New Terror Group Emerges In Nigeria

As the country grapples with the terror activities of the fundamentalist Boko Haram sect, another terror group, Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa, has emerged.

Our correspondents gathered that the new sect also has a strong presence in Niger Republic.

Currently, two terrorist groups exist in Nigeria — Boko Haram and Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis Sudan.

SUNDAY PUNCH reports that there are fears in security circles that MOJAO may infiltrate the country due to the porous nature of Nigeria’s borders.

Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro, had last week said there were 1,497 illegal routes into the country.

MOJAO, a splinter group of the international terror group, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, is after military operatives and facilities of countries that are complementing France’s efforts in quelling terrorists’ insurgency in Mali.

Besides Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Bukina Faso are involved in military operations in Mali.

On Thursday, the Jihadist group claimed responsibility for a twin suicide bombing attack at the Nigerian/Nigerien border.

No fewer than 26, mostly Nigerien soldiers, were killed and about 30 injured, in the multiple attacks.

MOJAO spokesman, Abu Walid Sahraoui, said the attacks were targeted at “the enemies of Islam.”

“We attacked Niger Republic because of its co-operation with France in the war against Sharia,” he added.

A highly placed security official told one of our correspondents that the group had been in existence since 2011.

According to the official, who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the subject, MOJAO poses a threat to Nigeria’s security.

He said, “We now have to prevent them from infiltrating Nigeria; we have enough Boko Haram challenges. Don’t forget that members of Boko Haram, who were dislodged from Sambisa Games Reserve and other camps in Borno State fled to neigbouring states and the Niger Republic. So many of them from Abadan, Malam Fatori and other villages, are now refugees in Difa, Niger Republic. They can decide to pitch tents with MOJAO.

“MOJAO has attacked barracks in Niger, which is similar to what Boko Haram does in Nigeria. This new group may want to do the same in here majorly because we are also involved in the Malian operation — which is one of their grievances.

“They are also likely to target our soldiers at the border.”

When SUNDAY PUNCH contacted the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen Chris Olukolade, on Friday about the threat of the new group, he said efforts were on to sensitise all military formations across the country to exhibit a high level of alertness.

Olukolade said the Nigerian troops were at the border with Niger in line with the military’s decision

He said, “Our troops are everywhere. They have been at the border since the beginning of the operation.

“Military formations are being sensitised on the need to maintain a high level of alertness in all locations whether or not they are involved in any operation or exercises.

“The public is implored to be vigilant and ensure that they report all suspicious movements or activities to security agencies promptly.”

President Goodluck Jonathan had on May 14, 2013, during a national broadcast, declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

This was in response to the activities of suspected terrorists in North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Some sections of Nigeria’s border with Niger pass through Yobe and Borno states.

Meanwhile, Adamawa State has begun the registration of residents of communities in its domain as a precautionary step against infiltration by militants fleeing military bombardment in Borno State.

SUNDAY PUNCH learnt that holders of the traditional titles of Sarkin Matasa (youth leaders) in communities across the state were driving the project.

A military source in the state said, “Adamawa State through the emirate council has introduced a house-to-house count of people in the state. This is to enable all wards leaders to know the exact number of persons per household and to check infiltrators in Borno.”

The source, who pleaded anonymity, added that suspected Boko Haram members, who had fled northern Borno, were regrouping at Zumo area of Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The area is believed to have a difficult topography comprising mountains, rocks, and thick forest that extends to the country’s northern border with Cameroon.

The Director, Press and Public Relations of the Adamawa State Government House, Mr. Ahmad Sajoh, confirmed the development.

He said, “What is happening is part of our pro-active measures to mitigate the effects of the state of emergency. The Sarkin Matasa, who are traditional title holders in the state’s Emirate Council, will mobilise people to be pro-active.

“What they are doing is to encourage the people to open registers, either in writing or using indigenous methods, to keep track of residents of a given area.

“You know, counter-insurgency cannot succeed without security winning the hearts and minds of the people. With this method, the people will know one another better and will be able to account for members of the community, in case they 

5 Biggest Causes Of Belly Fat

There are pills and exercises on the market today that claim to erase belly fat effortlessly. However, changes in a person’s lifestyle are a more direct and more effective approach to eliminating the problem. Excessive belly fat increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and even Alzheimer’s disease.


Here are 5 of the most common causes of belly fat.

1. Drinking Too Much Alcohol

“Beer belly” is the common term for excess fat that has accumulated due to drinking a lot of alcohol on a regular basis. Beer isn’t the only culprit, though. Contrary to the specific term, drinking an excessive amount of any alcoholic beverage can cause beer belly. (Except wine, according to research.) Alcohol contains nothing but empty calories that are stored in the stomach area.

2. Eating Too Many Bad Carbohydrates

There are good carbs and there are bad carbs. Eating unrefined carbs like fruit, legumes, vegetables and whole grains is good for you, and helps in weight control. Eating biscuits, cakes, donuts, white bread and other refined carbs does the opposite. Eat too many of these carbs and a person’s insulin level will rise. Their metabolism will slow down, and the excess sugar the body can’t use will be stored as belly fat.


3. Stress Overload

Too much stress has many negative impacts on the body. Stress causes the body to switch into survival mode. One way the body ensures its survival is by storing more fat so starvation doesn’t occur if there’s no food eaten.

Stress also causes the body to produce excessive amounts of cortisol. This hormone moves stored fat to the abdomen area and creates belly fat. According to a study by the Psychology Department at Yale University, women (in particular) who had a higher amount of belly fat were more negative, and lived with higher levels of stress.

4. Genetics

This cause of belly fat may be the toughest one to hear, because it entails not really being able to do all that much to prevent it. Genetics play a role in deciding where the fat distribution goes in your body, and it practically relates to two different body types. Either you are apple-shaped or pear-shaped. If you are pear-shaped, then the fat generally accumulates in your lower areas like your fanny. If you are apple-shaped, then your body has the tendency of storing fat around your midsection, thus leading to belly fat.


5. Sedentary Lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle is defined as one in which a person fails to exercise regularly, or fails to get any exercise at all. The biggest problem with a sedentary lifestyle is that it can increase your chances of developing serious health conditions, which are all somewhat preventable. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, you are raising your chances of dying younger, yet you can easily avoid this by simply moving more and exercising regularly. It commonly consists of the practice of sitting on the couch and watching too much TV. Such a lifestyle is not limited just to TV watching; it also involves reading too much or using the computer too much. Basically, if you are not moving enough, it is sedentary.







#blackdoctor.org

Jennifer Hudson set to return to American Idol as a judge

After clearing the judges' slate, American Idol executives have reportedly signed one of its biggest success stories, Jennifer Hudson, to help others follow in her famous footsteps.

After a lackluster season that was full of music's biggest - and most expensive - talents, Fox is changing its game plan.

On Friday, E! News reported that Jennifer had been signed up by the long running talent show that launched the star's own career.



Loosing weight, gaining jobs: American Idol executives have reportedly signed one of its biggest success stories, Jennifer Hudson, to judge next season's show

E! reported 'multiple sources' had confirmed that Oscar-winning singer 'has signed a deal to sit at the judges' table this fall for season 13'.

However, there has been no word yet how much the star - who converted her Idol fame into an Oscar win for Dreamgirls - will be paid.

While the 31-year-old did not win season three, she was one of the most popular singers to ever walk across the Idol stage.




Still a winner: The 31-year-old did not win season 3 of the show but managed to convert her Idol fame into an Oscar win for Dreamgirls

And she is not the only Idol alum reportedly preparing to sit down at the judges' table, which will once again be a three person panel.

E! said on Friday the other two spots are also intended for former Idol contestants with first season winner Kelly Clarkson the front runner and the third spot to go to either Adam Lambert or Clay Aiken.

'We're told that Clarkson is also close to signing on,' the site reported.



Not the only one: Fox is also reportedly trying to sign other former Idol alums with Kelly Clarkson, seen her last month, the front runner

In its thirtieth season, Idol has far more competition from a plethora of singing shows than ever before and fared not as well this season, prompting Fox to dump current panelists Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban.

Veteran judge Randy Jackson revealed his exit earlier this month.

The casting of alums is to remind viewers of just how successful the show has been in manufacturing hugely successful stars that have world wide careers long after Idol.







Judge battle: Being considered for the third spot is Clay Aiken and Adam Lambert

'It's Idol alums bringing in the next generation,' a Fox source told the website.

As with other years, Fox and Fremantal media have stayed quite on who will be sitting behind the table.




See you later: All of the current panelists Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and veteran judge Randy Jackson have left
#dailymail

Photos: Two men 'tried to get in cockpit during flight from Pakistan to Britain' ....Pakistan International Airlines passenger plane diverted to Stansted

Two men repeatedly tried get into the cockpit of a passenger plane forcing it to be escorted by an RAF Typhoon jet as it travelled from Pakistan to the UK.

Police have arrested two British nationals on suspicion of endangerment of an aircraft today after the plane was diverted to Stansted Airport.


Officers boarded Pakistan International Airlines flight PK709, which is believed to have been carrying 297 passengers bound for Manchester, after it landed at Stansted and removed the arrested men, aged 30 and 41, from the plane.

According to one of the passengers, the aircraft's cabin crew said two men had repeatedly tried to get into the cockpit.




Two men have been arrested on suspicion of endangerment of an aircraft after a plane had to be escorted to Standsted Airport by Typhoon jets





Police appear to search one of the suspects by the side of the plane at Stansted





The man also appears to be putting on a forensic suit at the scene


Umari Nauman told Sky News: 'The cabin crew informed us that basically they tried to come into the cockpit a few times and because they had been asked not to do that they got into a bit of an argument with the crew and made a few threats.'

She said all the passengers had been ordered to leave their possessions on board before leaving the plane.

Ms Nauman also said helicopters escorted the aircraft before landing.

It is thought that the incident might have been sparked by a scuffle or a disagreement among passengers.

A police spokesman said: 'Essex Police have boarded a passenger plane diverted to Stansted Airport and two men have been arrested on suspicion of endangerment of an aircraft. They have been removed from the plane.'

The RAF jet was scrambled following an incident around 10 minutes before the plane, which departed from Lahore, was due to land in Manchester at 2pm.




The Pakistan International Airlines plane that was escorted into Stansted by Typhoon jets today





The PIA plane as it was being escorted by the RAF Typhoon jet

The flight from Lahore to Manchester was diverted to Stansted following the 'incident' 10 minutes before it was due to land

This image shows how the plane was moved away from the passenger terminals after it landed at Stansted




PAKISTAN PLANE PASSENGER First interview 'There was a terrorist...





The incident is not thought to be terrorism-related at this stage, it is understood.


A Pakistan International Airlines spokesman said the plane had now landed in the UK but it was not immediately in communication with the pilot.

Mahmouda Aslam, 50, from Prestwich, Manchester, was at the airport awaiting her husband, Mohammed on the flight.


After speaking to her husband on his mobile, she said: 'I said, "Are you alright? Are you scared?" He said, "We are all OK. The flight is full of police.'

Another worried relative, Zohaib Sattar, 24, from Huddersfield, was waiting for his wife Iqra Anwar, 24, and his father Abdul Sattar, 57.


Mr Sattar said he spoke to his father on the phone after it landed.


'They have taken two people off the plane and are checking the plane all over,' he said.


'The rest are just sat there waiting for further information. My father said there was no warning or threat, all of a sudden the plane just turned around.'




Passenger are led from the plane after it landed at Standsted Airport





The incident is not thought to be terrorism-related at this stage, it is understood

Superintendent Darrin Tomkins, of Essex Police, said police were this afternoon notified that a threat had been made to the safety of a Boeing 777 flying from Lahore to Manchester

He said the suspects were arrested once the plane had landed at Standsted.

He said: 'They were then removed from the plane and taken to waiting police vehicles before onward transport to a police station where they will remain in custody pending interview by detectives.

'The rest of the passengers have been allowed to disembark the plane under police escort. They have been placed on airport coaches and have been taken to the terminal building for debriefing.

'The plane will remain at its current location and will be subject to forensic examination by specialist officers.

'At this point in time no suspicious items have been recovered.

'This incident is being treated as a criminal offence and remains under the direction of Essex Police.'

The MoD has said a total of 25 Quick Reaction Alerts were launched in 2012.

The very same plane on the very same flight - from Lahore to Manchester - had been diverted to Stansted on September 7 2011 due to a bomb scare.



Police make a prominent appearance at Stansted Airport following the incident





There was a large police presence at the airport after the plane, originally bound for Manchester, landed


Officers boarded the plane after it landed at Stansted and removed two men from the plane


Today's flight had left Lahore at 9.35am local time and was thought to have been carrying 297 passengers.


An MoD spokesman said the incident was now a police matter and 'our involvement is over'.


He said Typhoon jets can be scrambled after the pilot or crew of a passenger aircraft sends out an emergency signal.

'The purpose of going up is to investigate what the situation is,' he said. 'Often when a Quick Reaction Alert aircraft is launched the details are not known, but it is known that a signal has been sent.


'Part of the purpose of sending a Typhoon up is to have a look and see what they can see.'

The incident occurred on the same day a British Airways plane had to made a dramatic emergency landing because of a 'technical fault'.



Family and friends of passengers of the plane which was diverted to Stansted wait at Manchester Airport to find out what has happened



People waiting at Manchester Airport speak to a PCSO after the PIA flight was diverted to Stansted





Stansted Airport has said at some point police and the airline will arrange for the passengers to be taken to Manchester

The arrests come at a sensitive time in Pakistani politics following a string of terror attacks in the country after the presidential elections.


The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility yesterday for a bomb that killed 11 security personnel and two civilians in the southwestern city of Quetta.


It was the second major attack since the May 11 general election which marked the first transition between civilian governments in Pakistan's turbulent history after a campaign marred by violence.


Prime Minister-elect Nawaz Sharif has called for talks with the Pakistani Taliban in a bid to end rising militancy.

#dailymail.co.uk

Pregnant woman and her husband sell unborn baby for N200,000

A 23-year-old pregnant woman caused a stir at the Lagos State Police Command headquarters on Thursday after she confessed that she had sold her unborn baby for N200,000, in advance.

The suspect, Adaeze Mba, who was arrested for conniving with her husband to sell their neighbour’s four-year-old son for N400, 000, said it was poverty that pushed them to crime.

She confessed that she and her husband, Chibueze, had sold two other children for N700, 000.

She said, “In March 2013, my neighbour’s son, Stanley Ezeaka, was following me about in the compound at Jakande Estate and it was at that time that my husband received a phone call from his partner that she needed a child for sale. My husband then suggested that we took Stanley even though he was a bit old.

“We travelled to Imo State the following morning and sold him for N400, 000 after which we relocated to Calabar.”

When asked why she took to crime and how she would feel if someone bought her own children, she said, “I am seven months pregnant and as I speak to you, my husband has already sold our unborn baby for N200, 000.

“I was against it but he convinced me to agree to it, saying he had already collected the money.”

When asked about the other children she and her husband had sold, she said, “The male child was sold at N400,000 while the female child, who was two months old but is now over a year old, was sold at N300,000.”

Chibueze on his part, said he went into the business last year. He said he had sold ‘only’ three children to his business partner, Benedicta Ogbonna, and maintained that the children were in turn sold to caring parents and not ritual killers.

He said, “One of the children was born by a mentally challenged woman; so I have committed no crime by selling the child to people who would take care of her.”

Ogbonna, who bought the three children from Chibueze and his wife at different times, said she sold children to bAREEN.

She said, “I am doing this business for humanitarian reasons and not for monetary gain. I am 35 years old and I have four children. I can never sell my own children and in fact my husband does not know I am into this kind of business.

“Chibueze brought Stanley to me and told me that his mother was a prostitute so he sold him to me at N400, 000. I then sold Stanley to Mrs. Patricia Anibogwu for N600,000. So far, I have sold only three children. I buy boys at N400, 000 and girls at N300,000.

“I use the money to take care of people and also invest it in my business. I sell shoes for a living at Anambra Wholesale Market.”

Anibogwu, who was the final buyer, said she thought Ogbonna was an employee of an orphanage. She said she bought Stanley because she was lonely having lost her husband.

She said amid tears that, “I was married for 28 years without a child. After my husband died, I decided to adopt the child because I was lonely. Someone introduced me to Ogbonna. Ogbonna told me she worked at an orphanage and would sell Stanley to me for N600, 000.

“I used my savings to pay for him and she brought Stanley to a roadside. I took Stanley home and started taking care of him like my own child. I changed his name to Uchenna. Ogbonna promised me that she would give me legal documents later but, unfortunately, I was arrested.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, urged parents to be vigilant and also advised childless women to go through the formal process of adoption rather than buying children.

She said, “In March 2013, one Caleb Ezeaka reported at Ilemba Hausa Police Division that his son, Stanley, had gone missing the previous day, adding that he was last seen with his neighbour, Adaeze Mba. All efforts to reach the neighbour proved abortive as she and her husband had disappeared and their phones were switched off.

“Through investigations, we traced them to Calabar and they confessed that they had sold him at N400,000 to one Benedicta Ogbonna. We traced Ogbonna to Anambra who then said she had sold him to Patricia Anibogwu for N600,000. So we arrested them all.

“Adaeze and her husband, Chibueze, confessed that they had sold three children to Ogbonna and they were also rescued. One of the children was sold when she was three months old and she is now a year and three months old.”

#punchng