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How Military Olive Branch Draws Out Boko Haram From Sambisa Forest In Borno

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How Military Olive Branch Draws Out Boko Haram From Sambisa Forest In Borno

How Military Olive Branch Draws Out Boko Haram From Sambisa Forest In Borno

By: James Bwala, Maiduguri

Boko Haram terrorists have been fighting to establish an Islamic caliphate in Nigeria’s northeast. The fighters began attacks in 2010 barely one year after the killing of their leader Mohammed Yusuf. The new for fighting men came under Yusuf’s second in command Sheikh Abubakar Ibn Alshakawi also known as Abubakar Shekau.

The fighters grew in strength and fighting spirit making them the most dangerous and dreaded terrorist organisation, a situation which drew the attention of leading terrorist’s organisation in the world. 

Shekau’s army are fearless and armed with the religious beliefs unequal to other terrorist organisations who were more literate than the foot soldiers on the ranks of Boko Haram under Shekau’s Command. He (Shekau) got fame and support from top most dreaded terrorists organisations and individuals who believed in his cause and thereby making him more dangerous. His style of leadership however, brought a major division that resulted in factionalizing the sect with a top and equally dreaded Commander, Mamman Nur taking almost all of the fighting men to control the Alagarno forest area of Borno state.

Mamman Nur was killed by two brothers and commanders in his rank. But they also lost grip of the fighting men who returned home to Shekau. But it was not long before the group split again when Shekau failed to execute Albarnawi, who slipped away and ran to submit to ISIS. Al Barnawi’s union with ISIS soon gave birth to the Islamic State of West African Province, ISWAP. 

According to the U.N. over 30,000 people have been killed by Boko Haram and well over 3 million people have been displaced in Nigeria since 2009 when the fighting deteriorated into an armed conflict with Nigerian government troops. But recently there was a change in the game with over 1000 Boko Haram members surrendering to Nigerian Troops. The influx into the city of Maiduguri from the Sambisa forest raises a lot of questions especially that those who are receiving them observed that these former fighters have been coming, leaving their weapons behind.

The situation rather informed the questions on why these fighters are surrendering in droves. This however could be answered in two ways. They may have been coming in peace or coming to take the state from within as witness in the withdrawal of American troops and the taking over by Talibans in Afghanistan.

NEWSng also seeks to know from the people who matter and is armed with information about the situation on ground. It could be recalled that a Boko Haram Terrorists Commander, Adamu Rugurugu, who had slaughter hundreds in Gwoza town and instill fear among the people, told Soldiers at the time of his surrender that it was not about hunger in the bushes that force them out but their coming was as a result of the Nigeria’s Military Olive Branch offered them and the sincerity of the government in the amnesty it offers. 

Adamu Rugurugu who spoke Hausa said, “Hunger as being insinuated was not the reason for the surrendering of fighters but the results of extensive counter-insurgency messaging by the soldiers.  The Borno state governor who has been a victim of attack by the terrorists on several occasions when he travelled to the liberated local government areas did not lose hope that under his leadership the state will enjoy peace and see the return of fighters under the civil authorities. “

Also speaking on the surrendering of Boko Haram fighters to troops, Malam Saleh Al-sunusi, an Islamic scholar with information about the terrorists organization operating in the Northeast region especially those in the lake chad areas of Operations on Saturday told NEWSng  that the reasons for the droves surrendering of Boko Haram members, who are inclined to late Sheikh Abubakar Shekau was informed by the continuous disagreement amongst the commanders. 

“You may be aware that there were some changes in the ranking of ISWAP recently. The marriage between Shekau’s Boko Haram and Al-Barnawi’s ISWAP was meant to be a unity that would strengthen the ranks and purpose of their common goals. But since coming together issues and matters arising from within did not allow the kind of convenience expected in the union. There are still issues of struggles for who leads the fighters amongst the many commanders thus resulting in internal wrangling.

“Information we heard from the groups is that where a Shekau commander is leading, the ISWAP commander whose position was kind of reshuffled to allow a Shekau man to take his place resulted in operational failure as a result of sabotage. Sometimes they still shoot themselves over positions. Since coming together the group had several meetings only to understand themselves but still ego, pride and other negative influences could not allow them to come to terms. For me I believe it is the prayers of the people that keep confusing them. “He said 

On the side of the Military, the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu on several occasions had said “The vigilance of Troops of Operation Hadin Kai and swift response in the ongoing Operations in the northeast informed the result being witness in terrorists surrendering. Troops are also encouraged not to allow any form of distraction from the marauding terrorists, whose ranks have suffered acute manpower depletion as a result of ongoing kinetic and non kinetic operations conducted by troops”.

“The recent unprecedented and massive surrendering of Boko Haram Terrorists in Bama Operational area on 2 and 4 August, 2021 respectively, has resulted in confusion and severe apprehension in the camps of the Islamic State of West Africa Province especially amongst its top-ranking commanders over the depleting strength of its members, which has drastically dwindled their overall fighting efficiency.” General Onyema said.

According to General Onyema, the current trend of apprehension in their camps was further aggravated by the recent alarming turn out of members of the terrorist group, who came out in droves with their families to lay down their arms and surrender to troops at Mafa Local Government Area on 14 August 2021.

“It is against this backdrop that the terrorist group opted for the use of propaganda via AMAQ Terrorists Media Wing with the aim to portray the group as if it is still a potent force in the North East. Similarly, on 15 August 2021, the Theatre took custody of additional Boko Haram fighters, comprising of 4 adult males, 11 adult females, and 18 children from Landanli, Azah, Ngaridua and Kondilla villages, who surrendered to own troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, Banki Junction in Bama.

“ISWAP is yet to come to terms with the reality of its current predicament, which has posed a serious negative impact on its prowess. It is also worthy of note that the terrorists are overwhelmed with palpable fear and are making desperate efforts to halt the ongoing surrendering of their fighters from the Tumbus and Sambisa axis. The Nigerian Military is more resolute in intensifying both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts in the fight against insurgency, banditry and sundry crimes in the country.” He said

Boko Haram Commander, Amir Abu Darda who is in charge of IED’s, Improvised Explosive Device making for the group has surrendered and carried along with him, 20 IED experts, with weapons and other incendiaries. Many of the terrorists according to findings are said to be coming out from the Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad axis following a no holds barred and relentless unleashing of land bombardments by the Nigerian Army with artillery and infantry firepower while the Nigerian Airforce is dropping sorties with precision and leveling their hideouts in caves and enclaves.

Read Also: Boko Haram: Bomb expert Abu Dates, 20 others surrender to…

While this is ongoing, the military is simultaneously intensifying its non-kinetic operations and giving communities that had been traumatized for years that with their support through valuable information and cooperation, the criminal elements will be quickly smoked out.

General Onyema further said “Our kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations are paying off. That is why about 300 BHT surrendered. Moreover, those that have surrendered are treated within the ambit of international best practices. We believe that the feedback of how those who surrendered are treated is getting back. The role of intelligence is massive but as you know, intelligence successes are not visibly seen when inserted but the outcomes are currently manifesting.

“This unfolding mixed technique and humane handling of surrendered members are tangible steps towards ultimate success. The media also has been key to shaping and boosting troops resolve to continue their aggressive posture.” He said

Another Islamic Cleric, Muhammad Mustafa, has attributed sustained prayer for peace as the reasons for insurgents surrender to the military in Borno state.

Mustafa on Friday urged Muslims to use the significant period of “Tasu’ah” and “Ashura” being observed on 9th and 10 of Islamic Calendar (Muharram) which is equivalent to Wednesday and Thursday for voluntary Fasting to fast and pray for divine intervention and for lasting peace in Borno and the nation in general.

According to him, “The act of surrendering by the insurgents took many by surprise and should be consolidated with prayers and optimism instead of shock and pessimism as being observed expressed by some residents,” he said.

Mustafa, who is the Imam of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) Mosque, urged citizens to have faith in God that an end is now in sight after 12 years.

“Let us use this moment to pray that this is a divine intervention that will bring the desired lasting peace to Borno. Let’s pray that all those involved are sincere and committed to peace. Let’s pray for God to come between us and anyone, or group that is benefiting from the crisis and want to constitute a stumbling block to actualization of lasting peace in Borno,” 

Swaibou Issa, a researcher on Boko Haram at the University of Maroua, says Cameroon, Nigeria and Chad should encourage fighters who are still reluctant to surrender and help to reconstruct their communities. He said rival jihadist groups are carrying out charitable acts around the Lake Chad Basin aimed at luring in Boko Haram militants and having fighters join other terrorist groups. 

Issa says within the past two months, the Islamic State in West Africa Province, or the ISWAP, a splinter of Boko Haram, is increasingly gaining power and influence. According to him, ISWAP has been highly active along the Cameroon, Nigeria, and Chad border. He said while recognized international aid groups distribute food to populations in need, ISWAP also shares food to gain sympathy and recruit civilians.

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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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