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Tag: terrorists

  • UN to help rid Nigeria of terrorists, says envoy

    UN to help rid Nigeria of terrorists, says envoy

    •Proliferation of small arms still a great concern, says Ashiru

    The United Nations (UN) will help in ridding Nigeria of terrorists, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and Chairman of the Nigeria/Cameroon Mixed Commission, Mr. Said Djinnit, has said.

    He spoke in Abuja yesterday at a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affiars Olugbenga Ashiru.

    Djinnit said: “I want to come especially to convene their (UN member-states) sympathy to Nigeria because whatever Nigeria does, it does it for the whole region and also to discuss with the minister to explore ways that we can work within the region, within the global community to fight this kind of problems.”

    The country, he said, had played an important role in the subregion and throughout the continent.

    He said: “I came here to discuss because ECOWAS and the Africa Union have been working hard to achieve peace, democracy and stability but every time we get closer to our objectives, we see that there are new challenges emerging and unfortunately with all the efforts deployed by the leaders of ECOWAS, we are still confronted by a new emerging threat of organised crime and basically the threat of terrorism and Nigeria is at the heart of all these efforts to address all the challenges and I came here to tell you how we can together prepare to create provision for our countries, states and society to be prevented from this kind of situation and when they are affected, how we can work together because this kind of fight unfortunately has the capacity to affect the whole region.

    “In organised crime, Nigeria has become one of the conflict zones of child trafficking and organised crime. Of course, the drugs come from Latin American going especially to Europe and Asia but they are taking advantage of the porous borders in Africa and the lack of capacity, institutional and physical capacity. In addition to that, now there are a new issues on organised crime and terrorism, which are affecting the whole region and they know that Nigeria is facing such challenges.”

    Ashiru said small arms were still a major concern, blaming illicit trafficking of small arms for some of the arms’ struggle in the sub-region.

    He said: “It is true we have a challenge today in West Africa of insecurity and I want to thank the UN for your efforts in assisting West Africa/ecowas to handle these challenges we have been having. The issue of small arms is of great concern to us in West Africa and I know we have had series of workshops and seminars in the UN on this very crucial issue. I believe we will continue to work hard on this because when you talk about the issue of terrorism, in our own challenges they are in Nigeria. I believe from what you have seen, there seems to be huge proliferation of small arms, which have contributed to the menace posed by these terrorist groups and whatever we can do to stop this illicit trafficking, we will welcome from all the governments in West Africa because all the countries have spoken out that if not handled seriously and urgently, the issue of small arms will continue to pose great threat to us in the West African sub-region and it is a big problem.”

     

  • Politicians, activists, clerics hail U.S. over $23m bounty on terrorists

    Politicians, activists, clerics hail U.S. over $23m bounty on terrorists

    Politicians, activists and clerics yesterday lauded the United States (U.S.) for its efforts at ridding Nigeria of terrorism.

    The National Chairman, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr Boniface Aniebonam, praised its $23 million bounty on leaders of militant groups accused of spreading terror in West Africa.

    Aniebonam said such assistance, including placing rewards on the heads of five leaders of militant groups in West Africa, would help to track them down.

    The highest reward of $7 million was offered for the Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, who last week called on Islamists in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq to join the bloody fight to create an Islamic state in Nigeria.

    Aniebonam said:“Nothing is wrong in the U.S. wanting to assist Nigeria in the fight against terrorism. Terrorism is a worldwide evil that is condemnable. The U.S. bounty is part of its efforts to rid the world of terrorists because human life remains sacrosanct to all countries.’’

    The Lagos State Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Mr Ehi Omokhuale, said Nigeria should cooperate more with the American Government and any other super powers willing to help eradicate terrorism in the country.

    “This is why we supported the state of emergency by the Federal Government. Terrorism is not something that should be handled with kid gloves,’’ he told NAN.

    According to him, the only way to handle terrorism is to match force with force.

    “Our mantra remains never to negotiate with terrorists,’’ he said.

    The CLO chairman urged Nigerians to volunteer information on the Boko Haram sect.

    “What is important is to rid the country and indeed the world of terrorists,’’ Omokhuale said.

    Human rights lawyer Mr Bamidele Aturu said what was important was an onslaught on terrorism.

    “Every country has a right to choose how it wants to fight insurgency. Nigeria, therefore, should also develop a home-grown approach that will yield more results in the fight against insurgency,’’ he said.

    A cleric, Femi Asiwaju, Vice President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), said it was commendable for the U.S. to come to Nigeria’s rescue, adding that the new initiative against terrorism was a move in the right direction.

    “The world is paying attention to what is happening in the country and we thank God for that. We appreciate the U.S. for coming out because what we have in our hands is not a domestic issue. ‘Placing such a huge amount on them is to tell terrorist organisations worldwide that the U.S. is interested in what is going on in the country. Whatever steps they are taking to put a stop to the mess, the better for all of us.’’

    Another cleric, Monsignor Gabriel Osu, the Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, said the action was a signal that the U.S. meant business.

    He noted that America’s move was part of its own strategy for fighting terrorism, adding that it is in its interest to stop terrorists.

    “America is not a Father Christmas government and nothing goes for nothing; for them to place such amount of money on terrorists in our zone, they must know more than we know about them and they mean business too.They do it all over and often see beyond what we are seeing,’’ Osu said.

    Osu said the action was also a challenge to Nigeria to do more in the anti-terrorism fight.

    The Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, Mr Taiwo Taiwo, said the prize would help to track down Shekau and other leaders of Al-qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, spreading terror in Nigeria and other West African countries.

    Taiwo said rewarding informants on the whereabouts of the suspected terrorists could help in reducing their attacks across the world.

    “You must know that the issue of terrorism is a global phenomenon and the U.S. has been at the receiving end of the onslaught by terrorists.

    “So, they have their reasons for putting cash rewards on the heads of those they suspect to be terrorists or having links with terrorist organisations,” he said.

    The NBA chairman lauded the cooperation among many countries of the world in the fight against terrorism.

    T he President of the Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans (CANAN), Dr James Fadele, described the news as great and an encouraging.

    “We want to commend the new U.S. Secretary of State Senator John Kerry for this decision. This move is an indication of greater forthrightness in dealing with the bane of terrorism in Nigeria and the West African sub-region,” Fadele said.

    Fadele heads CANAN, an association of U.S-based Nigerian pastors and top professionals which alongside other American groups have together been piling pressure on the U.S government to designate Boko Haram an FTO.

    “This decision by the State Department is in line with what CANAN has been clamouring for since September last year when the association was formed,” Fadele added.

    He said: “Boko Haram is a band of brutal terrorists who should be dealt with seriously, promptly and effectively to preserve the peace and stability of the West African sub-region.

    “And also secure the freedom of worship of Nigerian Christians.’’

  • Senate attributes terrorists’ activities, human trafficking to porous borders

    Senate attributes terrorists’ activities, human trafficking to porous borders

    The Senate yesterday blamed increasing rate of terrorists’ activities and human trafficking on the country’s porous borders.

    The upper chamber attributed the high rate of human trafficking in the border communities to the inability of the government to meet the social needs of the residents.

    Senate President David Mark said this when he inaugurated a public hearing on a bill for an Act to amend the Border Communities Development Agency Act Cap B10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and for related matters, 2013.

    The bill, sponsored by Senator Olufemi Lanlehin (Oyo South), seeks to strengthen the agency to make it perform its functions.

    The agency has the responsibility of improving the social and economic lives of Nigerians living in settlements, villages and towns spread across 96 local governments in 21 states along Nigeria’s borders.

    The Act, enacted in 2004, was first amended in 2006 to reposition the agency to cope with operational inadequacies.

    Lanlehin said despite the amendment, the condition of the border communities was yet to improve.

    Mark, who was represented by Senator James Manager, noted that the problem has deteriorated, especially with the influx of mercenaries, terrorists and other armed groups through the country’s porous borders.

    The situation in the border communities, he said, is worsened by the fact that the dearth of basic amenities, such as good schools, hospitals, markets and water, make inhabitants of the communities to cross to neighbouring countries to enjoy the amenities.

    He noted that it is the intendment of the amendment bill to provide a very convenient ground to enable the agency function adequately and efficiently, to improve the lives of the residents of the border communities and tighten security.

    Mark hailed the sponsor of the bill and the Senate “for giving voice to the needy.”

    Lanlehin noted that Nigerians in the border communities, who had suffered prolonged and systematic neglect and continued deprivations in the hands of successive governments, heaved a sigh of relief when the pioneer Governing Board of the Border Communities Development Agency was inaugurated in December 2009.

    The expectation, he said, was that the agency would champion and address the need for infrastructural development in the border communities.

    The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) lawmaker noted that the affected communities lacked social amenities that could qualify them as human settlements in the 21st century.

    He said: “The inhabitants travel by feet on narrow trails, which often involves crossing rivers – small and large- and such risky crossings result in loss of human lives and those of livestock, particularly in the rainy season.

    “Schools, basic health facilities, potable water and electricity are either non- existent or grossly inadequate, making their lives miserable in this supposedly wealthy country of ours.

    “Regrettably, a decade after the Border Communities Development Act was passed and signed into law and almost four years after the pioneer Governing Board of the agency was inaugurated, the condition of our people in the border communities has not improved as envisaged, due partly to poor funding of the agency.”

    Senator Lanlehin said the funds allocated to the agency were insufficient to meet the needs and aspirations of Nigerians in the border communities “and are getting smaller each year, culminating in the paltry sum of N436million for 2013.”

     

     

     

  • Terrorists want to destabilise Nigeria, says Jonathan

    Terrorists want to destabilise Nigeria, says Jonathan

    Text of President Goodluck Jonathan’s speech declaring a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.  

    Dear compatriots,

    It has become necessary for me to address you on the recent spate of terrorist activities and protracted security challenges in some parts of the country, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Plateau and most recently Bayelsa, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa states. These unfortunate events have led to needless loss of lives and property of many innocent Nigerians including members of our security forces.

    The recent killing of security operatives by a cult group in Nasarawa state is particularly condemnable. I have directed that no effort or expense be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all those who had a hand in the killing of the operatives.

    The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the North. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises, but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilise the Nigerian state and test our collective resolve.

    Since I returned to the country after cutting short my visit to South Africa and aborting a planned state visit to Namibia, I have received detailed briefings from our security agencies. These briefings indicate that what we are facing is not just militancy or criminality, but a rebellion and insurgency by terrorist groups which pose a very serious threat to national unity and territorial integrity. Already, some northern parts of Borno State have been taken over by groups whose allegiance is to different flags and ideologies.

    These terrorists and insurgents seem determined to establish control and authority over parts of our beloved nation and to progressively overwhelm the rest of the country. In many places, they have destroyed the Nigerian flag and other symbols of state authority and in their place, hoisted strange flags suggesting the exercise of alternative sovereignty.

    They have attacked government buildings and facilities. They have murdered innocent citizens and state officials. They have set houses ablaze, and taken women and children as hostages. These actions amount to a declaration of war and a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian state and threaten her territorial integrity. As a responsible government, we will not tolerate this.

    Previously, we adopted a multi-track approach to the resolution of this problem through actions which included persuasion, dialogue and widespread consultation with the political, religious and community leaders in the affected states.

    We exercised restraint to allow for all efforts by both State Governors and well-meaning Nigerians to stop the repeated cases of mindless violence.

    Yet, the insurgents and terrorists seek to prevent government from fulfilling its constitutional obligations to the people as they pursue their fanatical agenda of mayhem, mass murder, division and separatism.

    While the efforts at persuasion and dialogue will continue, let me reiterate that we have a sacred duty to ensure the security and well-being of all our people and protect the sovereign integrity of our country. Therefore, we shall, on no account, shy away from doing whatever becomes necessary to provide the fullest possible security for the citizens of this country in any part of the country they choose to reside.

    We have a duty to stand firm against those who threaten the sovereign integrity of the Nigerian state. Our will is strong, because our faith lies in the indivisibility of Nigeria.

    Following recent developments in the affected states, it has become necessary for Government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy. After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

    Accordingly, the Chief of Defence Staff has been directed to immediately deploy more troops to these states for more effective internal security operations. The troops and other security agencies involved in these operations have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists.

    This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lock-down of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons.

    The details of this Proclamation will be transmitted to the National Assembly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. But in the meantime, let me make it clear that within the purview of this Proclamation, the Governors and other political office holders in the affected states will continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

    I urge the political leadership in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to co-operate maximally with the Armed Forces and the Police to ensure that the exercise succeeds. We call on the citizenry to co-operate with our security agencies to ensure a return to normalcy within the shortest possible time.

    I am again approaching our neighbouring countries, through diplomatic channels, as done in the recent past, for their co-operation in apprehending any terrorist elements that may escape across the border.

    Nigerians are peace-loving people; these sad events perpetrated by those who do not wish our nation well have not changed the essential character of our people.

    I want to reassure you all that those who are directly or indirectly encouraging any form of rebellion against the Nigerian state, and their collaborators; those insurgents and terrorists who take delight in killing our security operatives, whoever they may be, wherever they may go, we will hunt them down, we will fish them out, and we will bring them to justice. No matter what it takes, we will win this war against terror.

    I am convinced that with your support and prayers, we shall overcome these challenges and together, we will restore every part of our country to the path of peace, growth and development.

    Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

     

  • 36 terrorists died in Baga, says DHQ

    36 terrorists died in Baga, says DHQ

    Another picture of the bloodshed in Baga, the Borno State town that was the scene of fighting between soldiers and Boko Haram insurgents, appeared yesterday.

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said 185 persons died in the clash between Boko Haram and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). Only 36 terrorists were killed, the military high command said.

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also refuted the report that over 3000 houses were razed in Baga. It claimed that less than 1000 houses are in the area. NEMA also said that it said only saw 32 fresh graves.

    These are some of the highlights in the preliminary reports on Baga submitted by Defence HQ and NEMA to President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa yesterday.

    According to them, there is no evidence of mass graves during their investigations to support the reported death of 185 persons in the clash.

    Addressing State House correspondents last night, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati said: “In its preliminary report to the President, the Defence Headquarters stated as follows: (a) That the military team involved in the confrontation with Boko Haram elements was the Multinational Joint Task Force. The MNJTF’s initial mandate was to conduct military operations in the Lake Chad Region and to facilitate free movement of the member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission across their common border. The mandate was expanded in April 2012 to include the fight against terrorists. The Task Force’s activities are, therefore, legal and needs to be sustained.”

    “(b) That whereas media reports averred that the incident of the alleged confrontation between the MNJTF and the Boko Haram Terrorists occurred on April 19, 2013; the incident actually occurred on Tuesday, April 16.

    (c) On April 17, MNJTF troops carried out mop-up operations at the scene of the attack and recovered the following items abandoned by the fleeing Boko Haram terrorists: rocket-propelled grenade launchers, rocket- propelled grenade bombs, AK 47 rifles, assorted ammunition, several improvised explosive devices and damaged Land Cruiser jeeps.”

    “(d) That whereas it was alleged that 185 people were killed by the soldiers of the MNJTF in Baga, Borno State; the assessment team received a briefing from the Commander of the MNJTF on April 24, 2013, during which he stated that 30 terrorists were killed in action. However, six bodies were recovered in Lake Chad about 3 km away from the action spot.”

    “(e) Furthermore, some locals were asked if they could take the assessment team to the mass graves where 185 people were allegedly buried, but the people denied knowledge of such graves. The Chairman of Kukawa Local Government Area was approached on the same issue, he also did not know of such graves. (f) The Chairman had earlier informed the team that Muslims do not bury more than one body in a grave.”

    “(g) The media also announced that about 3,000 houses were burnt. However, on-the-spot assessment revealed that though some houses were burnt, but they were certainly not up to the number quoted. It is pertinent to note that the houses in question are mostly thatched roof houses that could easily catch fire. It is on record that the terrorists employ the tactics of arson wherever they attack.”

    “(h)There was also the allegation that aid workers were denied access to Baga. This is incorrect as the Red Cross and NEMA officials were already in the town before the Defence Headquarters team arrived. The officials of the two organisations interviewed by the team confirmed that no one prevented them from moving into Baga.”

    On the NEMA report, he said: “The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in response to the President’s directive, sent a team to Baga to pave the way for immediate humanitarian relief. It reported as follows: (a) That the agency identified and set up an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Baga where 642 persons were registered as at April 25, 2013. More people who had earlier fled the community are returning due to improved security and the establishment of various IDPs by the Agency.”

    “(b) To provide immediate succor to the affected persons, the agency distributed relief materials. (c) That the 185 deaths being speculated in the media cannot be substantiated. (d) The NEMA team visited the two graveyards in the town, and could only identify in both places, a total of 32 fresh graves.”

    “(e) That a number of buildings and business premises were destroyed in the affected area, but the total number of houses in the town is far less than 1,000 (f) That there is a lot of misinformation being peddled about the situation in Baga.”

    According to him, President Goodluck Jonathan praised the military leadership, NEMA and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development for their swift response to his order for immediate action to investigate the incident in Baga, Borno State, and also for assisting and rehabilitating the victims, and making all necessary findings available to the government.

    He said: “President Jonathan also welcomed the plan by the National Human Rights Commission to carry out independent investigations.

    “Thanking the military high command and NEMA for the reports, President Jonathan said that investigations must continue, and assured them of his fullest support. He further reiterated his earlier position that where any kind of misconduct is established, the Federal Government will not hesitate in ensuring that due sanctions are enforced and that justice is done.”

    “The President said that what happened in Baga was most regrettable and unfortunate. He reaffirmed his full commitment to doing all within the powers of the government to speedily end the intolerable threats to national security which have necessitated such confrontations.”

    “President Jonathan will continue to work with the Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima whom he conferred with last week, to ensure that the people of Baga receive every possible relief and support to facilitate their speedy rehabilitation.” He stated.

     

  • Proposed amnesty for terrorists

    Proposed amnesty for terrorists

    SIR: I have monitored the declining government of Goodluck Jonathan with a sense of dread, horror and prayers for a change. I have also criticized the woeful economic and security measures by the government yet hoping for the best result at the end of the day. It is to my deepest chagrin and utter dismay that the government has shown its weakness/reluctance to adequately protect lives through the ultimate act of political abuse of the legal terms ‘amnesty”

    Do they (Nigerian government) even know the full legal ramification of amnesty? For the sake of clarity, “amnesty is a pardon extended by the government to a group or class of persons, usually for a political offence; the act of a sovereign power officially forgiving certain classes of persons who are subject to trial but have not yet been convicted. It includes more than pardon, in as much as it obliterates all legal remembrance of the offence”. Countless lives have been lost, properties destroyed, economic development halted, children rendered orphans and the government has the effrontery to term it a political offence? This is a crime against humanity! Their actions go beyond greed and selfishness to pure wickedness. What amnesty can you possibly offer a man whose beliefs are rooted in matters of faith and he is ready to die alongside that belief?

    How can you reach a state of pardon with a faceless person? What of the ties to other terrorist organizations? How do you hope to handle and sever it? Has the government considered these questions?

    There is more to this amnesty bid than the government is letting on and if the rumours of political settlement for a second tenure is to be believed, then not only am I hugely disappointed, I call for our collective intervention to stop this travesty! I watched the video, saw the bodies and felt the heartfelt cries of the families, how can the government turn a blind eye to such heart breaking plight?

    For the sake of families that have been emotionally paralyzed, innocent lives, dreams that have been cut short and economic retardation, I ask the government to abandon this weak attempt and concentrate on protecting lives while bringing the culprits to face the full brunt of the law because that is what justice is all about. Amnesty programs are expensive, the money can be channelled to victims, their families, and development

    In the alternative, I call on the intervention of the legislative arm to put up laws for conditions to the grant of amnesty and the judiciary to sanction the application of the privilege. If this prerogative is left in the hands of the executive alone, the abuse can lead to more anarchy, chaos and distraction from economic progress.

    David Smock rightly noted, “The downside of it is the impunity that it implies; that people can commit atrocities and say that they will only stop if they are given amnesty…”

     

    • Jennifer Heaven Mogekwu Mike

    University of Exeter UK.

  • We’ll continue to apply force on terrorists

    We’ll continue to apply force on terrorists

    UNTIL terrorists sheath their swords, the use of force would be applied on members of the Boko Haram sect, the Chief of Army Staff (CAS), Lt. General Azubuike Onyeabo Ihejirika said yesterday.

    Gen. Ihejirika said the measure would continue while the Federal Government explores the possibility of dialogue with terrorists once they meet set conditions.

    The army chief spoke in Lagos at an interactive session on military-media relations in the country.

    The session entitled: “Enhancing Military-Media Relations Towards Improved Security,” held at the 81 Division Auditorium, Marina, on Lagos Island.

    According to Gen. Ihejirika, dropping the use of force to fight insurgents or terrorists groups like Boko Haram may be counterproductive.

    He said: “Curbing terrorism, like every other complex problem, requires multi-faceted approach. There is no tested solution that you could describe as solution to the menace.

    “There is no country where terrorism has been curbed that force was not applied. There is none in history. We have proven cases in history where government efforts relaxed and the terrorists use the opportunity to regroup and reequipped. I talk so much about force because that my own line of business. I am to destroy the terrorists if I am able to find them. Also to curtail their movements generally.”

    Commenting on the call by some sections of Nigerians to dialogue with the group, Gen. Ihejirika urged those leading the call to on their own engage the terrorists in dialogue, a move he said would be supported by the Federal Government.

    The General continued: “The government has made its position repeatedly clear that it is open to dialogue and discussion.

    “I can even add that even those calling for dialogue on their own can undertake dialogue. Nobody is stopping anybody from dialoguing with anybody. If a leader, politician has been able to come up with a solution, government will buy it.

    The army chief told reporters that the government has enough evidence that the Boko Haram group are being trained, financed and supplied weapons by similar group in the Maghreb region.

    The army chief said: “It has also been established that they (Boko Haram) get their funding from banks’ robberies, payment of protection fees through intimidation of individuals and through external funding. “There is also a strong link between the Boko Haram and terrorist in the Maghreb including the rebels in Mali who provide them with training, funding and weapons.”

  • Security beefed-up in Kano for Easter

    Security has been beefed up in Kano by operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the Police to guarantee a hitch-free Easter celebration on Sunday in  Kano.

    Despite the ongoing house to house search by security men for suspected terrorists, as well as illegal weapons, the 3rd Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Kano has also deployed additional troops to beef up security arrangements in the state.

    The Police Command headquarters  in Bompai has deployed 4,000 police officers to beef-up security arrangements in the metropolis for today’s Easter celebrations

    Our reporter observed the presence  of many  armoured personnel carriers from the 3 Brigade patrolling the streets, during his visit to some parts of the metropolis, while the Police have also deployed officers to beef up security in strategic locations.

    Also, our Correspondent noticed increased presence of security personnel in most churches in Sabon Gari,  mostly inhabited by non-indigenous community, who were  gripped with fear over the bomb blast recently rocked the New Road motor park which claimed so many lives.

    At the close of the day, our investigations revealed that most of the churches have also made alternative security arrangements to ensure violent-free celebrations, following the engagement of private security outfit to beef up security.

    The Kano State Police boss, Musa Daura , when asked of security arrangements, disclosed that his Command has deployed 4,000 police officers as part of the Easter security build-up, adding that the normal stop and search security arrangement and surveillance activities are also part of efforts to ensure a smooth Easter celebration.

    “The Command is leaving nothing to chance to ensure we have violent-free Easter celebration, you are aware we have raiding flash points during which a number arrests of suspects were made and a number of weapons of mass destruction intercepted, this is all part of the efforts to usher in a hitch-free Easter.”

    Captain Ikedichi  Iweha, who is the spokesman of the JTF in Kano, disclosed that the military has placed its soldiers on red alert: “We are working very hard and as I speak with you now, military men deployed to the streets of Kano have been doubled, while the house to house search is still in progress.

     

     

     

  • Easter: Let’s unite against terrorists- Jonathan

    Easter: Let’s unite against terrorists- Jonathan

    President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerians to unite against global terrorists and their local accomplices who want to divide the country.

    He made the call in his Easter message to the Nation.

    Full text of the message follows:

    “I greet and felicitate with you all as we celebrate Easter which commemorates the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ after his redemptive self-sacrifice for the eternal salvation of mankind.

    “Irrespective of our religion or faith, all holidays provide us with a fresh opportunity to establish stronger bonds with our family, friends and all those around us for more enduring, harmonious and beneficial relationships.

    “As we celebrate this year’s Easter therefore, I urge all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to living in peace and oneness with all members of their communities no matter their ethnicity, religious beliefs or places of origin.

    “By now, it ought to be an accepted fact amongst us that our immense potential for greatness in the comity of nations derives in the main from our collective strength as a country of close to 170 million people and the acclaimed richness of our diverse human resources and natural endowments.

    “It follows, therefore, that to successfully achieve our vision of becoming one of the most dominant nations on the global stage in the shortest possible time, we must stay together as a people and continue to effectively resist by all possible means, the evil machinations of global terrorists and their misguided domestic accomplices who seek to provoke turmoil, hatred and harmful divisions among us.

    “I assure all Nigerians that our security agencies, armed forces and I will continue to fully discharge our constitutional responsibilities for protecting the unity and territorial integrity of this country with all the powers and forces at our disposal.

    “We must have peace, security and stability to effectively implement our agenda for national transformation in all parts of the country and we shall continue to work ceaselessly to re-establish the prerequisite conditions for nationwide progress and development.

    “For your part, dear countrymen and women, I urge you to continue to exhibit restraint and understanding in the face of seeming provocations. Those who mindlessly and indiscriminately attack churches, schools, health workers,  motor-parks, banks and ordinary road users must be seen as they truly are: the brainwashed pawns of international terrorism.

    “They do not represent any true religion or section of the country and we must never play into their hands by succumbing to their nefarious ploys to incite religious, ethnic hatred and division among us.

    “It is my hope and prayer that as we celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, his lessons of self-sacrifice, brotherly love, placing others before self, tolerance, obedience, respect for lawful authorities, dutifulness, diligence, honesty, justice and fairness to all will take firmer root in our beloved country and help us to overcome present challenges and build the more peaceful, secure, united, progressive and prosperous nation of our dreams.

    “I wish you all happy Easter celebrations.”

  • Bayelsa govt owns terrorists’ Lagos hideout, says monarch

    Bayelsa govt owns terrorists’ Lagos hideout, says monarch

    The house where security operatives arrested nine suspected terrorists, including a Chadian, in Ijora-Badia, a Lagos mainland suburb, belongs to Bayelsa State government, a monarch claimed.

    Yesterday Ojora of Ijora, Oba Fatai Oyeyinka Aromire, in whose domain soldiers attached to Lagos internal security outfit – Operation-MESA, arrested the suspects accused the government of Bayelsa State of complicity in the presence of terrorist suspects in Nigeria’s economic hub.

    Oba Aromire blamed the government for abandoning the property, a development he said encouraged miscreants to use it as a hideout.

    He said all the efforts made in the past by him and security agencies to get the Bayelsa government to either demolish the building or lease it out, considering the dangers of leaving it empty, yielded no result.

    There were no comments from the Bayelsa government whose official promised “to get back to” The Nation.

    The royal father, who frowned at the discovery of ammunition, including two AK47 rifles in his community, said it was God who saved the state from the suspected terrorists.

    The Ojora spoke during a courtesy visit of Hausa leaders, led by the Chairman of the Council of Arewa Chiefs in Lagos, Alhaji Kabiru Garuba, to his palace.

    He alleged that the attack being planned by the suspects was meant to cause mayhem the Centre of Excellence. He warned the Hausa leaders to reign in their men.

    According to him, the suspects were living under the umbrella of the Hausa people, who have been residing in the area for many years without crisis.

    Oba Aromire urged the Hausa leaders to evict anti-social elements in their midst to avoid the wrath of the law.

    His words: “Discovery of such factory in Ijora was very sad to me and the entire family of Ojora. It was God that saved the whole Lagos because the attack was meant to destroy the state as a whole and not Ijora alone.

    “But let me state here clearly that you should warn your men very well. Lagos is no-go area for miscreants. Although, they call the perpetrators Malians and Chadians, but they reside among your people here in Ijora.

    “Please, talk to them and call them to order because if they refuse to desist, the result will be disastrous for them.

    “I also want to say that the blame should also go to the Bayelsa State government for not taking care of their abandoned house where the evil doers are using as the hideout.

    “We have been talking to them for a very long time to come and lease it out for the people that will make use of it, but they refused.

    “If you ask the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in this area, he will tell you all our efforts to ensure that they come to either demolish or give it to the people that will make use of it, but they are yet to respond.”

    The Seriki Hawusawa, (Alhaji Garuba), condemned the incident and described the Arewa residents as peace-loving people who have been living in Lagos for a long time.

    He said that the Arewa community will ensure that nobody hide under its umbrella to perpetrate evil.

    Ninety-three suspected terrorists were yesterday handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command by the police.

    It was reliably gathered that the suspects were mainly Chadians, Malians and Nigeriens.

    Command spokesman of the NIS, Mr. Muyiwa Odunubi, who confirmed receiving the suspects from security agents, said the suspects would be paraded today by the Immigration command.

    “I can confirm to you that we received 93 suspected Boko Haram members who were handed over to us by the police and other security agencies,” he said.