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Coalition Tackles Ndume on Niger Sanctions, Praises ECOWAS, Tinubu’s Mediation Efforts
Coalition Tackles Ndume on Niger Sanctions, Praises ECOWAS, Tinubu’s Mediation Efforts
By: Michael Mike
A coalition of peace groups under the aegis of Africans Against Conflict For Peace has criticized Senator Ali Ndume’s position calling for an end to the sanctions on Niger by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
It would be recalled that ECOWAS under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu had placed economic sanctions and travel bans on Niger following the coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, against the democratically elected government of Mohammed Bazoum.
The sanctions have been variously condemned by Senator Ali Ndume, a Nigerian senator who is also in the ECOWAS Parliament.
Ndume had called for the ending of the sanctions, insisting that it was illegal and against the interest of generalities of people of troubled Niger Republic even as he claimed that the sanctions have equally adversely affected people of neighbouring towns to Niger whose businesses, he said have been put on hold.
In a reaction to Ndume’s criticism, a coalition led by Dr Jibrilla Gwadabe, the convener, in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, asserted that Senator Ndume was ill informed going by his position in the press against the sanction of the Nigerien military junta by ECOWAS.
Gwadabe said: “Distinguished Senator Ali Ndume does not understand the concept of coercive diplomacy, his constituency is the greatest beneficiary of the misfortune of terrorism that has led to the loss of thousands of lives and property more than anywhere else in the North East of Nigeria and Lake Chad Basin.
“The Military in Niger have now turned their attention to governance which is not their forte and have left their flanks open. Which is detrimental to the people that Ndume represents. Ndume should note that continued military rule in Niger will continue to increase challenges of insecurity and instability in the region that has already been engendered by terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, as well as recent attempts at unconstitutional Changes of Government”
Gwadabe added that: “ECOWAS is not at fault here, Niger Republic is also a signatory to the protocol that allows for the protection of civil constitutional rule. The truth Ndume has refused to mention is that ECOWAS Heads of State and Government are concerned over the dire humanitarian situation in the region and have noted its impact on education, livelihood and wellbeing of Nigeriens, especially children and women.
He explained that: “The ECOWAS Commission has already approved the provision of resources and support to the population to address the serious humanitarian situations in the region,” noting that: “It will be recalled too, that worsening humanitarian situation was exacerbated by the junta’s blockade of much needed humanitarian assistance from United Nations agencies.”
He however advised Senator Ndume to rather assert more efforts in calling for the release of Bazoum and an expedited transition to constitutional rule rather than laying blames at the wrong place.
He said the ECOWAS Commission and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserve much praise and support not condemnation.
Coalition Tackles Ndume on Niger Sanctions, Praises ECOWAS, Tinubu’s Mediation Efforts
Zamfara: Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in Shinkafi LGA
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation FANSAN YANMA have neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered arms during an offensive operation in Shinkafi LGA.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out on March 13 by troops of CT 5, who launched a deliberate clearance mission targeting terrorist camps located at Tubali and Zangon Danmaka.
The sources said the operation followed credible intelligence on the presence of armed bandits and other criminal elements using the locations as operational hideouts.
During the operation at Tubali, troops made contact with the suspected terrorists and engaged them in a brief gun battle, forcing the criminals to flee into nearby forested areas.
“During the engagement, one terrorist was neutralised, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds,” the source said.
Following the encounter, troops conducted exploitation of the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a motorcycle believed to belong to the fleeing terrorists.
The recovered items were secured by the troops while further search operations were carried out around the camp to ensure that no other threats remained in the vicinity.
The sources added that when troops advanced to Zangon Danmaka, no contact was made with terrorists as the suspects were believed to have fled the area ahead of the troop arrival.
However, troops maintained dominance in the general area while conducting further patrols and surveillance operations aimed at preventing the terrorists from regrouping.
Zamfara: Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in Shinkafi LGA
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP spy in Kanama, Yobe
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 159 Battalion in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force have arrested a suspected spy linked to terrorists operating in the North-East in Kanamma Yobe state.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Malam Fantami, a native of Dikwa was apprehended during a security operation by troops deployed in the area.
The sources said the suspect was intercepted following credible intelligence indicating that he might be working as an informant for terrorists affiliated with the ISWAP.
According to the sources, items recovered from the suspect at the time of his arrest included a mobile phone, a smart watch, prayer beads, a motorcycle key, and a cash sum of ₦7,000.
Preliminary examination of the suspect’s mobile phone by security personnel reportedly revealed several suspicious materials, including photographs of motorcycles, large sums of cash, AK-47 rifles and other items believed to be linked to terrorist activities.
“The discovery of these materials has raised serious suspicion about the suspect’s role as a possible logistics informant or intelligence asset for insurgent elements operating in the region,” the source said.
The suspect is currently in military custody, where he is undergoing further interrogation to determine the extent of his involvement with terrorist networks and to identify possible collaborators.
The military high command said the arrest forms part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by troops in the North-East aimed at dismantling the intelligence and logistics networks that support insurgent operations.
Kanama, located in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State near the border with Niger Republic, has remained an important corridor frequently exploited by insurgent groups for movement and supply activities.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP spy in Kanama, Yobe
Troops repel ISWAP attack in Bita, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled an attack by terrorists suspected to be members of ISWAP in Bita area of Borno state following a fierce overnight encounter.
Security sources said the attack began at about 1:09 a.m. on Saturday, when the insurgents launched a coordinated assault on troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade deployed in the Bita axis.
According to the sources, the terrorists attempted to overwhelm the troops’ position but were met with stiff resistance from the soldiers who engaged them in a sustained gun battle.
“In a decisive and coordinated operation, gallant troops of Operation Hadin Kai launched a simultaneous land and air assault on terrorist positions in Bita in the early hours of today,” the source said.
The coordinated response involved ground troops engaging the insurgents while aerial support conducted precision strikes and surveillance over the battlefield, forcing the attackers to retreat.
The intense engagement compelled the terrorists to withdraw towards their enclaves after suffering heavy pressure from the combined land and air assault.
Following the withdrawal of the insurgents, troops immediately commenced exploitation operations to pursue fleeing elements of the terrorist group and prevent them from regrouping.
Troops repel ISWAP attack in Bita, Borno
Troops repel attack on Forward Operating Base Azir in Damboa LGA, push back ISWAP terrorists
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper, recover AK-47 in Damaturu
Zamfara: Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in Shinkafi LGA
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