Connect with us

News

One year on: Tinubu defeating terrorism, building hopes of secure Nigeria

Published

2 years ago

on

One year on: Tinubu defeating terrorism, building hopes of secure Nigeria

By Zagazola Makama

It is platitudinous to say that various forms of insecurity have devastated the country in all sectors heating up the polity with the most frustrating intractability since the last three decades.

The epochal menace has ravaged the Nigerian economy to a point in worsening the management scale of sustaining the country’s immense human and natural resources. This also has affected Nigeria’s leading -economy position in Africa, and its status as a country of enviable reckoning in global affairs.

Insecurity has no doubt on the verge of eroding the country’s cherished socio-political norms and values which had painstakingly created an enviable collective identity for its diverse peoples, empowering them to walk with shoulders held high across the globe as Nigerians.

The Boko Haram insurgency and, in recent years, Islamic State of the West African Province(ISWAP) terror campaigns in the North-East; the twin crimes of banditry and kidnapping in the North-West, as well as the North-Central, and sections of the South-West, South-East and South-South; farmer-herder clashes; and various other forms of gunmen menace, have continued to create a seemingly intractable criminalities threatening to the Country’s existence as a nation.

The country has, for the past two decades, been languishing and gasping for breath under this massive weight of a global-scale security crisis. This apparently appalling situation has underscored the robust provision of security as the topmost cardinal objective of every administration in the current decades of Nigeria’s democratic governance.

On assumption of duty on May 29, 2023, as the elected leader and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in line with his electioneering campaign mantra: ‘Renewed Hope’, promised to prioritize security as the bedrock of the country’s development.

This is evident with his promise to adopt a new doctrine, strategies and suitable profound arrangement of well-knit architecture to combat insecurity, thereby renewing the hope of Nigerians.

President Tinubu, as the first and foremost decisive step at combating insecurity, rejigged the country’s security architecture with new service chiefs and the desired gusto, whom he gave the matching order to immediately assume the work of re-strategizing and fine-tuning strategies to combat the country’s recalcitrant insecurity.

This move has applausively prevented the insecurity situation from intricately imploding into larger security challenges.

To reconcile this in line with the C-in-C objectives for a stable and prosperous Nigeria, the appointment of General Christopher Musa, as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), ever-readily profoundly assisted by other service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, in compliance with President Tinubu’s directive for robust synergy among top security and intelligence services in the fight against insecurity, the terror war in the Lake Chad Basin and the expansive North-East region has recorded an undisputed phenomenal achievements.

Notably; the military under the Tinubu led-administration has experienced significant enhancement in its operational capabilities, marking a notable period in its efforts to maintain national security and peace.

In the last one year, the administration has procured an additional five aircraft for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), which include 2 Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft; 2 T-129 ATAK helicopters, and a number King Air 360 ER, with plans to integrate 46 more by the end of 2024. These strategic acquisitions have bolstered the military’s capacity to conduct precise and impactful operations against various security threats across the country.

The rapid degradation of terror in the North-East is a gladdening testament to the fact that President Tinubu is keeping his promise of a ‘Renewed Hope’ to Nigerians in character, credibility and commitment to genuinely overturn the country’s insecurity to a stable and peaceful Nigeria.

This feat has been immensely achieved with the sheer commitment and competence of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, savoring sufficient support and impetus from his sister services, especially the Nigerian Air Force under the Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Theater Command of the Nigerian Army; and the sheer patriotism, commitment and determination of the frontline troops.

To mention a few is the imposing catalog of accomplishments in the North-East terror war portrays an elating success story of the preceding one year.

The observable and most -spectacular moment of achievements include the neutralization of 555 terrorists; destruction of 461 terrorists’ enclaves across the theartre. They include; Gaizuwa, otherwise known as Mantari, Gabchari, Kashimiri, and Maimusari, Ukuba, Arra, Farisu, Sabil Huda, in Sambisa Forest, Lake Chad region, Yuwe and the Mandara Mountains;Markas Kauwa, Chiralia, Abirma, Buk 1, 2 and 3, Abulam, Dusula, and Abbagajiri in Timbuktu Triangle among others as well as the and the recovery of arms, armored vehicles and catch of equipment as well as the destruction of large quantity of other belongings to the terrorists in Sambisa Forest and Timbuktu Triangle.

Through a robust synergy with the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai in the troubled North-East, NAF has also been instrumental in depleting terrorist ranks and disrupting their operations.

Notable strikes include the elimination of key terrorists in the Mandara Mountains and the neutralization of multiple insurgents in the Timbuktu Triangle, Sambisa Forest, Krenowa, and Kafiya Fulatari, Kwaleram, Kirta, Wulgo, Bukar Mairam and the Tumbums among others. These actions have significantly weakened terrorist capabilities, contributing to the restoration of peace in the region.

Most gladdening of all is perhaps, the military’s aggressive kinetic and non-kinetic operations led to the surrender of more than 160,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists and their families to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, out of which 42,189 have been handed over to Borno State Government; as well as the rescue of about 81 abducted Chibok girls.

The military, by sufficiently clearing terrorists enclaves across the region, has also, over the last one year, been able to create the enabling environment for the restoration of civil administration as well as relocation/resettlement of over 2 million IDPs to their ancestral homes; as well as guaranteed sufficient security in MMC, Mafa, Gubio, Konduga, Bama, Banki, Monguno, Dikwa, Gamborun Ngala, Kukawa, Gwoza and other LGAs, for farming and other socio-economic activities.

The military guarantees the restoration of law and order in several returnee communities; conducted kinetic and non-kinetic operations against terrorists which have strangulated the logistics supplies as well as halted recruitment, sympathizers and collaborators activities, leading to the surrender of several terrorist top Commanders and secured the rescue of victims in terrorists preoccupied areas.

Also, the 7 Div of the Nigerian Army which has covered the most areas prone to terrorist attacks suffered a large percentage of terrorist campaigns. “The division’s AOR (Area Of Responsibility) is relatively calm but unpredictable due to activities of some remnant of these so-called BHT/ISWAP insurgents who scamper for safe havens in the general area of Sambisa Forest, Gezuwa, Gargash and Mandara Mountains, by taking advantage of the geography of these areas to evade troops’ operational activities,” as observed by Brig.-Gen Abubakar Haruna, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 of the Nigeria Army.

He was, until his recent elevation to the rank of the General Officer Commanding the 7 Division, the Garrison Commander 7 Division of the army.

“Nevertheless, normal activities have resumed in most towns and villages that are located within the Sector’s AOR due to troops engagement in aggressive patrols and clearance operations,” he stated, adding, delightedly, “To further consolidate the successes, the Borno Government has been returning the locals who were displaced due to the insurgency back to their ancestral homes.” Gen Haruna shed more light on the restoration of peace and security across the region. “Restoration of peace, security and the attainment of sustainable socio-economic activities in the North-East is the overall objective of Operation Hadin Kai,” he stated, explaining, “The attainment of the military objective which is primarily the obliteration of the terrorists in the region requires the restoration of socio-economic activities.”

The GOC said that: “It is in line with this that the Division has been working tirelessly under the mentorship and the Supervision of the Theartre Commander North East Operation Hadin Kai Joint Task Force, Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu to ensure that the local communities within our Area of responsibility go about their legitimate daily activities through sustained operational activities like patrols, escort duties, ambushes and other offensive operations to deny the terrorists freedom of action and ensure the safety of the people.”

General Shuaibu, Theater, Commander Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai acknowledged the unquantifiable and invaluable contributions of the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja to the Theater Command that enabled it to achieve its enviable successes in the last one year.

As stated, “First of all, you need to understand that it is the COAS who gives the direction, guidance, leadership and all the human and material resources required for us to carry out our mandate,” he acknowledged, maintaining, “So, what the COAS provides is more than ‘help’.” He emphasised that the COAS “provides excellent leadership to us and hence the successes recorded so far,” advising, “Please take a close look at his Command Philosophy which is ‘To Transform the NA into a Well-Trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment’.”

The TC maintained further: “There is a strong nexus between the Command Philosophy and what we are doing here,” saying, “Without troops that are well-trained, equipped and motivated, we cannot achieve our mandate here which is part of our constitutional responsibility.”

“We have achieved tremendous successes in our various operations within the Theater under Operation Desert Sanity III undertaken by 7 Division, Sector 2 as well as Sector 3 MNJTF. Similar operations were also undertaken in the Tumbums by the troops of the MNJTF forces, with gladdening feedback.

Gen Shuaibu reviewed the effect of the insurgency in Borno State and praised the state government for supporting the Theater Command to achieve its mandate. “One of the priorities in addressing insecurity is the restoration of civilian administration and services to conflict-affected communities,” he stated, recalling, “The years of insurgency have devastated the social infrastructures and services in the North-East region including health, education and policing among others.” He also observed: “The dysfunctional state of such services made the communities more vulnerable to extremist recruitment and other vices”.

He further praised Governor Babagana Umara Zulum: “The Governor has made distinct efforts to address these immense challenges and foster greater citizens’ trust in government by rebuilding police stations and creating a conducive environment to bring back civil servants (including judges, healthcare givers and security agencies).

The TC praised the governor for tackling pervasive sense of insecurity through the provision of low-cost housing; road construction and other infrastructural development in rural areas; provision of agricultural supports like seeds and fertilizer at subsidized rate to enable the locals return to their farms; provision of affordable transport system like the electric taxis; as well as maintaining the periodic provision of palliatives to affected communities.

Gen Shuaibu remarked: “The general public is beginning to understand and appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian Army in restoring peace and security in the North-East region and to the country as a whole.” The TC assured: “We will continue to sustain the feat achieved by intensifying our efforts in the clearance of remnants of terrorists from their camps and enclaves so that durable peace would be restored finally in the North-East region.

The onus for maintaining peace and security lies with everyone.” He called on the general public to remain vigilant and cooperate with the military and other security agencies in their efforts at restoring peace and security in the region.

“The public should always remember that the soldiers are out there denying themselves all comforts to ensure that the rest of the citizens sleep with their two eyes closed,” he advised.

Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region.

One year on: Tinubu defeating terrorism, building hopes of secure Nigeria

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

EMCAN Trustees Reject Purported Dissolution of Executive, Disown Interim Leadership

Published

19 hours ago

on

August 1, 2026

By

EMCAN Trustees Reject Purported Dissolution of Executive, Disown Interim Leadership

By: Michael Mike

A fresh leadership crisis has erupted within the Environment Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria (EMCAN) as the association’s Registered Trustees have rejected the purported dissolution of its Executive Committee and the announcement of an Interim Leadership by a faction of the body.

In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the Trustees declared that the congress from which the decisions emerged was unauthorized, procedurally defective, and incapable of producing binding resolutions on behalf of the association.

The statement, signed by Registered Trustees Amechi Chukwuekwu Oyema and Godson Elekwachi, insisted that the resolutions announced after the disputed meeting—including the dissolution of the Executive Committee and the constitution of an Interim Leadership—“remain disputed and cannot be regarded as the official position of EMCAN.”

The Trustees maintained that EMCAN has yet to adopt a formal constitution defining procedures for convening congresses, determining quorum, conducting elections, removing officers, or dissolving the Executive Committee, arguing that the absence of such a framework undermines the legitimacy of the exercise.

According to them, the congress was neither authorized by the Registered Trustees nor convened through any process recognised by the association.

The leadership dispute took another dimension as the Trustees alleged that several individuals who participated in the proceedings and voting were not registered members of EMCAN.

They specifically questioned the inclusion of Samuel Adeyinka of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and Folarin Kehinde in the purported Interim Executive Committee, as well as Adekunle Buruji in the Electoral Committee, claiming that available membership records do not list them as registered members of the association.

The Trustees also alleged that the motion establishing the Interim Leadership was seconded by Goodluck Adubazi of Standard Times, whom they equally claimed is not a registered member of EMCAN.

They said the alleged participation of non-members in decisions affecting the association raises “serious concerns regarding the legitimacy, credibility and integrity of the entire process.”

The Trustees stressed that they had neither considered, endorsed nor ratified any of the actions taken at the disputed meeting.

They therefore cautioned members, government institutions, development partners, media organisations and the general public against recognising claims that the Executive Committee had been lawfully dissolved or that a new leadership had validly emerged as representing the official position of EMCAN.

Amid the deepening internal disagreement, the Trustees pledged to pursue a peaceful resolution of the crisis through dialogue and institutional reforms.

They reiterated their commitment to facilitating the adoption of a constitution for the association and the conduct of transparent, inclusive and credible elections acceptable to all members.

Calling for restraint, the Trustees urged members to remain calm and avoid actions capable of worsening divisions within the association while consultations continue.

They reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the integrity of EMCAN, insisting that all decisions affecting the association must be taken through lawful, transparent, inclusive and democratically acceptable processes.

The latest development signals an intensifying struggle over the leadership of EMCAN, with rival claims now threatening the unity of the association as stakeholders await efforts by the Registered Trustees to broker a lasting resolution.

EMCAN Trustees Reject Purported Dissolution of Executive, Disown Interim Leadership

Continue Reading

News

ECOWAS Parliament Moves to End Border Bottlenecks, Orders Sweeping Reforms to Boost Regional Trade

Published

19 hours ago

on

August 1, 2026

By

ECOWAS Parliament Moves to End Border Bottlenecks, Orders Sweeping Reforms to Boost Regional Trade

By: Michael Mike

The ECOWAS Parliament has launched a fresh push to dismantle the bureaucratic and regulatory barriers stifling trade across West Africa, adopting far-reaching recommendations aimed at harmonising customs procedures, eliminating non-tariff barriers and expanding access to finance for millions of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The resolutions, adopted at the end of a week-long delocalised joint committee meeting in Cotonou, Benin Republic, represent one of the strongest legislative interventions in recent years to tackle the persistent border bottlenecks that continue to frustrate the ECOWAS vision of a borderless regional market nearly five decades after the bloc was established.

The lawmakers said inconsistent customs procedures, multiple taxation, cumbersome import regulations, poor infrastructure and harassment of traders have continued to undermine regional integration, inflate the cost of doing business and limit the competitiveness of indigenous enterprises.

Presenting the resolutions on Friday, Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee, Hon. Alhagie Darbo, said member states must urgently harmonise customs procedures, import regulations, taxation policies and business registration requirements to create a predictable and business-friendly environment capable of driving investment, industrialisation and job creation across the sub-region.

He said the Parliament also called for the full implementation of ECOWAS trade and investment protocols, elimination of non-tariff barriers, increased investment in trade-supporting infrastructure and stronger national monitoring mechanisms to improve the ease of doing business.

The regional lawmakers urged governments to adopt legal, regulatory and fiscal reforms that encourage entrepreneurship, support the transition of informal businesses into the formal economy, promote local value addition and improve the competitiveness of MSMEs.

Recognising the growing complaints by traders over market administration and extortion, the Parliament further recommended transparent management of market facilities, accessible tenancy agreements, review of restrictive trading practices and decisive action against unlawful harassment of traders.

To address one of the biggest constraints facing small businesses, the Parliament also advocated expanded financial inclusion programmes and affordable financing, particularly for women-owned and youth-led enterprises, to enable them participate more effectively in regional value chains.

The ECOWAS Commission was directed to strengthen implementation of the ECOWAS MSME Development Policy (2021-2030) through enterprise support centres, business development programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives and digital skills development.

The lawmakers equally called for the establishment of export support centres along major trade corridors and strategic border posts to guide exporters, simplify compliance with trade regulations and reduce administrative delays that continue to hamper intra-regional commerce.

In another major recommendation, the Parliament urged accelerated harmonisation of ECOWAS product standards, certification and quality assurance systems to ensure goods produced within the region meet uniform requirements and enjoy easier access to regional and continental markets.

It also advocated stronger implementation of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) through simplified procedures, improved awareness among businesses, greater transparency and complete removal of non-tariff barriers.

To reduce the region’s dependence on imports from outside Africa, the Parliament called for deliberate policies encouraging industries to source semi-processed raw materials and intermediate products from within the Community, while supporting inclusive industrial and agricultural clusters capable of attracting investment, improving productivity and strengthening regional competitiveness.

The lawmakers further tasked the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) with expanding access to affordable financing through innovative instruments such as credit guarantee schemes, concessional lending windows and risk-sharing mechanisms targeted at MSMEs, especially businesses owned by women and young entrepreneurs.

Beyond financing, the bank was urged to support investment in regional industrial and agricultural clusters that would enable producers to increase capacity and integrate into regional markets.

The Parliament also pledged to intensify oversight of member states’ compliance with ECOWAS trade, industrialisation and MSME development frameworks while transmitting the resolutions to relevant regional institutions and pursuing sustained advocacy at the national level.

Speaking after the meeting, Chairman of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises and member of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Pascal Agbodike, said Nigerian parliamentarians would immediately engage the National Assembly to ensure implementation of the recommendations.

He acknowledged the numerous complaints raised by traders over Nigeria’s borders, assuring that the concerns would receive comprehensive legislative attention.

The latest resolutions followed extensive field visits and town hall engagements with traders and business operators in Benin Republic, where participants recounted persistent delays at border crossings, multiple checkpoints, inconsistent customs practices and other barriers that continue to undermine the ECOWAS protocol on free movement of goods and services.

The renewed legislative push comes at a critical time when West African governments are seeking to deepen regional integration, stimulate industrialisation and position the sub-region to maximise opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

If faithfully implemented by member states and regional institutions, the reforms could mark a significant turning point in dismantling long-standing trade obstacles, unlocking the growth potential of MSMEs and bringing the ECOWAS ambition of a truly integrated regional market closer to reality.

ECOWAS Parliament Moves to End Border Bottlenecks, Orders Sweeping Reforms to Boost Regional Trade

Continue Reading

News

Fubara Woos Investors as Rivers Unveils High-Tech Paint Plant for Oil, Gas Industry

Published

19 hours ago

on

August 1, 2026

By

Fubara Woos Investors as Rivers Unveils High-Tech Paint Plant for Oil, Gas Industry

By: Michael Mike

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday renewed his administration’s commitment to creating an investment-friendly environment, declaring that sustained infrastructure development and improved ease of doing business are central to the state’s economic growth strategy.

The governor made the declaration during the commissioning of the Solewant Specialty Protective Coatings and Paints (SSPC) manufacturing plant at Alode, Onne, in Eleme Local Government Area, describing the multi-billion-naira facility as a strong vote of confidence in Rivers State’s security, stability and investment potential.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Barrister Sonny Ewule, Fubara said the establishment of the state-of-the-art paint manufacturing plant was proof that the prevailing atmosphere in Rivers remained conducive for industrial expansion despite political tensions that have surrounded the state in recent months.

He said his administration had deliberately prioritised critical infrastructure to reduce the cost of doing business and attract more domestic and foreign investments capable of generating employment and boosting internally generated revenue.

The governor urged other investors to emulate Solewant Group by taking advantage of the state’s industrial opportunities, assuring that his government would continue to provide the necessary support for businesses to thrive.

According to him, the state is also working with relevant agencies to improve electricity supply in order to lower energy costs for manufacturers and other industrial operators.

Fubara pledged that the state government was ready to partner with the company in promoting manufacturing, local content development and industrialisation, stressing that such collaboration would create jobs for thousands of young people while accelerating socio-economic development across Rivers State.

The newly commissioned facility, designed to produce specialty protective coatings and industrial paints, will serve the decorative, industrial and asset-protection markets, with a focus on meeting the needs of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector as well as other African markets.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described the investment as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s industrial sector and a practical demonstration of the country’s local content aspirations.

He said the Federal Government remained committed to supporting indigenous companies capable of adding value within Nigeria rather than relying on imported products and services.

Lokpobiri noted that, in line with local content policies, measures had been introduced to ensure that protective coatings and pipe coating jobs are executed within the country, reducing dependence on foreign contractors while creating employment opportunities for Nigerians.

He expressed optimism that the new plant would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to serve not only the domestic market but also customers across Africa.

“The solution to Nigeria’s energy challenges lies with Nigerians,” the minister said, adding that empowering indigenous companies remained the most sustainable path to building a resilient energy industry.

Earlier, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Solewant Group, Engr. Solomon Ewanehi, described the project as the culmination of years of research, technological innovation and product development aimed at delivering globally competitive coating solutions for the oil and gas industry.

He said the company was committed to producing high-quality protective coatings that would meet international standards while supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation drive and expanding the country’s manufacturing capacity.

Fubara Woos Investors as Rivers Unveils High-Tech Paint Plant for Oil, Gas Industry

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights