1,623 people held captive by Boko Haram have been rescued by the troops of 3 Batallion, 22 Brigade Nigerian Army on Operation Lafiya Dole, like reported by dailypost.ng.

According to a statement released by Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Sani Usman, the successful rescue operation was helped by information they received from members of the civilian JTF.

“The troops then embarked on offensive on suspected location of Boko Haram terrorists at Jarawa general area, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State.

“They came under heavy fire at Jarawa village and responded decisively. Then they proceeded to clear Deima, Artano, Saduguma, Duve, Bardo, Kala, Bok, Msherde and Ahirde settlements.

“During the operation, the troops neutralized 21 Boko Haram terrorists, rescued 1,623 residents of Jarawa who were held captives by the terrorists.

“They also recovered three AK-47 Rifles with registration numbers 565222414, 563729686 and UF 3646, a 36 Hand Grenade, 12 Cutlasses and four motorcycles,” the statement added.

The rescued persons have been escorted to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Rann and all the children were vaccinated.

The statement added: “One significant aspect of this operation is that the unit noted for its experience in battle, resilience and bravery did not record any casualty.”

Foreign naval forces in international waters off Somalia’s coast shot dead two pirates and wounded another when the bandits attempted to hijack a ship, a Somali official said Sunday according to ap.org.

The two men were part of a group of nine pirates who were in a boast approaching an unidentified ship near the Gulf of Aden when a naval force opened fire on them, said Ahmed Abdullahi, an official with the anti-piracy force in Puntland, a semi-autonomous part of Somalia.

The six other pirates survived the attack and escaped, he said.

Residents in Durduri, a coastal village in Sanaag region, said they found two dead bodies left by the pirates near the coast on Sunday morning.

In recent weeks there has been a resurgence of piracy off Somalia’s coast, after five years of inactivity.

In a separate incident in Somalia, a roadside bomb on Sunday struck a convoy carrying officials from the World Food Program on the outskirts of Mogadishu, injuring two bodyguards, a U.N. official said.

The U.N. officials were on a supervision mission outside Mogadishu at the time of the attack, the official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press.

Dozens of American soldiers have deployed to Mogadishu to train and equip Somali and AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia) forces fighting extremism in Somalia, U.S. military officials told VOA.

The troops’ arrival marks the first presence of American military forces in Somalia, other than a small unit of counterterrorism advisers, since March 1994 when the U.S. pulled out of the U.N. intervention operation in the war-torn state, five months after 18 U.S. special forces personnel were killed in a battle with Somali militiamen that inspired the movie Black Hawk Down.

“United States Africa Command will conduct various security cooperation and/or security force assistance events in Somalia in order to assist our allies and partners,” U.S. Africa Command spokesman Pat Barnes told VOA on Thursday.

The move is another example of the acceleration of U.S. efforts to help combat violent extremism across the globe, a second military official said. The goal of the operation is to build partner capacity while helping to improve the logistics of local forces battling the military group al-Shabab.

A few dozen troops from the 101st Airborne Division in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, arrived in Mogadishu on April 2 at the request of the Somali government, a U.S. military official told VOA.

The team is carrying out a train-and-equip mission that is expected to last through the end of September, according to the official.

Former Deputy Secretary of Defense Rudy DeLeon, a senior fellow with the Center for American Progress, said the U.S. team will help instill the professionalism and discipline that the local force can use to create the terms for security.

“It gives them the tools to help themselves,” DeLeon said in an interview with VOA.

The U.S. usually has a small unit of between 3 and 50 American troops in Somalia supporting U.S.-Somali military-to-military relations, and advising and assisting Somali troops. The new arrivals from the 101st Airborne Division will not be added to the mission of those Americans currently on the ground in Somalia, a military official said, “but there will be some overlap.”

Last week, Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed called on al-Shabab fighters to surrender within 60 days in return for education and jobs.

Days later, a car bomb targeted senior officials leaving a military base in Mogadishu, killing at least 15 people and destroying a minibus carrying civilians, the Somali military said. Al-Shabab militants claimed responsibility.

The Somalia-based Al Shabab claims that its escalation of deadly attacks is in “doubled response” to President Donald Trump’s approval of expanded US military efforts against it, an organisation that monitors extremist groups says, like reported by gulftoday.ae.

Shabab’s statements come after Somalia’s new military chief survived a suicide car bomb attack on Sunday following his swearing-in with a mandate to launch a new offensive against the extremists.

Thirteen people were killed.

A day later, a suicide bombing at a military academy in the capital, Mogadishu, killed at least five soldiers.

Shabab’s Shahada News Agency posted the group’s statement on social media on Monday, the SITE Intelligence Group said.

The attacks also are in response to President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed’s declaration last week of the new offensive against the extremists, Shabab said.

The Somali-American president has declared the long-chaotic country a war zone.

Shabab has denounced Somalia’s new leader as an “apostate” and vowed to further destabilize the country.

Niger sits at the crossroads of a huge area where state actors have limited control. The region is home to a toxic blend of insurgencies, ethnic militias, drug traffickers, smugglers and violent extremist groups. The upper Sahel is nevertheless far from being ungoverned, like reported by rusi.org

There are complex layers of political economic and geopolitical forces at play: socio-ethnic kinship; migration; and informal trade in particular create powerful cross-border links.

These links facilitate exchanges but also allow illicit networks and armed groups to thrive across borders. As such, they tie Niger to overlapping crises in Mali, Libya and northern Nigeria.

Niger is also situated at the heart of the African migration routes towards Libya and on to Europe. Indeed, the northern city of Agadez remains the principal transit hub for West African migrants. Long overlooked by national governments and regional organisations, the wider fight against violent extremism across the Sahel as well as the migrant crisis have put Niger back on the map as an important strategic actor; prolonged instability in that country would therefore entail significant security threats for the region.

Niger joined the regional coalition against Boko Haram two years ago. The insurgency had already been fuelling local tensions over resources, but the militarisation of the Diffa region in the southeast of the country, as well as the multiplication of self-defence militias have further hindered the local economy and created an increasingly volatile situation.

Across the Sahel and particularly in Niger, droughts and forced displacements coupled with rapid population growth have generated a growing number of people competing for diminishing fertile land and water. In Niger and Mali, traditional pastoralists looking for grazing areas collide with sedentary farmers – this creates inter-communal tensions.

In eastern Niger, Peuls and Mohamid herders accuse local populations, particularly the Boudouma ethnic group, of participating in cattle raids and of supporting Boko Haram. The resulting escalation in tensions has led to the formation of ethnic-based self-defence militias that, under the pretext of fighting Boko Haram, have been involved in deadly clashes between local communities, particularly since last year.

Addressing the local dimensions of violence between communities is crucial if the struggle against Boko Haram is to be successful. Local conflict will only make the terror group stronger by providing it with a position as the sole functioning local authority, and that, in turn, will lead to recruitment and financing opportunities for the men of violence.

The local population also bears the burden of highly restrictive measures that have been put in place since the beginning of the state emergency in the Diffa region. In an attempt to disrupt Boko Haram finances, local authorities have forbidden trade in vegetables and fish, two economic activities believed to be frequently taxed by the insurgents.

Ongoing operation and militarisation on banks of Lake Chad have also been accompanied with the forced resettlement of tens of thousands people by security forces. Displaced populations were forced to leave their goods behind, including large numbers of cattle.

Beyond curbing the group’s finances, these measures have contributed to increasing food insecurity and have left thousands deprived of economic activity. In a country where 80% of the population depends on subsistence farming, the economic burden of the military operation is likely to fuel grievances against authorities and push young people into the ranks of Boko Haram, one of the last local employers.

On the other side of the country, the worsening security situation in Mali and similar local conflict dynamics are also posing threats to stability in Niger. Indeed, disputes between herders over grazing land have been ongoing since the 1970s. They have transformed into frequent bouts of inter-communal violence after the inflow of small arms during the Tuareg rebellion of the 1990s.

After the start of the Malian civil war, local jihadi groups and Tuareg separatist movements have absorbed local militias, further complicating the situation. Today, deadly clashes occur on both sides of the border.

Furthermore, after a series of attacks against security forces by Malian-based jihadi groups, a state of emergency has been declared in the region for a period of three months. This was also accompanied by restrictive measures on the local population, such as a motorcycle ban, which adds to the burden of already-impoverished areas. An estimated 80,000 people are in need of humanitarian assistance in the region and security measures are blocking development initiatives.

Sharing a border with Libya, Nigeria and Mali, Niger remains one of the last stable countries in an increasingly volatile region. However, the country is vulnerable. Fighting the Boko Haram insurgency in the east and the threat of jihadi groups at the Malian border must be accompanied with sensible policy aimed at tackling the root cause of extremism in the long run.

First, social and economic pressures must be addressed. Niger is ranked at the bottom of the human development index, with increasing food insecurity, and a lack of education and infrastructure. It is experiencing drought, diminishing agricultural resources and the second highest rate of population growth in Africa.

Second, Niger must reaffirm its role as a functioning governance entity beyond its sole military presence, and its government must attempt to resolve local disputes. For the moment, the escalation of local tensions over access to resources has created a security dilemma, pushing threatened communities to join violent groups like Boko Haram and Al-Qa’ida in the Maghreb for protection.

Better water and land management strategies, increased economic opportunities and a more sensible approach to counterinsurgency could do much to prevent the alienation of already-vulnerable populations. With sensible measures, Niger could avoid being destabilised and remain a key strategic partner in the fight against violent extremism in the greater Sahel.

Chinese naval forces may have captured Somali pirate leader Aw Koombe during the rescue of the bulker OS 35 last weekend, like reported by maritime-executive.com

China claims that its forces were responsible for recovering the OS 35 – and has even omitted the assistance provided by the Indian Navy from official statements – but so far it has not taken credit for arresting any suspects.

VOA reports that Abdikarim Salah “Aw Koombe” was left behind on the freighter by his fellow pirates and has not been seen since. Two of the attackers reportedly escaped and returned to their home village, where they told local residents that Aw Koombe and two others had not made it off the ship. Aw Koombe was the spokesperson during the Aris 13 hijacking, which ended after the intervention of Somali security forces.

Separately, on Monday, Chinese state-controlled media outlet Global Times published an editorial celebrating the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s role in rescuing the OS 35 (and in maritime security in general). It referred to the participation of other navies in regional anti-piracy efforts, but did not mention Indian assistance during Saturday’s interdiction.

“China has actively engaged in international anti-piracy operations in recent years . . . [but] the Chinese navy has not been applauded for its efforts, and instead has been subject to overwhelming suspicions,” asserted the author. “Many Western media outlets and Western strategists have maliciously hyped China’s intention of improving its naval strength . . . it is imperative for Beijing to build a powerful navy that can protect arterial maritime trade routes and defend the country’s growing international interests.”

The Indian ministry of defense emphasized its own role in the OS 35 incident. “An Indian Navy helicopter undertook aerial reconnaissance of the merchant vessel at night, and at sunrise, to sanitize the upper decks of the merchant ship and ascertain the location of pirates, if still on board,” the Indian defense ministry said. “A boarding party from the nearby Chinese Navy ship went on board the merchant ship, while the Indian Naval helicopter provided air cover for the operation.” The Hindustan Times reports that Pakistani and Italian naval vessels were also standing by.

Since 4 April 2015, the day a Romanian citizen was abducted in Tambao on Burkina Faso’s north-east border with Mali and Niger, about 20 terror attacks killing 70 people have been recorded in the country, according to the Minister for Security, Simon Compaoré and like reported by dailymaverick.co.za.

Most of the attacks occurred in the administrative Sahel region. They have been claimed or attributed to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)’s al-Mourabitoun brigade and two groups linked to Ansar Dine – the Katiba Macina (active in central Mali) and Katiba Khalild Ibn Walid (who initially operated in the Sikasso region, southern Mali). In late 2016, a local actor entered the fray. Known as Ansarul Islam, this group is reportedly structured around Malam Ibrahim Dicko, who is portrayed as a radical preacher.

Burkina Faso’s response to the rising terror threats has been to increase security. This has yielded some results, for example the neutralisation last month of Harouna Dicko, presented as a lieutenant of Malam Ibrahim Dicko, and the arrest of several suspects. The large search operation launched on 27 March in Soum province and on the Malian side of the border, involving Burkina Faso and Malian soldiers, supported by French soldiers from Operation Barkhane, is also significant.

But is this approach enough to eliminate the threat of extremism in Burkina Faso?

Public opinion differs. Some feel the authorities haven’t taken full measure of the nature of the threat; others think the government has been more reactive than proactive, or that it has simply shown a lack of power.

There are several factors, though, that contribute to the rising threat of extremism in Burkina Faso. These are the instability of neighbouring Mali, and Burkina Faso’s own regional and local dynamics – the latter including socio-economic conditions and the emergence of “radical Islam”, which gave rise to the country’s Ansarul Islam group.

Regional dynamics include the links between the groups operating in the border areas between Burkina Faso’s Soum province and central Mali. This part of Mali is used by Ansarul Islam as a base to which it retreats to escape Burkina Faso’s armed forces. All these factors must be considered when attempting to identify the root causes and conditions that have contributed to rising terrorism in Burkina Faso.

The proximity of an unstable Mali, with growing insecurity in its central region and, more importantly, attacks in areas bordering Burkina Faso throughout 2015, should have prompted the country to take measures to prevent the situation from getting worse.

Burkina authorities have investigated the circumstances under which some of the attacks were organised, and identified those involved. The government has also strengthened the security and intelligence apparatus, mainly through the deployment in the country’s north of elements of the Groupement des forces anti-terroristes (GFAT) anti-terrorist group, and the supply of equipment to the forces (police, gendarmerie and the army) operating in the Sahel region. Several military operations have also been carried out in key areas across the country.

But Burkina Faso, along with other states in the region, remains central to jihadist groups’ strategies to establish, strengthen or expand their influence in the Sahel. In a recent interview with al-Qaeda’s weekly Al-Massar magazine, Iyad Ag Ghaly (leader of the recently established Jamâ’ah Nusrah al-Islâm wal-Muslimîn in Mali) recalled that Burkina Faso was one of the movement’s targets.

There is no doubt that Burkina Faso’s authorities are aware of the threat, but the country needs to remain vigilant and tackle all aspects of this phenomenon.

It is difficult to establish absolute border control, but strengthening security in border areas will be key. Government action, not just in terms of security measures but also social and economic ones, is needed. The impact of declining trade exchanges that have resulted from the current insecurity must be mitigated, rampant food insecurity addressed and job opportunities created.

A security response, while necessary, also needs to be a cautious one. Such action in the past has often exacerbated conflict between the defence and security forces and the extremist groups, which fuels insecurity and serves to unify the extremists.

Security forces must be discerning in their approach – particularly when trying to root out Ansarul Islam – and avoid abuses that can turn the population against them and drive members of the communities living in the border areas to join the extremist group.

The recent decision taken by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to co-operate in a joint security response by establishing the Liptako-Gourma Force could help contain the threat. However, this co-operation cannot be a substitute for the appropriate security measures that each of the countries concerned must take.

In countries fighting Boko Haram – Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad – 27 children have been used in suicide attacks by the group so far this year, like reported by sbs.com.au

The use of children as suicide bombers by the insurgents of Boko Haram has surged in 2017, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says.

In the countries fighting Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region – Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad – 27 children have been used in suicide attacks by the armed Islamist group in the first three months of the year, UNICEF said in a report and statement.

There were nine cases in the same period last year, and 30 children used for bombings in all of 2016, it said. Most were girls.

The Boko Haram insurgency is now in its eighth year with little sign of ending, having claimed over 20,000 lives. Its child kidnappings gained global notoriety after the abduction of more than 200 girls from the town of Chibok in Nigeria’s northeast in 2014, three years ago on Friday.

Boko Haram has kidnapped thousands, often raping them, forcing them to become suicide bombers, help the militants in their conflict or marry fighters, UNICEF said.

“These children are victims, not perpetrators,” said Marie-Pierre Poirier, UNICEF’s regional director for West and Central Africa.

“Forcing or deceiving them into committing such horrific acts is reprehensible.”

UNICEF said its response to the crisis “remains severely underfunded”, hitting efforts to provide mental health and social support, reunite families and offer education, safe water and medical services.

Last year, the group received only two-fifths of the $US154 million ($A205 million) it appealed for.

The UN says it needs $US1.5 billion in humanitarian aid for the Lake Chad region this year, and $US457 million had been pledged for 2017 by late February.

Security forces were engaged in a shootout as heavily armed militants raided a village in the Diffa region, like reported by ibtimes.co.uk

Security forces in Niger killed 57 Boko Haram militants in a counteroffensive after the Islamists attacked a village, the landlocked African nation’s defence ministry said. Close to 15 troops were reportedly injured in the attack.

Heavily armed extremists raided the Gueskerou village on motorbikes and cars in the south-eastern Diffa region. Security personnel responded swiftly and managed to save a number of civilians.

About 300,000 refugees who have been displaced by internal conflicts reside in Diffa region, where a state of emergency is currently in force.

At least two civilians were wounded in the attack, Reuters reported. “Among the enemy, there were 57 terrorists killed, a Toyota pick-up recovered along with a 60mm mortar, two RPG 7s [rocket propelled grenade launchers], five machine guns, 20 AK-47s and a lot of ammunition,” a defence ministry statement said.

A key Boko Haram leader was also among those killed, according to local reports. Spokesman Colonel Toure Abdoul Aziz added that the government congratulated the security forces for their prompt response.

Boko Haram’s atrocities originated in neighbouring Nigeria and have spilled into Nigerand other African nations over the past few years. Niger’s military is among the regional force, which was set up to tackle the growing menace of Boko Haram. The Islamist group, which intends to carve out a Sharia-controlled region for itself, has killed as many as 20,000 people in the region.