Security
Borno: Divergent viewpoints and the difficult path to peace
Borno: Divergent viewpoints and the difficult path to peace
By: James Bwala
After more than 14 years of fighting the battles that have decimated Borno state, once regarded as the “home of peace,” a closer examination of the state’s path to peace in northeastern Nigeria has produced unclear viewpoints on the accomplishments and efforts being made by the administration to restore the state to glory. First, there were differences of opinion among the security personnel engaged in the battle. The war has continued up until this point because of the Divergent series.
On the other hand, the terrorists’ breakout within their own ranks While it was hoped that this would put an end to the insurgency’s daily suicides in the Sambisa Forest and around Lake Chad, the end appeared to be far off as both ISWAP and Boko Haram elements grew more powerful as each day came to an end and a new one began.
The Northeast governors recently had to request help from the appropriate authorities to take the necessary steps and make progress toward peace as a result of this factor and the escalating factions. The call from the governors of the Northeast also revealed local residents’ concerns about the military’s effectiveness and the terrorists’ rising popularity, which contrasts with reports on many Nigerians’ tables who read about local conditions in newspapers and other media.
The local organization, which used sticks and matchsticks to fight the terrorists, is now facing internal conflict over what may be viewed as poor leadership. The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), a group of local security personnel, was said to be in a state of open hostility as one faction accused its president of diverting 13 patrol cars.
Reports state that the faction’s president, Lawan Ja’afar, has been suspended by Bashir Abbas, the faction’s current auditor. Baba Shehu Abdulganiyu has been named the temporary president until a permanent leader is chosen, according to Abbas, who made the announcement during a press conference on Sunday in Maiduguri.
Regarding Article 6 Rule 2(vi) of the CJTF Constitution, according to Abbas, “the leadership has unanimously decided to suspend its president in the person of Lawan Ja’afar, who is alleged to have misappropriated some Hilux vehicles given to the organization (CJTF) by the Borno State Government for operational purposes and two other Hilux vehicles given to the organization by the NNPC for operational purposes too.
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However, Lawan Ja’afar, the president of the CJTF, has referred to it as unsubstantiated, unjustified, and deceptive. Insisting that the accusations against him were false, he dared the Abbass-led CJTF to submit the claims for review by the appropriate security authorities. Lawan also insisted that he was still the CJTF president and could not be removed from office by a small group of his colleagues.
“All claims made against me are false. If the Abbas group is sincere, they should contact the appropriate security services to conduct a comprehensive inquiry. Very few of my coworkers can remove me from office by violating the constitution, Ja’afar added. “We’re meeting with a superior security agency right away, and they’ll call the other group to a meeting.”
We have observed over time and in our ongoing experiences in Borno State that factions among the 14-year-old insurgency’s various actors have rather contributed to the drawn-out and ineffective methods of making progress on the side of the military, the local security organization, and the terrorist group itself. Is it possible to genuinely appreciate the path to peace when there are divergent views on that path? Should we hang on to the lines that simply provided us with reassurance for our upcoming worries?
Borno: Divergent viewpoints and the difficult path to peace
News
Protest: NHRC Asks Security Agencies to Provide Adequate Protection for Protesters
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
Military
Nigerian Troops eliminate 8 Boko Haram Terrorists in Raid in enclaves
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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