465 Hostages Were Freed And 715 Terrorists Killed In April – DHQ

According to the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, 465 kidnapped hostages were released in April, and troops killed over 715 terrorists in that same month.

During a biweekly media briefing in Abuja, Maj-Gen Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operation, revealed these.

Buba emphasized that eliminating terrorist organizations is a must in order to shield citizens from additional harm.

He added that the military’s coordinated use of air and ground forces allowed them to accomplish the task.

He claimed that operations in April comprised fighting patrols, ambushes, and raids using aircraft assets to locate and attack terrorist commanders and their bases. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

He said, “The synchronised strikes between the ground and air forces during the period under review resulted in over 715 terrorists neutralised.

“During the process, troops arrested 146 persons and rescued 465 kidnapped hostages.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 937 assorted weapons, 23,034 assorted ammunition, and denied the oil theft of an estimated sum over N2 billion (N2,572,397,190),” he said.

He listed some of the engagements of the troops and the successes they recorded in the fourth month of the year.

“On April 13, 2024, during the airstrikes, three senior terrorist commanders (Ali Dawud, Bakura Fallujah, and Mallam Ari) were neutralised at Kolleram Village along Lake Chad.

“Additionally, on April 15, 2024, the enclave of terrorist commander, Babaru, in Kankara LGA of Katsina State was destroyed. On April 19, 2024, the terrorist hideout belonging to a senior terrorist commander, Kamilu Buzaru, in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State was decimated.

“Similarly, on April 20, 2024, a gathering of senior terrorist commanders, Ado Ailero and Kamilu Buzaru in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State was disrupted by airstrikes. Battle Damage Assessment of all these strikes revealed that several terrorist combatants and their commanders were neutralised,” he added.

In the North-East, the military spokesperson reported that Operation Hadin Kai troops conducted missions in the Sambisa Forest, Timbuktu Triangle, and the Tumbus around Lake Chad, resulting in the elimination of 248 terrorists, the arrest of 422 and the rescue of 163 kidnapped hostages.

Additionally, he said 714 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, along with their families, surrendered, with recovered items including 208 AK-47 rifles, 34 fabricated guns, 45 Dane guns, and various caches of ammunition.

In the North-Central area, he said Operation Safe Haven neutralised 32 terrorists, arrested 148, and rescued 35 kidnap victims, seizing weapons and ammunition.

Maj-General Buba said Operation Whirl Stroke targeted criminal strongholds, killed 60 terrorists, arrested 99, and rescued 57 hostages, with arms and ammunition also recovered.

In the North-East, Operation Hadarin Daji, he said, continued efforts against terrorists, killing 297, apprehending 141, and rescuing 143 hostages, with significant weapon and ammunition recoveries.

In the South-South, the Operation Delta Safe operations, according to him, targeted violent extremists, crude oil theft, and illegal refining, resulting in killings, arrests, and significant recoveries as well as successes of Operation UDO KA in the South-East.

FRN V. Ali Bello & 3 Ors: Court adjourns to May 27 for continuation of hearing

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned further hearing in the alleged money laundering charges against Ali Bello and three others to May 27, 2024.

The Judge, on Thursday, adjourned the trial following the conclusion of evidence in chief by the second witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,
Olomotane Egoro.

The adjournment was to allow counsel to Ali Bello, Abubakar Aliu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, to cross examine the witness in his testimony against the defendants.

At Thursday’s proceedings, in the suit marked: ABJ/CR/573/2022 (FRN Vs. Ali Bello and 3 others), Egoro, a Staff of Access Bank, tendered Bank Statements of Keyless Nature Limited, Fasab Business Enterprise and Ari Consulting and Integrated Limited and testified of cash lodgements into the accounts from 14 Local Government Areas of Kogi State.

The witness, who did not state the purpose for which the monies were transferred into the accounts, also testified as to withdrawals from the said accounts.

The lodgements and withdrawals were said to have been made from between 2017 and 2022.

At the end of the Witness’ testimony, Counsel to the 1st Defendant, Ali Bello (A. M. Aliyu SAN) prayed the Court for an adjournment to enable him cross examine the Witness. By agreement of Counsel, the matter was adjourned.

Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa, SAN, appeared for the Prosecution.

Nureini Jimoh SAN appeared for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Defendants.

Ali Bello and three others are facing trial on an alleged N3 billion fraud charge brought against them by the EFCC.

STANDARD PROFILE OF BOMA FEMI JULIUS

BY
CHINEDU NSOFOR

Boma Femi Julius is one individual who has stood out in the dynamic and demanding realm of drilling and well engineering. With a robust educational background and extensive professional experience, Julius stands as a paragon of expertise and innovation in the field. His journey from Nigeria to international acclaim is a testament to his dedication, skill, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Education and Skill Set

Julius’ academic foundation is as solid as the wells he helps to engineer. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Polymer and Textile Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria, in 2001. Building upon this foundation, he pursued further studies, obtaining a Mini MBA in Business Administration and Management from the Tekedia Institute in 2020. His crowning achievement came with the completion of a Master of Science in Drilling and Well Engineering from the prestigious Robert Gordon University in 2021.

Armed with this impressive academic arsenal, Julius possesses a diverse array of skills that set him apart in his field. As a drilling engineer and drilling fluids specialist, he combines technical acumen with practical experience to tackle even the most challenging drilling environments. Additionally, his expertise extends to the realm of martial arts, where he serves as a karate coach, demonstrating a well-rounded approach to both professional and personal development.

Professional Experience

Julius’ professional journey is marked by a series of notable accomplishments and contributions to the industry. He has held key roles at leading companies such as Schlumberger Gabon, Baker Hughes GE Saudi Arabia, and Sterling Global Oil Resources, among others.

At Schlumberger Gabon, Julius serves as the Lead Drilling Fluids Consultant, providing invaluable technical guidance and support to Assala Oil Company in navigating complex drilling operations. His role involves supervising all aspects of drilling fluids management, from backloading cuttings waste to ensuring adherence to HSE guidelines.

Julius’ tenure at Baker Hughes GE Saudi Arabia was equally impactful, where he led drilling fluids operations to meet the rigorous standards of Saudi Aramco’s offshore operations. His expertise in hole cleaning simulation and quality assurance helped to optimize drilling performance while upholding the highest safety standards.

As the CEO and Co-Founder of Globat Oil and Gas Skills/Mud School, Julius demonstrates his commitment to knowledge dissemination and professional development. Through training programs tailored to industry professionals at all levels, he shares his wealth of experience and expertise, shaping the next generation of drilling engineers and supervisors.

Contributions and Achievements

Julius’ contributions to the field extend beyond his professional roles, encompassing innovative problem-solving, environmental stewardship, and technological advancement. His meticulous approach to mud operations and inventory management has led to significant cost savings and improved drilling efficiency.

Notably, Julius has played a pivotal role in the successful drilling and completion of numerous high-profile projects, including those in H2S fields, HPHT wells, and deep offshore environments. His expertise in mud program development and application of cutting-edge technologies has been instrumental in overcoming complex drilling challenges and achieving operational excellence.

Professional Affiliations and Accolades

Julius is an active member of esteemed professional organizations, including the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Energy Institute. His contributions to the industry have been recognized through various accolades and certifications, underscoring his status as a respected leader and authority in drilling and well engineering. Julius stands among the Amazon 20 best-performing CEOs in corporate Nigeria and ranks among the top 10 notable leaders in the country’s corporate sector.

Additional accolades

His professionalism has been recognized with awards from various organizations, including:

10th West Africa Brands Excellence Awards 2021, bestowed by The Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria, for being West Africa’s Best Oil & Gas Training School of the Year 2021.

Positioning of Globat Oil & Gas Skills as one of the best managed businesses in Nigeria’s private sector 2021, recognized by Guardian Newspaper Limited.

Inclusion among the 100 Most Innovative CEOs for the year 2020 by Africa Oil and Gas Brands Awards 2020, presented by The African Brands Magazine.

Acknowledgment as Africa’s Most Innovative Oil and Gas Training Centre of the Year 2020, honored by Vanguard for Developing Careers in the Oil and Gas Sector.

Recognition as one of Vanguard’s Top 40 Best CEOs 2019, awarded by Vanguard Newspaper Limited.

Conclusion

In Boma Femi Julius, the industry finds not only a consummate professional but also a visionary leader and mentor. His unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with his passion for innovation and knowledge sharing, continues to shape the landscape of drilling and well engineering, inspiring others to reach greater heights in their own endeavors. As the industry evolves and challenges emerge, Julius stands ready to lead the way, leaving an indelible mark on the world of oil and gas exploration and production.