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Tag: bandits

  • Security operative held for selling arms to bandits

    Security operative held for selling arms to bandits

    • 53 others arrested for links to banditry, kidnapping

    A security operative who sells state’s arms and ammunition to bandits has been arrested by Directorate of State Services (DSS).

    The operative (yet-to-be named) was arrested with a cache of arms which he planned to sell to criminal elements for N4 million.

    He was arrested alongside 53 others by the Kaduna Command of the DSS during raids on dark spots in the Northwest state.

    Also arrested were eight suspected bandits, 22 of their suspected informants, four gunrunners, two human traffickers, four cyber fraudsters, two vandals and 12 family members of suspected bandits.

    According to the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, the arrests were made during 34 successful operations by DSS operatives in the state.

    He lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the appointment of Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi as the DSS Director-General (DG).

    According to the governor, Ajayi’s choice as the DSS helmsman has helped to reposition the DSS to tackle the Nigeria’s security challenges.

    Uba’s commendation came on the heels of the raids carried out by the DSS men and the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition.

    Speaking through the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), the governor expressed delight with the successes recorded by the security agency.

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    He noted that the DSS operatives had in addition to the arrests, recovered scores of rifles, pump action guns and several thousand rounds of ammunition within the first quarter of the year.

    The commissioner, who spoke to reporters shortly after his visit to the DSS Command Headquarters in Kaduna, also commended the Service for its synergy and close collaborations with other security agencies under Ajayi’s watch.

    He said: “The arms and ammunition recovered include; five AK-47 rifles, one GPMG, three RPGs guns and 5,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, while, 79 kidnap victims (now in the custody of the state government) were rescued by the DSS operatives.”

    The arrested security operative, it was learnt, his serving in Zamfara State. The suspect allegedly claimed that he “stole the ammunition meant to fight bandits in Zamfara and environs and sold same to the bandits.”

    Sources told The Nation: “As at the time of his arrest, the serving security personnel had on him 217 rounds of assorted ammunition he planned to sell for N4 million.

    “One of the suspected gunrunners according to a security source, revealed that he was arrested with 500 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition he planned to sell for N1.5 million to one Suleiman in troubled Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna State.

    Another confessed that he was on his way to Katsina State to deliver 1,087 rounds of ammunition when DSS operatives nabbed him.

    “His associate, who was arrested in Futua, Katsina State, said he was to deliver 701 rounds of ammunition to bandits in Zamfara State.

  • Govt raises 2,400 special forces to battle bandits, terrorists

    Govt raises 2,400 special forces to battle bandits, terrorists

    • Training of first batch of 800 begins

    • CDS serves quit notice to criminals

    An elite group of combat-ready soldiers has been raised to battle terrorists, bandits and other violent non-state actors.

    The first batch of 800 of the 2,400-strong team, code-named Special Operations Force (SOF), is undergoing training in Camp Kabala, Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State.

    Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, who unveiled this plan yesterday, said it would enhance security agencies’ operational effectiveness in combating terrorism, insurgency, transnational crimes, and other asymmetric threats.

    He said the “tough and hard” training is designed to build a highly skilled, agile, and mission-ready force capable of executing specialised operations in diverse and complex environments.

    Badaru added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was ready to equip the force with modern weapons, surveillance systems and intelligence tools to enhance its operational effectiveness.

    Pockets of terrorists are still operating in the Northeast.

    A band of bandits is present in the Northwest and part of Northcentral.

    Kidnapping for ransom is spreading from the North to the Southwest, while the Southeast is under the suffocation of extremist members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its military wing Eastern Security Network (ESN).

    In the Southsouth, apart from kidnapping for cash, oil theft and pipeline sabotage are commonplace.

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    As a result of these challenges, the Armed Forces are busy supporting the police to keep the peace in all 36 states.

    Badaru said: “This training has been meticulously designed to develop highly skilled personnel in special combat tactics, counterterrorism operations, intelligence gathering and hostage rescue missions.

    “The programme will prepare trainees for high-risk missions in both urban and hostile environments, ensuring they adapt to dynamic threats.

    “Given the inter-agency nature of modern security challenges, the training will foster seamless collaboration among personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, and the Nigerian Air Force, as well as other security agencies.

    “It is pertinent to note that Special Operations require not only technical skills but also mental toughness and endurance.

    “Accordingly, the training will test and refine the physical and psychological resilience of our troops.

    “Additionally, it will emphasise leadership under pressure, fostering a sense of duty, discipline, and camaraderie among participants.

    “At the end of this rigorous training programme, we expect to have a force capable of conducting high-impact operations with precision, speed, and efficiency.

    “This would be a significant improvement in our ability to neutralise threats and respond proactively to security challenges.

    ‘’I assure you that this training is only the beginning. We expect trainees to continue honing their skills, adapting to new threats, and upholding the highest military standards.

    “This inauguration is for the first batch of 800 out of 2,400 to be trained as part of a long-term strategy to develop world-class special operations capability within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    ‘’Looking ahead, the programme will be sustained and expanded to accommodate more personnel from all branches of the Armed Forces.”

    Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, described the training as a significant milestone in the nation’s commitment to enhancing national security and ensuring that the Armed Forces “are well equipped with the necessary skills and capabilities to address contemporary challenges.”

    Gen. Musa noted that the training could not have come at a better time, “as we are all aware of the evolving dynamics of modern warfare and the unique challenges posed by asymmetric threats”.’

    He added: “Our forces be well-trained, equipped, and capable of responding swiftly, effectively and decisively.

    “It is in this context that the training of this Special Operations Force is highly desired, as they represent the cutting edge of our military’s ability to respond swiftly and decisively to threats, both within and beyond our borders.”

    The Defence Chief expressed optimism that the elite force would be pivotal in the military’s efforts to defeat terrorism, insurgency and other activities inimical to security.

    He said: “I am also impressed with the state-of-the-art training facility, which will no doubt enhance the efficient training of personnel of our armed forces.

    ‘’I thank the Ministry of Defence for taking this bold step in ensuring the event comes to fruition.

    “This will significantly add to the actualisation of my leadership concept of ‘nurturing a professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is people-centric, capable of meeting its constitutional responsibilities in a joint and collaborative environment.’

    “To the 800 gallant men of the Armed Forces who have availed themselves of this training after a detailed selection process, I commend your dedication and patriotism. You are the vanguard of a new chapter in our defence narrative.

    “I, therefore, urge each of you to embrace the challenges and responsibilities that lie ahead with an unwavering spirit.

    “This training is going to be rigorous and tough, but with determination and the right mindset, you will scale through.

    “You must be committed to the training as this programme is designed to ensure that you are prepared for any operational scenario you will encounter in the field.” 

    Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, who was special guest of honour, said the move was a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the country’s security architecture, combating security threats and ensuring the safety of the nation.

    Sani, represented by his deputy, Hadiza Balarabe, said: “In today’s security environment, the threats we face keep evolving, from terrorism, insurgency, and banditry to cyber threats and transnational crimes.

    “We must equip our Armed Forces with the best training, cutting-edge tactics, and the resilience needed to overcome these challenges.’’

    He described the training as “a bold step towards preparing a new generation of elite troops capable of defending our sovereignty with precision, intelligence, and courage.

    “The training will also enable strategic thinking, decisive action and leading with honour.

    “The situation we have found ourselves in makes it expedient that we adapt, innovate, and provide these trainees with skills to not only prepare them for the battlefield but to equip them with the tools to make sound decisions in high-pressure situations.

    “As the host state for this landmark training, we take great pride in supporting the military in its noble duty.

    “We recognise the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and remain committed to fostering a conducive environment for this training to succeed.”

  • Drug suppliers to bandits, female gunrunner nabbed

    Drug suppliers to bandits, female gunrunner nabbed

    • Ammunition concealed in palm oil can recovered

    Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have apprehended suspects involved in the supply of drugs to bandits, arms smuggling, drug trafficking, currency counterfeiting and female gunrunner. 

     In a statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the police intercepted one Alhaji Usman Yahaya ‘m’ 50, Joseph Matthew ‘m’ 27, and Solomon Bala ‘m’ 25, residents of Potiskum, Yobe State while transporting 30 cartons of codeine syrups and hard drugs around Potiskum.

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     The police said they confessed that the drugs were intended for supply to bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, and kidnappers terrorising Yobe and neighbouring countries.

     The statement reads in part: “On December 23, 2024, at about 5:50 pm, operatives of FID-STS intercepted one Hauwa Sani, a 30-year-old female resident of Doro village, on the Keffi/Abuja Expressway. She was found with 124 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, concealed inside a five-litre container of palm oil. She confessed that one Nasiru of Daura tasked her to deliver the ammunition to Katsina State.’’

  • JUST IN: Bandits abduct 10 in Kaduna communities

    JUST IN: Bandits abduct 10 in Kaduna communities

    Suspected bandits have abducted ten villagers from three remote communities under Kajuru Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.

    The incidents occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, around 2am., when a group of armed bandits invaded the Unguwan Yashi-Maraban Kajuru community and kidnapped six persons.

    Those abducted were God-Dream Ladan, Lady God-Dream, Philip Mudakas, Mercy Philip, Bitrus Philip, and Gmen Philip.

    Similarly, in Makyali village, two persons sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving medical attention at Maraban Kajuru Hospital after bandits stormed the community.

    Two females – Rahina Yahaya and Zulai Yahaya – were also kidnapped in the village.

    The injured victims were identified as Ubale Yahaya and Abdullahi.

    It was gathered that the same group of bandits moved to Ungwan Mudi Doka around 4am and kidnapped two more persons – Amos Michael and Samita Amos.

    Tkough, the State Government and the Police Command were yet to comment on the incident, the Acting District Head of Kufana, Stephen Maikori,confirmed the incident to journalist on Thursday, saying that such attacks had reduced in the past but resurged this week.

    Read Also: Bandits abduct, kill Catholic Priest in Southern Kaduna

    “So far, ten people have been taken away, with two injured now receiving treatment. We are appealing for an intensified rapid security response and action to save lives and properties in this axis,” he said.

    He also added that the incident had been reported to security agencies accordingly.

    However, the State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, could not be reached on the phone at the time of filing this report.

  • Timely response

    Timely response

    • It is good that south west governors are teaming up to fight bandits fleeing the North

    Faced with increased offensive bombardment from the Nigerian Armed Forces over the last several months, terrorists and bandits who had been running rampant in the Northwest geo-political zone of the country have reportedly been fleeing from the area and relocating to other parts of the country they consider safer for their nefarious activities.

    Forests in the Southwest geo-political zone have been identified as one of the choices of the dislodged terrorists, as a number of them have been apprehended in recent times, in different states in the zone.

    Speaking at the state’s annual inter-faith service for public officers in January, for instance, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State had alluded to security reports that, in his words, “some bad elements from the Northwest are relocating here due to military heat in their zones. But we will find and deal with them”.

    And earlier in the year, the Department of State Services (DSS) sought an order from a Federal High Court in Abuja to detain 10 suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) arrested in Ilesha, Osun State, for 60 days, pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations. Also, in January, the Ondo State commander of the region’s security outfit, Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, told the media that over 300 suspected criminals had been arrested in 15 locations across the 18 local government areas of the state over a period of three months. He stated that a good number of those apprehended and paraded to the public were bandits who were escaping severe military onslaught in the North, and seeking shelter in the Southwest.

    Against this background, the decision of the six governors of the Southwest to mount a joint coordinated security surveillance to combat ISWAP terrorists in the region is commendably proactive and welcome. Reading the communique issued at the end of a meeting of the Southwest Governors Forum (SGF) in Lagos on February 14, the Chairman of the forum, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, spelt out the plans of the governors towards actualising this objective.

    In his words, “The forum agreed to establish a joint surveillance monitoring team to oversee and coordinate security efforts across the Southwest region. As part of this resolution, the forum has committed to deploying advanced technology, including aerial surveillance systems, to enhance security operations”.

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    Continuing, Sanwo-Olu said “Additionally, the forum resolved that its special advisers on security collaborate on intelligence gathering and sharing among state security agencies, local security networks, and federal law enforcement authorities among the Southwest states”.

    There is no doubt that the establishment of the Amotekun security outfit in the Southwest states has considerably enhanced the capacity of the states to fight assorted crimes and  associated insecurity. However, greater inter-state collaboration among these outfits will improve their operational efficiency and efficacy in no small measure.

    No less critical, as the governors noted, is the need for better coordination and cooperation among community vigilante groups, state government security agencies as well as the various Federal Government security agencies. After all, they all have a shared interest and objective in protecting security of lives and property in their areas of jurisdiction.

    And the envisaged deployment of modern technology to secure and safeguard the vast forests of the region, as well as interstate boundaries and territories, should be pursued with the requisite dispatch, beyond rhetoric. Given their critical roles as the interface between the communities and federal security agencies, the governors must also prioritise continuously better funding and equipment upgrading to boost the morale and performance of the Amotekun Corps and other state-owned security agencies.

    However, the issue of terrorists and bandits fleeing military hotspots in the North for other parts of the country is not one that affects the Southwest alone. Other zones will also most likely be the targets of these criminal elements in search of safer abodes to perpetrate their atrocities. Other zones must thus also take preemptive measures to thwart such outlaws and protect the lives and property of their people, which is the primary responsibility of government.

  • Bandits abduct ex-NYSC D-G, Tsiga, others

    Bandits abduct ex-NYSC D-G, Tsiga, others

    Bandits have attacked Tsiga town in Bakori Local Government of Katsina State, where they were said to have abducted an unspecified number of people, including the former NYSC Director-General, retired Brig.-Gen. Maharazu Tsiga.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt from some reliable sources that the incident occurred around 12 a.m., yesterday.

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    They said that the bandits, in their numbers, went with dangerous weapons, shooting and forcefully gained access to Tsiga’s residence. The sources also said one bandit was killed, but no one was killed from the residents of the area during the attack.

    When contacted, the police spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Abubakar Aliyu, told NAN: ” I am yet to be briefed on the facts of the reports. I’ll get back to you as soon as I get the details please.

    ” Yes, there was a reported case of abduction in Tsiga town but we are yet to fully ascertain who and who was kidnapped.”

  • Bandits abduct 22 in Kaduna communities

    Bandits abduct 22 in Kaduna communities

    Barely 24 hours after the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, patrolled the highway, bandits raided some houses at Anguwar Maji in Jere town along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway and reportedly abducted 22 villagers.

    Though Kaduna Police spokesman ASP Mohammed Jalinge could not be reached for confirmation of the incident, Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, confirmed it on his verified twitter account.

    Sani identified those kidnapped as one Alhaji Yusuf and his family; Alhaji Kasuwa and his family; Dantala Direba and his family; Sule Maishago and his family; and an unspecified number of Almajiri children.

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    According to him: “Yesternight, bandits raided Jere, Kagarko in Kaduna State near Abuja and kidnapped some people; Alh Yusuf & his family. Alh Kasuwa & his family. Dantala Direba & his family. Sule Maishago & his family & unspecified number of Almajirai. We pray for their release.”

    A resident of the community, Shehu Bala, who confirmed the latest abduction, told journalists the incident happened around 11 pm on Sunday.

    He said the bandits, who came in large numbers, invaded some houses and whisked away 22 residents, including five women.

    “The bandits came in large numbers as some of them wore army uniforms. They moved from house to house and woke their victims up before they marched them into the bush at gunpoint,” he said.

    According to him, the bandits operated silently in the community for over an hour.

    He added they only started shooting sporadically to scare people after leaving the community. Bala, however, said one of the 22 kidnapped victims escaped from his abductors while being led into the bush.

  • Governor gives conditions to accept repentant bandits

    Governor gives conditions to accept repentant bandits

    Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda yesterday gave conditions to accept repentant bandits for reintegration into the society.

    The governor spoke on a day that the Sokoto Government alerted residents to the infiltration of the state by fleeing bandits.

    Radda gave the conditions while hosting the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Maj.-Gen. Ebikunle Ademola-Ajose, who sought the governor’s buy-in into “Operation Save Corridor North-West”.

    The GOC told his host that the operation was launched with the view to giving the surrendering bandits an opportunity to surrender their arms and release all the kidnapped victims in the custody for peace and stability.

    Gen. Ademola-Ajose said his mission to Katsina, apart from the operational assessment visit to the states under him, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Christopher Musa, also directed him to discuss with the state government based on the recent development.

    The GOC said: “This is because some bandits are saying that they want to negotiate. Candidly speaking, we are not in the business of negotiating this deal.

    “But when you are trying to solve this wicked and perennial problem, a programme like this is something you look upon.

    “The CDS directed me to inform you that the Federal Government has initiated Operation Save Corridor North-West. It is similar to the one initiated in the North-East.”

    But the governor said he could not unilaterally accept the proposal without consulting critical stakeholders in the state.

    According to him, the government had a security meeting and discussed issues related to the peace deal in Batsari Local Government Area of the state.

    Radda said: “The meeting highlighted two things to be done and set up a committee to work on it.

    “There should be a stakeholders’ engagement, because we must have the buy-in of the community before we get acceptance in this deal.

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    “There also must be laid down conditions to be forwarded to them for their acceptability or otherwise,” he said.

    He said that without the involvement of the community, the proposal would not be successful.

    The governor said: “This is because it had happened before. I have mentioned several times that I may not negotiate with the bandits. I will not beg them to come and negotiate with me.

    “But, if they surrender and say they want to negotiate, the state government is willing to listen to them, and provide all the necessary support for their lives and their animals.

    “We are willing to do it, but we need to look at all the challenges, and the pros and cons of it

    “They are our people, they were born here, including their parents and grandparents, but chose to be criminals.

    “If they chose to be good people, we will be willing to accept them.”

    The CDS, according to the GOC, had written to Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Katsina states on how they can partner in the programme.

    Gen. Ademola-Ajose is the Theater Commander of the four states under Operation Fansan Yamma.

    According to him, the initiative will give the surrendering bandits an opportunity to surrender their arms, release all the hostages and reintegrate back into the society.

    Fleeing bandits

    The Sokoto government urged residents to be cautious of fleeing bandits at boundary communities.

    Ahmad Usman, Special Adviser to Governor Ahmad Aliyu on Security Matters, who gave the warning in a statement issued yesterday, said the flee was sequel to the sustained military onslaught against the bandits in the eastern part of Sokoto State and its environs.

    The special adviser noted with delight that the joint military operations in the area had been successful, leaving the terrorists disorganised.

    The statement reads: “Many terrorist enclaves were identified and destroyed, with several bandits neutralised, hundreds of kidnapped victims are also rescued in the ongoing operations.

    “As security operatives put more pressure on the bandits, they are fleeing to other areas with their injured members.

    “Therefore, we want our people to be cautious, as some bandits may disguise and seek refuge in villages or receive treatment at local clinics.”

  • Allegations of aiding Boko Haram, bandits baseless, say NGOs

    Allegations of aiding Boko Haram, bandits baseless, say NGOs

    Some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have described as baseless, unfounded and scapegoating, allegations by the military that they were responsible for festering, unabated terrorism in the north.

    In a statement, the 74 prominent NGOs operating in the country urged the military to focus on disrupting terrorist funding and logistics rather than scapegoating civil society.

    The statement followed a report “Why Boko Haram, bandits thrive: How NGOs, others aid terrorists -Former generals, commanders” published last week by a national daily.

    Aside from the report, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, and past service chiefs have made similar allegations against NGOs operating in the northeast, citing their payments of hotel accommodations in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states for 10 years upfront as example.

    A spokesman for former President Muhammadu Buhari also made a similar accusation while justifying the military’s ousting of over 10 NGOs from the Northeast on allegations of supporting insurgents.

    But in their reaction, the non-profits said they were deployed concerned about the inflammatory claims that recklessly accused NGOs in the Northeast, Northwest, and Northcentral regions of providing covert sponsorship and funding to terrorists. They called for caution, noting that such inflammatory statements could lead to attacks on humanitarian actors thereby deepening the crisis further.

    The groups noted that the baseless accusations were coming at a time when the world had recognised the central role that vibrant and active civil society organisations play in broader counterterrorism strategies and the popular support needed, which could only be built and sustained with the support and cooperation of civil society.

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    “We strongly condemn this act of stigmatising, smearing, defaming and targeting the NGO sector which is inconsistent with meaningfully attending to the genuine threats of terrorism in our country.

    “Rather than confronting the systemic failures that have allowed terrorism to thrive in Nigeria, these claims attempt to shift blame onto the very organisations that have stepped into the void to support communities abandoned by the Nigerian state.

    “It is a known fact that a civilian-led approach, engaging civil society and communities, is the most effective way to prevent violent extremism demonstrating the necessity of the role of civil society in channelling discontent and allowing for constructive engagement with states, and in directly undermining the factors leading individuals to be drawn to terrorism and violent extremism,” they stated.

    Continuing, the groups noted the indispensable roles they have played in mitigating the devastating impact of insurgency and banditry for nearly two decades, adding that they have provided life-saving humanitarian assistance, education, healthcare, and psychosocial support to millions of displaced and vulnerable Nigerians.

    “These activities are carried out without any intention of gaining pecuniary benefit and they operate under the supervision of strict regulatory frameworks, including rigorous anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws enforced by the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU)…

    “It is unconscionable to malign NGOs that work tirelessly, often at great personal risk, to bring hope and relief to conflict-affected communities. These accusations, devoid of proof, serve only to erode public trust, distract from the real issues, and undermine the critical work being done in some of the country’s most challenging environments.

    “As we mark another Armed Forces Remembrance Day and honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s armed forces, there can be little doubt that Nigeria needs leadership, unity, and aggressive actions to overcome the challenges of insecurity, NGOs across the country have risen to the crises our nation is enduring.

    “They are stretching beyond all reasonable measures and continue to advance their missions despite unfathomable challenges and coordinated attacks on the sector…This pattern of baseless accusations is a disservice to Nigerians and undermines the very principles of accountability and justice that we all seek to uphold.

    “The cost of stifling civil society to prevent any perceived threat of terrorism far outweighs its benefits. Any effective counter-terrorism strategy needs to strengthen, not weaken, civil society. There is growing evidence that the instrumentalisation of agendas to counter-terrorism and to prevent and counter violent extremism is leading to a lack of trust in state authorities,” it said.

    The group demanded that the government and military leadership should address the real reasons terrorism persists such as rampant poverty and inequality, porous borders, corruption and inefficiency in defence spending.

    “The Nigerian security apparatus should focus its efforts and manpower on disrupting terrorist funding and logistics networks rather than scapegoating civil society. It must also enhance intelligence gathering and operational capacity to secure lives and properties.

    “The government must engage constructively with NGOs to address the root causes of insecurity and alleviate the suffering of affected communities understanding that civil society can meaningfully generate peace and development, including implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and can clearly articulate the sources of grievances identified as factors leading to terrorist and extremist violence.”

    NGOs that signed the statement include 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth Initiative; Abuja School of Social and Political Thought;

    Accountability Lab, Nigeria; Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ); African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD); African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL); Amnesty International Nigeria; Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP); BudgIT Foundation; Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity; Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD); Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding – Kaduna; Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT); Centre for Global Tolerance and Human Rights, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) and Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).

    Others include Centre LSD; Centre for Social Justice Reform; Centre for Transparency Watch; Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC); CLEEN Foundation; Community Life Project (CLP); Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR); Connected Development (CODE); Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA); EIE Nigeria; Elixir Trust Foundation; Emma Ezeazu Centre for Good Governance and Accountability; Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria (ERA); Falana and Falana’s Chambers; Global Rights; Good Governance Team; Goodluck Jonathan Foundation; Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF); Hope Behind Bars Africa; Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre); Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation; INVICTUS AFRICA; Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre; Lawyers Alert

    42. Media Initiative for Transparency in Extractive Industries (MITEI); Media Rights Agenda; Mothers and Marginalised Advocacy Centre (MAMA Centre); Nigeria Network of NGOs; Open Society on Justice Reform Project; Order Paper; Organisation for Community Civic Engagement (OCCEN);

    Paradigm Initiative Nigeria; Partners West Africa; Policy Alert; Praxis, Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative.

    Also, the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC); Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED); Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC); Say NO Campaign-Nigeria; Say No Campaign; Sesor Empowerment Foundation; Social Action; Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre; Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP); State of the Union (SOTU); Tax Justice and Governance Platform; Transition Monitoring Group (TMG); West Africa Civil Society Forum (WASCSOF); Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC); Women in Media Communication Initiative (WIM); Women in Mining, Nigeria; World Impact Development Foundation; Yiaga Africa, Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC) and Fix Politics signed the statement.

  • Nigeria winning war against bandits, others, says coalition

    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.”