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Insecurity: Where is the N1.6trn injected into the Nigerian Army between 2020 and 2022?

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3 years ago

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Insecurity: Where is the N1.6trn injected into the Nigerian Army between 2020 and 2022?

Insecurity: Where is the N1.6trn injected into the Nigerian Army between 2020 and 2022?

By: James Bwala

While debating on the current security challenges in the country, the member representing Gwoza, Damboa and Chibok Federal constituency in the green chamber at the National Assembly, Hon. Ahmed Usman Jaha has put the breakdown of the huge amount of money injected into the Nigerian Army alone to an astonishing N1.6 trillion (One trillion and six hundred billion). This huge amount according to him was made available to prosecute the ongoing conflicts with Boko Haram, ISWAP and Bandits as well as other criminals.

He therefore asked where the money went with the huge security challenges rather increasing in the country. According to him, instead of having some relief the country is going down every day as a result of the continuing threat of insecurity. He alleged that the military is using the insecurity situation in the country as a cash cow.

Also Read: USAID Launches $9.5 Million Advancing Nutrition Activity to…

What keeps inexplicable on this is that Nigerians no longer know who to believe. Their government, their Pastors or Imams, the security agencies or other organizations that are playing part in the unfolding sad but dramatic situation. This of course, including the media.  The continuing lies from government, the military, organizations and institutions about happenings in the country has turned or encouraged disbelief of whatever comes out to the hearings of an average Nigerian, who still has some conscience. The recent crises in Kaduna state alone gave reasons for more doubt about the sincerity of the Nigerian government and security agencies particularly. 

Insecurity: Where is the N1.6trn injected into the Nigerian Army between 2020 and 2022?

For example, barely 24 hours after Bandits riding on motorcycle invaded the Kaduna Airport killing a security official and preventing take off of plane, the Bandits forced a Kaduna – Abuja bound train to derail. The Kaduna state governor Malam Nasir El-rufai during an interview with Daily Trust TV said thirty (30) of those Bandits that attacked the Kaduna airport were wiped out in the ensuing gun battle with the Nigerian Troops. I could not, however, remember reporting this. But this however, was not the only issue, the Bandits, barely 24 hours derailed the Kaduna bound train and rain bullets killing many and abducting many. It was reported that about 145 abducted persons could not be reached on their phones as of Monday, April 4, 2022.

The question is, figures keep changing with some sinister intentions. The most troubling fact is that, the victims have their stories, the NRC has its own story, the story from the military is different from that of the Police, hired propagandists are trying hard to defend government positions and the media is divided over flying stories here and there. Indeed this is a sign of confusion and instability of the country. This was also the truth Sheikh Muhammed Nuru Khalid told to powers that evoke his sanction, suspension and sack from the Apo Legislative mosque, where he leads prayers. The news of a new appointment for him was so sweet on Monday, April 4, 2022.

For those who could recall the words of late Dr. Mailafiya while speaking on the security situation in the country. He was specific on the trouble coming to Nigeria in 2022. He affirmed his statement in an interview where he said, “I have PhD from Oxford University and I am a central banker. We don’t speak nonsense.” If anything to go by, we are now seeing senses in what Dr. Mailafiya was coming through. It is rather unfortunate now that he has no more to say. For people like Bishop David Oyedepo and others who stood to tell the truth to power, we have heard and read comments and criticism against them but I think there are men too powerful and unique for the government to tour with.

Nigerians blinded by religious inclination however, are yet to come to terms with the realities on ground. Many are still hiding under religion to back falsehoods. But at least there are people, few amongst many who dare to tell the truth in the face of threats.

Putting the records of spending on the Nigerian Army alone, Hon. Ahmed Jaha, said the Nigerian Army received over N420 billion naira of which only N16 billion is set for Capital expenditure while the remaining N406 billion is for recurrent expenditure. This is also aside the allocation of over N100 billion injected into Operation Lafiya Dole, the military command fighting Boko Haram Insurgency in the northeast in 2020. In 2021, the Nigerian Army alone reportedly collected over N460 billion naira of which about N29 billion is set aside for capital expenditure while the remaining goes for recurrent Expenditure.

Hon. Ahmed Jaha went further to revealed that in 2022 the house budgeted and took delivery of over N571 billion naira to the Nigerian Army for fighting insecurity in the land with only about N37 billion going into capital expenditure while the remaining is going for recurrent Expenditure yet the stories about the ongoing conflicts, crises and banditry in the country sore the more.

“Now that there is more attention on the northeast, they have shifted their activities to the northwest. Very soon they may move to the southwest and eventually make the country ungovernable. “Hon. Jaha stated while describing the huge spending on the prosecution of the ongoing conflicts and the security issues in Nigeria, which he said had described a cash cow business.

One wonders why such succeeding and successful Bandits and Boko Haram activities are selling in a place like Kaduna state, which is the bed of security operations in the country? The last time a shocking activity of the Bandits hit Nigerians from the news stand was the attack on Nigerian Defence Academy-NDA where Bandits took the heart of the Nigerian military enclave and abducted officers on study. This dramatic and rather shameful visitation on the military has continued to put to question the capacity and capabilities of the Nigerian security arrangements as most Nigerians have lost faith in the power of the Nigerian security to protect life and property.

Unless the government controls the racketeering of the selling of train tickets by touts especially in Kaduna state, the situation experienced may soon be so common. According to victims of the train attack, the ill-fated train had some passengers standing because there was no seat. That means the train was overflowing. The NRC said the train capacity was 840. This could perhaps confirm the claims earlier that this train was carrying 970 passengers. On the train manifest we were told that only 362 Passengers actually booked to travel that evening on Monday – a journey to eternity for some passengers.

Also Read: Explosive Have Killed 789 Civilians in North East, Injured…

Again I was reading reports claiming that NRC confirms the safety of I70 Passengers, while 21 others are still missing. The other day both the government and NRC agreed to tell Nigerians that eight (8) Passengers were killed while forty or more injured. But we also learnt that the APC leader and former Lagos state governor, Ahmed Bola Tinubu cancelled his 13th colloquium to honour his 70th Birthday owing to the train attack where he said over 60 Passengers were killed. So much for an answer.

I was also discussing recently with a senior officer in one of the security agencies in the country. I draw his attention to the patrol taken by the Inspection General of Police on the 163km Expressway between Abuja and Kaduna. In a statement I received, the IGP moved a police tactical squad to black spots along the Abuja – Kaduna Expressway to save travelers due to the incidents that happened with the ill-fated train. I asked the Senior Officer a casual question. Who are the travelers? Although he could not give me a direct answer, I understand that he had pondered my questions well.

There are no flights to Kaduna, the train is down, the only hope to travel for the high and might rest on the only road they left years ago for the common man. This road had sucked more blood and still not satisfied due to the recklessness of the Nigerian authorities. Now the only way to go all and the need to safeguard it. But I ask, is Nigeria on the stage to entertain the world with the blood of its citizens? Just like I traveled the Maiduguri-Damaturu road, I did that of Abuja -Kaduna severally and just as the hopeless Nigerians would always say in God’s Hands we go and His Hands shall bring us back. But I think Hon. Ahmed Jaha was making sense.

Insecurity: Where is the N1.6trn injected into the Nigerian Army between 2020 and 2022?

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News

Protest: NHRC Asks Security Agencies to Provide Adequate Protection for Protesters

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3 months ago

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October 1, 2024

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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

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Military

Nigerian Troops eliminate 8 Boko Haram Terrorists in Raid in enclaves

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5 months ago

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July 29, 2024

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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

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News

Joint Military-NDLEA Operation Seizes 2.5 tonnes of Illicit Substances Bound for Terrorist Groups

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5 months ago

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July 9, 2024

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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.

Joint Military-NDLEA Operation Seizes 2.5 tonnes of Illicit Substances Bound for Terrorist Groups

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