The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Terrorism

  • JUST IN: Teens collapse in court before arraignment over alleged terrorism

    JUST IN: Teens collapse in court before arraignment over alleged terrorism

    About five out of the no fewer than 125 defendants brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja for arraignment collapsed on Friday few minutes after the commencement of proceedings.

    The defendants, who are mostly teens, were brought before Justice  Obiora Egwuatu for arraignment on terrorism charge filed against them by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    They were alleged to have participated in the last #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano State, during which they allegedly chanted anti-government slogans and carried foreign flags.

    According to one of the defence lawyers, Marshall Abubakar, the defendants were charged in two batches of 76 and 49.

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    Shortly after the first batch was called, the defendants were mounting the dock when some  of them suddenly fell down, causing confusion in court, a development that prompted the judge to suspend proceedings.

    Health officials from the court’s clinic have been invited to attended to those who collapsed.

    Abubakar blamed the development on hunger and ill-health on the part of the defendants. He said most of the defendants were mostly teens of about 12 years old.

    He said: “All these young children are sick and hungry. They have been kept in police custody for weeks without food and proper medical care. They are sick and need proper attention. That is the cause of these unfortunate developments.”

    Details shortly.

  • Defence Minister: Tinubu ordered us to find solution to terrorism, banditry

    Defence Minister: Tinubu ordered us to find solution to terrorism, banditry

    Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, on Thursday night reiterated the federal government’s determination to tackle banditry and insecurity in the country, saying that the Nigerian troops are ready to end banditry and insurgency.

    The Minister stated this when he paid a visit to Governor Uba Sani at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna as part of his official tour of the North-West Zone.

    The visit is aimed at finalizing preparations for the launch of Operation ‘Fansan Yamma,’ a joint military theater command established to tackle insecurity in the region.

    Abubakar while speaking to journalists shortly after the visit, emphasized the establishment of a Command and Control Centre in the Northwest zone as a crucial step in addressing the menace of banditry.

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    “The president has charged us to be innovative and find lasting solutions to this security problem. We are working hard to ensure its success,” he said.

    The Minister also highlighted the government’s collaborative efforts with neighboring countries, particularly Niger Republic, to combat terrorism and arms trafficking.

    “We are working closely with the military, security agencies, and neighboring countries to tackle terrorism, banditry, and arms trafficking. The Minister of State for Defence recently visited Sokoto to gather recommendations, and the Chief of Defence Staff met with the Nigerien government to discuss collaborative efforts,”

    Regarding the security situation around Sokoto and its borders with Niger Republic, Abubakar acknowledged concerns but assured that the government was taking proactive measures to overcome the challenge.

    “It is a real concern, but we are not unaware of the situation. We are working hard to tackle it. The collaboration with Niger will help combat the movement of terrorists, arms, and ammunition,” he said.

    Abubakar reassured Nigerians of the president’s commitment to ending insecurity across the country. “The president is committed to ending insecurity in Nigeria. We are working tirelessly to ensure peace and stability. I assure Nigerians that we will tackle these challenges, and by God’s grace, we will succeed. Our troops are willing and ready to end these security challenges.

    In his remarks, while welcoming the Minister, Governor Sani stressed the need for regional collaboration to tackle insecurity, saying that, “We must establish a Command and Control Centre to coordinate our joint efforts against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements in our region.

    “We must also amplify support to our security forces, enhance our localized intelligence systems, stimulate investment in agriculture and agri-business, expand rural infrastructure, broaden access to education and healthcare, and promote inclusivity among all our citizens,” he said.

    Sani expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its commitment to addressing the multidimensional challenges of insecurity confronting the North-West Zone.

    He also expressed concern over the debilitating effects of insecurity on the North-West Zone, including food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and increased poverty.

    “We are grateful for the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the multidimensional challenges of insecurity confronting the North-West Zone. This initiative is timely and strategic, and we believe it will significantly improve food security, school enrollment, healthcare delivery, and the rural economy in general.

  • 34 fighter jets coming to join terrorism battle

    34 fighter jets coming to join terrorism battle

    • Arrival begins Q1 next year

    • Govt to boost NAF operation capacity, says Matawalle

    The Federal Government is set to rev up the war against insurgents and other criminal elements with 34 fighter jets.

    Already, a team of experts headed by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, is in Italy finalising the procurement process. 

    The Air Marshal Abubakar-led team is made up of officials of the  Ministries of Defence and Finance who participated in a Programme Management Review Meeting with Messrs Leonardo S.p.A  in Rome.

    On the  list are   24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack (FGA) jets and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters.

    M-346 jet known as the Alenia Aermacchi, is an advanced trainer and light attack aircraft, with the advantages of precision strike, high speed, and maneuverability. It is said to be precise in   Intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

    The Trekker helicopter which is called   AW169 or AW189, offers several advantages in military and counter-terrorism operations due to its endurance in the battlefield and  quick response to emerging threats.

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    President Bola Ahmed  Tinubu had repeatedly expressed his determination to equip the Armed Forces to enable them to perform their constitutional duties, and effectively combat security challenges across the country.

    Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said in a statement yesterday by its spokesman   Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, that the first three units of the 24 M-346 aircraft would be delivered early next year. The last batch will arrive in mid-2026.

    The statement reads: “While in Italy, the Chief of Air Staff made a strategic stopover at the Leonardo headquarters in Rome, where he engaged with top executives to consolidate a long-term partnership between the NAF and the company.

    “He also inspected the first batch of six M-346 jets, noting that three are nearing completion, and evaluated key support systems required to boost the NAF’s operational readiness.

    “During   the review meeting, the Chief of Air Staff received updates on the delivery schedules, confirming that the first three units of the 24 M-346 aircraft to be built for Nigeria are expected by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries running until mid-2026.

    “With two Trekkers already acquired, the additional 10 are expected by early 2026.

      “The M-346, capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, will “significantly” strengthen Nigeria’s air combat capabilities.

    “On its part, the AW-109 will bolster combat support roles such as Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), tactical airlift and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) amongst others.”

    The NAF boss recommended the establishment of a Programme Management Office to oversee the collaboration and ensure smooth project implementation. He also stressed the need for a maintenance hub in Nigeria to provide long-term support, especially for the M-346 fleet.

    Yesterday also, Defence Minister (State)  Bello Matawalle restated the government’s determination to boost the operational capacity of the NAF.

    He gave the assurance while inspecting the ongoing development of   NAF’s  119 Composite Group (CG) provisional layout in Sokoto, Sokoto State. He was in company with   Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

    Matawalle said the decision to improve the capacity of the Air Force was part of the government’s commitment to enhance national security.

    A group, the  Patriots for Peace and Social Development has commended military operations in Sokoto State.

    Sani Shinkafi, executive director of the group,   said many notorious bandits in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Kaduna states have been neutralised in recent military operations.

    Shinkafi described Matawalle’s synergy with security agencies as a testament to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at restoring national security and prosperity.

  • Terrorism: FG to boost NAF’s counter-insurgency efforts in northwest

    Terrorism: FG to boost NAF’s counter-insurgency efforts in northwest

    The federal government has promised to equip the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) with all necessary resources in order to maintain operational efficiency to counter security threats.

    The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, said this on Sunday, October 13, when he inspected the ongoing development of the NAF 119 Composite Group (CG) provisional layout in Sokoto.

    The minister, who was accompanied by the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, said that the resolution to boost NAF’s capacity in Sokoto State was part of the federal government’s commitment to enhance national security, and combat insecurity in the North West region.

    According to a statement from the Minister’s office, Matawalle praised the dedication and professionalism of NAF personnel, emphasizing that the NAF played a “critical role in safeguarding our nation.”

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    The statement said the Sokoto State Governor commended the synergy between the federal government and Sokoto State in addressing insecurity challenges. 

    He said: “Sokoto State stands firmly with the Armed Forces. We are committed to providing all necessary support to ensure peace and stability for our people.” 

    The governor pledged continue cooperation with the federal government to combat insecurity in the state and the entire North West region.

  • Nigeria calls for private sector involvement in fight against terrorism financing

    Nigeria calls for private sector involvement in fight against terrorism financing

    Nigeria has raised concerns over its exposure to terrorism-related activities in the Sahel region.

    To this end, the federal government has advocated for an urgent need to integrate the private sector into its anti-money laundering (AML), counter-financing of terrorism (CFT), and counter-proliferation financing (CPF) strategies. 

    This call was made by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, during a roundtable organized by the Center for International Private Enterprise in Washington D.C.

    A statement from the NFIU on Thursday in Abuja said Bakari highlighted Nigeria’s internal security challenges, including banditry and kidnapping, which are increasingly linked to terrorist activities. 

    She also pointed to the international community, the influx of weapons from Libya as a contributing factor to the country’s escalating security crisis. “Nigeria is facing a significant internal crisis of banditry and kidnapping, all linked to terrorism,” she warned.

    Despite having the political support necessary to tackle terrorism financing, Bakari noted that the NFIU requires stronger institutional backing and international cooperation. She stated that Nigeria urgently needs sustained support from the global community in combating terrorism and the flow of weapons across the Sahel and Lake Chad regions.

    Bakari also revealed that the NFIU has revived the Joint Task Force on terrorism financing in the Sahel, with member states set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Abuja later this month. “Nigeria does not need a stopgap measure in fighting terrorism. We need a sustainable measure, and we need your help getting there,” she urged.

    During a separate meeting hosted by Ms. Oge Onubogu, Director of the Africa Programme at the Wilson Center, Bakari and Onubogu agreed on joint initiatives to raise awareness of Nigeria’s reforms in combating terrorism financing. 

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    Bakari noted that the NFIU, in collaboration with stakeholders, has taken significant steps to identify, investigate, and prosecute terrorism financiers. 

    She also announced the imminent launch of the NFIU Training Centre, which will serve as a regional hub for building capacity in this critical area.

    Bakari further disclosed that Nigeria is making progress toward securing membership in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global standard-setting body for combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

    Onubogu reaffirmed her support for Nigeria’s efforts, pledging to provide a platform to highlight the country’s strategies in tackling terrorism finance.

  • How banditry, kidnapping, terrorism threaten forestry – Prof Omole

    How banditry, kidnapping, terrorism threaten forestry – Prof Omole

    Professor of Forest engineering and Chairman, Governing Council Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH) Ayodeji Omole has lamented forestry practice has become endangered due largely to widespread incidences of attacks, killings, raping and kidnapping for ransom by armed men.

    He lamented the perpetrators who are allegedly foreigners and their local collaborators have taken over many of the forest estates in Nigeria.

    Omole of the Department of Forest Production and Product spoke while delivering the 561st Inaugural Lecture of UI on behalf of the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, entitled “Working in the shadows of death”.

    The lecture which held under the chairmanship of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale and attended by Governor Seyi Makinde who was represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, took place at the Trenchard Hall, UI.

    Omole said: “Challenge of insecurity in our forest estates is perhaps the only problem that has hitherto defied all strategic solutions in Nigeria. Nigerian forests can simply be described as one of the most threatened in Africa because of high population growth rate, forest conversion to subsistence and industrial agriculture, illegal logging and unsafe environment.

    “Unfortunately, it is pathetic that the military formations seem helpless in effectively tackling and eradicating this particular monstrous challenge. The monopoly of violence is no longer an exclusive right of the military but by the non-state actors. These security breaches are too numerous to mention. 

    “The media is daily awash with the news of attacks of bandits in Nigeria. The most perplexing aspect of these security challenges is that bandits, unknown gun-men or insurgents are majorly occupying many of our national forests, in all parts of Nigeria from Sambisa forests in Borno state, to many forests in the southern-western parts of Nigeria: Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo State, in particular, while Lagos and Ogun States are not immune. 

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    “Forests in the South East and South-south are not by any means equally exempted from the activities of these criminals. This development is a major challenge to forestry in Nigeria. 

    “Since 2013, when the Boko Haram insurgents found a safe haven in the Sambisa Forest, from where they launch their attacks on the Nigerian State, neither Nigeria nor the forest have known any peace. Unfortunately, the situation has grown from bad to worse and has continue to escalate. 

    “Forest establishment is therefore directly affected or impeded as a result of the risk associated with planning and carrying out any planting operations in the forest areas.”

    He added: “In some cases, farmers have lost their lives to the sporadic shootings of insurgents, bandits or unknown-gun-men in many parts of Nigeria; on their farms, highways and villages. This kind of situation has made practice of forestry a serious challenge in Nigeria, even though most of the attacks are in the northern parts, the ripple effects are felt all over the country. 

    “There is no doubt that all this would affect the economic growth, foreign exchange earnings and stability of the country.”    

    The forest expert made case for special funding allocation to support conservation and sustainable management of forests in the country noting that the measure will help combat illegal logging, land encroachment and other activities that lead to deforestation. 

  • Terrorism: CAS charges finance officers on prudence, accountability

    Terrorism: CAS charges finance officers on prudence, accountability

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has charged finance officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to ensure prudence and accountability in the management of resources.

    He said the efficient management of NAF resources at this “challenging time is not just an operational necessity, but a moral imperative.”

    The air chief said this on Thursday, September 12, at the 2024 Financial Seminar for NAF finance officers organized by the Account and Budget Branch, in Abuja.

    He said: “The Accounts and Budget Branch is the backbone of our operational effectiveness. When resources are managed with integrity and prudence, it enhances our ability to maintain a high state of readiness, to train, equip, and deploy our personnel effectively as well as to ensure that every operational directive is executed without financial constraints.

    “It is, therefore, incumbent upon every officer, from the highest levels of command to the most junior, to internalize the principles of accountability in all financial dealings.

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    “This is not merely a requirement of our roles; it is a commitment to the future of the NAF and the security of our nation.”

    The CAS said the seminar was aimed at building the professional capacity of NAF finance personnel in line with the key enabler of his Command Philosophy which is, “Deliberate Training and Mission-Oriented Force Development”.

    He said the seminar would provide a unique platform for NAF finance officers to engage in meaningful discussions and reflections on the service’s financial dealings

    He said: “I am particularly pleased with the theme, “Fostering a Culture of Accountability in the Management of NAF Finances in Support of Contemporary Air Power Demands”, as it corresponds with my command philosophy.”

    The Chief of Account and Budget, NAF, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Uchechi Nwagwu, said the seminar was aimed at developing the professional capacity of NAF finance personnel in the management of public funds.

    Nwagwu said the theme was borne out of the desire to ensure clear visibility in financial transactions, promote ethical behaviour and encourage efficiency in the utilization of scarce resources.

    He said it was envisaged that the seminar and its subsequent resolutions would assist finance personnel to learn and improve their accountability practices to manage NAF resources more prudently.

    He urged the participants, especially the finance personnel to learn towards fostering a culture of accountability in the NAF finance specialty in support of NAF operations.

  • Terrorism provides cover for other crimes to thrive, says COAS

    Terrorism provides cover for other crimes to thrive, says COAS

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has said terrorism provides cover for other crimes, such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent acts, to thrive.

    Lagbaja spoke at the third counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency seminar organised by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) yesterday in Abuja.

    Represented by the Deputy Chief of Operations (Army), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, the COAS delivered a paper, titled: Over a Decade of Terrorism, Insurgency, Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency in Nigeria: An Appraisal.

    He said Nigeria was facing different forms of insurgencies across the six geo-political zones, adding that those involved had resorted to the use of terror in the pursuit of their agendas.

    According to him, the country is indicated to have one of the highest terrorism threat levels in the world, quoting Statista, 2023.

    These, the COAS said, have been blamed on the fact that several terrorist and militant groups are active in Nigeria, leading to attacks on civilian and military targets.

    “Notable among these groups are Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) in the Northeast, in pursuit of a supposedly Caliphate, initially physically but now on a digital form.

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    “The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the Southeast is pursuing a breakaway agenda from the country.

    “Terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria have created cover under which other crimes and violence are perpetrated by criminal gangs.

    “Armed robbers have found an alibi to loot banks, while politically hired assassins operate under the cover of terrorists, like Boko Haram.

    “The increasing terrorist activities of IPOB in the Southeast have heightened insecurity in the zone by giving criminals the opportunity to exploit the violent situation,” he said.

    Gen. Lagbaja noted that the largely cash-based and informal economy operated in Nigeria had made it difficult for security agencies to trace the movement of illicit funds, especially funds meant for funding terror.

    The COAS said the cash and informal basis of the economy has made it easy for most terrorists’ funds to move outside the radar of the financial intelligence units and formal banking system.

    He added that Nigeria lacked a comprehensive citizen identity and information data to track individuals, making it more difficult.

    According to him, terrorists have become more localised, generating their funds within their immediate environment, especially through local entrepreneurship, smuggling, kidnapping, extortion, and drug trafficking.

    Gen. Lagbaja stressed that there was a need for synergy among agencies and a total government approach to track the funding of terrorism in the country.

  • Control of chemicals, drugs key to countering terrorism, says NCTC boss

    Control of chemicals, drugs key to countering terrorism, 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 said that the control of chemicals, drugs, and illegal drug trade in the country was significant to the federal government’s counter-terrorism efforts.

    He said terrorism poses a significant threat to the country’s security, stability, and prosperity, hence the government was doing everything possible to address the threat through strategic cooperation, collaboration, and coordination.

    Gen. Laka said this after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) NCTC and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Abuja.

    The NCTC boss said by collaborating with NAFDAC they would be able to effectively monitor and control the use of chemicals used in manufacturing explosives by non-state actors.

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    He said: “By joining forces with NAFDAC, we aim to enhance our collective efforts in disrupting these illicit networks, dismantling their financing sources, and safeguarding our communities from the scourge of terrorism.

    “This Memorandum of Understanding represents a commitment to shared goals, mutual support, and effective cooperation. It signifies our dedication to leveraging our respective expertise, resources, and capabilities to strengthen our response to terrorism, prevent radicalization, and protect our society from the devastating impact of violent extremism.

    “Through this partnership, we will work together to enhance information sharing, intelligence cooperation, capacity building, and joint operations. By combining our efforts and forging a united front against terrorism, we are better equipped to confront this multifaceted challenge and uphold the safety and security of our nation.”

    In her remarks, the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the signing of the MoU was “a plus to the country in terms of reduction in death and obliteration of the young minds.”

    She assured that NAFDAC would continue to collaborate with the NCTC towards preventing young people from going into substance abuse.

  • Alleged terrorism: Court grants DIA’s request to detain policeman, 19 others for 30 days

    Alleged terrorism: Court grants DIA’s request to detain policeman, 19 others for 30 days

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order allowing the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to detain a policeman, A. A Babangida (an Assistant Superintendent of Police) and 19 others for 30 days over their alleged involvement in banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism activities.

    Also to be detained are Usman Idris, Abu Safiyanu, Alhassan Idris, Sahada Ishaka, Abubakar Ibrahim Sani Bello, Yahaya Abdullahi, Haruna Salisu, and Mohammed Muazu.

    Others are Nura Idris, Alhaji Manu Mohammed, Umar Mohammed Lamu, Abubakar Mandara, Suleiman Musa Mohammed, Alhaji Madayi, Alhaji Amodu Bukar Prince Oghewe and Uzoma Aghaoyibo.

    Justice Peter Lifu issued the order on Wednesday while ruling on an ex-parte motion, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1146/2024 filed by the DIA and argued by its lawyer, S.A Aminu.

    The policeman was ordered to be detained along with other suspects for 30 days to enable DIA operatives to conclude their ongoing investigation into the case.

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    According to the DIA, ASP Babangida was arrested in June and has since been in DIA custody.

    It accused the policeman of helping Boko Haram members, bandits and ISWAP members in carrying out terrorist activities in some parts of the country.

    Aminu had, while arguing the ex-parte motion, requested permission from the court to detain the suspects for 90 days.

    She claimed that the involvement of the suspects in terrorist activities was so complex because the bomb experts for the gang had just been apprehended based on information being volunteered by the detainees.

    The lawyer added that the DIA plans to thoroughly investigate the activities of Babangida and others before handing them over to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) for prosecution.

    In a 21-paragraph supporting affidavit, the DIA detailed how it got information that led to the arrest of the suspects in various locations and at different times.

    In his ruling, Justice Lifu said he would not grant the 90 days ago by the applicant because the suspects have been in custody for three months.

    The judge added that the Constitution presumes the suspects are innocent until the contrary is established.

    He ordered the DIA to do all within its powers, within the ambit of the law, to complete its investigation on time.