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Tag: Terrorism

  • FG assembles 800 soldiers for training against terrorism, cyber threats, others

    FG assembles 800 soldiers for training against terrorism, cyber threats, others

    The Federal Government has assembled 800 soldiers from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force for training as Special Operations Forces to boost the Nation’s security architecture and enhance Nigeria’s operational effectiveness in combating terrorism, insurgency, transnational crimes, and other asymmetric threats bedeviling the Country.

    Speaking during the opening of the Special Operations Forces training at Camp Kabala located with the Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State on Monday, the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar said the training is aimed at building a highly skilled, agile, and mission-ready force capable of executing specialized operations in diverse and complex environments.

    The Minister noted the evolving nature of security challenges today, demands an elite force that is not only well-equipped but also well-trained in advanced tactics, unconventional warfare, intelligence-driven operations, and rapid response missions. 

    According to him. “This Special Operations Force Training is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing our operational effectiveness in combating terrorism, insurgency, transnational crimes, and other asymmetric threats that bedevil our great nation. This Special Operations Force will serve as a critical pillar in securing our national sovereignty, protecting citizens, and maintaining peace and stability within and beyond our borders.

    “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 can 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.

    Read Also: Terrorism: ONSA arrests IED manufacturers, begins prosecution

    “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 emphasize leadership under pressure, fostering a sense of duty, discipline, and camaraderie among participants.

    “At the end of this rigorous training program, 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 neutralize threats and respond proactively to security challenges. 

    “The newly trained Special Operations Force will be deployed to critical areas across the country, reinforcing our national security architecture. 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 program will be sustained and expanded to accommodate more personnel from all branches of the Armed Forces,” the Minister said.

    He expressed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s committed to equipping the Special Operations Forces with modern weapons, surveillance systems and intelligence tools to enhance operational effectiveness.

    Chief of Army Staff General Christopher Musa said the ceremony was a significant milestone in the commitment to enhancing national security.

    Kaduna Governor Uba Sani said the move was a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, combating emerging threats, and ensuring the safety of Nigeria.

    Represented by his deputy, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, Governor Sani noted: “in today’s security environment, the threats we face keep evolving, from terrorism, insurgency, and banditry to cyber threats and transnational crimes. In response to these, we must equip our Armed Forces with the best training, cutting-edge tactics, and the resilience needed to overcome these challenges.

    “This Special Operations Force Training is 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.”

  • Rising terrorism in West Africa puts Nigeria in strain

    Rising terrorism in West Africa puts Nigeria in strain

    Recent reports paint a grim picture of the toll that terrorism has exacted on Nigeria and its wider West African neighborhood. A detailed analysis by Dataphyte reveals that over a span of 16 years, Boko Haram’s insurgency has directly claimed 15,889 lives in Nigeria, with insecurity- related crises accounting for 107,479 fatalities during that period 15 percent of which are linked directly to the terrorist group. Perhaps even more disturbing is the fact that of the 15,889 deaths , 12,329 were civilians, constituting nearly 78 percent of the total fatalities. These brutal statistics underscore not only the ruthlessness of Boko Haram but also the widespread impact of its operations, which have affected at least 22 states and more than 100 local government areas. Moreover, the group’s violent reach has spilled over Nigeria’s borders, impacting neighboring countries like Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, and further destabilizing the entire region.

    At the same time, a new controversy has emerged involving the international funding mechanisms intended to foster development and stability. In recent weeks, allegations have surfaced that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is indirectly financing terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS. These claims have provoked significant concern, especially in Nigeria, where Boko Haram’s insurgency has left deep scars across several northern states. On February 24, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Mali issued a press release condemning the use of Western subsidies for regional destabilization and the financing of terrorism. For two years, the Malian government refused to sign a new agreement with USAID, insisting on the full respect of its national sovereignty, and calling for legal action against those who channel international aid into supporting terrorism. Malian authorities stressed that Mali, along with other AES countries, had long suffered as victims of such policies, a situation that has only deepened regional mistrust toward international interventions.

    Meanwhile, the pattern of terror is evolving in new and disturbing ways across the region. In Mali, for example, the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group JNIM (Jama’at Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimin) has been carrying out vicious attacks on civilians along the Mauritanian border. In one harrowing incident, jihadists forced hundreds of residents to abandon the village of Dianke by beating several individuals and setting homes ablaze, leaving the displaced to seek shelter in the unforgiving desert without access to food or water. Similar acts of terror have unfolded in the towns of Léré and Nampala, where militants have imposed roadblocks, cutting off essential supplies such as food, medicine, and other critical resources. Attempts by Mali’s armed forces to break these blockades have repeatedly ended in well-coordinated ambushes, forcing the troops to retreat and further entrenching the humanitarian crisis. In a chilling interview with French journalist Wassim Nasr, Amadou Koufa, the deputy head of JNIM, argued that targeting civilians is a legitimate tactic, asserting that many residents are complicit with enemy forces. This rationale was used to justify the burning of a settlement in the Ansongo region, where more than two hundred people allegedly aiding government militias in constructing defensive fortifications were ruthlessly killed.

    The crisis takes on another ominous dimension in Ghana, where jihadist recruiters are increasingly targeting vulnerable communities along the porous northern border. Ghana, while not yet engulfed in the large-scale violence seen in Nigeria or Mali, is facing an escalating threat as impoverished communities are exploited by militants seeking new recruits. For years, Burkina Faso has battled terrorist groups such as JNIM and the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISGS), and analysts warn that the recruitment of Ghanaians by these extremist networks could soon tip the balance, further destabilizing an already fragile security environment. This alarming trend has underscored the need for urgent, coordinated action across national borders to stem the tide of jihadist ideology in West Africa.

    Collectively, these disturbing developments reveal a region under siege—a region where terrorism is no longer an isolated threat confined by national boundaries, but a shared enemy that imperils the entire West African community. The situation demands a unified response that transcends individual state efforts. The emerging leadership of the Sahel Alliance has demonstrated that when nations unite, they can pool their resources, share vital intelligence, and conduct joint operations that have begun to yield tangible results. This regional coalition, which notably includes AES countries, is proving far more effective than the prolonged military presence of external forces, such as that of France, which over more than a decade failed to deliver lasting stability.

    It is evident that the inaction of regional bodies like ECOWAS, combined with the absence of robust, long-term strategies, has paved the way for a series of political upheavals resulting in state overthrows and the eventual liberation of AES countries. The current crisis, fueled by internal vulnerabilities and compounded by external interference, calls for decisive, coordinated leadership and an unwavering commitment to regional solidarity. As nations in Nigeria and across West Africa face the reality of an expanding terrorist threat, the only viable path forward lies in unity and cooperative action. Only by confronting these challenges together can the region hope to break the cycle of violence, restore public trust, and secure a future defined by peace and prosperity rather than fear and chaos. The lessons are stark and urgent: in the face of such pervasive terrorism, a united front embodied by alliances like the Sahel Alliance and reinforced by the collective determination of AES countries is the key to reclaiming stability and paving the way for a secure future for all.

    Omoakaro, a freelance journalist writes from Lagos.

  • Why we reviewed national counter-terrorism strategy, by NCTC boss

    Why we reviewed national counter-terrorism strategy, by NCTC boss

    The national coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka has said that terrorist groups are exploiting new technologies and socio-political vulnerabilities to stay relevant.

    Gen. Laka disclosed this on Tuesday at the stakeholders meeting on the review of the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) 2016, in Abuja.

    He said this dynamic nature of the terrorists’ tactics has necessitated a comprehensive review of NACTEST 2016.

    The NCTC boss said the review of the counter-terrorism document, which was first published in 2016, would ensure the continued effectiveness in countering terrorism in the country.

    He said: “The Strategy was first published in 2016, and despite its relevance at the time, it has not undergone a review to reflect the evolving security landscape.

    “As we all know, the threats we faced in 2016, and those we anticipated then, are quite different from the realities of today’s security environment. Terrorist groups have adapted their tactics, leveraged new technologies, and exploited socio-political vulnerabilities.

    “This dynamic nature of the threat landscape necessitates a comprehensive review of NACTEST to ensure its continued effectiveness in countering terrorism in Nigeria.”

    He said the Centre convened the meeting to engage all stakeholders in reviewing the strategy and adapting it to the current security dynamics.

    “This review is particularly important as we have come to understand the necessity of a more holistic and non-kinetic approach to counterterrorism.

    “While kinetic operations remain crucial in dismantling terrorist networks, we recognize that addressing the root causes of radicalization is most essential,” he added.

    Read Also: CDS to commanders: think critically, make tough decisions, act decisively to end terrorism

    He restated that the Centre has as its mandate to coordinate and integrate the activities of security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism in the country.

    He added that the Centre has continued to play a vital role in detecting, preventing, and responding to threats while fostering inter-agency cooperation and international collaboration.

    “As we review NACTEST, we must align it with this mandate to ensure a more structured and effective counterterrorism approach,” Laka said

    “Additionally, the importance of partnerships cannot be overemphasized. The Centre recognizes that inter-agency collaboration, cooperation with international partners, and engagement with civil society organizations are fundamental to a successful counterterrorism strategy.

    “The review of NACTEST must incorporate insights from all stakeholders, government institutions, security agencies, the private sector, academia, and the international community to ensure a well-rounded and effective framework.”

    Earlier in his remarks, the Director of Policy and Strategy at the NCTC, Commodore Ahmad Madawaki, said that the implementation of NACTEST was the responsibility of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) with NCTC as a coordinating body.

    He said: “The reorganisation of MDAs due to the Orosanye Report brought about the overhaul of Nigeria’s public sector which proposed the abolition of some MDAs and merging of others.

    “This development calls for stocktaking of NACTEST’s stakeholder list. Additionally, there have been new terrorism threats like the recent formation of the Lakurawa armed group in the northwest region.

    “Additionally, we have recorded significant changes in the tactics used by terrorists. There is therefore the need to review NACTEST and its stakeholder list to capture the new or merged MDAs’ roles and responsibilities to meet the current terrorism dynamics which has become complex. It is for this reason that there has been a need to call you all here today.”

  • A vicious cycle of terrorism

    A vicious cycle of terrorism

    Sir: It well and truly appears that sundry acts of terror which started like dangerous jokes taken too far in Borno State have spun Nigerian into a vicious cycle where they are at once victims as well as funders of terrorism.

    Of course, there are those who launder money in Nigeria from public office, oil bunkering, illegal mining or other illicit activities and plough same into terrorism, in their bid to kill multiple birds with one stone. By sponsoring terrorism, they mount the mortar of force, no matter how episodically, destabilize the country, make profit through blood money, as well as undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

    According to a damning report, Nigerians are themselves unwilling and unwitting participants in the terrorism upending their lives. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigerians have spent about N2.23 trillion as ransom to kidnappers in the last one year. If the reports are true, and it appears they are, then there is hardly any business more lucrative than kidnapping.

    In a country reeling from various austerity measures imposed by the government, it is massive profit to make such amounts off kidnapping. Of course, the huge profits it is raking in must prompt the question of who is benefitting from terrorism. More to the point, who are those sponsoring terrorism in Africa’s most populous democracy and economy?

    Apparently, things have got so bad with Nigeria and terrorism that one of the tiny countries Nigeria is supporting around, Niger Republic, has become so emboldened that it can accuse Nigeria of sponsoring terrorism in its territory.

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

    Someday, Nigerians would yet find out the extent to which security in the country took a nosedive under the administration of Muhammadu Buhari. It is also noteworthy to remember how the UAE once held up the list of those sponsoring terrorism in the country to the government. Till this day, it is not known that Nigeria has done a lot with that list. It is also not known to what extent Nigeria has fought terrorism because whenever there appears to be a lull in terrorist activities, terror soon strikes again in deadlier and swifter fashion.

    As the country has become increasingly unsafe, terrorism has grown as a lucrative venture that is attractive to many. Uncovering those profiting from the often deadly distress of others must be paramount to the Nigerian government if it has any intention of fulfilling one of its core mandates, which is security of lives and property.

    It has long been rumoured that those who fund insecurity in the country ironically have strong links to the government and among security forces. It is in the interest of the country that these claims are verified and substantiated or disproved once and for all so that the country can face the real roots of its security problems.

    Nigeria remains painfully insecure, with tragic consequences. Insecurity may seem an abstract term, but the harsh reality it is for countless women and children is highlighted by the loss of lives and livelihood recorded.

    The government may bristle at the figure and reiterate that it has previously warned against the payment of ransom to bandits. But the truth remains that until the nightmare is permanently dealt with, Nigerians will remain without options but pay ransom to secure the release of their loved ones.

    •Ike Willie-Nwobu,Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • Terrorism trials: FG disposes 1743 cases, secure 742 convictions in four years 

    Terrorism trials: FG disposes 1743 cases, secure 742 convictions in four years 

    The federal government has made significant progress in addressing terrorism cases, with a total of 1,743 cases disposed of and 742 convictions secured in the past four years. 

    Eight hundred and eighty suspected terrorists have also been discharged or acquitted by the court, while 92 cases has been adjourned within the period.

    Giving the updates of terrorism trials at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Abuja, on Monday, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Mohammed Baba Doko, said the present administration had made significant progress in the speedy trials of suspected terrorists.

    He said: As part of the effort of this government to ensure accountability of those that have committed crimes against the country, the Federal Ministry of Justice, in conjunction with the NCTC and other stakeholders, notably the Legal Aid Council, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, the Correctional Service, and of course the Federal High Court, came together to ensure the prosecution of suspects arrested either at the frontlines of the Northeast or the Southeast or the North Central.

    “Between the year 2017 and date, a number of suspects were prosecuted at the Wawa, in Karinji. At the first phase of the trial, a total number of 282 cases were disposed of, 50 of which were convicted, 203 discharged for want of evidence, and 28 adjourned to Abuja for continuation of trial.

    “At the second phase of the trial in 2018, a total number of 804 suspects or cases were disposed of, out of which 203 were convicted, 582 discharged for want of evidence, and the other cases were adjourned to Abuja for continuation of trial. 

    “At the third phase of the trial, between 9th to the 12th of July 2018, a total number of 224 cases were disposed of, out of which 113 were convicted, 97 discharged for want of evidence, 5 acquitted, and 9 cases adjourned for continuation of trial.

    “At the fourth phase of trial, December 2023, a total number of 25 cases were listed for trial, 14 were convicted, 1 was ordered to be sent to Operation Safe Corridor for DDR rehabilitation and reintegration, and 10 cases were adjourned for continuation of trial.

    At the fifth phase of the trial in July 2024, a total number of 253 cases were disposed of, out of which 125 were convicted, 85 were terrorism financing cases, 22 were International Criminal Court (ICC) criminalities, that is, crimes against humanity, and 22 were adjourned for trial.

    “Now, at the sixth phase of trial, two weeks ago, December 2024, a total number of 237 cases were disposed of, about 9 were adjourned for continuation of trial.”

    According to the DPP, some of the cases include acts of terrorism, terrorism financing, ICC criminalities, for which some of the defendants were sentenced to terms of imprisonment.

    “Now, it’s important to note that within the last one year of this administration, about 515 cases were disposed of. And over 800 clients, we call them clients, those that have served terms or were discharged or acquitted at the final stages of trial were moved to Operation Safe Corridor for rehabilitation and reintegration in accordance with the orders of the court and the policy of the federal government.

    Read Also: Terrorism: UN seeks effective leadership for national cohesion, civilians’ protection in conflict zones

    “So all of these steps were taken in conjunction with relevant stakeholders to ensure accountability for crimes committed by violent people across the country, not just Boko Haram.”

    He said the suspect kept and tried at the Wawa military cantonment in Kainji in Niger State was due to security considerations. 

    “Because of the high-risk nature of these suspects, they have to be kept at a dedicated holding facility in Kainji. That is also why, for public safety, security considerations, we are unable to provide specific details as to names, location, and all of the details of individuals that are either undergoing trial or have been convicted and sentenced,” the DPP said.

    Earlier, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre in the office of the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, said in order to ensure transparency and observation of international standards and human rights demands, the trials were held before the Federal High Court and supervised by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre. 

    He said: “The instruments which provide the legal basis upon which persons or entities are designated terrorists and therefore subjected to the criminal investigations and prosecutions by the Nigerian Government include Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended), Section 15 of the Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Act, 2004, and Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 amongst others.

    “Some of these laws identify and criminalize acts or omissions that constitute acts of terrorism and prescribe punishments accordingly while others make provision for the procedures to be followed in the administration of criminal justice within the context of terrorism.”

    He said the escalation of domestic terrorist activities and the counteractions led to the arrest and detention of about 1,600 suspects in Wawa Military Cantonment, Kainji, Niger State. 

    According to Laka, the detention brought to fore the urgent need to develop a comprehensive strategy on the best way to determine the culpability or otherwise of these persons suspected of being involved in terrorist activities. 

    “Accordingly, a team of relevant stakeholders were drawn from different MDAs to embark on the mass trial. These are Judges of the Federal High Court, prosecutors, defence counsel from Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, staff of the Office of the National Security Adviser, observers from the Nigeria Bar Association, and the press amongst others,” he said. 

  • No agency can win fight against terrorism alone, says NCTC boss

    No agency can win fight against terrorism alone, says NCTC boss

    The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, has stressed the importance of continuous collaboration among security stakeholders to combat terrorism in the country. 

    He said since no agency can solely achieve laudable success in the fight against terrorism, there was the need for security stakeholders to work together, identify their crucial roles and collaborate to record great progress in the country’s counter-terrorism efforts.

    The NCTC boss said collaboration was crucial, as it allows for the sharing of resources, expertise, and information to effectively prevent and respond to terrorist threats.

    Gen. Laka said this on Monday, December 9, at a five-day “Counter Terrorism Theory and Practice Course”, in Abuja.

    He said by adopting collaborative strategy, security stakeholders can enhance their capacity to prevent and respond to terrorist threats, ultimately ensuring a safer and more secure environment for all citizens.

    The NCTC boss said the course, facilitated by the Nigeria-UK Strategic Defence Partnership, had created the avenue for national development that embodies a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in addressing terrorism concerns in the country. 

    He said: “There is no doubt that terrorism has a profound negative impact on the nation, our fellow citizens as well as international partners. Globally, the carnage unleashed by terrorists has led to devastating loss of lives and properties. Recently, acts by terrorists and other criminal elements to disrupt the Country’s socio-economic activities is of serious concern and must be adequately tackled through continuous collaboration by security stakeholders. Thus, this Course is a welcome development and could not have come at a better time.

    “Noting that no agency can solely achieve laudable success in the fight against terrorism, it once again emphasizes the need for us to work together, identifying our crucial roles and collaborating to record great progress in the Country’s aviation security. It therefore stresses the need for inter-agency collaboration and cross-border relationships to stem this tide because terrorism recognizes no borders.

    “In view of this, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with the UK Counter Terrorism team seeks to address counter terrorism measures that could be employed in enhancing the country’s national security through this course. 

    “This course reaffirms a call to re-awakening collaborative efforts which we all must embrace, as victory by one is victory by all of us and a greater victory for our entire nation, the African continent and the world at large.”

    Read Also: IEDs pose serious threats to national security, says NCTC boss

    In his remarks, the Head of Counter Terrorism Network for West Africa in the British High Commission, Abuja, Lawrence Devlin, said the course would address the foundamental themes in counter-terrorism by taking a broad view of the security challenges in the 21st century.

    “The course seeks to build upon the UK’s commitment to partner with Nigeria to address our shared security challenges,” Davlin said.

    The Course Facilitator, Dr. Aaron Edward, said his intention was to build on the collaborative efforts of the NCTC and share with the participants, which were drawn from the military, Police and paramilitary, ministries, agencies and departments, some of the experiences of the UK’s in battling the challenges of terrorism.

  • Military calls for enhanced local support to combat terrorism in northwest

    Military calls for enhanced local support to combat terrorism in northwest

    The Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma, a military operation against bandits and terrorists in North West, Maj.-Gen. Oluyinka Soyele has sought increased support from the local populace to effectively combat terrorism and banditry in the region.

    Gen. Soyele made the appeal on Wednesday, November 27, when members of the Nigerian Legion in Zamfara State, led by its Chairman, Aminu Ladan Madan, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Gusau, the state capital.

    The Theatre Commander said that the reorganization of the previous Operation Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch, to Operation Fansan Yamma, was a move aimed at “improving coordination and response to the challenges of terrorism and banditry in both North West and Niger State.”

    According to a statement by the spokesman of the joint operation, Lt.-Col. Abubakar Abdullah, on Wednesday, Gen. Soyele said the military and security agencies had made significant progress in curbing banditry along the Gusau-Funtua highway.

    Read Also: Senate urges military to liberate two LGAs under Boko Haram rule in Borno

    He assured that troops were on high alert to fulfill the mandates of the operation, bolstered by local support and intelligence.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, extended condolences on the recent passing of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    He expressed confidence in Gen. Soyele’s leadership, citing his extensive experience and commitment to tackling the current security challenges.

    Mada pledged the Legion’s support for Operation Fansan Yamma and highlighted the importance of synergy between joint forces and locals to foster a safer environment.

    He thanked the Defense Headquarters for restructuring operations in the North West, which he said was a “necessary step towards ensuring effective collaboration and maximizing resources in the fight against insecurity.”

  • Terrorism: Judge advocates enhanced accountability for war crimes, human rights abuses

    Terrorism: Judge advocates enhanced accountability for war crimes, human rights abuses

    The Chief Justice of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has advocated for enhanced accountability for war crimes and violations of human rights during peace operations.

    He also sought enhanced measures to win the confidence of the citizens to combat terrorism in the country.

    Justice Tsoho said this when he spoke on Tuesday, in Abuja, at a two-day symposium on Justice and Security organized by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    Represented by Justice Binta Nyako who was among the judges in terrorism trials, Justice Tsohon said division of labour was essential to the security agencies and the judiciary for maintaining an effective and just society.

    She said: “The different scenarios of war crimes and the accountability needs to be taken into consideration. In this kind of scenario, we’re talking about military operations, law enforcement, issues of detention, criminal prosecution, and interaction and overlap of the functions of the various agents that are responsible for this security and peace.

    “Of course, we’re also talking about crimes within the operatives. Recently, we’ve had a lot of talks and hype about crimes being committed by personnel in the course of fighting or securing peace. So there is a challenge to authorities and then there is also the need for accountability by those in charge of securing peace and justice in particular regions.

    “Accountability for war crimes and grave violations of human rights is essentially not only for justice. It’s for everybody. We need to be accountable for infractions of human rights. Even in the course of war, there are fundamentals that have to be observed in the protection of human rights. We can’t just say because there is war, we now go and clear the whole of my village and kill everybody.

    “Division of labour between military operatives, law enforcement, detention, and criminal prosecution is essential for maintaining an effective and just society.

    “Each sector has distinct roles and responsibilities, shaped by legal frameworks that seek to uphold national security while protecting individual rights. The interplay between these areas must be managed carefully to ensure cooperation and harmony while also preventing encroachment on civil liberty.

    The jurist said the military and other security agencies needed to build the confidence of the people to enable them to get good and actionable information that will help them effectively fight terrorism.

    He said the use of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CTF) by the military in conflict areas was one of the ways of building people’s trust.

    Justice Tsohon said: “It is important that accountability is emphasized because you need to have the confidence of the people that you’re working with for them to be able even to be good informants to you, not informants to the insurgents. So there is a difference. Because you need to have a good information strategy.

    “These insurgents live among us. They are not spirits coming from the sky on the days of attacks. They are people who live within us.

    Read Also: AGF, Justice Tsoho seek enhanced application of ACJA provisions

    “So if you have good informant capacity within the populace – the confidence that the populace has in the security agents – it’s going to go a long way to help in this fight against insurgency.

    “I remember when we first started the Kainji trials, most people admitted to knowing or having knowledge of the activities of Boko Haram and did not report to security agencies. Why was this so? Because some of these insurgents are their relatives. In fact, they live in their homes. And if they did report to security agencies, then there is reprisal. So nobody reported.

    “But if they have confidence that they are going to be secured, then they will be able to tell the security agents. But otherwise, nobody will ever come out and say it.

    “So, there is a need for us to also operate within the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) that makes provisions for reintegration. It is also in the Terrorism Act. Reintegrating these people or even relocating these people to other communities where they can be reintegrated and live a normal life is essential. If they know that their families are going to be attacked, they won’t report. But if they know that their families will be secured elsewhere, then they will be more confident to be able to move and go and report.”

  • US Africa Command hails Nigeria’s approach to fighting terrorism, regional security

    US Africa Command hails Nigeria’s approach to fighting terrorism, regional security

    The United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM) has commended Nigeria’s approach to combating insecurity.

    It also commended the country’s strategic leadership in the West Africa sub-region.

    The Commander of US AFRICOM, General Michael Langley, gave the commendation on Wednesday when he visited the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

    The US AFRICOM is one of the eleven unified combatant commands of the United States Department of Defence in Germany, responsible for US military operations, including fighting regional conflicts and maintaining military relations with 53 African nations, except Egypt.

    Accompanied by the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, General Langley said Nigeria’s strategic leadership role in West Africa has enhanced stronger cooperation in the fight against terrorism and other forms of cross-border crimes in West Africa.

    He congratulated the CDS for his appointment as the Chairman of the Committee of ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff.

    Read Also: Why democracy dividends remain elusive in Africa, by Defence College’s commandant

    In his response, General Musa thanked the AFRICOM Commander for the visit and assured him of the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to cooperate with other nations in the sub-region to eradicate all forms of terrorism and crimes. 

    General Musa seeks more Defence cooperation with the United States, especially in the area of training, intelligence sharing, and easier procurement of relevant platforms from the US.  

  • Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping will soon be history in North, Tinubu assures

    Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping will soon be history in North, Tinubu assures

    President Bola Tinubu has assured that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping will soon be history in the region. 

    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackle them as well as other related criminality in the country head on.

    The President, who made the pledge in Katsina during the 9th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Dutsinma, said tackling insecurity was not just the responsibility of the government alone because citizens have a role to play by providing information to security operatives to aid the fight.

    The President, who was represented by the Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Dutste, Jigawa State, Prof. Abdulkarim Mohammed, also called on youths to leverage on the loan scheme for which over N70 billion has been disbursed to that effect.

    According to him: “Governance is not about the presidency or those in places of leadership but about Nigeria and Nigerians, who will make the country better. 

    “I want to assure all Nigerians that the government is fully committed to combat and defeat all acts of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities in Nigeria. 

    “However, security is a collective responsibility. I urge all Nigerians to join hands with the government by giving them relevant information to security agents on suspicious persons, miscreants and other criminal elements.

     On the graduating students, the President urged them to be good ambassadors of the institution and the country at large, wherever they fund themselves.

    The Vice Chancellor of Federal University Dutsinma, Prof. Armaya’u Bichi, highlighted the institution’s challenges, including insecurity, which has been the major problem of the university.

    FUDMA graduated 297 postgraduate students, out of which, 18 had Ph.Ds, 226 have Masters, 53 have professional Diplomas and PGDs. 

    Katsina Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, who was represented by Secretary to the state government, Abdullahi Garba Faskari, highlighted the state’s significant investments in education and ongoing strategies to enhance access to quality higher education.