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Boko Haram: Residents fear Terrorists may take Borno from the inside

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Boko Haram: Residents fear Terrorists may take Borno from the inside

Boko Haram: Residents fear Terrorists may take Borno from the inside

The 12-year-old battle between the Nigerian Security Forces and members of the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram, which spread across the Northeast region resulting in the killings of over 30,000 innocent citizens and the displacement of over three million people from their ancestral homes began in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital as flash floods. This conflict has changed a lot of things not only in Borno state but also the entire country as many homes had a taste of what the insurgency has brought amongst the people.

NEWSng observed that, while it is a thing of joy to hear the numbers of terrorists surrendering to the Nigerian Military, it is also wise for the Nigerian authorities to tread carefully in receiving the so-called repented terrorists. War is a deception that seeks the flow of innocent blood acted upon the self and greed of few individuals, who want power by all means. It is always about strategy and re-strategy to have again over the unforeseen situation in a tactical mood.

Borno residents have cheered and welcomed the new development with mixed feelings looking at the other side of the act of war. While responding to the increased recent surrender of terrorists to troops Friday, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, spoke the minds of many residents who had suffered and still bearing the brunt of the 12 years insurgency which is still counting as there was recently an attempt by the terrorists to overran Damboa town in Borno.

Residents and security operatives believe that hunger or blockage of food supplies should not be the only reasons the terrorists are coming out to surrender.

“There must be something to look into the influx of the terrorists, who are coming behind their wives and children as human shields. I am not doubting the capacity of our military but the foolishness of our politicians is what matters here because they can put pressure on the military to release terrorists for some political manipulations at the detriment of our people who are craving food and water. ” Ibrahim Audi, a resident of Maiduguri observed

Also Muktar Salim, a staff of one of the higher institutions in Maiduguri told NEWSng that, over 1000 Boko Haram Terrorists were said to have surrendered to troops.

Read Also: Boko Haram: UNICEF condemns bomb attacks resulting in…

” Where are these terrorists being kept? How is the government approaching this situation? If these terrorists are coming for good then I will be happy for all of us. But if they are coming with hidden agenda I am worried they might be agents coming to prepare how they might take the state from within. The government should therefore not be in a hurry to release them into communities as it may turn out to be a serious disaster.”

Mohammed Kabir Suleiman likens the influx of the surrendering terrorists to what is currently happening in Afghanistan. According to him, some Taliban’s have come out to renounce terrorism and they were allowed to move freely among the people but suddenly as the Americans pull out the government of Afghanistan can not stop them again.

“It is fearful what is happening today in Afghanistan. I read from reports that terrorists who had earlier surrendered and lived in the cities now being occupied by the Taliban’s are the same who made ways for the fighters to take these cities like wildfire. Nigeria and our military should not allow mistakes like this to happen because it will be a disaster more than what we have seen in the past especially with the knowledge and experience of war that these terrorists are coming with.” He said

In his observation, the Shehu of Borno said “Their surrender to the military; was a welcome development to both the State Government and victims of terrorism.”

He said the Safe Corridor program of the Army led to the de-radicalization of repentant terrorists in Gombe state. But it will be very difficult if not impossible for Borno citizens to reintegrate the repentant insurgents into destroyed communities.

The Shehu recalled the destruction of Bama town one of the largest towns in terms of population in the state, adding that “Bama township and its College of Education; were flattened by Boko Haram in September 2014. “

He observed that the fears of the people over the 12-year insurgency still remain and will continue to haunt members of the communities, where the surrendered terrorists are to be re-integrated. 1

“13 district heads and many ward heads were killed in the over a decade insurgency in my emirate; comprising 16 Local Government Areas in the state. It is easy to forgive for the destruction of many lives and property, but difficult to forget the wanton loss of lives in the various communities of my Chiefdom.” The royal father said.

“Many people were killed along with their property for 12 years. And you people and the media expect us to forget and forgive the repentant terrorists?” he asked citing a resident who lost eight members of his family to Boko Haram. “If the repentant terrorists killed the entire family, the survivor will definitely pursue the reintegrated insurgent for revenge no matter where he goes or lives in the country,” he said.

He, therefore, warned that it will be difficult and dicey to allow the repentant terrorists to live in their respective communities, while the people are still going through the trauma coupled with hunger, diseases and the blood still flowing with unrepentant terrorists still operating in the state.

Another key area observed on the surrendering of the Boko Haram fighters was the point raised by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Sen. Mohammed Ali Ndume, who in his opinion said, no blanket amnesty or pampering should be given to the terrorists.

Ndume urged the Nigerian authorities to ensure that citizens who bore the mark of the conflict on their bodies are settled. “This is when the nation can begin to talk about how to reintegrate those who have wreaked havoc in the country and are now pleading for mercy.”

Ndume suggested that the first step after getting the surrendered terrorists is the resettlement of about 1.7 million displaced persons. “Now that the war is getting to an end. Then we talk of profiling, investigating and interrogating the surrendered terrorists from the forest and Lake Chad region.”

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NSCDC personnel brutally attack police inspector in Gombe, inflicting severe injuries

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NSCDC personnel brutally attack police inspector in Gombe, inflicting severe injuries

By: Zagazola Makama

Police in Gombe State have launched a manhunt for two NSCDC personnel involved in a conspiracy and attack on a police inspector.

Zagazola Makama was informed from a reliable sources that on June 15, 2025, at about 2000 hours, Umar Ahmadu, Al’azeez, and Abdulrasheed all members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to Dukku Road Office in Gombe allegedly attacked Inspector Mohammed Jungudo with a jackknife, inflicting severe injuries in various parts of his body.

The injured Inspector Jungudo is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, while the suspects remain at large.

Police sources say efforts are underway to arrest the suspects.

NSCDC personnel brutally attack police inspector in Gombe, inflicting severe injuries

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General Buratai: Reports suggesting a Boko Haram attack on the former army chief are inaccurate, deceptive, and maliciously planted by armchair journalists.

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General Buratai

General Buratai: Reports suggesting a Boko Haram attack on the former army chief are inaccurate, deceptive, and maliciously planted by armchair journalists.

By: Dr. James Bwala

Reports alleging that former Army Chief General Tukur Yusuf Buratai came under Boko Haram gunfire attack around Biu town in Borno State, northeast Nigeria, on Friday have been proven to be false, misleading, and irresponsibly propagated by armchair journalists. Such misinformation not only distorts public perception but also undermines efforts toward peace and security in the region. The dissemination of unverified news contributes to unnecessary panic and erodes trust in credible news sources.

It is imperative for journalists and media practitioners to adhere strictly to ethical standards by verifying information before publication. In conflict-prone areas like Borno State, where security concerns are heightened, accuracy in reporting is crucial for both national stability and the safety of individuals involved. The spread of baseless reports about a high-profile figure such as General Buratai can have significant ramifications on public morale and military operations.

The propagation of fake news regarding General Buratai’s alleged encounter with Boko Haram highlights the dangers posed by irresponsible journalism. It underscores the need for rigorous fact-checking and responsible reporting practices to foster informed discourse and maintain societal stability. Media outlets must prioritize integrity and accountability, ensuring that their content contributes positively to public understanding rather than fueling discord and misinformation. 

The responsibility lies with both journalists and consumers of news to critically evaluate sources and demand higher standards of reporting. In doing so, we can collectively work towards a more informed and resilient society, where truth prevails over sensationalism and speculation. By cultivating a culture of critical thinking and media literacy, we can empower individuals to discern fact from fiction and make informed decisions based on reliable information. In this way, the media can play a pivotal role in supporting peace and development, especially in regions affected by conflict and instability.

One of the core values of journalism is upholding journalistic ethics. This is not just a professional obligation but a societal necessity, particularly in areas where misinformation can exacerbate tensions and hinder progress. It is imperative that both media professionals and the public remain vigilant against the allure of sensational headlines, which often prioritize shock value over accuracy. Such vigilance is crucial in preventing the spread of narratives that could potentially incite fear and undermine trust in legitimate sources of information. 

Recent reports have circulated suggesting that former Chief of Army Staff, General T.Y. Buratai, was present in Biu, Borno State, amid ongoing security concerns in Northeast Nigeria. However, these claims are inaccurate. Contrary to such misinformation, General Buratai is currently performing Hajj in the Holy Land and remains hale and hearty. I have personally exchanged Dallas greetings with him, and therefore, this clarification is significant given the sensitivity surrounding his role in counterinsurgency efforts against Boko Haram during his tenure.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/umth-how-professor-ahidjos-transformation-agenda-impacted-the-information-unit/

The dissemination of false information regarding prominent figures like General Buratai can exacerbate confusion and undermine public trust. It is important to rely on verified sources when assessing the whereabouts and health status of key individuals. Despite rumors linking him to recent activities in Borno State, credible fact-checking has confirmed his absence from the region. Thus, this situation underscores the necessity for critical evaluation of social media posts and other informal channels reporting on national security matters. 

In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly through social media platforms, it becomes ever more crucial for individuals to approach such claims with a discerning eye and prioritize information from reliable sources. As we navigate this digital age, the responsibility falls on both media outlets and individuals to ensure that the information shared is factual and not based on unsubstantiated rumors. In this context, verifying claims through established fact-checking organizations becomes indispensable to prevent the escalation of false narratives that can impact national security. Therefore, fostering a culture of media literacy becomes essential in equipping the public to discern between factual reporting and deceptive claims.

Emphasizing media literacy not only helps individuals interpret information accurately but also builds resilience against the manipulation of narratives that could otherwise destabilize societal cohesion. By fostering such literacy, society can better navigate the complexities of information in the digital realm and safeguard against the perils of misinformation that threaten to distort public perception and trust. 

The media, and especially journalists, should promote critical thinking and encourage the use of fact-checking tools. Individuals can actively contribute to a more informed and cohesive society, reducing the potential for misinformation to disrupt public trust and national stability. In this era of rapid information dissemination, the role of responsible journalism and informed public discourse cannot be overstated in countering the spread of misinformation. 

While the reports falsely quote sources that are nonexistent, often referred to as “ghosts,” it is a pernicious practice within journalism that undermines the profession’s integrity. This form of yellow journalism not only distorts truth but also erodes public trust, which is foundational to credible reporting. When armchair journalists fabricate sources, they prioritize sensationalism over accuracy, thereby aligning themselves with unethical practices condemned by journalistic standards. Such actions betray the noble mission of journalism: to inform society with factual and verifiable information.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

General Buratai: Reports suggesting a Boko Haram attack on the former army chief are inaccurate, deceptive, and maliciously planted by armchair journalists.

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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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