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BOKO HARAM: Again ISWAP targets abduction of IRC staff, meets vacant Office in Monguno

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BOKO HARAM: Again ISWAP targets abduction of IRC staff, meets vacant Office in Monguno

BOKO HARAM: Again ISWAP targets abduction of IRC staff, meets vacant Office in Monguno

By: James Bwala

Boko Haram/Islamic State for West African Province, ISWAP on Thursday night 30th June 2022 fails in their attempts to abduct aid workers during an attack where the insurgents reportedly infiltrated the office of the International Rescue Committee, IRC, an aid organization working in Monguno local government area of northern Borno in northeast Nigeria.

Impeccable sources told NEWSng that the terrorists targeted staff of the international organization so they can bargain for food and cash following hunger and lack of fighting equipment that hits their camps as a result of military operations.

It could be recalled that on March 12, 2022 the insurgents in a sneaky move invaded the IRC guest house in Monguno where they allegedly abducted an Area Manager of the organization, one Alkali Imam, who is said to have been in their custody till now.

The incident left hundreds of humanitarian workers shocked and frightened on how they came and raided the compound like the Israeli Entebbe operations and left without firing a single shot. Many questions has since been asking regarding the security arrangements put in place by the organization as the incident happened around 3:00 am thereby begging for answers as to how the terrorists made their way to the staff quarters and pick only one staff – a Manager.

Speaking on phone with our source in Monguno, he explained that the Water Board camp and Ngurno camp which houses thousands of IDPs are being used by the insurgency as a hub to spy on the activities of humanitarian organizations.

“We have large camps in Monguno. About thirteen or fourteen of them and there is hunger in those camps. Most of the IDPs are either direct relations of the terrorists or were repentant. We have got intelligence that some terrorists are monitoring the activities of INGOs in Monguno from these camps and we are keeping our eyes on them.”  Our source revealed.

An official of one of the camps who confirmed the attack in Monguno yesterday told NEWSng that the incident happened in the evening.

Also Read: Kashim Shettima: An epitomic genre from Borno

“They (Insurgents) infiltrated the office but they could not get anyone to abduct as the office was vacant. You know since the governor stopped the sharing of food by NGOs there has been increased demand for food for the returning displaced people. We have been battling with the adjustment since the NGO stopped sharing food. Some of the displaced or so called repentants are working for their relatives who are still fighting the government.

“We are also being careful working with them because some of the things they tell you weakens everything about you. Sometimes you look at them and you feel this is a terrorists looking at you and any mistake you make you are dead. They asked questions that made you feel very uncomfortable. “He said

Aid Workers, who spoke to NEWSng on the second attack and attempt on the IRC office, described the situation as unfortunate. Monguno is said to be secure but with constant attacks and now targeting humanitarian organizations, the going operations needs another strategy to curb brewing hunger in the camps as well as the need for intelligence to fish out Boko Haram elements still working for the comrades who came in and out of Monguno on missions.

Speaking with a top security officer in Monguno, he revealed that the attack was repelled but added that it is something they deal with almost on a daily basis.

“Yes. ISWAP terrorists invaded rescue office yesterday night at about 2300hrs. The group could not abduct anyone as the office was vacant as at the time they carried out the infiltration. Attacks like this are often here. They are all around us. We will continue to do our best to ensure the safety of innocent ones and with your prayers; we will end this madness some day.” He said.

BOKO HARAM: Again ISWAP targets abduction of IRC staff, meets vacant Office in Monguno

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News

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

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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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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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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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