IPOB staged video in attempts to frame herders, incite genocide narrative

By: Zagazola Makama

A controversial video circulating on social media has triggered outrage over a “staged attempt to weaponise disinformation, incite ethnic tension and portraying peaceful herder communities as Boko Haram extremists in Nigeria’s South East

The video, which purportedly shows “Boko Haram with arms” issuing threats in Hausa, has been dismissed by multiple security sources, community leaders and conflict monitors as inauthentic and deliberately crafted to mislead the public and international community.

The individuals in the clip neither speak with the accent typical of Boko Haram or ISWAP fighters, nor display the mode of presentation associated with jihadist groups in the North East.

Instead, the attackers’ heavily disguised faces, awkward staging, and inconsistent speech patterns strongly suggest that the recording may have been produced by elements of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), allegedly attempting to portray themselves as Fulani or northern extremists.

The objective of such fabrications is twofold: to demonise peaceful pastoralist communities in the South East, and to build false evidence for international audiences by claiming that “genocide” is being committed against Igbo people by Muslim groups despite a lack of credible evidence supporting such claims.

A senior security analyst who has monitored separatist activities in the region described the video as “another poorly staged propaganda material designed to mislead Nigerians and deepen ethnic suspicion.”

According to him, Boko Haram and ISWAP cells have never produced videos with their faces tightly covered in the manner seen in the clip, nor do they speak with the accent heard.

“The mannerisms, language delivery and the entire setup clearly do not align with Boko Haram or ISWAP’s media signatures,” he said. “These are not Fulani herders, nor northern extremists Boko Haram. This was engineered for propaganda purposes.”

Sources in the South East also note that violent attacks in the region over recent years burning of police stations, targeted killings, extortion, enforcement of illegal sit-at-home orders have largely been carried out by IPOB’s armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Yet some of these incidents have been blamed on Fulani communities to sustain a dangerous narrative of ethnic persecution.

Such deceptive tactics risk escalating tensions between ethnic groups and misleading international observers into misunderstanding Nigeria’s complex security landscape.

“This is how dangerous precedents are set,” a northern pastoralist leader said. “We have suffered enough from false accusations. Videos like this are used to justify hatred, violence and calls for international intervention based on propaganda.”

Misinformation especially videos staged to impersonate other groups has become a growing tactic among violent non-state actors seeking sympathy, legitimacy or international attention.

As investigations continue, authorities urge the public to verify information before sharing, noting that propaganda remains one of the most potent weapons used by extremist groups to inflame divisions.

IPOB staged video in attempts to frame herders, incite genocide narrative

President Tinubu’s Reforms Massively Opening New Investment Opportunities, Says VP Shettima

*Assures Abu Dhabi – Beijing Consortium of economic stability, transparency

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has restated Nigeria’s readiness to do business with the rest of the world, saying that the ongoing reforms undertaken by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu across different sectors are opening new opportunities for investment.

“There is no better time to invest in Nigeria. You have come at the right time, where we have been blessed with committed leadership,” he declared.

The Vice President stated this on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the Advanced Energy Partners (AEP) led by chairman of the consortium, Senator Abu Ibrahim, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.

Senator Shettima, who outlined the abundant resources and potentials across Nigeria, said the Tinubu administration, through specific policies and interventions, is creating the enabling environment for the economy to grow and attract foreign direct investments.

“Be rest assured that you have invested your trust in the right nation. Nigeria is ready for business. We have crossed the Rubicon and are now on the path of sustainable development,” he told the delegation.

Earlier, leader of the delegation, Senator Abu Ibrahim, said the team was on ground in Nigeria to, among other things, explore major opportunities for investment in the upstream oil industry and sectors of the economy.

For his part, the Vice President of China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), Mr QIANG Wenyu, said the visit was in furtherance of an earlier meeting with President Tinubu in September 2024 in Beijing, just as he reiterated the company’s commitment to collaborating with Nigerian partners in key sectors of the nation’s economy.

He said the company was prepared to fulfill its earlier pledge to deepen cooperation and expand its operations in Nigeria, noting that “for the past one year, we have been acting on that.”

He listed NORINCO’s core areas of operations to include energy, oil & gas, defence industries and mining, among others, noting that the company’s annual turnover grew last year to $30 billion, maintaining a strong reputation in its core fields of operations.

For her part, the CEO of Horizon Energy Abu Dhabi, Ms. Mahra Rashed Al Suwaidi, applauded the leadership of President Tinubu, attributing the company’s renewed interest to invest in Nigeria to the country’s current leadership.

She added that the firm’s confidence in the current administration is reflected in the management of key institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), among others.

In the same vein, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Musabbeh Al Shamsi, urged the consortium to waste no time in investing in Nigeria, describing the country as the “right place” for foreign investment.

Noting that the Tinubu administration is the “right government,” he said it has strengthened Nigeria’s economic and bilateral ties with the UAE, leading to non-oil trade between both countries amounting to $4.3 billion in 2024.

Also present at the meeting were the CEO of AEP, Mr Shakiru Olayinka; Mr Abiye Membere from AEP; Mr HU Keyu from China Zhenhua Oil Corporation; Mr XU Yongfeng from Beijing Auxin Chemical Technology Corporation, and Mr LIANG Hongda from NORINCO African Dept, among others.

President Tinubu’s Reforms Massively Opening New Investment Opportunities, Says VP Shettima

PCC BORNO COMMISSIONER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FROM WOMEN AND YOUTH ADVOCACY GROUP

By: Our Reporter

The Honorable Federal Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Borno State Office, has today been honoured with a prestigious Award of Recognition by the Association of Nigerian Women and Youth for Peace Advocate.

The award was formally presented following his nomination and subsequent voting by the Association. The delegation representing the Association at the ceremony included the Coordinator of the Northeast as well as the Coordinators of Kaduna, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and Taraba States.

In addition to the award, the Commissioner was also presented with a certificate naming him as an Ambassador of the Association, recognizing his commitment to public service and peace advocacy.

The recognition celebrates the Commissioner’s exemplary leadership, unwavering commitment to public service, and his outstanding contributions toward strengthening the Commission’s mandate in promoting administrative justice and ensuring a fair, responsive system for citizens.

The Association, which is dedicated to supporting children, orphans, and especially women through educational assistance and other humanitarian interventions, noted that the Commissioner’s record of service aligns strongly with their values. The group is actively engaged in campaigns promoting good governance, combating drug abuse, advocating peace and unity in Nigeria, raising awareness on cancer, fighting banditry and kidnapping, and supporting girl-child education, among others.

In his acceptance speech, the Honorable Federal Commissioner expressed profound gratitude to the awarding institution, describing the recognition as a humbling honour. He further remarked that the caliber, dedication, and passion of the people representing the Association give him renewed hope for the nation. He took the opportunity to educate the delegates on the laws governing the Commission and urged them to disseminate awareness of the Commission’s activities through their ongoing campaigns.

The event marked a significant moment of pride for the institution, underscoring the Commissioner’s dedication to peace advocacy, transformative leadership, and service delivery that continues to inspire confidence within the PCC and the wider community.

Staff and attendees congratulated the Honorable Commissioner on the well-deserved honour, describing the award as a testament to his impactful stewardship and his sustained efforts to enhance the visibility, credibility, and effectiveness of the Commission.

Reflecting on the award, the Commissioner concluded:
“True service is not done for recognition, but for the good of our people. Yet, when good deeds are noticed, it inspires all of us to work harder for justice, peace, and hope in our nation. Let us continue to serve with integrity and compassion, for the benefit of those who look up to us.”

PCC BORNO COMMISSIONER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FROM WOMEN AND YOUTH ADVOCACY GROUP