The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

Terrorism allegation: Northern elders, youth group demand apology from Niger’s president

Elders and youths from Northern Nigeria, under the banners of the Northern Elders Progressive Group and the Arewa Youths Coalition for Peace and Political Development, have dismissed recent allegations by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of colluding with France to destabilize Niger.

In a communique issued after their meeting in Kaduna, the groups described Tchiani’s remarks as unguarded, irresponsible, and unbecoming of a leader.

They called on him to tender an immediate apology to Nigeria, asserting that his baseless accusations could disrupt the political stability of the region.

The communique was jointly signed by Hon. Yusuf Abubakar (Convener), Alhaji Yasir Ramadan Kano (Youths Group), and Engr. Mustafa Aliyu Dutsin-Ma (Northern Elders Progressive Group).

They urged all parties to maintain decorum and foster peaceful relations between the two nations.

It read, “Our stance on this saga is total support and endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially with his giant strides of positive development, ensuring political unity, security and restoration of peace in our troubled zone, ie North.

“We call on the President of the Niger Republic to tender an immediate apology to Nigeria and stop creating the tension of disunity between the two-brotherly nations that have a common historical understanding, unity and regard for each other decades ago.

“We want to caution some groups hiding under ulterior motives to refrain from fanning embers of hatred, considering its consequences for our collective survival as a people and nation in general. We must be patriotic and responsible on issues affecting our national growth, unity and respect.

“It is germane to commend Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser to President Tinubu, on his ceaseless efforts towards ensuring security and peace across the country, particularly in our region, through kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. These have led to improved stability and security in some of the deserted areas, due to constant attacks and insecurity challenges. However, we urge Mallam Ribadu to use his good office and bring an end to bandit kingpin Bello Turji’s nefarious reign of terror in Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina states respectively.

Read Also: Mumuni urges Tinubu to engage UN, AU over state-sponsored terrorism allegation

“The leadership of the groups had at the end of their 8th joint meeting held on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, discussed issues of National interest and matters arising, and subsequently agreed and decided to issue this seven-point agenda communique:-The leadership of the Northern groups above have commended the efforts of the Federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards sustaining the fight against insecurity challenges bedevilling some parts of the northern region, particularly the North West zone, by mobilizing military and other security personnel under ‘Fansan Yamma’ to confront security threats and challenges.

“To us, it is time for our political leaders, elites and those in authority who are of the northern extraction to come together and bring lasting solutions to the numerous challenges facing the region. Unarguably, the development has retarded our collective progress, unity, cohesion and development; because unity, peace and development of our dear North must be non-negotiable and sacrosanct to ensure cohesion and political understanding amongst all Nigerians.

“There must be a way to bring all our political leaders together, united and committed to the development in a best possible way of going against hatred, mudslinging and mischief that’s destroying our collective interest of one nation, particularly the north that was becoming a theatre of disunity, insecurity and economic challenges; together we should set aside politics, religious and ethnic differences in matters affecting our region and country, so as to be prosperous and progressive for the future generations.

“It is very painful that some of our clerics have discarded moral character of teaching, abandon exemplary wisdom of preaching the truth, by becoming more like entertainers in discussing matters affecting political unity, security and survival of the country without recourse to reality. We want to appeal to our revered clerics to stop creating unnecessary tension as a result of their unguarded utterances which are capable of inciting and destroying the peace of others. They should rather allow professionals to speak on issues they know little or nothing about just because they have the platform. We have keenly observed that the majority of them are becoming tools of propaganda and mischief, using vulgar language in their Sunday and Friday sermons.

“It is disheartening that many clerics who cannot afford to travel outside their domains, are becoming so desperate to circulate misinformation or lies against particular issues of security, politics and social life affecting others outside. They were intentionally misled or coerced into believing mischievous posts on social media aimed at destroying others intentionally with political motivation, without investigations or finding time to verified the authenticity or reality of the truths about them,” the communique read.

January 2, 2025
2025: Only God can provide hope for Nigerians, says Archbishop

The Archbishop of the Anglican Communion, Kaduna Province, Timothy Yahaya, has declared that only God can provide hope for Nigerians, asserting that the government offers no tangible hope to its citizens.

In his New Year message, Bishop Yahaya’s remarks contrasted with President Bola Tinubu’s optimistic New Year address, where the president assured Nigerians of a better 2025 and called for unity and focus.

The cleric lamented the billions of naira invested in the agricultural sector by the federal government in recent years, which, according to him, yielded no significant results apart from widespread hunger and starvation.

He urged the Senate to establish a forensic audit committee to investigate the sector and uncover the fate of the funds allocated.

Fielding questions from Journalists on new year day, the Anglican Bishop said, “I agree with President Bola Tinubu that there is hope for Nigeria because there is God, there is hope, not because there is government, there is hope. Why did I say what I said, last year government had over 28 trillion naira budget, what did you see? hunger in the land, frustration in the land.

“We asked ourselves, where this trillion naira went to? The roads are still the same, the hospital are still the same, the schools are still there the same, everything you call infrastructure in this country, how many times did the national grid failed?. Let’s be very sincere to ourselves.

“The year that had just passed, they promised us the best, and yet people because of hunger were stampeded to death. Whether we agreed or we didn’t agree that there is hope, if people were not hungry, they wouldn’t have rushed for that food.

“Any angle you are talking about, go and check the people that came for that food. So whether we like it or not, I believe with God, Nigeria in 2025 will be better. But let our leaders change their ways, they should trim what they do.

“The budget of the kitchen of Mr. President should not be more than the budget of one west African country. The traveling expenses of Mr. President should be cut down. If you look at how much our President spends in travelling, people in the first world don’t spend that amount of money. We must look inwardly and be very patriotic about our country. And if we are all patriotic, from the President down to every commoner in this country.

“I tell you this year will be greater. But as long as we continue with our greed, selfishness and unpatriotism, we will not go anywhere. When I was preaching, I talked about the fact that we go abroad to buy what we can produce in Nigeria. This must stop if we want to make progress as a nation.

“Look at Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road, after nine years,we are still working on the same road, we are bickering over the same road. It is only in Nigeria you have a date for starting a contract, but you don’t have a date for finishing the contract. Don’t award what you cannot execute, don’t do it.

“Secondly, I want to thank the security forces, but they can do better because if you look at last year the statistics showed that over 2 trillion naira was paid as ransom. How much is the whole Nigeria economy. So that means criminality is rewarded in this country. How many companies made up to 2 trillion naira but criminals in this country made up to 2 trillion naira. That means 60 percent of family in Nigeria were affected by this insecurity. I think our government should do better.

“Apart from that, the issue of food, and I still insist that the problem of food in Nigeria is because those in charge of food security don’t know what to do. If you look at the amount of money that is budgeted from all sorts of banks, government agencies on agriculture, the truth is where is the money? I call on the National Assembly to set a forensic audit committee to audit the money that was sunk into agriculture, you will see a monumental corruption in the agricultural sector.

“You sink money into agriculture, yet we don’t see food. That is because people who know nothing about agriculture are stealing that money. I dare to say it, we say we have given our power to a private hands to generate electricity, I have never seen where private hands are performing like the way this ones are performing.

“The national grid is failing again and again. In Nigeria we buy a transformer, pay for installation, the transformer is supposed to be provided by these companies. They are not providing it. When you buy and install the transformer, they say it is their own. If not criminality, in which country does this happen. How can the transformer you bought belong to a company. This is day light robbery, this must change.

“And I want to plead with the government that we need to teach technology because certificates all over the world are failing. It is skills that give job today all over the world. Our educational system needs a total reformation where our young ones will be given skills. Today we are moving to the next revolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The world is changing fast and yet we find ourselves doing the same old things and we expect to catch up with the world?. Our young people should be given skills, and if they are given that skills they can conquer the world.

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“Let’s go and learn from India. India is controlling the technology companies all over the world, why? Because they decided to train their young ones on technology. And these young people are doing wonders all over the world. But here in Nigeria we are still reading old courses that will not add any value in this generation. There are courses that are obsolete. I want to plead with government to make this country move ahead.

“I also call on Nigerians to ensure that all hands are deck to take Nigeria to the next level. If we don’t think Nigeria,act Nigeria, believe Nigeria, push Nigeria ahead, I tell you, Nigeria cannot progress without us. Even those of us who curse Nigeria should always pray for Nigeria, I pray for every sector of this country because Nigeria is the richest and best country in the whole world. And if Nigeria survives, Africa will survive and I think the world will be heaven on earth.”

January 1, 2025
Tinubu most courageous, fearless president – DOJ coordinator

The national coordinator of a political supporters group, Disciples of Jagaban (DOJ), Comrade Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje has noted that President Bola Tinubu is the most courageous and fearless leader Nigeria has ever produced in terms of lining up reforms that are capable of standing the test of times for the betterment of the citizenry and progress of the country.

Alawuje in a statement on New Year Day said, said: “As we move into 2025, the time has come for the nation to come together in unity and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a leader whose courage and determination stand out as the pillars needed to tackle the nation’s challenges. Tinubu is a concerned father who is unafraid to make bold decisions for the future of the country, regardless of the noise or distractions that may come from his critics.

“While some previous administrations have attempted to make bold decisions, they were often derailed by fear or the chaotic clamor of those they were trying to help. In contrast, President Tinubu remains steadfast, focused on the long-term recovery and success of the nation. As a father, he understands the necessity of proper treatment for the nation’s ailments, even if that treatment is initially uncomfortable or misunderstood.

“Nigeria’s citizens must unite and refrain from prioritizing regional, religious, or political party interests at the expense of the nation’s well-being. It is time to set aside differences and recognize that in a democracy, the president is a leader for all Nigerians—irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.

“In his own words, President Tinubu has acknowledged that he is a product of insults and criticisms. However, this should not give Nigerians the audacity to disrespect him. While it is natural for citizens to express their grievances, there is a clear line between constructive criticism and outright insult. No matter what personal views individuals may hold, the president, as the head of state, deserves the respect and honour that comes with the office.

“The call for unity transcends ethnicity, religion, and politics. As soon as a person is elected president, they become the leader of all Nigerians, no matter where they come from or what party they represent. This principle is crucial in maintaining the country’s integrity and fostering a spirit of unity.

Read Also: Let’s support Tinubu for more infrastructural development – Wike

“Although the nation faces significant economic challenges, the president’s actions are aimed at securing a brighter future for all Nigerians. Unfortunately, some ethnic and political leaders, understanding the importance of the president’s plans, may use their influence to incite division and undermine efforts to stabilize the nation. As a result, it is vital for every Nigerian to stand firm in support of the president’s vision for national unity, as any efforts to destabilize the country only serve to harm the people.

“In order to achieve this, Nigerians must reflect on the importance of truth, honesty, and the need for national cohesion. Only by embracing these values can the nation move forward and overcome the challenges that lie ahead”.

Alawuje emphasised that ethnic, religious, and political affiliations will only destroy the nation if allowed to dictate national discourse.

It is time to reject division and embrace unity, love, and harmony, and work together to build a better, stronger nation for future generations.

January 1, 2025
NELFUND MD hails Sununu on new title

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, has commended the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Tanko Sununu, on his conferment as the Dan Madamin Yauri by the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammed Zayyanu Abdullahi.

In a statement on Sunday in Abuja, Sawyerr said Sununu, who was former Minister of State for Education dedication to expanding access to quality education and fostering innovative policies laid a foundation that continues to impact countless lives.

The statement said: “It is with great joy and pride that I, on behalf of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sununu, former Minister of State, Education and current Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, on his well-deserved conferment as the Dan Madamin Yauri by the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammed Zayyanu Abdullahi.

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“Dr. Sununu’s tenure as Minister of State, Education was a period of remarkable strides in the sector. His dedication to expanding access to quality education and fostering innovative policies laid a foundation that continues to impact countless lives. As someone deeply committed to empowering students through financial support, I recognise and celebrate Dr. Sununu’s transformative contributions to education in Nigeria.

“Now serving as the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Sununu has carried his passion for service into addressing the needs of the most vulnerable in our society. This new recognition as Dan Madamin Yauri is a fitting acknowledgment of his selfless dedication and tireless efforts to uplift our nation.

“I join his family, colleagues, and the entire Yauri Emirate in celebrating this honor. May this recognition inspire him to continue his invaluable service to our country.”

December 31, 2024
Consensus builder, gracious, non-judgmental: My memories of CoS Prince AbdulKadir Mahe
By: Rafiu Ajakaye

Saturday December 27 2024 has earned its place in our diary with the death of Prince AbdulKadir Mahe, Chief of Staff to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, CON.

Barring the traditional fears of any eventuality around everyone of us, especially persons of his age, his death was shockingly chilling as the previous days offered no inkling of such development.

His last official outing was the distribution of clean-energy cooking stoves where he represented the Governor. His Executive Assistant, a fine gentleman, had called to ask for the speech. It was long ready. A few days earlier, on December 20, we were at the House of Assembly for the 2025 budget presentation, where he would meet me at the loo. As we briefly interacted, he mentioned that he had been the Clerk of the House (Permanent Secretary) before. So, he really didn’t show any signs that he was ‘leaving’. But isn’t death the master shocker?

Born on April 2, 1952, the Chief of Staff was a good man. His good reputation preceded him in the government. I had heard stories of how people liked him. But I didn’t know him until his appointment— first as the Secretary to the State Government and, later, as the CoS.

My encounters with him were refreshingly pleasant. The low power distant index (PDI) of the people around him defied the Ibn Khalidun’s postulation of how princes and princesses with their power and arrogance were sometimes responsible for how their lineages lost out of grace with the people.

Despite being a retired Permanent Secretary and a scion of the Sheikh Alimi dynasty, Prince Mahe was a gracious and humble man around whom people found comfort.

A colleague once reported me to him. The fellow wanted some favour from the administration, but it hadn’t fully worked out. The proposal had been sent to me long before the CoS was appointed. So the fellow, a relative of the Prince, quickly took the proposal to the CoS on his assumption of office. He studied it and called to see me. “CPS, please, what can we do about this? I heard you had the proposal already,” he said.

I explained what I did, what worked out based on my efforts, and what I still hoped for. He appreciated it, and explained how pictures painted of a situation may not always reflect what it is. He knew I was not comfortable with what the fellow had done, and he said with a tone of a vote of confidence that he truly believed I had done my best for the fellow and I should not take it to heart. He said he had called me just to satisfy all righteousness. What a good man!

How often do we judge people that we have not listened to? How much trust do we repose in our colleagues, junior or senior? With him, I practically learnt what Malcom Gladwell said about truth default theory. We must give people a chance to defend themselves and convince us, no matter who has reported them. We must learn to be less judgmental in our dealings with fellow human beings until the contrary has been proven. He proved once again the position that ‘if we don’t begin (relationships) in a state of trust, we can’t have meaningful social encounters’.

Read Also: Christmas: Fish market thrives in Kano as cost of beef, broilers skyrockets

Without breaching ethical standards, I also learnt from him how to be intentional in letting our God-given honour and class rub off on our subordinates or family members who may be down the social ladder. He recently led personnel in the Government House to the wedding of one of our junior colleagues. But there was a story to it. He had been told how the fellow had been a victim of taunters in his own family who said (our colleague) was a nobody and that the nikaah of his son was going to flop. That’s how annoyingly conceited humans could get once they see themselves as better off than the next person. “Most certainly, one exceeds all bounds. Once they think they are self-sufficient,” God says in Surah Al-‘Alaq (The Clot). Well, the CoS directed that everyone should show up for the event, which, alihamdulillaah, turned out to be very colourful.

Director of Administration and Finance Alhaji Akorede told me that the CoS always saw himself as an underdog who had been a victim of taunters. But we have seen victims of violence turning out to be worse. We have seen nations with a history of persecution being worse in their attitude to weaker nations or people. To me, Prince Mahe was just a gracious man who lifted the weak.

He was also a team player who relished consensus in the decision-making process. I have been privileged to be in the room as he presided at meetings to resolve knotty issues, including communal and labour matters where 2+2 may well defy all logical mathematical principles. Often, he would ask everyone to give their perspectives, chip in a few words, and we would have a consensus that best suited the circumstance.

His name, _Mahe_ , is one of the many cherished sobriquets of Prophet Muhammad. It means the one through whom God erases ignorance and disbelief. I ask Allaah to erase his human failings, grant him al-jannah Firdaus, and bless his home.

Finally….

To everyone who has sent me their kind words and prayers in commemoration of my birthday today, December 30, I am sincerely grateful to you, and I pray that God reward you all. I wished I was able to reply your kind messages individually, but this moment is still for the late Chief of Staff, who has earned a right to be mourned. May God comfort everyone who mourns Alhaji Mahe. Aamin.
- Rafiu Ajakaye is Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
December 30, 2024
Kano Gov welcomes 150 foreign scholarship beneficiaries with ‘automatic employment’

Kano state governor Abba Yusuf has welcomed 150 beneficiaries of the state’s foreign postgraduate scholarship program back home after completing their Master’s degrees in Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy, and other health-related fields in India.

The graduates, who returned on Sunday, studied at Sharda University as part of a larger group of 420 first-class holders sponsored under the Kano State 1001 Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme.

Governor Yusuf, expressing his excitement, announced automatic employment for the returning scholars, emphasizing that the move aligns with his administration’s commitment to addressing the shortage of skilled healthcare professionals and enhancing the state’s healthcare system.

The governor explained that, apart from the 150 graduates from Sharda University, there are 98 from Mewar University, 58 from Symbiosis University and 30 from Kalinga University.

There are also 29 from SR University, 23 from Swarnim University, and 33 from the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU).

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The governor honoured the graduates with a reception held in Government House, where he commended them for their hard work, dedication and outstanding performance.

He noted that the foreign scholarship programme is a cornerstone of his administration’s vision for human capital development.

“This move underscores our administration’s commitment to addressing the shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, and improving the state’s healthcare system and infrastructure development,” the tweeted on his official X handle.

December 30, 2024
Gov Radda hails appointment of two indigenes into Sokoto-Rima River Basin Development Authority

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has commended the appointments of two distinguished indigenes of the state to top positions at the Sokoto-Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA).

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Governor Radda praised the selection of Badru Muntaka Ahmed, CEO of Hillside Royal Suites, as the Executive Director of Agricultural Services.

Badru, a seasoned banking executive with over 20 years of experience in agricultural financing and regional development, holds a degree in agricultural education from Ahmadu Bello University.

Highlighting Badru’s accomplishments, the Governor noted, “His proven track record in managing complex regional operations and agricultural financing will be invaluable to the Authority’s mission.”

Governor Radda also lauded the appointment of Abubakar Ibrahim Dutsin-ma as Executive Director of Finance. Abubakar, an experienced public sector professional, has served as Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development and has chaired various ministerial committees, including those overseeing the sale of fertilisers, pesticides, and agrochemicals.

Currently pursuing an MBA in Agribusiness Management at Rome Business School, Abubakar brings a wealth of expertise to the role.

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“These appointments reflect President Tinubu’s careful selection of individuals with technical expertise and a deep understanding of regional needs. They underscore the President’s commitment to merit-based leadership,” the Governor stated.

Governor Radda, on behalf of the Katsina State government and its people, congratulated the appointees and expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for recognising Katsina’s human capital.

“We are confident that their service will significantly contribute to the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda,” he concluded.

December 30, 2024
Adamawa Rep empowers 10,000 farmers, entrepreneurs in mega initiative

No fewer than 10,000 residents of communities in Fufore and Song local government areas have benefited from an empowerment intervention by the member representing them in the National Assembly, Hon. Wakili Boya.

The intervention, labelled mega empowerment, included the distribution of 7,200 bags of 50kg NPK and Urea fertiliser, 1,000 water pumps, and cash incentives of N50,000 each to farmers.

Additionally, 1,000 sewing machines and starter packs, 1,000 spaghetti-making machines, and 20,000kg of flower seedlings were handed to beneficiaries to improve their businesses.

Other items donated included 1,000 grinding machine starter packs for women, 20,000kg of rice seedlings, 1,000 sachets of chemicals for weeds, and 90,000kg of rice for the New Year celebration.

Speaking during the event in Yola, Wakili Boya stated that the gesture was in line with the federal government’s drive to empower households and boost food security.

Read Also: Adamawa philanthropist unites herders, farmers to foster peace

Extolling the lawmaker, the Adamawa State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Idris Shuaibu, said Boya made the party proud by bringing real dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the people.

The party’s state organising secretary, Mustapha Ribadu, also praised Boya, saying, “We have watched your purposeful representation with keen interest. You are a true representation of the indomitable spirit of our party. We are happy for your trailblazing exploits.”

Two beneficiaries, Abdullahi Sabo and Martha Jonathan, described Reps Boya as a Messiah and a blessing to the constituency.

“Since his election, it has been one good thing after another,” Abdullahi Sabo remarked, adding that the people of Fufore and Song have never had such attention from their representative.

December 30, 2024
Be good ambassadors, Barau tells 70 foreign scholarship beneficiaries

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, yesterday bade farewell to 70 beneficiaries of his foreign scholarship scheme.

The students, who are going for Masters’ degrees in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Engineering and Robotic Science, departed through the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport for India .

Among the beneficiaries, are 65 males and five females, drawn from Kano’s three senatorial districts, on merit, the sponsor said.

Besides their scholarship letters, each of the students was given a laptop computer, travel documents, a holy Qur’an, travel bag and hijab for the females.

Senator Jibrin, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Kano North, gave each beneficiary $200.

He also announced that N30 million, generated from “well wishers,” would be shared among the students.

The senator emphasised the importance of education in developing human capital, particularly in the northern region.

The lawmaker also urged them to study hard and justify the sponsorship for their benefits, their parents, Kano State and Nigeria.

He advised them to focus on their studies so as to graduate in flying colours and return home to develop themselves and the country.

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He said his foundation will continue to identify and sponsor qualified students of the state origin for higher degrees in relevant fields of study in foreign institutions of higher learning for their growth and development.

“I will continue to identify and sponsor qualified students of the state origin for Masters degrees, irrespective of their economic, social status or political inclinations,” he stated.

He added: “I don’t know any of you; you were selected based on merits and not any other consideration, whether political, social or economic,” he said.

“We will be happy to have you back, but when you have something doing there you can stay and work. But make sure you don’t forget home and when you come back, come with development Ideas,” he stated.

The senator thanked parents of the beneficiaries for the traini

December 30, 2024
Nigeria winning war against bandits, others, says coalition

A coalition of rights groups has commended the Nigerian military for its efforts in combating insecurity, saying that the country is winning the war against bandits and other terrorist groups.

The organisations, under the aegis of the Coalition of Youth Leaders for One Nigeria (COYLON) and The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, for his strategic leadership and coordination of the armed forces.

They said through synergy and close collaboration between the armed forces and other sister agencies, Nigeria is winning the war against Boko Haram insurgents, bandits, illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta, and all forms of terrorist acts against the country.

COYLON’s National President, Isaac Owoicho, in a statement at the weekend, said the military has made significant progress in tackling insurgency and insecurity.

Also, MOSIEND’s President, Kennedy West said that the country’s security architecture has improved substantially under General Musa’s leadership.

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The rights groups attributed the successes to improved cooperation and synergy among the military, police, and other security agencies, as well as, the support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

They noted that 19 months into the administration of President Tinubu, he is still forging ahead regardless of scathing criticisms.

The coalition added that the present administration has made many significant incursions into various areas, but one specific area critics have not been able to fault is security.

The groups noted that the President’s knack for choosing competent individuals for top-notch positions, such as service chiefs and the National Security Advisor (NSA), has not been riddled with criticism.

They said: “There is no doubt that, in appraising the transformation the armed forces of Nigeria have undergone in the last year under the leadership of General Musa, one could easily conclude that though the country was bedevilled by serious security challenges before the advent of the Tinubu administration, the vigour and renewed strategies adopted by the CDS and his team have indeed brought some succour to a majority of Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike.

“The level of cooperation and collaboration with other security agencies, such as the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), has clearly shown the ability of the Defence Chief to ensure good synergy among all these organs, earning the admiration of many sceptics.

“When you look at the efforts brought in by the CDS to enhance the nation’s borders in collaboration with the NIS and the NCS to prevent the infiltration of criminal elements and the smuggling of illicit goods, including arms and ammunition, it is clear that this is a man who knows his craft.

“General Musa has also served as a motivation to the personnel by exposing them to good training, modern-day equipment, and improved living conditions for both serving officers and those who have lost their lives while defending their fatherland.

“These initiatives have indeed boosted morale and fostered more dedication and pride within the armed forces of Nigeria.

“Although there are still some challenges facing the armed forces, one can still conclude that there is hope on the horizon, as this General from Zangon Kataf, in Kaduna State, is steadily and progressively engaging in an onslaught against the forces of darkness that have terrorised Nigerians and foreigners alike for many years.”

December 30, 2024