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Tag: Terrorism

  • How to win war against terrorism, by DG VON

    How to win war against terrorism, by DG VON

    The Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, has said that for the military to win the trust of media in its operations against terrorism and other security challenges, it must evolve ways that would aid prompt media access to unclassified information about military operations.

    He also said that military involvement of the media in the planning and implementation of operations would improve trust and mutual understanding.

    The Director-General said this yesterday, at a seminar organised by Defence Correspondent Association of Nigeria (DECAN) at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

    Ndace, a former Defence Correspondent, however noted that the media must understand the place of the military in national security and respect designated boundaries.

    He said: “With the advent of digital media, the public is becoming more interested in knowing how military operations are being conducted and the military has no option but to be a little more cooperative with the media to provide clarity in the face of the deluge of information found in the uncensored new media.

    “It is in the course of the military carrying out its professional responsibility and the media playing its professional roles that emerged friction that has dominated the relationship between the two very important institutions.

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    “In Nigeria, the military and the media have experienced challenging relationships dating back to the military era. For decades, the Nigerian military dominated the political landscape and this can be attributable to a lack of trust between the two institutions even in a democracy.

    “The inclination of both parties to discharge their responsibilities with a shared sense of patriotism will enhance and sustain the country’s democracy, and ensure peace and national security.

    “In the overall, by actively engaging in deliberate trust-building acts, promoting cooperation, and upholding patriotic principles, the Nigerian military and the media can foster positive relations to enhance the overall stability and security of the country.”

    Aside the issue of trust, the Director-General identified confidentiality, lack of understanding of the defence sector and criteria for assigning journalists, training and retraining on military ethics and regulations, among other, as factors affecting good military-media relations.

  • ‘Judiciary can stop terrorism financing, others’

    ‘Judiciary can stop terrorism financing, others’

    The Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) said yesterday the judiciary had a crucial role to play in preventing terrorism financing and other criminal activities.

    Edwin Harris Jr., the Director-General of GIABA, a sub-regional body established to fight against Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing, and Proliferation Financing (ML/TF/PF), said this at the opening of a five-day seminar on the development of training modules for ECOWAS member states in Abuja.

    Harris expressed concern over the impact of money laundering and the financing of terrorism on the socio-economic development, peace, and security of ECOWAS member states and beyond.

    According to him, since the past decade, the ECOWAS community has experienced increased levels of terrorism, radicalisation and violent extremism at an alarming rate.

    He, therefore, applauded efforts by Nigeria in the fight against transnational organised crimes.

    “I wish to call on regional and international experts here in attendance to give priority to the judiciary in developing the training modules.

    “The judiciary should be more responsive in the adjudication of cases of terrorism and terrorist financing to deprive criminals of proceeds of crime, recover stolen assets wherever located, and dismantle criminal enterprises.

    “The private sector should also be adequately factored in to become a formidable ally in the implementation of effective preventive measures against terrorism financing and other forms of criminal activities.

    “This brainstorming session is being held as preliminary work to the train-the-training workshop scheduled from March 11 to 22, of March 2024.

    “I encourage you to bring your expertise together in a highly constructive manner and a comprehensive curriculum, which will not only serve the forthcoming training but be shared with relevant training centres and institutes,’’ he told the participants.

    The GIABA chief decried Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s inability to counter terrorism financing, describing it as a problem owing to the latest political developments in the countries.

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    He said GIABA would pursue counter-terrorism financing as a regional fight.

    Mr. Mohammed Jiya, the Associate Director of analysis and Compliance at the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), described terrorism in West Africa as a major security challenge.

    According to him, the activities of terrorist groups have had a devastating impact in affected countries, leading to loss of lives, displacement of populations, economic hardships, and the worsening of existing social tensions.

    “Regional cooperation, intelligence-sharing and capacity-building efforts are also crucial in addressing the transnational nature of the threat posed by terrorism in West Africa.

    “Among the top 10 Countries in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2023 of the impact of Terrorism in Countries of the World, there are four (4) West African Countries.

    “This workshop stands as a testament to our collective commitment to learning, growth, and innovation,” Jiya said.

    Rear-Admiral Yaminu Musa, Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Coordination Centre in the Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), attributed the spread of terrorism in the sub-region to the role played by finance.

  • Terrorism: FG inaugurates committee on mines clearance in North East

    Terrorism: FG inaugurates committee on mines clearance in North East

    The federal government has inaugurated a committee to actualize the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in North East Nigeria.

    The committee is chaired by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, according to a statement from the minister’s office on Saturday, February 24.

    Other members of the committee include representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Emergency Management Agency, Northeast Development Commission and National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

    The UNMAS is a service located within the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations that specializes in coordinating and implementing activities to limit the threat posed by mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices.

    The Nation recalls that the UNMAS was initially deployed to Nigeria in 2018 to provide technical support in areas of coordination, planning and technical advice and support to the humanitarian communities and government, but was left after years of inaction.

    The inauguration of the committee is an indication that the present administration in synergy with the Borno State Government has given the issue of demining of North East, which was ravaged by the activities of Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorists for more than a decade, adequate attention.

    Speaking after inaugurating the committee, Matawalle said the  committee was a “bold step” that the federal government was committed to providing support to hazardous areas affected by either war or activities of terrorism.

    Minister said some of the benefits of the UNMAS include assistance for the IDPs, risk education and advocacy, clearance of the identified hazardous areas and stockpile destruction.

    Matawalle said the federal government would work with the UNMAS in working out a workable solution in reintegrating IDPs and farmers into society for better life. 

    He said: “There is the need to conduct Technical Surveys to identify hazardous areas that need to be safe before any other activities can take place. 

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    “We need to redesign action plan for the IDP returnees and farmers to go back to their farms.”

    He said the federal government would also provide essential technical support for the establishment of a National Mine Action Centre in the North East and extend it to the North West where incidence of insurgency is still prevalent.

     “Such a center will afford the IDPs the opportunity to return to their Communities and have access to quality education,” he said.

    The minister disclosed that the Borno state government has provided official and residential buildings for the activities of UNMAS to start in the North East.

  • Cry, the ailing country!

    Cry, the ailing country!

    What is happening in the country today beggars belief. Nigeria is under siege. It is besieged left, right and centre. Banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, robbery, looting, raping and other forms of criminality have become the order of the day.

    Kidnapping, especially, has become an industry – it is booming and thriving – and those involved have become so daring that they no longer wait on the road to strike, but go to people’s homes to seize them, take them into captivity and wait for the payment of ransom before releasing them.

    We are battered, beaten and bruised as a nation. Life no longer has meaning. People move around in fear, living on a daily basis with their hearts in their mouths because they do not know who the next victim is. We are all potential victims.

    Nobody is sure of the other person. Even family members do not trust one another again. You trust your brother or sister at your own peril. People now prefer to keep to themselves because that brother or sister might have negotiated away your life with kidnappers and only waiting for the right time to tell them to strike.

    The bedrock of our society is the family. This unit is fast giving way because of the insecurity which has allowed kidnapping to become a huge business. No country is totally free of crimes. But the difference between what happens elsewhere and here is that there are deterrents which make criminals think twice before striking.

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    A criminal who knows that his chances of being caught are high would never go into the world of crime. Painfully, we are in a season in which crime pays. Where violence and other related acts bring in so much money, with the perpetrators living big to the chagrin of their compatriots.

    In the circumstance, the citizenry face the brunt. They are left to their own devices. In most cases, those who unfortunately fall kidnap victims are left to devise ways of freeing themselves. What this means is that they have to cough out a huge sum as ransom. They buy their freedom or that of their loved ones at a huge price to avoid being killed. Yet, the government is telling them not to pay ransom!

    What then is the way out for the victims if they do not pay ransom? Wait until they are killed before their traumatised families will know that the kidnappers mean business. We all know about the Al-Kadriyar family story. They lost a daughter when they did not quickly respond to the kidnappers’ demand for ransom. Yes, it is wrong to pay ransom, but what can a family whose loved one (s) is (are ) in captivity do? We can sermonise when we are not embattled, but he who wears the shoe knows where it pinches.

    What is the government doing to secure the people or to make kidnapping bad business? It is good to talk about the illegality of ransom payment, but it is better to tackle first the illegality of kidnapping itself before blaming ransom payers. Kidnapping is a crime, but it does not seem so now, with the way the unlawful act is being carried out brazenly.

    Kidnappers have turned the land into hell. Why the rise in this unlawful act? I have been pondering over this poser in recent times. But I have not been able to lay a finger on why kidnapping has become this lucrative. Kidnapping! I shudder at the thought and how it has become a huge enterprise under our democratic dispensation.

    Surely, this gbomogbomo business did not start today. It began long ago when

    kids were the targets. Those days, we were warned against picking what we found on the ground, especially coins, which it was believed were used as bait. Kidnapping has now gone nuclear, so to say. The targets are no longer kids, but the rich. Once in a while too, kids are still kidnapped.

    Kidnapping has gotten out of hand. The kidnapping and killing of two Ekiti monarchs and the abduction of some school children from the state have more than brought home the menace staring us in the face. Things cannot continue like this. If kidnappers can kill monarchs, then there is nothing they won’t do to have their way.

    No matter what it takes, those pupils who were snatched from their school bus which windows were shattered by bullets must be freed from the kidnappers’ grips to show them how serious we are about stopping kidnapping.  

    End-time devotees

    Many will be shocked by the revelation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, that two religious organisations have been linked with crimes. One, he said, was linked to N7 billion in the course of investigating a N13 billion fraud. The other, he said, laundered money for terrorists. He spoke at a one-day dialogue on “Youth, religion, and the fight against corruption” in Abuja yesterday.

    Apparently to avoid the shame of its involvement in an illicit activity, one of the suspected organisations has obtained an interim order stopping the EFCC from inviting its leaders. Igba wo ni maku, oni ku. It is just a matter of time, the organisation will be known. It has made exposing it easier by going to court.

    By the time the facts are out, the injunction will be lifted and the wind will blow and the world shall see the anus of the chicken.

    At a time like this when terrorists are wreaking havoc everywhere, especially in worship places, should any religious body be seen associating with them? Perhaps, the end-time has come. If not, religious bodies will not be caught in the company of fraudsters and terrorists. What a shame.  

  • NIGCOMSAT well equipped to help tackle banditry, terrorism, says MD

    NIGCOMSAT well equipped to help tackle banditry, terrorism, says MD

    The Nigerian Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) has called for the adoption of homegrown satellite solutions to address the pressing challenges of banditry and terrorism in the country.

    The agency’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idohen, stated this while addressing reporters yesterday in kaduna.

    She said NIGCOMSAT is fully equipped to provide tailored solutions to meet Nigeria’s unique security needs.

    The NIGCOMSAT chief executive said it was imperative to utilise domestic satellite capabilities to fortify the country’s security landscape.

    Mrs. Egerton-Idohen expressed concern over the prevalent trend of security agencies seeking foreign partners for satellite assistance.

    “Why go abroad when we have the expertise and capacity right here at NIGCOMSAT?” she queried.

    Her call came on the heels of increasing incidents of banditry and terrorism across the country.

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    She said: “NIGCOMSAT aims to position itself as a key player in fortifying national security by leveraging its satellite resources to enhance intelligence gathering, surveillance, and communication for security agencies.

    “In the aspect of security, most countries prefer to use their own private satellite to address security concerns. So, one of the things we’ve been doing is to go back to our security agencies and bring them back on the table.

    “We don’t see why they have to go to foreign satellite partners to address these concerns when NIGCOMSAT covers every single breadth of Nigeria. We have the available capacity and the expertise to give them the solution they need.

    “It is a plea we have been making. We do want to work with the security agencies. We have already started working with some of them, but we think there is more opportunity to do more. We have the capacity and capability to do it. I think it is becoming important that it becomes a high priority.”

    Acknowledging technology as the engine of economic growth, Mrs. Egerton-Idohen highlighted NIGCOMSAT’s dedication to providing the nation with dependable internet services.

    She urged the Kaduna State government to collaborate with agency to provide broadband access and other solutions that could enhance various sectors, including small and medium enterprises, education, and healthcare.

    The chief executive said as part of initiative to foster innovation in satellite technology, the agency was promoting the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme.

    The programme, she added, was designed for early-stage companies with space-tech solutions to catapult startups into the global space-tech arena through mentorship, networking, and exposure.

  • President calls for strengthened cooperation with France to combat terrorism

    President calls for strengthened cooperation with France to combat terrorism

    President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, tasked France on the need for her to work with Nigeria and other stakeholders on strengthening technical cooperation to address the prevailing threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

    A statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said President Tinubu also commended the outgoing French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann, for her dedication to enhancing relations between France and Nigeria.

    In a farewell meeting with the French Ambassador, President Tinubu urged Ambassador Blatmann to leverage her new role as Director for Africa in the French Foreign Ministry to advocate the urgent need to ”upgrade technical cooperation” between Nigeria and France to defeat terrorism and violent extremism.

    ”You have been excellent in promoting bilateral relations between both countries in the areas of economy, trade, education, arts, and culture. Thank you for the hard work you have done in Nigeria and for President Macron to appoint you to a new position as Africa Director, it is a testament that you excelled in your assignment in our country.

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    ”You will always be welcomed in Nigeria. On regional security, we want you to remind Paris at every opportunity that it is necessary to upgrade our technical cooperation in our joint efforts to defeat terrorism and counter violent extremism in the region,” he said.    

    Reflecting on her tour of duty in Nigeria, Ambassador Blatmann shared notable achievements, highlighting France’s significant investments and remarkable increase in bilateral trade.

    According to her, France is among the top foreign investors in Nigeria, with over $10 billion in investment stock, and with bilateral trade increasing by 51 percent in 2021 and 2022.

    ”We are also one of the biggest development partners with over 3 billion Euros invested over the last decade by AFD and PROPARCO. AFD now operates in 26 of Nigeria’s 36 states.

    ”Ever since I arrived here in October 2021, it has been a series of wonderful discoveries and amazing encounters. I will definitely take away with me the energy and creativity of this country that will forever guide me and fuel my afro-optimism,” she said.

    Recognizing Nigeria’s pivotal role in regional security and stability, the outgoing ambassador emphasized the close collaboration between France, Nigeria, and other key partners in fostering sustainable international peace, security, and development.

  • NAF’s chief reveals why whole-society approach best to end terrorism

    NAF’s chief reveals why whole-society approach best to end terrorism

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, says the synergy of efforts drawn from a whole-of-society approach remains the best in winning the hearts and minds of Nigerians as well as speedily defeating the threats posed by terrorists and other non-state actors.

    He also said that the prospect of a safe and secured Nigeria is in sight, as the military continue to keep ‘eyes on the ball’ in getting the job done. 

    The NAF’s chief said this on Monday, December 25, during a Christmas luncheon organized for the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    Air Marshall Abubakar, in a statement by NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has, on its part, continued to engage with societal groups within the areas of operation through medical outreaches and welfare advocacies. 

    He said under his leadership, NAF personnel at the frontlines have been continually reminded and trained on the Law of Armed Conflict, Rules of Engagement and strict observance to human rights in line with the United Nations Charter on Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

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    “Similarly, pilots, engineers and other technicians have been availed of several safety management lessons and techniques to minimize risks associated with ongoing air operations,” the NAF’s chief said.

    He said both the Air Component and Land and Maritime Components of Operation Hadin Kai has reasons to celebrate their successes in operation.

    Air Marshall Abubakar said: “In the last 6 months, we have all been witnesses to how your combined efforts, alongside our sister services have decimated scores of terrorist leaders, their foot soldiers as well as their structures and logistics. 

    “Through these efforts, the unfettered freedom of movement that these criminals once enjoyed has been denied or reduced to the barest minimum. 

    “Your efforts have also led to the surrendering of several terrorist as well as their families, an indication the end may soon be in sight.” 

     “I cannot tell you enough how much the entire nation appreciates your commitment and sacrifices and there is no iota of doubt that your selfless acts of courage and bravery as well as your unwavering dedication and service to our nation have afforded our citizens the opportunity to peacefully celebrate and enjoy this festive moment. 

    “We are indeed proud and appreciative of your gallant efforts and your devotion to duty remains a beacon of hope for all Nigerians.”

    The NAF’s chief told NAF personnel that the essence of Christmas goes beyond mere merrymaking and festivities.

    “ It is a season to express love, show compassion, renew our hopes, and embrace our role as our brothers’ keepers.” the NAF chief said.

     “The story of Christmas, rooted in humble beginnings in a manger, serves as a powerful lesson that even in the most modest circumstances, the spark of hope can be ignited. This hope is the essence of our fight against insurgency, terrorism and all forms of criminality.” 

  • Nigerian student jailed in UK for terrorism threat

    Nigerian student jailed in UK for terrorism threat

    A Perth Sheriff Court in the United Kingdom (UK) has sentenced Somtochukwu Okwuoha, a 26-year-old Master’s student at Dundee University, Scotland, to 40 months in prison.

    Okwuoha, according to the ruling by the Perth Sheriff Court will be deported after serving his jail term.

    The embattled Nigerian was remanded in custody last month after being found guilty  of seven charges by a jury.

    The charges  included  making terrorist threats against Dundee University.

     The 26-year-old reportedly claimed he had enlisted a terrorist organisation, ISIS, to help bomb the university. He also told the university staff that he planned to target the city in a chemical attack.

      “Your presence in the United Kingdom is not conducive to the public good, and I make a recommendation for your deportation in due course,” Sheriff William Wood told Okwuoha.

     “You came to the UK in 2021 to attend a master’s degree at Dundee University. You formed a friendship with Fatmata Barrie and thought the relationship could be taken further,” Wood said.

    “When she rebuffed your advances, you began a malicious campaign against her. You sent threats and tried to manipulate her emotions.

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    You were abusive towards her and tried to have her removed from her university course. You alleged she was a potential terrorist in the UK and, as a Muslim, was able to engage with terrorist agencies that would visit mass murder and other terrorist offences within the UK.

    “The university decided to suspend you from your course and you turned your attention towards staff. You threatened mass murder, and terrorism, and said you would plant bombs and use biological weapons.

    “You said you would commit acts of terror in the UK, and particularly at Dundee University.

    “One member of staff was so fearful he refused to return to work.

    “You were released on bail with conditions not to commit further offences. Despite being barred from campus you repeatedly entered it without reasonable excuse.

    “Over a period of nine months you made these threats and embarked on what can only be described as a campaign to discredit, and to incite terror in those to whom you sent threats.”

  • Four terrorism sponsors jailed

    Four terrorism sponsors jailed

    • Trial of suspects continues

    Four Boko Haram financiers have been convicted and sentenced to various jail terms by a Federal High Court sitting in Dawaki, in Abuja, the Federal Government said yesterday.

    The conviction of the terror suspects – Modu Aisami, Zana Zarama, Umar Mohammed and Bunu Kame – was secured by a prosecuting team led by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

    News about their conviction came on a day the Federal Ministry of Justice announced the trial terror suspects simultaneously in Kainji, Niger State Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The suspects are being held in military formations across the country.

    According to the AGF spokesman, Kamarudeen Ogundele, the quartet of Aisami, Zarama, Mohammed and Kame, were arraigned separately before Justices Binta Nyako and Emeka Nwite.

    Ogundele said the four pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them and that they begged for leniency.

    He said the defence team was led by a lawyer from the Legal Aid Council (LAC), F.A. Bakre.

    The charges were filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed  Abubakar.

    In one of the charges, Aisami was accused of  providing funds to the terrorist group by buying food products from the group, having reasonable grounds to believe that the proceed will be used to commit a terrorist act therefore committed an offence contrary to Section 13(1)(a)(ii) of the Terrorism Provision Amendment Act, 2013.

    In one of her rulings, Justice Nyako convicted Aisami after he pleaded guilty to counts 2 and 3 as contained in the charge sheet.

    Justice Nyako said: “I find him guilty as charged and he is convicted accordingly. I hereby sentence the convict to 20 years imprisonment for each of the offences. They are to run concurrently.”

    The judge also convicted Zarama and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment for concealing the identity of a Boko Haram member, Modu Sulum.

    Justice Nyako added that the jail terms should run from the day the convicts had been in custody.

    In another trial Justice Emeka Nwite convicted the duo of Mohammed and Kame. Mohammed was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.

    The AGF confirmed the resumption of the terror suspects’ prosecution in Kainji and Abuja under what he called: “The Kainji Prosecution Project Phase IV.”

    The trial, it was learnt is taking place under a special arrangement where judges, prosecutors and defence lawyers are taken to a particular location for the sole purpose of prosecuting these detained terror suspects.

    It is the fourth of such exercise which was first carried out in 2017 in view of the concern over the security implication should such trial be conducted in a regular court environment.

    Fagbemi described the resumption of trial as a positive sept in government’s efforts to secure the country.

    Acknowledging the successes recorded during the previous prosecutions, Fagbemi assured that his ministry will support the process and assist in processes targeted as de-radicalisation and reintegration of deserving terrorists.

    He said: “The first phase of the Kainji Prosecution Project commenced in October 2017 with remarkable achievements where we recorded a total of 366 convictions, 896 others were discharged for want of sufficient evidence and 61 other cases adjourned for further hearing.

    “There have been three phases of the exercise so far, spanning between October 2017 and July 2018.

    “I must, at this point, challenge all stakeholders to ensure that the momentum is sustained, seeing how important this assignment is to the wellbeing of our beloved country and her people.

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    “We have made tremendous efforts to ensure that the trials are conducted with due regard to the provisions of the Constitution regarding openness as much as can be permitted in the circumstances and providing the suspects with adequate opportunities to make their defence.

    “I would like to urge the prosecutors and defence counsel to continue to maintain the highest levels of professional standards in this national assignment,” Fagbemi said.

    The AGF, who noted that terrorism has cost the country a lot, said the exercise was an important one that should be taken seriously by everyone involved.

    “Terrorism has cost us a lot as a nation. From the communities directly affected, to the staggering losses in human and material resources, displacements, political and economic instability and the general atmosphere of fear it has created, all point to how crucial this exercise is to our progress and prosperity as a nation.

    “Conversely, if the process is mismanaged and, as a result, the security situation is allowed to fester, it may lead to existential crises in the very long run.

    “I, therefore, pledge my total support to the cause as I urge the stakeholders once again to continue in the good job,” the AGF said.

    The minister also urged judges and magistrates to ensure the effective deployment of the non-custodial sentencing options in deserving cases.

    He noted that when adequately utilised, non-custodial sentencing measures possess the potential of reducing prison population and the number of awaiting trial inmates.

    The AGF spoke in Abuja at the opening session of a two-day workshop on the implementation of non-custodial measures and sentencing guidelines under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

    Fagbemi was represented at the event by the Director of Administration of Criminal Justice and Reforms Department/Correctional Unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Leticia Ayoola Daniels.

    He noted that the purpose of non-custodial measures is to find effective alternatives to imprisonment for offenders, a practice that accords with the current global shift in punishing convicts with alternatives to prison terms.

    “The aim of the trend is to give the judges and magistrates much latitude and discretion to award befitting and purposeful punishment to convicts aside the punishment suggested by the statute creating the offence.

    “Today, we have seen countless cases where defendants are arrested for minor offences and locked up in prisons, adding to the population of awaiting trial inmates.

    “These offenders, remanded with hardened criminals, end up being initiated into a life of crime instead of being reformed.

    “The aim of this workshop is to share knowledge on the effective use of these instruments that will lead to a decrease in arbitrary punishments, uniformity in punishments, and the utilisation of alternatives to imprisonment to decrease the population of awaiting trial inmates.

    “It is our hope that the non-custodial measures and sentencing guidelines will be more operational and effectively implemented in order to achieve the objectives and purposes of the reforms in the criminal sector.”

    The AGF assured that the Justice Ministry, as the leading stakeholder in justice administration, will develop appropriate frameworks and measures to overcome the unique challenges in the criminal justice sector and strengthen the application of law to align with international best practices.

    Judges, magistrates, prosecutors and other stakeholders in the criminal justice administration system were participants at the workshop.

  • Enabling terrorism

    Enabling terrorism

    Apart from fighting terrorists, fighting terrorism financiers is also a critical aspect of the war on terror. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), was reported saying the Federal Government had “made progress in tackling the financing of terrorism,” and had “identified and designated a number of individuals and entities linked to terrorist activity and seized funds linked to them.”  

    But the claimed credits raised more questions than answers. The minister’s claims were not new. The previous administration under ex-president Muhammadu Buhari made similar claims. At the end of the day, the situation did not change, and terrorism financiers continued to empower terrorists.   

    Identifying terrorism sponsors is inadequate. The question is: What happens after such suspects have been identified? It amounts to nothing if such actors are identified but the authorities fail to arrest and prosecute them. Such announcements will never be enough.  Failure to arrest, prosecute and punish terrorism enablers cannot encourage public confidence in the fight against terrorism. Ironically, it even suggests that the authorities are enabling terrorism.

    Fagbemi supplied the attention-grabbing information last week, in his opening address at the 40th Technical Commission/Plenary Meeting of the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), in Abuja. GIABA is an organ of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), responsible for facilitating the adoption and implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) strategies in West Africa.

    He also said: “Efforts are on to resume the trial of those categories of people. And I think, in the next two weeks, it will be a different story. We are conscious of that issue.

    “Facilities are being put in place. Apart from the regular physical mode of trial, we are working on ways to ensure that virtual trials can also be conducted.

    “The adoption of virtual trials is aimed at preventing delay. The government is not shying away from its responsibility of providing funds for this purpose.”

    Understandably, the Federal Government wants to give the impression that it is seriously tackling terrorism. So, the authorities keep supplying information to support such a promotional picture. Last year, the then Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, promoted the government’s anti-terrorism effort at the 3rd Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing, with the theme ‘No Money for Terror.’  The event took place in India.  

    A statement by his aide quoted Aregbesola as saying the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) had, in 2019, “commenced an in-depth analysis of the financing of the Boko Haram group.”

     ”This analysis, which took almost 18 months to complete, resulted in the identification of almost 100 high-risk financiers and identified links to 10 different countries.

    “Ultimately, the results of the analysis resulted in the arrest of 48 of the financiers and the ongoing prosecution of a number of them.”

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    At the time, it was unclear whether terrorism financiers were actually being prosecuted in the country. The Buhari administration had been criticised for delaying the prosecution of terrorism-related suspects it claimed to have arrested.    

    In April 2021, for instance, the Buhari administration announced that it had arrested 400 alleged Boko Haram sponsors. The claimed arrests suggested a new level of seriousness in the fight against terrorism. 

    The arrested alleged financiers of the Islamic terrorist group were said to be businessmen, including bureau de change operators. They were said to have been arrested in Kano, Borno, Lagos, Sokoto, Adamawa, Kaduna and Zamfara states, and Abuja. 

    The arrests were said to have been carried out following investigations involving the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    The unnamed suspects were expected to be prosecuted without delay. More than two years after the announced arrests, there is no evidence that they have been prosecuted. Is that how to fight terrorism?  

    Also, last year, army authorities in charge of the Northeast Joint Operation announced that “A total of 886 detainees are awaiting transfer to Giwa Project in Kainji for prosecution.” The Giwa Project is in Kainji, Niger State. They said there were 1,893 suspects in custody at the Giwa Centre. There is no evidence of prosecution. Without prosecution, how can it be proved that arrested terrorism suspects are guilty and deserve to be punished?  Can deterrent effect be achieved without punishing the guilty?

    The Terrorism (Prohibition and Prevention) bill, 2022 signed into law by ex-president Buhari, stipulates a range of sanctions, including life imprisonment and death sentence, for anyone convicted of terrorism-related activity.

    The legislation, which came after previous ones in 2011 and 2013, sought to “provide for an effective, unified and comprehensive legal, regulatory and institutional framework for the detection, prevention, prohibition, prosecution and punishment of acts of terrorism, terrorism financing, proliferation and financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in Nigeria; and for related matters.”

    Fighting terrorism and its sponsors demands prosecution of arrested suspects based on existing law, without which stipulated sanctions cannot be applied. There are available lessons on how to fight terrorism effectively. The question is whether the country’s authorities are teachable.

     For instance, in 2021, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added the names of six Nigerians to “the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons… for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Boko Haram.”

    It accused the Nigeria-based terrorist group of “numerous attacks in the northern and northeastern regions of the country as well as in the Lake Chad Basin in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger that have killed thousands of people since 2009.”

    The six Nigerians were: Abdurrahman Ado Musa, Salihu Yusuf Adamu, Bashir Ali Yusuf, Muhammed Ibrahim Isa, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, and Surajo Abubakar Muhammad.  

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Federal Court of Appeals in Abu Dhabi had convicted them of transferring $782,000 from Dubai to Boko Haram in Nigeria.  Adamu and Muhammad were sentenced to life imprisonment for violations of UAE anti-terrorism laws; Musa, Yusuf, Isa and Alhassan were sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by deportation. 

    The US sanction against them, the agency said in a statement, “will prevent these individuals’ funds from being used further to support terrorism.”

    Obviously, terrorism sponsors fuel the activities of terrorists, and disabling them is as important as crippling terrorists. Terrorism financiers and terrorists should not only be identified but arrested and prosecuted without delay. Failure to do so amounts to enabling terrorism.