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NHRC charge security agencies to respect rights of affected
NHRC charge security agencies to respect rights of affected
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The National Human Rights Commission has called on security agencies and government actors in conflict regions to respect the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees and asylum seekers Nation wide.
The call was made recently by the Executive Secretary (ES) of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Dr Tony Ojukwu during a collaborative training session held in Maiduguri on the mainstreaming of human rights and humanitarian responses during daily operations by security and government actors.
Dr Ojukwu who was represented by his special Assistant, and head of monitoring of the organization, Dr Benedict Agu who flagged the two days training open for participants from both military and the civil society said the gathering was timely considering what goes on in various theatres of war in Nigeria.
Welcoming participants to the training, the ES noted that the meeting was an activity under the Project: ‘NHRC/UNHCR 2025 Project on the Protection of Human Rights of idps, refugees, asylum seekers and returnees through Information/Data Collection and Documentation in Nigeria’.
Dr Ojukwu noted that the Commission was implementing the project with the support of the Office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and was going to make it a yearly activity until the apathy against these vulnerable people is reduced to the minimum.
Dr Ojukwu maintained that he appreciated the continuous support of UNHCR in providing the much-needed assistance towards the promotion and protection of the rights of these persons for whom the Commission and UNHCR works with.
“The plight of these people because of insurgency activities/armed conflicts, flooding and drought etc should be of concern to all, hence, the continuous intervention by NHRC with the support of UNHCR.
“This year’s project cycle commenced in January 2025 in the three most impacted LGAs in the 11 states of Adamawa, Akwa- Ibom, Borno, Benue, Cross-River, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
“Human Right Monitors (HRMs) and Community Protection Action Group (CPAGs) members were trained and deployed to these selected LGAs where they work closely with the staff of UNHCR to gather and send reports regularly to the report harmonization team at the Commission’s headquarters.
“The HRMs and CPAGs visit the detention facilities in within their area of coverage in the different IDP camps, returned communities and host Communities in identifying and reporting protection/ human rights issues as well as referring these protection issues to different MDAs for appropriate response.”
Ojukwu hinted that the project has recorded a good number of targeted responses from the MDAs and humanitarian actors adding that the Commission, therefore, deems it necessary to engage with the security and government actors who may have one thing or the other with regards to the above stated populations under the Project for better coordination and understanding so as to continue to give positive human rights and humanitarian responses to matters concerning them.
“The identified protection issues are not just mere needs of these mandated population for NHRC, rather they are issues that may breach the enjoyment of their fundamental human rights. These issues must be seen as violations of the rights of these persons who have been made vulnerable through displacement due to the insurgency and other related conflicts.
“One of the purposes of this engagement is to highlight some of the protection issues and/or human rights/humanitarian concerns and encourage the responsible agency of government and relevant humanitarian actors to make efforts at resolving them early. ” He stressed.
The ES stated that the engagement with MDAs and humanitarian actors is also to promote and facilitate information sharing on areas of humanitarian activities in the states.
” It will also provide the needed link between the HRMs, CPAG members and the MDAs in relation to referral pathways to enable them respond in real time to the challenges faced by the NHRC mandated populations.” Said the ES.
Barrister Ojukwu posited that it was important that the meeting was held at this point in time to enable Protection and Humanitarian Actors identify potentials and future collaboration areas adding that the meeting will also present a learning opportunity for participant observers involved in protection and humanitarian interventions in war theatres nation wide.
In his presentation titled “Understanding UNHCR mandate and the humanitarian situation in the north East of Nigeria Dan Bisu said that 123.2 million humans are displaced worldwide with African having 38.1 million of that and Nigeria occupying a big chunk of that number
Out of this statistics, 73.5 million of them are IDP’s while 36.8 million are asylum seekers with the middle East and north Africa contributing to 32.9 million of that figure.
Meanwhile 3.45 percent of the globally forcibly displaced population in 2024 are said to be Nigerians.
It is a known fact that during the last 16 years of insurgency, human rights of these individuals have been badly abused especially by their camp managers at a time when the vulnerable needed protection and humanitarian interventions for their survival.
It expected that stakeholders after the training will strengthen collaboration that will counter the disturbing trend of human rights violations in the Northeast Hadin Kai war theatre which has witnessed thousands of deaths due to back and forth movement of IDP’s and refugees running for their lives across the bobby traps of improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the savannah.
The training was attended by troops representatives of Operations Hadin Kai, civil defense, the Nigerian police, DSS, immigration, other paramilitary organizations, ministries, departments and agencies (MDA’s).
NHRC charge security agencies to respect rights of affected
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.
The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
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