News
ActionAid Expresses Concern Over Alignment Against Planned Protest on Bas Governance
ActionAid Expresses Concern Over Alignment Against Planned Protest on Bas Governance
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has expressed concerned over the alignment of many governors, politicians, traditional leaders, public office holders, and some high-net-worth individuals with the government’s stance against the planned protest against what the protesters termed bad governance.
The ANN in a statement on Monday declared that it stand in solidarity with Nigerian youths as they plan a nationwide protest starting on Thursday August 1st.
The statement by the Country Director of the nongovernmental organisation, Andrew Mamedu said: “We firmly support citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and protest. It is important to reiterate that every Nigerian has the inalienable right to voice their grievances and demand accountability from their government without fear of violence or retribution.
“The End SARS protests of 2020 were a pivotal moment and highlighted the power of peaceful demonstration and the necessity of addressing citizens’ concerns. However, the tragic events that followed, including the killing and mass arrest of protesters, serve as a reminder of the dangers when security forces fail to uphold their duty to protect. This same failure repeated itself at the June 12, 2024, protest, where security agencies meant to protect citizens were involved in the violent clampdown on protesters.”
It warned that: “The federal government must not allow the violent repression of peaceful protesters to continually repeat itself. Any such actions would be a severe violation of human rights and undermine the democratic principles that our nation strives to uphold.”
The statement further read that: “ActionAid Nigeria is also concerned by the alignment of many governors, politicians, traditional leaders, public office holders, and some high-net-worth individuals with the government’s stance against the protest, citing the chaos and destruction from the End SARS protests. These figures overlook that citizens do not protest without cause; severe economic challenges and poor living conditions are driving them to the streets. If the government channeled the same energy and resources currently being used to suppress the protest into addressing these concerns, the protest would likely dissipate.
“Instead, the federal government is mobilising various forces to stifle the protest rather than addressing the root issues. This history of clampdowns on protesters may explain why current organisers of the protest are choosing to remain anonymous and avoid negotiations.”
It demanded that: “The Federal Government must coordinate the three tiers of government, the private sector, and other stakeholders to genuinely address the demands of Nigerians by implementing effective mechanisms to alleviate the hardship that Nigerians are currently experiencing. Economic challenges, unemployment, and poor living conditions are driving citizens to the streets. The demands being made are the constitutional rights of citizens, especially as the ultimate goal is improved welfare and security all Nigerians.
“The Nigerian Police Force and all security agencies must provide adequate protection to all protesters and protest locations across the country. The safety of citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly must be ensured at all times. This protection is crucial to maintaining public order and preventing violence during demonstrations.
“The federal government must unequivocally commit, both in its rhetoric and actions, to preventing any recurrence of the violent repression of peaceful protesters by security agencies as witnessed during the last June 12 protests. The government and security agencies must respect the rights of citizens to protest without fear of violence or retribution.
“Governors and all politicians must respect citizens’ rights. Declaring states as off-limits for protests undermines citizens’ constitutional rights and betrays the duty to address the genuine grievances driving these demonstrations. Such statements reflect a troubling disregard for democratic principles and the rule of law.”
ActionAid Nigeria also appealed to all protesters to maintain peace and order during their demonstrations, noting that: “Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for change, and it is essential that they remain non-violent to convey their message effectively and avoid unnecessary harm or destruction.
“We also enjoin citizens and politicians inclined to form anti-protest groups must be reminded to respect the rights of their fellow Nigerians to peaceful assembly, and any violations of these rights must be met with the full extent of the law.”
ActionAid Expresses Concern Over Alignment Against Planned Protest on Bas Governance
News
Army EOD Team Discovers, Destroys Two Terrorist IEDs in Borno
Army EOD Team Discovers, Destroys Two Terrorist IEDs in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 5 Brigade Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team have successfully discovered and safely disposed of two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by suspected terrorists in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 5:40 p.m. on June 26 in Wokilti Village following intelligence and routine counter-IED clearance activities in the area.
According to the sources, the explosives were carefully concealed and buried by terrorists along a route believed to be used by troops and civilians, in what appeared to be an attempt to inflict casualties and disrupt ongoing military operations.
The EOD team, using specialised detection and disposal procedures, identified the buried explosives and successfully rendered both devices safe without any casualties or damage.
The sources noted that the prompt discovery and destruction of the IEDs averted a potentially deadly incident and underscored the importance of sustained counter-IED operations in areas previously exploited by terrorist groups.
Military authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious objects or movements to security agencies, as terrorists continue to employ improvised explosive devices in attempts to impede military advances and endanger civilian lives.
Army EOD Team Discovers, Destroys Two Terrorist IEDs in Borno
News
Troops Foil Planned Attack on Adamawa Community, Neutralise Gunman, Recover Three AK-47 Rifles
Troops Foil Planned Attack on Adamawa Community, Neutralise Gunman, Recover Three AK-47 Rifles
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 23 Brigade have foiled a planned attack on communities in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State, neutralising one suspected armed assailant and recovering a cache of weapons and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 10:55 a.m. on June 27 after troops received credible intelligence indicating that a group of armed assailants was planning to launch an attack on communities around the Rigange general area.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the troops established a blocking position along suspected infiltration routes commonly used by the attackers in an effort to intercept them before they could reach their intended target.
The sources said the operation paid off when the troops came into contact with the armed suspects, leading to a firefight.
During the exchange of gunfire, one of the assailants was neutralised, while others fled into the adjoining forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
A search of the area led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines and 26 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition abandoned by the fleeing criminals.
Military sources described the operation as another successful pre-emptive action aimed at denying criminal elements the opportunity to attack vulnerable communities in Adamawa State.
They added that troops have intensified pursuit operations in the surrounding forest to track down the fleeing suspects and recover additional weapons, while security has been reinforced across the area to forestall further threats.
Troops Foil Planned Attack on Adamawa Community, Neutralise Gunman, Recover Three AK-47 Rifles
News
NAF Airstrike Eliminates 11 ISWAP Terrorists in Borno’s Maisani Axis
NAF Airstrike Eliminates 11 ISWAP Terrorists in Borno’s Maisani Axis
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, has intensified its sustained air offensive against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, neutralising no fewer than 11 insurgents during a precision air interdiction mission in the Maisani general area of Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 5:30 p.m. on June 20 after credible intelligence, corroborated through persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), confirmed the presence and movement of terrorist elements within the target area.
“The target was positively identified following careful surveillance and intelligence analysis. After confirming the absence of civilian presence, the aircraft engaged the location with precision-guided fire, resulting in devastating effects on the terrorists,” the sources said.
He disclosed that a post-strike Battle Damage Assessment (BDA), conducted through aerial surveillance, confirmed that at least 11 terrorists were neutralised during the strike.
The sourcss noted that the successful mission further degraded the operational capability of the insurgents operating around the Damboa axis, an area that has remained under sustained military pressure in recent weeks.
He added that the military under Operation HADIN KAI, has continued to execute intelligence-driven air operations aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement, destroying their hideouts and supporting ongoing ground offensives across the North-East.
“The Air Component remains committed to providing timely and decisive air power in support of ground forces. Our operations are carefully planned and executed based on actionable intelligence to ensure maximum impact on terrorist elements while minimising the risk to innocent civilians,” the senior officer added.
NAF Airstrike Eliminates 11 ISWAP Terrorists in Borno’s Maisani Axis
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