News
Sani: Military Alone Can’t Defeat Violent Extremism, Terrorism
Sani: Military Alone Can’t Defeat Violent Extremism, Terrorism
•Says poverty, governance failures must be fixed
•NCTC-ONSA, PAVE Network call for regional, inclusive approach
By: Michael Mike
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has warned that military and law enforcement strategies alone are not enough to defeat violent extremism in Nigeria’s North-West.
Speaking in Kaduna on Tuesday at the opening of a two-day summit on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, banditry and terrorism in the North-West Zone, the governor said tackling insecurity requires addressing the deeper structural causes fueling it.
Organised by the PCVE Knowledge, Innovation and Resource Hub (KIRH) and the PAVE Network, in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), the Summit is supported by NEYIF and funded by the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF).
Sani, who was represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Sule Shuaibu, described violent extremism as “one of the gravest threats to human security and national development in our time.”
According to him, its manifestations—terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, and extremist ideologies—have devastated communities, displaced families, disrupted education, eroded livelihoods, and weakened public trust in institutions.
“If left unchecked, it has the potential to destabilise not only our region but the broader fabric of our nation,” he warned.
While acknowledging the military’s critical role, the governor cautioned against relying on force alone.
“We must adopt a holistic and coordinated response. While necessary, a purely military or law enforcement approach is not sufficient. We must address the root causes of violent extremism—poverty, inequality, exclusion, poor governance, and lack of opportunities, particularly for our young people,” Sani said.
He emphasised that trust, inclusivity, justice, and respect for human rights must be central to any sustainable solution.
He noted that the summit, “Articulating a Regional Approach and Response to Violent Extremism in North-West Nigeria, ” was designed to diagnose problems and generate practical, context-specific, and actionable strategies.
“I hope our deliberations will lead to concrete, sustainable measures that can be implemented across the North-West,” he added.
Sani highlighted his administration’s efforts in human capital development, community-based conflict resolution, youth and women empowerment, and close collaboration with traditional and religious leaders. He reaffirmed Kaduna’s commitment to working with the federal government, other regional states, and development partners to consolidate peace and security.
He urged participants to engage constructively so that the summit’s recommendations can serve as a blueprint for collective action.
In his remarks, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), stressed that preventing violent extremism requires an inclusive, community-led, and intelligence-driven regional strategy.
Represented by Commodore Ahmed Madawaki, Laka said the summit aligned with the NCTC’s mandate of fostering “whole-of-government and whole-of-society engagement.”
He explained that through collaborations with networks such as the Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE), the centre is implementing initiatives that promote social cohesion and sustainable livelihoods, thereby reducing susceptibility to extremist recruitment.
Laka further identified porous borders with the Niger Republic, weak governance structures, climate-induced resource conflicts, and cross-border infiltration by extremist groups as factors worsening insecurity in the North-West.
He called for stronger cross-border cooperation, better enforcement, and participatory governance models to counter these threats.
Also, the Chairman of the Steering Committee of PAVE, Jaiye Gaskiya, insisted that Nigeria cannot defeat violent extremism without empowering local governments and rebuilding grassroots governance systems.
He stressed that subnational governments must take ownership of security challenges within their jurisdictions.
“We want to prioritise the role of subnational governments because these are fundamental governance challenges,” he said.
According to Gaskiya, weak and dependent local governments undermine the fight against extremism.
“Without effective, functional, and autonomous local governments, we will never be able to address these challenges. Local governments are closest to the people and the most accountable if they are truly functioning,” he argued.
He therefore called for constitutional reforms to restore full autonomy to local councils as a foundation for sustainable peace and security.
Sani: Military Alone Can’t Defeat Violent Extremism, Terrorism
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
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
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
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
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
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