Army uncovers Boko Haram recruitment link on social media

The Nigeria Army on Tuesday said it had uncovered a Facebook and other social media accounts, allegedly used by a faction of the Boko Haram group to recruit new members.

Major Murtala Usman, Artillery Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, who disclosed this while speaking at the ongoing Nigerian Army Combat Support Training Week in Maiduguri, said the social media accounts had 2,000 followers.

Usman said that insurgents from the Albarnawi faction of the Boko Haram group were recruiting new members on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, SnapChat, Instagram and the Youtube.

He said the army discovered this while interrogating a “highly placed  Boko Haram commander known as Malu-Mamman Barde’’, who was tracked and apprehended 40km South of Rann area in Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno.

“Barde is among the most wanted Boko Haram suspect that had committed so many atrocities against humanity.

“Through the suspect’s mobile phone, we found several videos soliciting finance for the group. We also found some other videos where Barde was seen preaching Jihad and the ideology of the group.

“Most of Barde’s pictures were that of Abu-Mosad Albarnawi and other Boko Haram fighter posing with Anti-Air craft guns, rockets and Boko Haram flag,’’ he said.

Earlier speaking, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai said that the training was to draw up strategies for various military operations across the country.

Burutai was represented by the Commander of Training and Doctrine, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Salihu.

He added that the training was designed to adopt new strategies to combat insecurity in the country through brainstorming and reviewing of operations.

“The nation faces series of security challenges, including Boko Haram insurgency, farmers/herders crisis, kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and violence, among others.

Maj.-Gen. Abubabkar Tarfa, the Corp Commander Artillery, said the week-long training was a veritable platform for generating ideas for the combat arms.

The theme of the training was “Strengthening Combat Support Arms Cooperation in Contemporary Security Challenges.’’

Tarfa said it was designed to generate strategies for confronting current security challenges in the country.

Gorgeous Transgender Model Makes History in Miss Universe Contest

History has officially been made in the beauty world. For the first time ever, a transgender woman just might take the crown at the 2018 Miss Universe pageant!

Beating Out The Competition

Beauty queen Angela Ponce competed against 22 other contestants in the quest for the crown of Miss Spain 2018. The transgender woman represented the Spanish province of Cádiz in the competition.

After qualifying rounds, Angela ultimately won the crown and honor of representing Spain in the Miss Universe pageant. She will be heading to the Philippines to compete with other hopefuls for the title. “Bringing the name and colors of Spain before the universe is my great dream,” Angela wrote on Instagram after her big win.

A Win For The Record Books

Angela made history by being the first transgender woman to win Miss Universe Spain.  She’s also making history by being the first trans woman to grace the Miss Universe stage.

Angela sees the win as a huge opportunity to represent not only Spain but the LGBTQ+ community. “My goal is to be a spokesperson for a message of inclusion, respect, and diversity not only for the LGBTQ+ community but also for the entire world,” she added online. With her win in Spain, Angela is helping to make strides for equality in the pageant world and beyond.

Moving Towards Equality

Interestingly, the Miss Universe organization banned transgender contestants in previous years. Transgender model Jenna Talackova challenged the organization, threatening legal action for discrimination. The rule was eventually tossed in 2012 after several talks with GLAAD regarding equality for all women.

Now, Angela gets to represent her country and compete for the ultimate crown! Viewers will now get to see her compete alongside other contestants from around the world. Not only that, but it’s also a great opportunity to continue the fight for acceptance and respect for the LGBTQ community.

By Swinla

How Body Language Can Tell You That You’ve Chosen the Wrong Partner

Body language is a common way to express your feelings without words. In a relationship between 2 people, this language is very important as it influences their relations more than words and phrases do. Language expert, Yana German says, “It’s really complicated for men to put their thoughts into words. Thus, body language can contribute to a healthy relationship or become a sign that you’ve chosen the wrong partner. Unfortunately, because of stress and fatigue, we don’t pay enough attention to signals that our own bodies send to us, though these signs can say quite a lot.”

We have gathered some significant body signals that we should pay attention to if we begin to doubt our relationships.

Growing apart

Some people think that distance makes the heart grow fonder. Others claim that it destroys a relationship. The perfect intimate zone distance between 2 people is 0–18 inches. If one of the partners becomes emotionally or physically distant and they don’t want to hold your hand anymore, it’s probably time to start thinking about the relationship and why you’re together.

Constant questioning or overanalyzing

You shouldn’t feel the need to analyze your partner’s every step or action in a healthy relationship. If you doubt your partner or don’t trust them, you have to think about whether you have a future together or not.

A different pace

It’s such a trifle but it’s still very important: gait synchronization indicates the inner sync of partners. Loving people try to walk at the same speed unconsciously. When there’s no harmony, there may be problems in the relationship.

Smirking

It’s all about a condescending smile. When a person smirks, they show their superiority unconsciously. In a healthy relationship, partners are equal. That’s why if you notice that your partner looks down on you, it’s time to think about your relationship.

Closed poses

Crossing the legs indicates that a person doesn’t feel any connection with their partner. If one’s arms or legs are crossed or they keep their hands in their pockets, it may mean that they aren’t interested in their partner anymore.

Furrowed brows

Professor John Gottman’s studies show that contempt is one of the main reasons why couples get divorced. Furrowed eyebrows are a bright example of criticism and accusation. Gottman says, “No one likes to be criticized. When a person notices their partner’s disapproving look, they try to defend and protect themselves.” And these kinds of situations cause even more problems.

Indifference

Your partner is probably indifferent to you if he or she doesn’t look into your eyes, picks up the phone before you stop speaking, interrupts you, doesn’t want to listen to you, comes home late, etc. Ignoring a partner is one of the ways to manipulate and suppress them. Your partner’s unwillingness to pay attention to your opinions and feelings means that you’ve chosen the wrong person.

Covering the neck with their hand

We all try to find ways to calm down in stressful situations. When people feel unsafe or they’re nervous and anxious, they cover or touch their neck with their hand. Such a gesture can also indicate that a person is hiding something from their partner.

Friendly slaps on the back

Bonus: signs showing that a girl is into you

If a girl is playing with her hair when conversing with you, she’s just trying to show you she likes you. Sometimes she’s flirting without even realizing it. Look for signs that include running her fingers through her hair, twirling a lock around her finger, flipping her hair back, and so on.

Sometimes you can also notice a girl subtly biting her lower lip while talking to you. Or she may make a show of putting on her lipstick on in front of you. The thing is, a woman’s mouth is like a sexual “tool” and these little things she does are all performed to draw your attention toward her.

Do you know of any other body language signs to watch out for in a relationship? Tell us in the comments!