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
Security forces move to avert reprisal after killing of herdsman in Benue

Security forces move to avert reprisal after killing of herdsman in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have intensified patrols and peace-building efforts in Anyiatse village, Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue, following the killing of a Fulani herdsman by suspected youths of the community.
Zagazola learnt that the incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, has heightened fears of a reprisal attack by Fulani groups in the area.
Sources said the herdsman was attacked and killed in the bush, sparking tension among residents and neighbouring communities.
In response, security personnel were deployed to the area to forestall further violence, while traditional rulers and stakeholders have been engaged in dialogue to restore calm.
The measures, according to local authorities, are aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order as investigations into the killing continue
End.
News
NSCDC personnel brutally attack police inspector in Gombe, inflicting severe injuries

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

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.
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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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