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  • Eid: President seeks prayers for troops battling terrorists

    Eid: President seeks prayers for troops battling terrorists

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday urged Nigerians to pray for troops battling bandits and terrorists in the Northeast and Northwest.

    “Let us continue our prayers for our front-line officers, who risk their lives for our safety and security,” he said in a message to Muslims as they celebrate Eid-el-Kabir today.

    The President, who led other leaders in congratulating the faithful, added: “Let us pray for our leaders at all levels and our country. Let us pray for peace in our tumultuous world of troubles and uncertainties. Let us dedicate this sacred celebration to seeking God’s guidance and blessings for our country.”

     Eid-el-Kabir, celebrated worldwide by the slaughtering rams, is in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to a command from God.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio, his deputy, Senator Jibrin Barau, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and Senator Tokunbo Abiru, who also felicitated Muslims, urged them to imbibe the virtues of love, sacrifice, patience and commitment to nation-building.

    We are laying good economic foundation, says President

    President Tinubu said he is laying a good foundation for the economy, adding that the difficult, but necessary decisions taken by his administration would foster growth and development.

    He said the reforms of his administration have started yielding dividends, assuring that better days are ahead.

    He said his administration would continue to act in the best interest of Nigerians through the implementation of laudable policies and programmes that would herald greater prosperity.

    The President said: “Our administration will continue acting in the nation’s best interest, ensuring that the gains we are recording translate into improving people’s lives. There are no quick fixes, but we are committed to repairing the foundations of our economy once and for all.”

    The President, who acknowledged that the country had endured a challenging period marked by tough economic adjustments, however, expressed optimism that the most difficult phase of the reforms was over.

    He stressed: “I assure you that the toughest days are behind us. We are entering a new era of renewed hope and prosperity that we promised two years ago.”

    President Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain patient and resilient, noting that positive signs were beginning to emerge across key economic sectors.

    Read Also: CAS to terrorists: we will find you and take you out

    He said: “We may not yet be where we aspire to be, but I urge all Nigerians not to lose hope. Let us hold on to our faith and persevere. Our reforms are gaining traction, with key economic indicators now moving in a positive direction. Soon, all will feel the benefits.”

    The President, who described the festival as a period of deep reflection, called  for selflessness, devotion, and sacrifice.

    He urged Muslims to emulate the example of Prophet Ibrahim and uphold the values taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

    Akpabio urges peace, patience

    Akpabio urged Nigerians to work for  peace and  unity, adding that they should also maintain sacrifice, compassion and kindness.

    The Senate President said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, that the faithful should imbibe the lessons of the festival.

    He said: “As we commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, we are reminded of the values of obedience, faith, and selflessness.

    “I urge all Nigerians to embody these virtues, fostering a culture of peace, understanding, and cooperation.

    “We also recognise the challenges our nation faces and the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address them. His economic and fiscal reforms, though difficult, are yielding results and paving the way for a brighter future. I encourage all Nigerians to remain patient, resilient, and committed to our collective progress.

    “Let us use this occasion to promote interfaith harmony, national unity, and development. May Allah bless our nation and grant us peace and prosperity.”

    Pray for Nigeria, Abbas urges Muslims

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas,  urged Nigerians, particularly the Muslims, to pray for the unity and prosperity of the country.

    The Speaker, who is participating in this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia, gave the charge in a statement  by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Musa Krishi.

    Abbas implored them to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, which is one of the hallmarks of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

    He said: “Through prayers, selflessness, dedication, and renewed hope, we shall overcome our challenges as a nation.”

    Barau: Give support to the needy

    Barau called for unity, love and support for the needy. He rejoiced with Muslims and  urged them to pray for the progress of the country.

    The Deputy Senate President who spoke through a statement his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity,  Ismail Mudashir, said Nigerians should support the President as he works for peace and socio-economic prosperity of the country.

    Barau said; “I wish Muslims, and indeed all Nigerians, a memorable Eid-El-Kabir. This season reminds us to obey Allah’s instructions, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. True Muslims should adhere to peace, tolerance, justice and charity.”

    Akume: Let’s reaffirm commitment to development

    Akume urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of faith, sacrifice, and unity, adding that they should  reaffirm their commitment to national development.

    The SGF said in a statement by his Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, that the celebration coincided with the second anniversary of the Tinubu administration.

    Akume said: “This celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the enduring values of peace, unity, compassion, and patriotism.”

    The SGF assured that the Federal Government is committed to delivering the dividends of democracy through sustained reforms, inclusive economic growth, and improved security and governance.

    He also assured Nigerians that their sacrifices and resilience would yield visible benefits as reforms continue to take root.

    Abiru calls for religious tolerance

    Abiru said in a statement by his media aide, Enitan  Olukotun, that Muslims should  uphold the values of sacrifice, obedience, and unwavering faith as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.

    He said the sacred period should remind humanity of the timeless lessons of devotion, humility, and total submission to the will of Almighty Allaha

    Abiru, who represents Lagos East District in the Senate,  also urged Nigerians to embrace peace, religious tolerance, and unity, especially in light of the ongoing national efforts to address economic and social challenges.

    He said: “Now more than ever, we must come together as one people, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation. Let us support our leaders at all levels, especially President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as they work tirelessly to build a more prosperous and stable Nigeria.”

     Abiru highlighted the importance of steadfastness and collective responsibility in nation-building, noting that while the road to economic recovery may be challenging, unity, hope, and hardwork would see the country through.

    He added: “I encourage every Nigerian to remain resilient and prayerful. This season is not just a time of celebration but of reflection, compassion, and renewal of our commitment to nation building.”

    Samuel: pray for a stronger economy

    An industrialist, Prince S.J Samuel, enjoined Nigerians to pray for enduring peace, love, and unity in their collective pursuit of building a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.

    Samuel, the Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group, urged Muslims to uphold the prophet’s timeless virtues of peace, kindness, humility, and selflessness, especially in their daily interactions.

    He said in a statement: “As we commemorate this day, may the blessings of Eid-El-Maulud illuminate your homes and enrich your lives with love, peace and prosperity “

    CAN urges leaders to make sacrifices

    The Christian Association (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) urged leaders “to make a double sacrifice to secure Nigeria just as Muslims offer sacrifices in obedience to God during Sallah”.

    Its Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, in a statement, said: “Northern CAN encourages those in positions of authority, particularly the political leadership, to make a double sacrifice to secure Nigeria just as Muslims offer sacrifices in obedience to God during Sallah.

    “Our leaders must likewise act in obedience to their constitutional duty and moral responsibility to protect the lives and dignity of every Nigerian.”

    He added: “The country is groaning under the weight of insecurity, economic distress, and social disillusionment.

    “Nigerians are living in fear, and this climate of uncertainty is what gives room for enemies of peace to perpetrate evil without restraint.

    “It is no longer enough to issue statements or make promises.

    “The government must urgently remedy the conditions that have cast doubt on its commitment to the people. Let the leadership act decisively so that Nigerians will no longer have reasons to question or complain.”

    “We urge all religious and community leaders to continue fostering peaceful coexistence and to avoid making statements or taking actions capable of deepening our division.”

  • We will up our game against terrorists, criminals – Naval Chief

    We will up our game against terrorists, criminals – Naval Chief

    The Nigerian Navy will up its game towards defeating the enemies of the state and other criminal elements, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has assured.

    Ogalla, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Adm. Ibrahim Dewu, gave the assurance during the Jumaat Service in commemoration of Navy’s 69th Anniversary yesterday in Abuja.

    He said the commitment of the Nigerian navy to defend the territorial integrity and peace of the nation was underscored by its collaborative performances towards ensuring national security.

    According to him, the security of the nation’s maritime space is being undermined by a series of illegal activities perpetrated by criminal elements.

    “We have intensified our operational engagements to neutralise these economic saboteurs in our maritime environment with resounding success.

    READ ALSO: 11 things Nigerians should note when applying for a five-year Schengen visa

    “Our success has been made possible with the support of the President, Commander-in-Chief Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, culminating in the acquisition of modern platforms, which showcased the Navy’s capability and strength,” he said.

    The CNS said that his leadership had improved personnel welfare by providing befitting accommodations to ensure their well-being.

    He said the anniversary would provide them an opportunity for collective and individual introspection towards upholding the core values of the navy which are professionalism, integrity and teamwork.

    He urged them to be disciplined and law abiding at all times, as well as utilise the occasion to rededicate themselves with renewed focus, enthusiasm and hope, towards achieving a prosperous future for the navy.

    “As we celebrate, let us also be of goodwill to one another and work together to make the service and Nigeria greater.

    In his remarks, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Adm. Dewu said the readiness of the Nigerian navy to defend the nation was not in doubt at 69.

    He said that Nigerians should expect the best from the navy with the new platforms acquired by the government which include ships, helicopters, among others.

    He said the central programmes for the Navy Week would take place in Lagos with interdenominational church service on May 25 at the Navy town followed by the sailing competition Gulf Kitty and inauguration of some projects and the newly acquired platforms.

    “Then the high point of the Navy week is the day of navy’s birthday, which is on June 1 and the day we are going to have a ceremonial sunset and Dina at Naval Dockyard Lagos,” he said.

  • Troops seize petroleum products worth over N103m, kill several terrorists, bandits

    Troops seize petroleum products worth over N103m, kill several terrorists, bandits

    Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE, a military onslaught against oil theft and bunkering, have seized petroleum products worth N103, 909,422.00 from criminals in the past week.

    The troops also discovered and destroyed 16 crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dugout pits, 19 boats, 34 storage tanks, 79 drums and 18 illegal refining sites.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye announced this in a statement yesterday.

    Giving the breakdown of the seizure, Kangye said troops seized 68,875 litres of stolen crude, 31,166 litres of illegally refined diesel and 2,250 litres of kerosene.

    He said: “Other items recovered include, pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and seven vehicles.”

    The defence spokesman said troops have continued to heighten the onslaught against terrorists and other non-state actors in the Northeast, Northwest and Northcentral.

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: World’s 11 most powerful passports in 2025

    According to Gen. Kangye, in the past week, troops have successfully destroyed several terrorists’ camps and rescued kidnap victims.

    He said troops killed several terrorists and rescued 17 kidnap victims during a fighting patrol in Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza and Damboa local government areas of Borno State.

    “They also recovered arms and some quantities of assorted ammunition as well as hand grenade and extra magazines,” Kangye said.

    “Troops also arrested two terrorist logistics suppliers in well-coordinated operations conducted in Gwoza and Gubio on May 12.”

    On military successes in Northwest, the defence spokesman said troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA killed scores of and rescued 42 kidnap victims during a fire fight in Sabon Birni, Isa Goronyo and Tangaza local government areas of Sokoto State, and Anka, Gusau, Tsafe, Bungudu and Shinkafi local government areas of Zamfara State.

    He said troops rescued 87 kidnap victims in Zurmi, Gusau, Maru, Bukkuyum, Shinkafi and Kaura Namoda local government areas of Zamfara, as well as Sabuwa, Kankara, and Gudu local government areas of Katsina and Sokoto states.

    “Arms and ammunition as well as vehicles, motorcycles and livestock were also recovered from them,” Kangye said

    “Troops, while on cordon and search operations, arrested 2 suspected drug peddlers in Gwadabawa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State on April 9. They recovered 2 bundles of cannabis, assorted illicit drugs and the sum of N110,000.00 from them.”

    Speaking on military onslaught in the Northcentral zone, the defence spokesman said troops, while conducting operation in Riyom, Qua’An Pan, Bokkos and Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau State, killed some extremists and arrested a suspected gunrunner with assorted arms and ammunition and the sum of N157,900.00.

    He said troops foiled kidnap attempts in Jos South, Mangu and Bassa between May 8 and 9, and neutralized some extremists and arrested two others on May 10.”

  • Govt’s guards for forests to dislodge terrorists, bandits

    Govt’s guards for forests to dislodge terrorists, bandits

    • Thousands to be hired, trained, equipped

    • CDS: we’re deploying fresh strategies

    The Federal Government is set to take the battle against terrorists and bandits to the forests.

    The plan is to reclaim vast forestlands from criminal elements.

    There are 1,129 documented forests.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment and deployment of forest guards.

    The initiative, according to Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Mr. Sunday Dare, is intended to flush out terrorists and criminal gangs who have used forests as havens.

    Dare, in a post on his verified X handle, @SundayDareSD, said the recruitment drive will be carried out by the federal and state governments.

    The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Ministry of Environment will provide oversight, he said.

    According to him, the President directed that the forest guards be professionally trained and properly armed to meet the security challenges within the country’s forests, many of which have been exploited by kidnappers, bandits, and insurgents in recent years.

    President Tinubu, Dare added, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing every inch of Nigerian territory, declaring that no part of the country would be abandoned to lawlessness.

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Six states where candidates affected by JAMB error will retake UTME exams

    “To secure the country’s forests, President Tinubu has approved the establishment of forest guards to secure Nigeria’s 1,129 forests.

    “Thousands of young Nigerians are expected to be employed for the initiative.

    “President Tinubu reiterated that his administration will not surrender any part of Nigeria’s territory to criminals, vowing to take back the forests,” the statement said.

    This latest security initiative is part of the Tinubu Administration’s broader strategy to address the root causes of insecurity while simultaneously providing employment opportunities.

    The recruitment process is expected to begin soon, with details on application and training to be jointly released by the supervising agencies, it was learnt.

    The initiative, described as laudable, is also seen as a way of complementing existing security operations and environmental protection strategies.

    The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) hailed the initiative, describing it as a bold step towards ending the insecurity ravaging forested regions, according to a statement by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak.

    It cautioned against the politicisation of the guards’ recruitment.

    Also, the Arewa Think Tank (ATT) said it was hopeful that the forest guards would boost security.

    In a statement by its Convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, it said: “We must say with the air of pride and satisfaction that we now have a President who is very close to the people, who does not detach himself from the people he is governing, who is feeling the pulse of the nation and providing remedy to it.

    “We must also say that this move by Mr. President is very unprecedented and creative. We urge him to keep it up for the benefit of the people.

    “We advise that the  recruitment of these guards should be a collaborative security effort between the federal and state governments.”

    Country Director/Principal Representative of German Initiative for Knowledge Transfer in Nigeria, Obinna Ichita, believes the forest guards will help to curb escalating insecurity across Nigeria.

    Ichita, the 2023 deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia, said that by this move, the President had further demonstrated a genuine interest in swiftly addressing the security challenges.

    He is hopeful that the forest guards will flush out those suspected foreign elements and their local collaborators, who hide in forests across the country to kidnap and kill innocent people.

    No cause for alarm, says CDS

    Yesterday, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said the renewed threats by Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) should not be a cause of great concern.

    Boko Haram and ISWAP have launched attacks on some military formations and communities in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states in the Northeast.

    General Musa led other security chiefs on an assessment visit to the Theatre Command North East ‘Operation Hadin Kai’.

    He visited Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, where multiple explosions occurred at the Armoury due to heat waves.

    The CDS told reporters: “The pockets of renewed attacks should not be a cause of concern as the Nigerian Military and other security agencies are on top of the situation.

    “Security is not a one-man business. Let me appeal to all and sundry to key into the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP, banditry, kidnapping and all other forms of criminality for peace and development of our dear country.

    “The Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very much committed to bringing lasting peace and development in all nooks and crannies.

    “What we are witnessing here is an eclipse caused by pressure on terrorists in the Sahel region, forcing them to increase attacks in Nigeria, especially around the porous borders of the Lake Chad Basin.

    “We are working diligently to address these challenges.

    “During my recent trip to Russia, Nigeria maintained a non-aligned stance but engaged with key stakeholders ready to partner with us in this fight.

    “We have procured more sophisticated weapons which will soon be deployed alongside new strategies to end the madness of terrorism.”

  • Terrorists reportedly attack military base in Borno

    Terrorists reportedly attack military base in Borno

    Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have attacked a Nigerian Army base in Marte , the headquarters of Marte Local Government Area of Borno State with casualties

    The terrorists attacked the 153 Task Force Battalion’s Forward Operation Base (FOab) at around 3am on Monday, according to the locals and security sources.

    They said the terrorists also burnt armoured tanks and seized arms and ammunition from the base during the attack.

    Read Also: $160m needed to combat food insecurity, malnutrition in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe – UNOCHA

    “ISWAP has taken over Marte. An unspecified number of soldiers were killed, some captured, and many others fled towards Dikwa.

    “They are currently at the 24 Task Force Brigade in Dikwa,” a source said.

    Recent terrorist attacks have targeted several military formations in Borno and Yobe, including Sabon Gari and Buni Yadi, with the latest being the attack on the 153 Task Force Battalion.

    Attempts to reach Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, were unsuccessful as he didn’t answer calls or respond to text messages.

  • 1,770 terrorists killed, 3,070 arrested in Northwest, says CDS

    1,770 terrorists killed, 3,070 arrested in Northwest, says CDS

    No fewer than 1,770 terrorists were killed and 3,070 arrested across the five Northwest states in the past three years, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has said.

    He made this known at a sensitisation programme organised for Katsina communities.

    The CDS, who was represented by Brig.-Gen. Dahiru Abu-Mahawashi, the Deputy Director, Defence Media Operations, according to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), explained that the military also seized more than 1,000 weapons, as well as 12,000 bullets from criminals.

    He said more than 2,515 victims were rescued within the period in Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states,

    According to him, the army is doing its best in fighting insecurity, as a series of successes have been recorded, not only across the northwest states, but the country.

    “This fight for peace is not just for the military, it’s a fight we must all join together. Therefore, report suspicious activities, protect one another, and guide your youths.

    Read Also: Take out terrorists, President Tinubu orders Security chiefs

    “We must remember peace does not grow in silence, it grows in unity. Let us speak, let us listen and let us forgive, because without forgiveness, we cannot heal.

    “Together, we are stronger than anyone, together we can silence the sound of violence with the voice of peace.”

    According to him, the exercise tagged, ‘Military diplomacy campaign to communities and cultural groups across Nigeria, focuses on strengthening community cooperation for national security’.

    Musa further assured the residents that the army is re-strategising to ensure that peace returns to all nooks and crannies in the frontline communities.

    Some of the community members, who spoke during the exercise, said peace had returned to some communities due to the recent dialogue with the repented criminals in Batsari.

    Malam Lawal Rabi’u expressed concern over the dialogue, saying that bandits from the neighbouring councils where such dialogue did not take place, continued to attack them regularly.

  • Group decries infiltration of Southwest by terrorists

    Group decries infiltration of Southwest by terrorists

    Participants at the summit organised by the Yoruba Assembly have decried the infiltration of the Southwest by armed terrorists who engage in kidnapping, ritual killing, murder, invasion and sacking of communities and farmlands.

     They said the future of the region is bleak with insecurity ravaging it.

    The summit, which was attended by artisan and professional groups, self-determination and other pan-Yoruba groups from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Kogi, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo and Delta states, deliberated on theme, “Threats to human life, livelihood and democracy”.

    Read Also: Southwest Games will unlock opportunities for youth, says Adeleke

    In a communique at the end of the summit, chaired by the leader of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), Olawale Oshun, the participants called on governments in the Southwest to build the capacity of the regional security outfit, otherwise known as Amotekun, with modern security equipment to enable it to effectively secure the lives and properties of people living in the region.

    The statement reads: “Amotekun has tried to deal with terrorism, but the organisation is not well equipped to effectively address the problem. Therefore, states in the Southwest should stop recruiting politicians but real pan Yoruba actors to Amotekun in the bid to deal with terrorism and other crimes.

    “Delegates regret that for now, there is no insurance cover for Amotekun. This discourages Amotekun corps from optimum performance.”

  • Troops kill 82 terrorists, rescue 93 kidnap victims in one week

    Troops kill 82 terrorists, rescue 93 kidnap victims in one week

    Troops on internal security operations across the country have killed 82 terrorists, arrested 198 criminals and rescued 93 kidnap victims in the past week.

    The troops also recovered 86 high caliber weapons and 2,040 weapons across the theatres of operation.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, announced this in a statement yesterday.

    Maj-Gen Kangye said 41 terrorists, comprising 10 male, 12 females and 19 children, surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai.

    He said troops in the Niger Delta region seized crude oil and other products worth over N500 million.

    Read Also: Tony Elumelu calls for increased oil production to boost Nigeria’s economy

    The breakdown, according to him, includes 366,530 litres of stolen crude, 117,320 litres of illegally refined diesel and 600 litres of kerosene.

    He said: “Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 38 crude oil cooking ovens, 27 dugout pits, 22 boats, three speedboats, 60 storage tanks, 34 drums and 32 illegal refining sites.

    “Troops arrested 22 oil thieves, recovered two and 152 assorted arms and ammunition as well as five magazines, among others.”

    Giving details on the weapons seized, the defence spokesman said troops recovered 46 AK47 rifles, 18 locally fabricated guns, 19 Dane guns and three pump action guns.

    He said the ammunition recovered include 1,165 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 128 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 600 rounds of 7.62 x 12.7mm ammo, and 51 cartridges.

  • Convicted terrorists

    Convicted terrorists

    • There should be greater clarity

    It appears that the Federal Government has started taking decisive steps to stem the tide of terrorism in the country. The Boko Haram terror group that has been operating in the North East since 2009 before spreading to other parts of the North has been used to being treated with kid gloves.

    When the military apprehends members of the group, the best that comes out of it is their arraignment; thereafter little is heard of the cases, thus further weakening public confidence in the state and its security forces. As was the case with Kabiru Sokoto, a notorious Boko Haram terrorist, he was able to escape from police custody in 2012. It took the intervention of the Department of State Services (DSS) to recapture him in Taraba State.

    So many times, previous governments had promised to name and arraign sponsors of these merchants of death, but nothing more was heard about the issue. That more than 200 terrorists were convicted recently in Kainji, Niger State is a step forward, but there is much more to be done. It would appear that the trials, which were conducted from December 9 to 13, 2024, were private and not open to the media because of security considerations. But it is surprising that the state, which is expected to have the capacity to provide adequate security, could be afraid of non-state actors. If the Nigerian state could be scared of these presumably poorly trained criminals, what about common citizens?

    Going forward, the government should make public all efforts to rout these enemies of state, be they Boko Haram terrorists, bandits, murderous herders or kidnappers. The entire process, from arrest to prosecution and sentence should be made public. Also, efforts should be stepped up to bring terrorism financiers to book. For the state to win public confidence, there must be clarity on the issue of justice for the terrorists and their backers. 

    Even the statement from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) informing the public of the sentences given to the convicted terrorists was not detailed enough. The statement said: “Among those sentenced to the maximum penalty were individuals found guilty of heinous offences, including attacks on women and children, destruction of religious sites, the slaughter of innocent civilians, and the abduction of women and children in a brutal assault at Gina Kara Kai community in Borno State.

    Read Also: No disagreement with Govs over local government administration — Tinubu

    “Additionally, individuals involved in terrorism-financing – a critical enabler of violent activities – were sentenced to life imprisonment, underscoring the Federal Government’s unyielding resolve to dismantle all aspects of terrorist networks.”

    It merely pointed out that some received the death sentence, while others were sentenced to prison for between 20 and 70 years. Who were they? The statement also suggested that some sponsors were tried and jailed, but their identities were kept secret. Why?

    When armed robbers and other regular criminals are tried, it is usually in open court with journalists in attendance. Why should the case be different for terrorists? Their activities: Churches and mosques have been bombed, traditional rulers beheaded, girls abducted and turned to sex slaves, schools violated, religious leaders and grandparents subjected to indignity without taking their positions and age into account. In many daring moves, they have attacked military formations, planted landmines that caused death of officers and men of the Armed Forces and even attempted to hoist strange flags on Nigerian territory.

    Their activities have arrested national development for more than a decade. Scarce resources that could have been applied to providing infrastructure in the various sectors of the economy and parts of the country have been used for importing weapons to fight the anti-terror war. These are reasons Nigerians should not be kept in the dark concerning the trials of terrorists and their sponsors.  They should be named, shamed and prosecuted in public.

    Importantly, the judiciary should be more sensitive to the need for speedy trials for terrorism suspects. We call on the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to work with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to achieve

  • Non-kinetic weapons to defeat Lukarawa terrorists

    Non-kinetic weapons to defeat Lukarawa terrorists

    • By Osung Edet DSP

    Sir: Collaborative intelligence and community policing, if well-coordinated, can be a very active and successful non-kinetic weapon to defeat Boko Haram and Lukarawa terrorists. Intelligence is a product of (information, rumour and grapevine) stories that have been treated professionally. Mind you – ordinary information is not yet regarded as intelligence until it is treated by trained brains and minds. Grapevine stories, rumours and ordinary information – when gathered, analyzed and processed can give birth to intelligence. Intelligence is a credible information with credible facts and figures that can assist law enforcement agents to apprehend offenders or launch lawful attacks on criminals.

    When the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police, DSS, NIA and others share such intelligence and synergize together, terrorist like Lukarawa, Boko Haram etc would have nowhere to hide. This activity is aptly known as collaborative intelligence. The Lukarawa terrorist group is not new in Nigeria as it is widely published now, they have been around in Nigeria with late Abubakar Shekau in the Boko Haram camp. They later had a clash over supremacy and some of the terrorists went and pitched their tents with ISWAP while others chose to roam about as Fulani herdsmen.

    The so-called vicious, wicked Fulani herdsmen armed with AK-47 Riffles are not Nigerians as we wrongly believe because of ethnicity/our tribal sentiments tearing us apart. Most politicians, elites and rich men arm these dare devil Lukarawa – as their herdsmen. Lukarawa terrorists are from Chad, Niger Republic, Mali and other Sahel area of Africa. Boko Haram, bandits and insurgents brought some of them in as mercenaries. The intelligence community could not recognise them because they hid their true identity. Now that they brazenly made their identity public – tongues are wagging – that there is now a new terrorist group. They are not new in Nigeria!

    Read Also: EFCC fires two staff over corrupt practices

    Community policing can also be a veritable non-kinetic weapon against terrorism and criminal activities. Community policing is one of the misunderstood terms and activity – even amongst some senior police officers. Community policing is not Local Government Authority Police or State Police as being canvassed by politicians. It is not (special constabulary) that is employed for part-time or weekend work. Community policing is a philosophy of ACTIVE partnership and collaboration – by law enforcement agents with local or host community – for the purpose of maintaining law and order/apprehension and prosecution of criminal elements.

    Such partnership by way of collating criminal information, rumours, grapevine stories and giving same to law enforcement agencies is part of what constitutes community policing. Members of the local communities know where criminals live, they know where criminals frequents and their hiding places. If they courageously volunteered and give such information out, terrorists, bandits and insurgents, etc will have no hiding place.

    However, the law enforcement agents need to be trusted and their integrity not questionable. Lack of trust is one of those reasons the local communities refuse to collaborate with law enforcement agents.

    Those who do not understand the difference between asymmetric warfare keeps on blaming the military and the police for the prolonged war with terrorists. Asymmetric warfare situation differs from conventional warfare. Terrorists explore that to their advantage. Terrorists cannot withstand Nigeria’s military forces in conventional warfare setting.

    I want the general public to take note that with the political will and financial support of President Bola Tinubu government, the Nigerian military are daily neutralizing terrorists, bandits, insurgents etc. in Northwest, Northeast and entire nation.

    •Osung Edet DSP (rtd.)

    Abuja.