Security
Boko Haram: Day Terrorists Abduct IRC Staff, Others in Monguno
Boko Haram: Day Terrorists Abduct IRC Staff, Others in Monguno
By: James Bwala
Hundreds of humanitarian workers were shocked and frightened with the report last week of the abduction of a staff of International Rescue Committee, IRC and three other security personnel attached to the staff quarters in Monguno town, northeast Nigeria.
Many questions were asked regarding the security arrangements put in place by the organization. The incident happened around 3:00 am. It was therefore an incident begging for answers as to how the terrorists made their way to the staff quarters and pick only one staff – a Manager.
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No one has the answer yet because he was taken alongside the local security on guard at the staff quarters. There was also no sound of a gunshot when this incident happened to suggest a forceful entry.
Aid Workers, who spoke to NEWSng on this sad event stand could not say whether this was a coincident or targeted abduction. Monguno is well secure going by security reports with the presence of all forms of security operatives on operations. Since last week when this incident occurred there have been no reports on which group is responsible for the abduction. Aside from the internal security exposition on the matter, the IRC had not made any public announcement on the abduction of its staff.
Being a former journalist, however, rumour mills soon filter about the occurrence and journalists also are seeking explanation about how it happened in a place like Monguno where it was said to be a security tight environment.
This similar situation recently took place at Fotokol, where three Expatriates were reportedly abducted and to this day, there was no news of their whereabouts. Fotokol is a town and commune in Logone-et-Chari Department, Far North Region, Cameroon. It is home to Fotokol High School. The town is about 300 metres across a small river from the Nigerian village of Gamboru.
More disturbing is the style in which these humanitarian workers were being abducted. And unlike the usual way as in the past where at least a video of the victims are sent out a day or two after such an incident, there are no video to know the proof of life and those responsible for the atrocious crime against innocent persons such as humanitarian workers, who are neutral to the ongoing conflict in the northeast, Nigeria.
Humanitarian workers, who spoke to NEWSng said that there are crises ranging from lack of enough food for IDPs as well as a policy by the Borno state government stopping NGOs from providing food for the displaced persons. According to them, this situation has further given birth to a high rate of crime among the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs and that there are possibilities for them to get involved with the insurgents.
Speaking on Monday, a staff of f one of the organization said they are yet to know whether the abduction of the IRC staff and others were carried out by ISWAP or members of the late Shekau’s faction of the terrorists group. According to him, there are no signs that the abductors force their way into the compound that house the IRC staff Quarters. Adding that there are also no signs that they break into the room to bundle the staff.
NEWSng reports that, if that is the case of a coincidence, why would the gate at that time of the night be still open when staff are there on assignments? If perhaps it was a target, why had the attackers not opened other doors in the building to be sure of their target? Unless of course, if they know him and someone leads them to his room, if he had been taken from inside his room or unless at that time of the night he decided to be outside and was taken in that manner.
A staff member also said that there are rumours that the NGO staff may not have been abducted by either group but some criminal elements are acting in order to confuse people and get attention.
“I am not saying this is correct however, but lack of food here in Monguno has push a lot of IDPs into disguising as terrorists to commit. There are 12 IDP camps currently in Monguno with thousands of displaced persons seeking humanitarian assistance. Criminals can easily get guns to perpetrate their evils.
“Why we are not immediately suspecting either group of the terrorists is because this thing happened within town. It has never happened like this. Most of the time people are being abducted on the road but this one they were in their house when the attackers came. Our confusion is that where were the security operatives when this was happening?” He said.
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Another aid worker said he believed the terrorists that abducted the IRC staff and other humanitarian workers in Monguno are either members of the ISWAP or JAS group.
According to him, it is not as if the town is well protected that these elements cannot penetrate to commit crime.
“It is only God that has been saving us here. We are constantly living in fear since the incident last week. In fact, we are weak because this incident happened within town. Forget about what the organisations are saying. We should pray for their safe return because this is not the first time aid workers are abducted.
“Ours is to pray because there is nothing these organisations are doing when it comes to issues of local staff. We are doing this work because there are no jobs.” He said.
Boko Haram: Day Terrorists Abduct IRC Staff, Others in Monguno
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Right Commission has urged security agencies to provide adequate protection for individuals exercising their right to protest.
The advised was given on Monday in Abuja, following Twarnings by the government and security agencies against the planned protest against hardship by Civil Society Organisations.
Speaking at a press conference, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, also urged the Federal government to provide adequate security for the journalists that would be covering the protest.
Ojukwu asked the Federal Government to put in place a mechanism to hold security agencies accountable for any abuses committed during protests and warmed against any form of barriers during the protest.
He advised protesters to carry out their protest within the ambit of the law.
He said: “We call on the federal and state government to ensure that the October protests are peaceful and that the protesters are given the necessary support and leverage to conduct themselves in civilized manner, including protecting them from counter-protesters and mobs.”
He also added that both federal and state government and their institutions are obliged to facilitate peaceful assemblies.
“This includes ensuring safety, providing necessary infrastructure, and taking measures to prevent disruptions from counter-demonstrators or hostile forces.
“Government should provide adequate protection for protesters against violence or intimidation as well as facilitate peaceful assemblies through appropriate measures.
“Government must put in place effective Accountability Mechanisms for holding the law enforcement and security agencies accountable for any abuses committed during protests. This includes investigating incidents where excessive force was used or where protesters were unlawfully detained.
“Government must deploy its apparatus for the protection of private and public properties as well as the lives of protesters and non-protesters before, during and after the protests.”
He insisted that the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental human right recognized internationally, regionally, and at national level.
He noted that “In Nigeria, this right is enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended and further strengthened by international and regional human rights instruments. Section 40 provides that: “Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular, he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests.
“Furthermore, article 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) provides that “Every individual shall have the right to assemble freely with others.
“The right to peaceful assembly is the cornerstone stone of our liberty and an essential instrument for promoting the values of democracy and good governance. Protests are legitimate means of voicing dissatisfactions and participating in shaping citizen-centred governance and development outcomes.”
He stressed that the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Human Rights Council have put in place a set of principles which should guide the promotion and protection of the right to peaceful assembly.
The principles he said include: “Non-discrimination: All individuals should be able to exercise their rights to peaceful assembly without discrimination based on race, gender, political affiliation, or any other status.
“Legitimate Restrictions: While freedom of association and assembly is fundamental, it can be subject to restrictions. However, such restrictions must be lawful, necessary in a democratic society, and proportionate to the aim pursued. This means that any limitations imposed by Nigerian authorities must not infringe upon the essence of these rights.
“Protection from Violence: The state has an obligation to protect individuals exercising their rights from violence or intimidation by third parties. This includes ensuring that protests can occur without fear of repression, prosecution or violent backlash.
“Notification Requirements: Requirements for pre-notification of law enforcement should not serve as barriers but rather facilitate peaceful protests. Notification requirement should not be burdensome and not hinder the exercise of this right.
“Use of Force: Any use of force by law enforcement during protests must adhere strictly to principles of necessity and proportionality. Excessive use of force against protesters, including shooting or the deployment of tear gas is a violation of human rights and dignity.”
He said: “Exercise your right to peaceful protest within the ambits of the law, be very civil and respect the rights of others.
“Avoid violence, destruction of property, and harmful behaviour, this is detrimental to nation building, the destruction caused may take fortune to regain which will be a great set back to our development.
“Cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety by conducting yourselves with highest sense of modesty and civility.
“Refrain from hate speech and divisive rhetoric, abusive words and foul language.
“Respect the rights of others, including those who may hold differing opinions, that is the beauty of democracy.
“Ensure that your actions do not infringe on the rights of non-protesters, as everybody must not be on the street protesting.
He promised that the NHRC will be monitoring the protests across Nigeria and will ensure that state and non-state actors violating the right to protests and other associated human rights will be held accountable.
For the security operatives, Ojukwu urged them to “Respect the rights of protesters to peaceful assembly and expression as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and other Regional and International Instruments that Nigeria is a Party to.
“Avoid excessive force and ensure proportionate response to situations, do no harm and do not force the protesters to react in a manner that is riotious.
“Protect journalists and media personnel from harassment, allow them to carry out their duties as the fourth arm of the government and as enshrined in the constitution.
“Facilitate dialogue between protesters and relevant stakeholders, this will rather assist you in discharging your role seamlessly, do not look at them as your enemies.
“Ensure that arrests and detentions are carried out in accordance with the law and not because you merely want to deal with people.
“Provide necessary assistance and support to vulnerable individuals, do not overlook any opportunity to render help.”
Protest: NHRC Asks Security Agencies to Provide Adequate Protection for Protesters
Nigerian Troops eliminate 8 Boko Haram Terrorists in Raid in enclaves
By: Zagazola Makama
The troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in conjunction with hybrid forces and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), nutrialised eight Boko Haram terrorists when it raided the terrorists enclaves in Bula Marwa in Bama Local Government area.
It was gathered that the troops recorded the feats on July 28, 2024, when it made contact with the terrorists and neutralized eight of them ahead of Siraja village, forcing others to flee.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops subsequently exploited the general area but made no further contact.
The sources said that the operation resulted in the recovery of one Anti-Government Launcher (AGL) and one MK 4 rifle, as well as a bag containing a pair of desert camouflage uniforms and other terrorist uniforms.
Nigerian Troops eliminate 8 Boko Haram Terrorists in Raid in enclaves
News
Joint Military-NDLEA Operation Seizes 2.5 tonnes of Illicit Substances Bound for Terrorist Groups
Joint Military-NDLEA Operation Seizes 2.5 tonnes of Illicit Substances Bound for Terrorist Groups
By: Zagazola Makama
A joint operation between the troops of 21 Armored Brigade of the Nigerian Army and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully intercepted a large consignment of illicit substances destined for Boko Haram Terrorists in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that acting on intelligence, the joint team launched a swift and decisive operation to disrupt the supply of illicit substances to the terrorist groups.
The operation, which was carried out following a tip-off, resulted in the recovery of 163 bags of the substance, equivalent to 2.5 tons in a warehouse in Konduga.
The suspected illicit substances, known as “Goom” or “Akusukura”, is a deadly psychoactive substance that represents a serious threat to public health and poses a challenge for drug policy.
The substance, which is of different varieties, is used in both liquid and powdered form by people who mostly seek to raise their levels of psychological or nervous activity in the body, or put it in simple terms, get high.
The recovered items were handed over to the NDLEA team leader, and the area was cordoned off by the military.
The operation highlights the effectiveness of interagency collaboration and the commitment of the military and NDLEA to keeping Nigeria safe.
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