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Nigeria Says Military Action Last Option to Force Out Military Junta in Niger

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Boko Haram: Troops kill 12 terrorists as 174 surrendered in Borno

Nigeria Says Military Action Last Option to Force Out Military Junta in Niger

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has said it is not ruling out a military action in Niger, but prioritize diplomacy and dialogue.

The government said military action would only be the last option to restore democratic rule in Niger, only if diplomatic solution and dialogue failed.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Ibrahim Lamuwa declared Nigerian government position 

 on Friday while briefing the diplomatic correspondent on political situation in neighbouring Republic of Niger. 

Lamuwa said, subsequent to the military coup led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani in the Republic of Niger on 26th July, 2023 and the illegal detention of the democratically elected and constitutionally installed President Mohamed Bazoum, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his position as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, has led the organisation in efforts aimed at arriving at an agreeable resolution to the crisis. 

Lamuwa said: “He (President Tinubu) is committed, along with other ECOWAS leaders, to restoring peace and stability to Nigeriens, as well as the right to choose their leaders through transparent and fair elections”.

He added that other actions taken so far, by the Authority aimed at pressuring the plotters to restore stability and constitutional order include: Closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger;  Institution of ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger; Suspension of all commercal and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Niger;  

“Freeze of all service transactions including utility services. Freeze of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks; Freeze of assets of Niger and the country’s Enterprises and Parastatals in Commercial Banks; 

“Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, particularly, the ECOWOAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and the West African Development Bank (Banque Quest Africaine Du Développement (BOAD)”

“Travel bans and asset freeze for the military officials involved in the coup. These sanctions also apply to their family members and the civilians who accept to participate in any institutions or government established by these military Officials.”

Lamuwa further said that a team of mediators, led by former Nigeria’s Head of State, General Abubakar Abdulsalam, was dispatched to Niger, to actively engage the coup plotters and also convey the absolute displeasure of ECOWAS at subjugation of the Nigerien constitution.

He noted that: “Other members of the mediating team include the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Said Abubakar III and Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission.”

He also confirmed that a separate delegation led by Ambassador Babagana Kingibe was mandated to engage with the leaders of Libya and Algeria on the matter adding that the objective set by President Tinubu, is to ensure a conclusive and amicable resolution of the situation in Niger which is inexorably linked to peace and development in the region. 

READ ALSO:https://dailypost.ng/2023/08/04/borno-govt-set-to-approve-6-month-maternity-leave-for-working-mothers/

“The authority, also at the Extraordinary Summit on 30″ July, 2023, mandated a meeting of the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) of ECOWAS, which event took place on 2 August, 2023, in Abuja. The progress report of the meeting will be communicated in short order. 

“The Authority welcomes the immediate condemnation, by the international community, of the coup in Nger and sees this as a huge testimony to the preference for democracy and constitutional rule, vis-avis any other form of governance.”

“Consequently, Nigeria and indeed, ECOWAS, calls upon the international community to remain resolute on this stance and to continue to show solidarity to ECOWAS in affirming the superiority of democratic and constitutional rule over dictatorship.”

“No doubt, the developments in Niger, like Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea, have raised serious concerns about regional stability and democratic principles in the region.”

“There is concern that the success of the coup in Niger would significantly dampen ECOWAS’s reputation, especially if the country joins the ranks of others that are governed by unconstitutional leaders, such as Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali.”

“The ECOWAS authority aims to ensure that the life of President Bazoum, his family members and other political leaders detained alongside him are preserved and their constitutional rights protected.”

Lamuwa said: “The Region holds that President Bazoum remains the legitimate President and Head of State of the Republic of Niger, recognized and supported by ECOWAS, the AU and the International Community and therefore rejects any form of resignation that may purportedly come from him, perhaps under duress.”

Nigeria Says Military Action Last Option to Force Out Military Junta in Niger

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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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Nigerian Troops eliminate 8 Boko Haram Terrorists in Raid in enclaves

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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

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Joint Military-NDLEA Operation Seizes 2.5 tonnes of Illicit Substances Bound for Terrorist Groups

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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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