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UN Secretary-General Calls for Prosecution of Terrorists

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UN Secretary-General Calls for Prosecution of Terrorists

UN Secretary-General Calls for Prosecution of Terrorists

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has called for the prosecution of the attackers on the UN House in Abuja on August 26, 2011, saying perpetrators of terrorism in Nigeria must be held to account.

The UN Chief, who was in the country on a two-day visit, said on Wednesday after laying a wreath in honour of the victims of the August 26, 2011 attack by terrorists on the UN House, which claimed the lives of 23 UN staff and civilians and injured 16 others, that: “We remain steadfast in our commitment to support a peaceful Nigeria for all people.”

He said: “On that tragic day (August 26, 2011) an appalling terrorist attack on the UN House left 23 UN employees and civilians’ dead and 16 injured. Those staff members who lost their lives are heroes who proudly served Nigerians through the UN organizations.

 “We encourage all Nigerians, who have endured similar violence in their own communities. In our victim-centered approach, perpetrators must be held accountable.”

Guterres also thanked the government of Nigeria for its support in repairing the UN House which has enabled the staff to return.

The UN boss had a succession of meetings with several groups, which included Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Pauline Tallen, members of the diplomatic corps, religious leaders, civil society organizations, women groups, people living with disabilities and others.

Speaking to reporters after meeting with the UN Chief, Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, told reporters that his interaction with Guterres was on how to resolve the dilemma of a country full of talented people but facing a lot of problems.

“Nigerians are genuinely religious but we see around us so much corruption and outright wickedness,” he said.   

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The respected clergyman noted that it has become pertinent to interrogate how a nation that is rich but full of poor people, a nation that is full of talented people and yet hardly organized, even as he put that responsibility on the doorsteps of those in government.

He revealed that he told the UN boss that Nigerians “are not satisfied with how far the rulers are dealing with the issues concerning us, the issue of poverty, the issue of insecurity, and the issues of social services. The government tells us they are doing their best and we say that their best is not good enough. We believe we can do better.”

On the lingering issue of herders-farmer crisis, the Cardinal said since the last ten years, the government has been struggling to address the issue of armed herdsmen, which has created a lot of problems including displacement of farmers.

He said: “It seems the displacement is becoming permanent and the herders are taking over the farm lands and the government still claims they have no way of bringing things back to normalcy. The result is that farmers can no longer farm and we are facing the prospects of famine because the parts of Nigeria that use to produce a lot of food, many of them can no longer farm.

 “We must admit that the old traditional method of cattle rearing is no longer sustainable in this day and age, because it has become a recipe for chaos. We must learn from how other people rear cattle and produce a lot of meat without disturbing anybody. It can be done and if it is not done it must be that some people are not ready to do the right thing.”  

The Cardinal also said those presently aspiring to become the president of the country in 2023 should be prepared to tell Nigerians what they intend putting in place to solve the present crises being faced by the country.

He noted that who should rule the nation come 2023 should be elected based on finding solutions to the numerous problems the nation is facing.

A Professor of Law at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, who met the UN Chief with her group, said: “We  discussed the problems and the status of women in Nigeria and how he can help us to hold our elected officials to account, especially when it comes to gender parity and women participation in politics.

“We also discussed issues around affirmative action, issues around elimination of all forms of violence against women and we hope that with his visit, he can help raise the voices of the Nigerian women especially in demanding for greater representation of women in governance.”

UN Secretary-General Calls for Prosecution of Terrorists

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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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