Security
MNJFT: Force Commander, General Ibrahim commends troops resilient in Lake Chad region.
MNJFT: Force Commander, General Ibrahim commends troops resilient in Lake Chad region.
By: James Bwala
The Force Commander (COMFORCE) of the MNJTF Major General Abdul Khalifa Ibrahim has praised the professionalism of the troops and their outstanding courage and bravery in discharging their duties in the ongoing operation on the Lake Chad region in northeast Nigeria.
General Ibrahim gave the praise when he visited troops at the MMF Forward Operating Base in Arege, near Lake Chad.
He said their domination of Arege was encouraging, but he urged them to carry out aggressive mobile operations to corner the enemy in the islands of Lake Chad.
He drove around and saw the site of a failed car bomb attempt.
Addressing the troops, he urged them to remain alert and focused on the task at hand at all times.
He also addressed Air Task Force personnel at its base in Diffa.
He commended their professionalism and sense of duty and urged them to gradually maintain the momentum of the operation in order to completely wipe out the ill-intentioned criminals in the region.
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The COMFORCE was accompanied by the Deputy Force Commander, Brigadier General Abdou Harouna Assoumane, the Commander of Sector 3 (Nigeria), Major General GM Mutkut, the Commander of Sector 4 (Niger), Colonel Major Mamane Sani Kiaou and some heads of cells from the Tactical Headquarters of Diffa in the Republic of Niger.
On the sidelines of the operational visit to the tactical HQ in Diffa, the COMFORCE paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of the Diffa region, His Excellency Issa Lamine.
General Ibrahim briefed the Governor on some issues and requested the continued support and cooperation of the people of Diffa region and beyond for the success of the MMF.
He expressed his satisfaction with the level of participation of the troops from sector 4 of Diffa who were very professional on the ground.
The COMFORCE also praised the synergy of well-coordinated efforts between the Air Task Force and ground forces.
He assured the governor that the MNJTF troops will continue to work hard as a team with the ultimate goal of defeating the terrorists in the region.
The Governor, visibly delighted with this visit, congratulated the COMFORCE and his team for the advice and directives given to the troops, which translated into victory on the battlefield.
He pointed out that some bad elements of the society are collaborating with the TBHs, which has negative effects on the smooth running of the operation.
Speaking on the other hand, Mr. Issa Lamine promised to mobilize adequate support from the population in order to mitigate these illegal activities of collaborators and sponsors.
He added that during his exchanges with the civilian population, the latter could see that normality was restored every day and wished the FMM great success in its mission of stabilizing the Lake Chad region.
MNJFT: Force Commander, General Ibrahim commends troops resilient in Lake Chad region.
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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