement yesterday.

Boko haram in Borno

Zanna who spoke with Saharareporters, an online news channel disclosed that two of his cousins were killed in the attack. He also added that many innocent Nigerians died in the gun duel that lasted for more than 5 hours.

The senator confirmed that the terrorists have been driving around the town in armored tanks and military pickups.

He gave his two nephews’ names who died in the attck as Babagana Mala Zanna 28, and Yusuf Mala Zanna 20 after finding them in his brother’s house in Bama early in the morning.

The senator account tallies with the initial report from some fleeing citizens who spoke with the network on the incident yesterday.

Though Nigerian military had tweeted last night that the soldiers were repelling attack and many of the sect were killed, but till now had not confirm the claim if Boko Haram triumph in the gun duel or not.

It was gathered that the military repelled the first attack but the sect regrouped and came back in full force which made the Nigerian soldiers run along with the fleeing indigenes, to the capital city, Borno State.

According to the information, an Airforce Jet was seen bombing Bama barrack. The mission was to prevent the militants from taking control of the armory in Bama and the second bomb was to destroy the army tank for the same reason.

 

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Boko Haram takes over Bama - Senator Zanna confirms

Crashed Helipcopter: Missing engineer crew reappears

By Ehi Ekhator, Naija Center News

The Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen Chris Olukolade has reported that the engineer crew member who was declared missing after the helicopter crashed in Bama on Monday has resurfaced.

The Director of Defence information has earlier said that a member of the crew was missing after the crash and stated that a rescue team were still in the look out for him.

In a statement signed by Mr. Olukolade, he confirmed that Flight Lieutenant NM Halilu was the only crew member that died in the crash while other two members survived.

He said ”The Engineer crew member of the crashed Nigerian Air Force Mi-35 Helicopter earlier declared missing has been found alive.  The crew member who was declared missing when his body could not be located in the vicinity of the crash resurfaced at the military Headquarters in Maiduguri today, having trekked through the bushes after the crash.

”It is thus confirmed that Flight Lieutenant NM Halilu, Co-Pilot and Warrant Officer Augustine Nwanonenyi, the aircraft technician survived the crash while Flight Lieutenant Onyeka Nwakile was the only one lost in the crash.

”The family of the officer has been duly informed while the two survivors are in stable condition but receiving medical attention.”

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Crashed Helipcopter: Missing engineer crew reappears

Nigeria military helicopter crashes in Bama, Borno

By Ehi Ekhator, Naija Center News

Helicopter belonging to Nigerian Airforce Mi-32 has crashed due to what the officials said was ”technical fault” at Bama in Borno State.

According to a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, said the Mi-32 was on a training mission and added that investigation into what led to the crash has started.

He also stated that the crash was not caused by enemy action and didn’t confirm if there were casualties or survivors.

He said “Further details on the crash will be made known as soon as the investigation progresses,”

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Nigeria military helicopter crashes in Bama, Borno