Connect with us

News

NCYP and Digital Imam Urge Review of Bandit Peace Deals to Prevent Rising Insecurity

Published

on

NCYP and Digital Imam Urge Review of Bandit Peace Deals to Prevent Rising Insecurity

By: Michael Mike

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has called on the Federal Government to urgently reevaluate the peace deals currently being entered into with bandits in the North West, warning that such agreements may worsen insecurity rather than resolve it.

This position was made known during a courtesy visit by the NCYP national delegation, led by its National Chairman, Isaac Abrak, to the Chairman of the Islamic Research and Da’awa Foundation, Sheikh Muhammad Nuru Khalid—fondly known as the Digital Imam—at his residence in Karu, Nasarawa State.

Speaking during the visit, Abrak noted with concern that while clerics and community leaders are engaging with bandits in states such as Katsina, Zamfara, and Kebbi, attacks in these areas continue to rise.

He stressed that while community involvement is important, negotiations with armed groups should be led by state security agencies such as the military and the DSS, with clerics and local leaders playing a supportive role.

On the recurring farmers–herders conflict in the North Central region, Abrak urged stakeholders to draw lessons from Rwanda’s experience. He explained that Rwanda was able to break cycles of revenge between Hutus and Tutsis—who lost over 800,000 lives during the genocide—through the virtues of forgiveness and reconciliation. He cautioned that Nigeria must also embrace forgiveness to avoid a similar tragedy, while highlighting Rwanda’s remarkable post-conflict recovery and development as a model.

In his response, Sheikh Nuru Khalid reiterated his longstanding call for interreligious tolerance between Muslims and Christians as the foundation for peace, good governance, and national development. He endorsed NCYP’s call for the review of peace deals, stressing that while peace is desirable, government must not appear weak or give preferential treatment to criminals. According to him, the current form of negotiations risks sending the wrong message—that government cannot hold bandits accountable for their crimes.

The Sheikh further cautioned against elevating the status of bandits above that of affected communities, warning that this could embolden potential criminals. He commended Nigeria’s security forces for their commitment, particularly the Chief of Defence Staff, whom he described as dedicated to securing the country.

Sheikh Khalid also expressed appreciation to the NCYP for the visit and assured them of his support and guidance in their pursuit of peace and justice across the nation.

NCYP and Digital Imam Urge Review of Bandit Peace Deals to Prevent Rising Insecurity

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

Published

on

Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.

On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.

The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.

Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.

One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.

No military equipment was lost during the operation.

Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.

Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.

Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

Continue Reading

News

Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

Published

on

Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.

Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.

🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence

In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.

The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.

According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.

Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.

🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction

A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.

She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.

🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed

AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.

🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm

In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.

According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.

The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.

The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.

🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial

Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.

Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

Continue Reading

News

Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

Published

on

Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.

Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.

Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.

The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.

They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.

Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights