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