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NARC SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOWS AND SUBJECT EXPERTS MAKE PRESENTATIONS
NARC SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOWS AND SUBJECT EXPERTS MAKE PRESENTATIONS
By: Our Reporter
The Monday 11 November 2024 edition of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Weekly Subject Experts’ Presentation was held at Board Room, TY Buratai Block, Abuja. There were two presentations made by the Subject Experts on, Western Europe, and North America.
The first presentation by Maj Gen GU Chibuisi subject expert on Western Europe centered his presentation on how, French Parents Sue Tiktok over alleged Failure to Remove Harmful Content. The Reuters News Agency reported that seven French parents have filed a lawsuit against social media platform TikTok, accusing TikTok of exposing their adolescent children to harmful content, which they allege led to two of the teenagers, both aged 15, taking their own lives. The families’ lawyer, Laure Boutron-Marmion, confirmed the news on Monday 4 Nov 24. The lawsuit claims that TikTok’s algorithm exposed the teens to content promoting suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders.
The families are pursuing joint legal action in the Créteil Judicial Court, marking a first for such a collective lawsuit in Europe. “The parents want TikTok’s legal liability to be recognized in court,” said Boutron-Marmion, adding, “This is a commercial company providing a product to consumers who are minors. Therefore, they must be held accountable for the product’s flaws.” Like other social media platforms, TikTok has long faced scrutiny over content moderation. Alongside Meta’s platforms, Facebook and Instagram, it faces hundreds of lawsuits in the US, accusing them of drawing and addicting millions of children to their applications, and adversely affecting their mental health. TikTok is however yet to comment on the latest allegations, though the company had previously stated that it takes children’s mental health seriously.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Maj Gen GU Chibuisi pointed out that, Social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter, YouTube, and Telegram have pervaded the lives of many Nigerians, profoundly influencing their behaviour, values and societal roles. A recent survey by Data Reportal highlighted that Nigeria has over 33 million active social media users, and that a significant percentage of them engage daily on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook (DataReportal, 2023). This widespread access allows users to consume and share multimedia content at unprecedented rates, shaping their opinions, social interactions, and aspirations. Nigeria’s youth population ration is one of the largest in the world, comprising about 60% of the nation’s total population (World Bank,2022).
The influence of social media on this demographic group is substantial, driven by several factors, including increased smartphone penetration, affordable internet data packages and a shared desire for social connectivity. Social media has increasingly become a platform where Nigerian youths engage in illicit activities, influenced by the anonymity and accessibility the platforms provide. It has spurred notable cases of sextortion, where individuals use deception and blackmail to exploit others. A tragic incident involved 17-year-old Jordan DeMay from Michigan, USA, who fell victim to a sextortion scheme orchestrated by three Nigerian youths: Samuel Ogoshi, 22, Samson Ogoshi, 20, and Ezekiel Robert, 19. The men posed as a woman on Instagram, convincing DeMay to send explicit photographs, and then demanded money, threatening to release the images. When DeMay was unable to pay the extortion amount, he faced relentless pressure that ultimately led him to take his own life (Detroit Free Press, 2023).
He recommended that the Federal and State Governments should collaborate with technology companies to improve age-based restrictions on social media in Nigeria and also tighten enforcement of cybercrime laws and collaborate with social media companies to monitor and remove contents that promote fraudulent or extremist activities.
Similarly, the second presentation by Brig Gen B Sarki subject expert on North America focused his presentation on how, Two Women and Boy Shot Dead at Altar to Folk Saint Cult “La Santa Muerte” in Mexico. A local leader of the Mexican folk saint cult “La Santa Muerte” was gunned down at an altar to the skeletal figure on 6 Nov 24, two other people were killed and eight injured in the attack in the city of Leon, in Guanajuato state the authorities said. The saint whose name means roughly “Holy Death” is often worshipped by convicts, drug addicts and criminals, along with other people who feel excluded or are experiencing difficulties in life. The saint, who is not recognized by the Roman Catholic church, is usually depicted as a female skeleton, and is supposed to protect her followers from death.
But that didn’t work for “La Madrina Chayo,” a woman considered a leader of the cult in the north-central state of Guanajuato. Prosecutors did not give her real name, in keeping with Mexican law, but the nickname “La Madrina Chayo” was used by a faith healer also known as “Chayito.” She, another woman and a boy were shot dead on Friday 1 Nov 24 as they prepared the annual Santa Muerte celebration. There was no immediate information on the condition of the eight people, including two children wounded in the shooting attack on the street corner altar. Like Mexico’s Day of the Dead holiday, the Santa Muerte is honored on Nov 1 and 2. The Roman Catholic leaders in Mexico have condemned the deity’s connection to violence and the illicit drug trade.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria Brig Gen B Sarki noted that, In Nigeria, religious practices and spirituality play a significant role in shaping social dynamics, with various syncretic belief systems blending indigenous African religions, Islam and Christianity. While the Santa Muerte cult is not present in Nigeria, similar forms of folk spirituality, often intertwined with criminal activity, can be found. In many Nigerian communities, traditional religious practices still hold significant cultural importance, particularly among ethnic groups in the South, East, Middle Belt and some parts of the North, where ancestral worship, the veneration of local deities, and the use of charms and amulets (often for protection, wealth, or power) are common. These practices are sometimes fused with Christian and Islamic elements, creating unique forms of syncretism that can include ritual sacrifices, consultations with spiritual mediums, and the use of occult practices to achieve material or spiritual goals.
In some cases, these religious practices are associated with organized crime or violence, particularly in regions with high levels of socio-economic inequality, political instability, and corruption. For instance, youth cults or secret societies, such as the Aiye and Eiye cults in the South West, use a mix of traditional beliefs and modern rituals to enforce loyalty, intimidate rivals, and maintain power. These cults sometimes engage in violent activities, including ritual killings, extortion, and kidnappings. Similarly, certain internet fraud rings (often referred to as yahoo boys) use spiritual rituals and charms to protect themselves from law enforcement or to attract wealth, in a manner akin to how criminal organizations in Mexico might use Santa Muerte as a symbol of protection and power. While the specific figure of Santa Muerte does not appear in Nigerian religious practices, similar themes of using spirituality for personal or criminal gain can be observed across various sectors of Nigerian society.
He recommended that the FGN should establish specialized units to combat religiously motivated crime and cults, and enhance intelligence-sharing and surveillance and also strengthen the rule of law to ensure swift prosecution of cult-related violence and enforce legal frameworks to protect against harmful religious practices.
NARC SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOWS AND SUBJECT EXPERTS MAKE PRESENTATIONS
News
EXCLUSIVE: expanding JAS/ANSARU–JNIM violence signals growing jihadist threat in Niger–Kwara corridor
EXCLUSIVE: expanding JAS/ANSARU–JNIM violence signals growing jihadist threat in Niger–Kwara corridor
By: Zagazola Makama
Recent attacks by terrorists linked to Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), Ansaru splinter factions and the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) have brought into sharp focus a troubling expansion of jihadist violence into Nigeria’s North-Central zone, with Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State emerging as a new flashpoint.
On Jan. 9, 2026, terrorists operating along the Borgu axis attacked Damala village, a Kambari farming settlement in Borgu LGA. The assailants killed four residents, looted foodstuffs and livestock, and subsequently withdrew towards the Kainji National Park.
Zagazola Makama report that the attack followed a similar modus operandi to the Jan. 3, 2026 massacre at Kasuwan Daji, where villagers were killed and abducted in a coordinated night raid.
Deep findings indicated that Borgu and neighbouring Agwara LGAs have increasingly become areas of operation for a Saddiku-led Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) faction working in collaboration with JNIM fighters infiltrating from the Sahel.
The terrorists are believed to be exploiting the Liptako–Gourma tri-border forest corridor, which stretches across parts of Mali, Niger Republic and Burkina Faso, before filtering through Benin Republic into the Kainji National Park ecosystem.
Zagazola noted that the vast forested terrain of the park, combined with weak surveillance, has made it an attractive rear base for terrorist regrouping, logistics and cross-border movement. Borgu has been under sustained pressure, with attacks occurring at regular intervals.
On Nov. 21, 2025, gunmen abducted students of St. Mary Catholic School, Papiri, in Borgu LGA. The students were later released in batches on Dec. 8 and Dec. 22, 2025. It was revealed whether ransom was paid or not. However, Intelligence linked the abduction to JAS handlers operating from Ali Ngulde camp in the North-East.
This was followed by the Jan. 3, 2026 Kasuwan Daji attack and an earlier Jan. 5, 2026 assault on a Mobile Police (MOPOL) checkpoint at New Kali village, also in Borgu LGA. This point to a high probability of continued and potentially more daring attacks within Borgu LGA and adjoining areas over the next two weeks.
There are also growing concerns that the violence could spill into Kwara State, particularly Kaiama and Baruten LGAs, which border Kainji National Park. The terrorist groups have had sufficient time to regroup and reposition following recent security operations in parts of Niger State, increasing the likelihood of an operational surge.
“The pattern suggests deliberate expansion rather than isolated criminality,” a counterterrorism expert said. “This is ideological jihadist violence, fused with banditry and cross-border logistics. The Damala attack has further reinforced assessments that JAS/Ansaru factions and JNIM elements now maintain established bases within the Kainji National Park.
The systematic raiding of livestock and foodstuffs, analysts say, reflects the groups’ dependence on local communities for sustenance and their reliance on the park’s ecosystem for concealment, mobility and survival.
Military strategists describe the park as the terrorists’ operational centre of gravity, and, paradoxically, their main vulnerability.
Zagazola suggested that a sustained , intelligence-driven air campaign targeting known hideouts, logistics routes and assembly areas within the park could significantly degrade their combat power.
Such an approach, would fix terrorist elements in place, disrupt their supply chains and create favourable conditions for coordinated ground operations to restore security and prevent further expansion into Kwara State and deeper into the North-Central zone.
The unfolding situation in Borgu is widely seen as a warning sign of the evolving nature of Nigeria’s security threats, where jihadist groups displaced from the North-East and North-West are probing new theatres with weak state presence.
If left unchecked, the Borgu–Kainji axis could become a permanent jihadist sanctuary, linking Sahel-based terrorist networks directly to Nigeria’s heartland.
EXCLUSIVE: expanding JAS/ANSARU–JNIM violence signals growing jihadist threat in Niger–Kwara corridor
Dignitaries Gather In Borno For APC Deputy National Chairman’s Children’s Wedding
By: Our Reporter
Prominent Nigerians on Saturday converged in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to attend the wedding ceremony of three children of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Dr. Ali Bukar Dalori.
Gatekeepers News reports that there was heavy traffic in parts of Maiduguri as dignitaries from all works of life made frantic effort to access the residence of Dalori and the Al-Ansar Mosque, the two main venues of the wedding ceremony.
Among those in attendance were top government officials, party leaders, traditiona rulers, business moguls, and religious leaders from within and outside Borno State. The ceremony attracted a large crowd, reflecting Dr. Dalori’s political influence and wide network across the country.
Leading the array of dignitaries is the National Chairman of the APC Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, othe members of National Woking Committee of the APC and large numbers of States Chairmen of the party .
Also in attendance were the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, his Deputy, Hon Umar Kadafur , three Senators from the state- Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senator Mohammed Ndume Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan and members of the House of Representatives from Borno State
Others are the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen, Abubakar Kyari, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and members of Borno State House of Assembly , former Nigeria Ambassador to China, Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Alh. Ibrahim Bunu, Ibrahim , Former Deputy Governors of Borno State- Ali Jatau and Adamu Dibal .
The Deputy National Chairman of the APC was full of gratitude to his guests who left their various confort zones to attend wedding of his children- Usman, Falmata and Aisha .
” I’m immensely grateful our National Chairman of APC Professor Nentawe, our amiable Governor of Borno State Prof Babagana Zulum, the Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur and the too many important personalities who came from far and near to honour my invitation, may Allah (SAW) bless you all ” Dalori said .
The wedding rites were conducted in accordance with Islamic injunctions, featuring special prayers for the couples, their families,. The atmosphere was marked by joy, unity, and cultural splendour, as guests exchanged pleasantries and goodwill messages with the host and his family
Security operatives were deployed in large numbers around the venues to maintain law and order and ensure the smooth flow of activities. Traffic control officers were also on ground to manage the influx of vehicles and guests, while emergency and protocol teams worked tirelessly to coordinate movements and logistics.
The wedding ceremony came to a successful end with a reception that featured traditional music, refreshments, and continued interactions among guests, bringing together leaders and citizens in a rare atmosphere of celebration and solidarity.
Dignitaries Gather In Borno For APC Deputy National Chairman’s Children’s Wedding
JUST IN: Boko Haram terrorists demand N423m ransom to release Borno ex-LGA vice chairman
By: Our Reporter
A new video has emerged showing two men, allegedly abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno State, pleading for help.
One of the victims, Hon. Hassan Biu Miringa, a former Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Area, is seen in the video appealing for rescue.
The two men were taken hostage on December 17, 2025, while traveling from Miringa to Maiduguri.
In the video, the abductees said the terrorists are demanding a ransom of $150,000 per person, totaling $300,000, for their release.
‘We were abducted on our way from Miringa to Maiduguri around 2:30. Alhamdulillah, we are alive,’ one of the victims said. ‘We are calling on the government and individuals to come to our rescue.’
The victims specifically appealed to Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, Hon. Mukhtar Betara Aliyu, Hon. Sule Ali Rimi, Hon. Yakubu Gambo Kimba, and Alhaji Musa Dogo Biu to intervene and help secure their freedom.
‘We are pleading with them to come to our rescue. We are their sons,” the victim said. ‘They said we must provide $150,000 each. For the two of us, it is $300,000. We want to be reunited with our families.’
JUST IN: Boko Haram terrorists demand N423m ransom to release Borno ex-LGA vice chairman
EXCLUSIVE: expanding JAS/ANSARU–JNIM violence signals growing jihadist threat in Niger–Kwara corridor
Dignitaries Gather In Borno For APC Deputy National Chairman’s Children’s Wedding
JUST IN: Boko Haram terrorists demand N423m ransom to release Borno ex-LGA vice chairman
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