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Three Armed Militia Killed as Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke Destroy Camps, Recover Cache of Arms in Benue

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Three Armed Militia Killed as Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke Destroy Camps, Recover Cache of Arms in Benue

Three armed militia men have been crush as Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE made up Sector 2 deployed at Katsina Ala, Ukum and Logo LGA’S of Benue state and those of Sector 4 drawn from parts of Taraba state at about 0430hrs on 22 April 2020 carried out a special raid operation on a suspected militia camp located at Anku Mbagen in Atera-Jange Torov Council Ward of Ukum LGA of Benue state recovering a large cache cache of arms, ammunition and other items.

The operation the Nigerian military said was sequel to a timely and credible information received on the activities of Tiv armed militia operating around the border areas of Benue and Taraba states.

The armed militia on sighting the troops opened a barrage of fire on own troops while the Special Forces troops responded swiftly and neutralized Three gang members prompting others to abandon their position and weapons fleeing into the bush with gunshot wounds.

Items recovered include One 81mm Mortar gun, five 60mm Commando Mortar gun, Seven locally fabricated Mortar tubes guns, Three SMG rifles, Three Double Barrel rifles, Two locally made rifles, One G3 rifle, One locally made pistol, Five AK 47 magazines, 166 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, One car battery, Fifteen rounds of locally made ammunition, Two bags of gun powder, Nine pairs of Camouflage uniforms, One generator, Three motorcycles, One cellular hand set, charms and assorted hard drugs. There was no casualty on own troops.

Coordinator Defence Media Operations Major General John Enenche said in a statement restated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to restoring peace in all parts of the country. While requesting the general public for credible information which will assist the military to rid the country of criminal elements.

   

Nigerian Troops Destroy Compounds Housing Boko Haram Commanders in Air Strikes at Bulawa In Borno State

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Nigerian Troops Destroy Compounds Housing Boko Haram Commanders in Air Strikes at Bulawa In Borno State

The Nigerian Military through the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, has destroyed compounds housing Boko Haram Terrorists’ leaders at Bulawa on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State.

The air strikes were executed on 21 April 2020 based on credible human intelligence reports as well as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions that led to the identification of the target compounds within the settlement.

Fighter jets dispatched by the Air Task Force to take out the compounds scored accurate hits in the target area leading to the destruction of some of the structures as well as the neutralization of some of the terrorists occupying the compounds.

Boko Haram fighters, who attempted to reposition to engage the attacking aircraft, were mopped-up in follow-on attacks by the jets.

Coordinator Defence Media Operations Major General John Enenche said in a statement that: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and security in the North East, will sustain the offensive against the enemies of our Nation.”

Ijebu man vows to trek from Lagos to Maiduguri if Shekau is captured alive

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Ijebu man vows to trek from Lagos to Maiduguri if Shekau is captured alive

A native of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, Deji Oladimeji, has vowed to march from Lagos to Maiduguri should the Nigerian Army capture Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau alive.

Oladimeji, who resides in the Ajah area of Lagos, disclosed this while reacting to the Army’s recent feat against the fleeing terrorists.

In the last one week, the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, have shown aggressive gallantry and bravery, crushing the jihadists at every instance.

No fewer than 150 lost their lives when an attempted attack turned soar in Buni Gari, Yobe State, as they met superior fire from the troops.

At the thick of things is Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T.Y Buratai, who recently relocated to the Theatre of Operations to lead the final clearance.

There are reports, however, that Shekau suffered heavy bruises from the multiple offensives which has so far consumed some of his top generals.

Military authorities reveal that Shekau’s body language is that of one ready to surrender.

“If you talk about body language, the body language is there. If he makes any move in that regard, you will know but from the onslaught from troops, they can’t hide anymore”, Coordinator of the Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General John Enenche, said.

Although the military added that there was no official contact with the terror leader yet, Nigerians have kicked against such move, calling on the troops to finish him once and for all.

However, Oladimeji, who is a popular businessman in his neighbourhood wants Shekau captured alive.

Should that happen, the 40-year-old promised to hit the road in a victory walk from Lagos to Maiduguri.

“I must commend our troops for recording such incredible momentum at a time there is crisis in the world. They have given us something to cheer about,” he said.

“I’ve always believed in the COAS. He has shown to be a man that is fearless and ruthless even though he is very jovial. He is dedicated and committed to correct the ills of previous governments.

“ However, as the world can see, victory is already sealed with Shekau begging for settlement. I wish he can be captured and made to pay for his sins gradually.

“If that can be achieved, I will trek from Lagos to Maiduguri even if it takes me one year.”

The Fear of Buratai’s Onslaught, The Beginning Of Wisdom For Boko Haram

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The Fear of Buratai’s Onslaught, The Beginning Of Wisdom For Boko Haram

By David Onmeje

“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.” -Gen. Douglas MacArthur, US Army.

The surge of anger in Nigeria’s numero uno soldier, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai against Boko Haram criminals and their buddies, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists is palpable and explosive. The Chief of Army Staff and leader of the counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria is smoldering and has gone for the broke against tormentors of the country in whatever configuration.

About mid-April 2020, Gen. Buratai surprised Nigerians when he suddenly announced his decision to relocate to the trenches in the Northeast, lead the anti-terrorism combats from the frontlines and remain rooted on the battlefield until terrorists are completely routed out of Nigeria.

It’s understandable that the Army Chief now goes ruthlessly tougher on the Boko Haram criminals and bastards. He has tried both military and peaceful options, or what others have known as “stick and carrot” approach. But the bloodcurdling bastards, still market themselves in fake bragging might.

Gen. Buratai believes, terrorists of whatever hue cannot repress the African totem of excellence in war-the Nigerian Army or turn Nigeria into a conquered territory insofar as he breathes life.
Like others of like minds, a veteran and dexterous war philosopher, Gen. George S. Patton believed that “Always do everything you ask of those you command.”

Therefore, the vexatious Gen. Buratai laced his boot and hopped into the theatre of war, leading the offensives against terrorists himself.  He has not taken the action merely for expletives. Its not the first time; but the difference now is his vow never to return to Abuja until Boko Haram dissipates completely out of Nigeria.

So, as a prelude to his current outing, Gen.  Buratai embarked on operational tour of troops locations in the Northeast theatre of war, refreshed or updated his intelligence reports, met, interacted and patrolled together with troops in the warzone.
It was American war veteran and diplomat, Colin Powell who said, “The most important thing, I learned is that soldiers watch what their leaders do. You can give them classes and lecture them forever, but it is your personal example they will follow.” So, Gen. Buratai has elevated his style of leadership by example to a new realm.
To clairvoyant minds, Gen. Buratai had conquered terrorists some four years ago.

That thrice, insurgents fruitlessly attempted to sniff life out of him in ambushes in the Northeast, where most of them perished in gun battles and his demystification of Sambisa forest, Boko Haram’s most dreaded enclave are ample evidence of the defeat of terrorists. Gen. Buratai and Nigerian troops are out now for the final interment ceremony of remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, which will come easy and seamlessly soon.

So, he is personally in the frontlines to lead the funeral of terrorists, grasshopping from territory to territory with troops, coordinating, leading an avalanche of assaults and combing the vestiges of terrorists in all identified hideouts. The results in less than a week have been exceptionally marvelous and still counting. Gen. Buratai and troops have colonized all insurgents’ hideouts on the fringes of the three focal states of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa Northeast. It has thrown terrorists in irrecoverable disarray.

In almost simultaneous operations against terrorists, Nigerian troops of Sector 2, Operation Lafiya Dole neutralized over 105 insurgents at Buni Gari village in Gujba LGA, Yobe state and their weapons confiscated.
With eyes still fixated on Yobe and on revenge, the terrorists again amassed to attack Geidam; but troops of 159 Battalion in Sector 2 in collaboration with the Air Task Force of OPLD met the criminals fire for fire.  And it was another black day for terrorists as at least 13 of them were killed in the encounter and weapons seized, as the few lucky survivors, who lost the strength to battle hastened for escape and were hotly chased. Terrorists retrieved no weapon, but lost everything they brought to the battlefront.

Day and night, Gen. Buratai leads troops to engage Boko Haram insurgents in intensified onslaughts and fierce gun battles to ensure they are finally dislodged and ousted from Nigeria.

Gen. Buratai’s presence in the theatre of operation has ensured, no Boko Haram hideout is impenetrable to Nigerian troops or an adversity too strong to surmount by the Army. Former US Secretary of State & Secretary of Defense Gen.  George C. Marshall, once opinionated that; “The truly great leader overcomes all difficulties, and campaigns and battles are nothing but a long series of difficulties to be overcome. The lack of equipment, the lack of food, the lack of this and that are only excuses; the real leader displays his quality in his triumphs over adversity, however great it may be.”

So, the warmonger does not romance any obstacle; no bulwark mounted against Nigeria troops in the warfront is too difficult to break; the rough terrain of the Northeast has rather become an added booster of strength to Nigerian forces. The leader of the counter-insurgency operation’s only obsession now is the ruthless burying of the final ghost of Boko Haram and its allies in Nigeria.
And the bells are resonating loudly in this direction and terrorists’ camps, together with their sponsors are shuddering endlessly. The phobia of the last day of doom for terrorists’ honchos and top commanders’ inches nearer with each passing day. It is scary and dreary to the bloodsuckers, who have decoded Gen. Buratai’s lucid language of “no retreat, no surrender.”

Scared to his pants, the formerly “invincible” factional leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau is pleading for a chance to ceasefire reticently. He is pleading to chicken out of the battle for a soft-landing now that it is irremediably raining bullets and his camp are suffering casualties on the frontlines.  Shekau’s only fortress, the Timbuktu triangle in Borno is assailed by Nigerian troops.
Shekau is prepared and so desperate to surrender. He has been making frantic efforts through proxies who have mounted pressures on some International Non-Governmental Organisations to anchor an armistice deal with the Nigerian Government towards granting him amnesty.

Some Nigerians who are perpetual doubting Thomases may think the news reports are a ruse and mere propaganda stunts. But they have missed the gist.  Since Gen. Buratai assumed leadership of the counter-operations in Nigeria, the previously haughty, vicious and audacious Abubakar Shekau has never found his operations of festering the evil against Nigerian smooth any longer.
Not only that the momentum and frequency of Shekau’s videos of boastful and horrendous killings of Nigerians as the people grieved have scaled down almost to zero,  but he has also lost the nerve and energy to partake in gruesome operations, preferring to use foot soldiers who have consistently and generously met their waterloo in the hands of Nigerian Army on the battle turf. Nigerians; Shekau has lost incredible top commanders, foot soldiers to the Nigerian military these past years.
Today is not the first time Shekau would wail loudly about his declining fortunes in the extremist war he wedged against Nigeria. For instance, in one of Shekau’s released videos’ in 2017, after Nigerian troops gave him hard kicks on the ankles by serial defeats, he publicly lamented his frustrations about the inevitable possibility of defeat in the war, as he became a loner in the war.

In another February 2018 video, Shekau who became a fugitive and remained in the cooler for nearly a year, feebly threatened Nigeria by pleading with his foot soldiers to unleash attacks on infidels in major cities of the country like Abuja and Lagos among others. Neither himself nor adherents have been able to execute this threat.
Not long ago, Shekau again bemoaned publicly how Gen. Buratai was killing them (terrorists), who are Muslims; but claims to be a Muslim. His latest clandestine attempts to surrender the war and himself to the Nigerian authorities is just one of his several preceding signs of death as echoed by Shakespeare that “a coward dies many times before his death.”

But unfortunately, Nigerians are thinking that Abubakar Shekau’s contemplation of truce and surrender to the Nigerian Government for a possible amnesty is a little bit belated. And having abused earlier gestures of truce and reconciliation, Gen. Buratai appears to be too angry now beyond appeasement and mulling ceasefire now is unwise. An opportunity once lost, most times, is never regained.
Besides, the COAS has renewed his order that Abubakar Shekau be captured alive at the cost of anything.  And the Army Chief looks poised to prove a point to Nigerians.  It seems the fear of Buratai, the “Peoples General,” as he is feted, is the beginning of wisdom. The situation looks very grim for Shekau.

If gleaned from the mindset of the Nigerian Military, Abubakar Shekau is welcomed to surrender after defeat and exhaustion in the years of internecine war he unleashed against his compatriots. But he must not forget that he will not be welcomed with pomp and pageantry into the communal life of Nigerians.
But he is assured that only the volley of wailings of the innocent souls he initiated, participated and supervised their gruesome mass deaths will be waiting for him at Eagle Square, Abuja to tear him into shreds. No one is scaring him not to surrender; but it is also nice for him to know the fate which awaits him from Nigerians in the event he surrenders.
Like Capt. Bill Murphy said at end of every briefing to soldiers deployed to fight in 2003 Iraqi war; “Good luck, Godspeed, and come home safe;” Gen. Buratai and Nigerian troops, good luck and come home safe with the terrorists’ honcho, Abubakar Shekau. Nigerians awaits him!

Onmeje wrote this piece from the United Kingdom.

ASF and the real agenda of France in Nigeria

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ASF and the real agenda of France in Nigeria

By Abe Kolawole

Avocats Sans Frontières France (Lawyers Without Borders France), ASF France, recently released a statement indicating that security agencies in Nigeria are violating the rights of citizens in the enforcement of the COVID-19 lockdown. I read the report with utter disbelief. I could not, as a first, place, the rationale for such diatribe in this critical time in the country.

I concluded that it was of poor taste and somewhat an attempt to cause a distraction to the efforts of our security agencies in the country in this critical assignment they are tasked with. ASF did not only goof, and they also displayed hatred and ignorance at the same time.

As a first, they stated that “It is disheartening that the brutality of security agencies in the course of enforcing the COVID-19 lockdown has resulted to more deaths than the pandemic.” if this isn’t an insult to our sensibilities as Nigerians, I do not know how else to describe it. It is my considered opinion that it was indeed a joke taken too far in the feeble attempt to cause a distraction that would ultimately serve the purpose of their paymasters.
We must admit that from all indications, France seems to have some grudges with our security agencies with regards to the war against terrorism in Nigeria. It is on record that France has been covertly fueling the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria through the sponsorship of groups to distract and paint our security agencies in a bad light.

Back to the ASF, it is sad that such half-truths could be circulated in the media with impunity regardless of whose ox is gored. They have decided to turn the truth on its head in fulfillment of their nefarious mandate. Is the ASF telling us that they are not in the know of the various efforts of our security agencies in ensuring that a code of conduct guides security personnel on duty?

Is the ASF not also aware that our various security agencies have issued advisories on how to go about reporting issues of excessive use of force by security personnel? I recall that the Nigerian Army issued directives and availed the citizenry hotlines to report cases of excessive use of force by its personnel. This was a move that was widely commended by all and sundry.

In the light of the posturing of the ASF, I dare to say that there is more than meets the eyes. The position of ASF reeks of a dubious and fraudulent attempt to cry wolves where none exists. I dare to state that ASF, in their wisdom, is acting out the script of their paymasters holed up in France and not happy with the various efforts of the Nigerian government in the containment of the further spread of the Coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria.

In their mischief, they could not do their homework well by stating that the brutality of security agencies in the course of enforcing the COVID-19 lockdown has resulted in more deaths than the pandemic. This is an apparent lack of common sense and an indication that their paymasters in France have mandated the ASF to cause maximum damage in Nigeria.

From all indications, ASF is nothing but the intellectual wing of the French interest to destabilize Nigeria, in addition to their demonic activities in North-East Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region. The presence of groups like the ASF in Nigeria is ultimately to serve one purpose, which is to destabilize Nigeria. And this much they have begun with the disjointed and illogical accusation of security operatives violating the rights of Nigerian citizens in the enforcement of the COVID-19 lockdown.

The Nigerian government must rise to the occasion to ensure that dubious groups like the ASF do not succeed in heating the polity and poisoning the minds of Nigerians. We do need such distractions for now as we continue in our efforts towards halting the further spread of the Coronavirus.

There is nothing like brutality and extra-judicial killings of civilians by security agents in Nigeria, and the ASF cannot claim to know more than Nigerians. We are Nigerians, and we know what is happening in Nigeria. The ASF and their paymasters should do well to leave Nigeria to handle its issues. They should quit playing to the gallery and not in a period where countries are batting the further spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The ASF should instead look to France where Police fought running battles in at least five suburbs of Paris with residents who accused officers of using heavy-handed tactics to enforce France’s strict coronavirus lockdown where residents burnt cars and shot fireworks at police, who responded with rubber bullets and tear gas in the northern suburbs of Villeneuve-la-Garenne and Aulnay-sous-Bois.

This much the ASF should concentrate on instead of distorting facts about human rights violations and what have you in Nigeria. This despicable attempt failed woefully as it is clear that it is nothing but a puerile attempt in courting public attention to the detriment of the peace and tranquility enjoyed in Nigeria since the implementation of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Having stated the above, it must be stated that the ASF must do well to enlighten us about brutality and where such brutality occurred in Nigeria. They should also do well to inform us about flagrant abuse and excessive use of force by security agents during enforcement. They should also tell us about what is happening in France compared to Nigeria and make an informed decision. The ASF should understand that their antics can’t fool Nigerians.

Charity, as they say, must begin from home. As such, the ASF must remain committed to assisting victims of human rights abuses, and help their families seek justice in France where there are widespread cases of excessive use of force and brutality by French police on French citizens.

I wonder when France would give up on their nefarious plot against Nigeria. This recent diatribe by the ASF is just one of those many attempts at destabilizing Nigeria since they could no longer make any headway in North-East Nigeria through the sponsorship of groups parading themselves as International NGOs but actively involved in espionage activities.

The ASF is no different from these dubious groups, and this much they have displayed through their recent attempt that was dead on arrival. This much we know.

KOLAWOLE is former Public Relations Officer, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

Avoiding dissents in final onslaught against Boko Haram

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Avoiding dissents in final onslaught against Boko Haram

By Vincent Amah

Recently, the news from the north east has been very good and encouraging. The given continued successes of our troops against the combined evil of Boko Haram and the so-called Islamic State of West Africa Province in places like Geidam and Gonori, just to mention a few, are good music to our ears. However, it is really unfortunate that at this time when the Nigerian Army, led by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai are conducting the final onslaught against the remnants of Boko Haram and the so-called Islamic State West Africa Province jihadists, there are some people that are not pleased at all for reasons best known to them. Therefore, it is important that every Nigerian should rise up in support of our gallant troops, pray for their success and discourage distractors and saboteurs.

Recently, the Chadian army claimed it has killed 1,000 Boko Haram fighters during an operation announced by the country’s Army spokesman, Colonel Azem Bermendoa Agouna; who also said 52 troops died during the operation, which was launched on 31st March 2020.

When the news broke, it was celebrated by lots of persons. The story made headlines on local and international newspapers, the social media was not left out too. The frenzy among some Nigerians was unimaginable. This encouraging news however has not been independently verified till date.

Many well informed persons and experts in security matters have argued that if the success recorded by Chadian troops against the Boko Haram terrorists is anything to go by, then it would be that the Chadian forces used a new approach that had never been deployed before.

The attack was adjudged a success because the Chadian troops killed many of the insurgents, destroyed five of their bases and recovered thousands of weapons.

While not attempting to take the shine away from the gallantry of the Chadian troops, one pertinent question to ask is, where are the local and international NGOs that have always gone against similar success stories of the Nigerian troops? Where is Amnesty international that is always quick to comment negatively or issue demoralizing statements against our troops on any reported encounter? Have they suddenly lost their voice?

Recall how Amnesty International have severally written reports against the Nigerian military forces and in particular the Army, accusing it of so many imaginable infractions including extrajudicial executions, war crimes and other serious human rights violations in north-eastern Nigeria. These cooked up reports by the NGO almost always come in at the heels of troops’ notable successes against the jihadists whose only agenda is to kill and maim.

Any discerning mind will raise the question: why does Amnesty International always rush to accuse our troops of war crimes each time it turns the heat against the terrorists? Who is the Amnesty International backing? Are they afraid of Nigeria winning the war against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists?

It is now obvious that there are people who don’t want to see anything good about our military who have been giving their utmost best to secure the nation to the point of laying down their lives in defence of all Nigerian citizens and residents therein.

How do you explain that the same Amnesty International who in one of its reports, alleged that Boko Haram detainees’ throats were slit one by one and dumped in mass graves by men who appear to be members of the Nigerian Army and the “Civilian Joint Task Force” (CJTF), state-sponsored militias, but suddenly went quiet when Chadian Chief Prosecutor Youssouf Tom announced that a group of 44 suspected members of the Boko Haram captured during the recent operation were found dead in their prison cell, apparently poisoned? Has the Amnesty International suddenly gone on vacation? Or are they turning blind eyes to these facts?

If Amnesty International is to have it’s way, it would wish that Nigerian troops were slaughtered while having sympathy towards the terrorists. I am yet to come across any report by Amnesty International condemning attacks by Boko Haram terrorists on Nigerian troops.

It is a known fact that the insurgents are renegades of the terrorists who fled Nigerian territories and crossed over to Chad, Cameron and Niger Republics after being mauled by Nigerian troops in the renewed wave of operations since Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai took over the command of the Nigerian Army some years back. Chad turned a blind eye on their continued presence but suddenly woke up after a breach which led to the death of close to 100 Chadian soldiers.

If the Chadian Army claimed they have killed 1000 insurgents, the questions begging for answers are, where are the bodies of these insurgents, was there a mass grave for the bodies? No one seems to be answering these questions.

This act is indeed worrisome and should give all well-meaning persons a reason for worry because as it stands, we are not only fighting terrorism in Nigeria, but fighting conspiracy from collaborators.

It is very important to note that Nigeria is far ahead of Chad and other countries in the fight against insurgency. History has shown at different levels that Nigeria has been the leader in many counter insurgency operations across the continent including in the Multinational Joint Task Force currently fighting the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, the Nigerian Chief of Army Staff has been leading the fight from the front since he was so appointed in July 2015. He has personally participated in drills and other military exercises with fighting troops, talked and interacted with them directly and led operations in the theatres of war.

Buratai has been able to win the war by adopting tactics and strategies that suits particular geographical locations which he is quite familiar with.

Troops confidence has further been boosted with the keen interest he has shown in the improved welfare of soldiers and instilling in them a high sense of patriotism.

Nigerians must now unite and give our troops the much needed morale booster as they take the battle to the enclaves of the remaining and badly beaten insurgents. It is time to free our nation and the people of the north east from those who wished we are held captives by terrorists.

Make no mistake, Amnesty international is not our friend, especially in this war against terrorism. Nigerians must watch out for their antics in the final days of the insurgents. As the Nigerian Army move in for the final and decisive victory against our enemies, well meaning Nigerians should watch out for another damming Amnesty International report against our brave troops. Then we will know who the real enemy is. May God help our troops in this final encounter with our staunch enemies.

Vincent Amah
Social Commentator
Writing from Ikeja Lagos
22nd April 2020

Nigerian Navy Rescues Three Beninoise From Fishing Boat Fire in Lagos

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Nigerian Navy Rescues Three Beninoise From Fishing Boat Fire in Lagos

The Nigerian Military High Command on Wednesday, said that its troops successfully rescued three Beninoise after their fishing vessel caught fire at the Lagos anchorage.

Coordinator of the Defence Media Operations (CDMO), Major General John Enenche made the disclosure in an operation update released in Abuja, and obtained by Television Nigerian.

General Enenche said, the crew were rescued by the Nigerian Navy Ship BINI after a distress call was sent out at past midnight on April 21.

“On arrival at the scene, the fishing boat with a call sign SHORT TAIL was completely engulfed by fire, one of the crew member was severely burnt in the incident. The crew members who could not communicate in English were given first aid at the naval Base Medical Centre where they were stabilized and treated”. he said.

COVID-19: Group slams ASF France with cease and desist orders

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COVID-19: Group slams ASF France with cease and desist orders

The Good Governance and Development Crusade (GGDC) has slammed a cease and desist order on international NGO, Avocats Sans Frontières France, otherwise known as Lawyers Without Borders France.

According to GGDC, ASF has no right to dabble into the affairs of a sovereign nation like Nigeria, especially at a critical time as now where the world battles the deadly coronavirus.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Gabriel Akoh, on Wednesday in Abuja, the GGDC said it is alarmed by the group’s unwarranted interference in the affairs of Nigeria by unfairly and maliciously targeting law enforcement and military agencies.

Good Governance and Development Crusade described ASF France as hypocrites who ignored high-handed police clampdown on anti-lockdown protestors in Paris, France and other cities of the country.

While condemning the extrajudicial killings in the country, GGDC revealed that ASF lacks the moral justification to condemn Nigeria, as France has so far violated human rights in enforcing coronavirus lockdown.

The Good Governance Crusade, however, urged Nigerians that “ASF France is an army of occupation and has come up to lay the groundwork for inciting citizens to take actions that will undermine the sovereignty and integrity of their country”.

The group further rejected the statement issued by ASF France in its totality ” while urging the group to stop further activities in Nigeria as it is now considered personal non-grata”.

Read full statement below:

The Good Governance and Development Crusade (GGDC) has noted with concern the expansion of colonialist activities in Nigeria with a statement recently issued by Avocats Sans Frontières France (Lawyers Without Borders France) – ASF France, using its proxy outlet in the country named as ASF France’s Head of Office Nigeria operated by one Angela Uwandu.

It is alarming that ASF France chose a trying moment as at when all nations of the world are trying to manage the spread of the killer COVID-19 virus to interfere in the affairs of Nigeria by unfairly and maliciously targeting law enforcement and military agencies.

The imperialist NGO joined the bandwagon to criminalize these law enforcement agencies, accusing them of committing extra-judicial killings in the course of enforcing the lockdown necessary for managing COVID-19, without recourse to the context of the issue or consideration for steps that have been taken by the authorities for the incidents so far recorded.

Nothing else can be more symbolic of ASF France’s hypocrisy than its failure to first condemn the high-handed police clampdown on anti-lockdown protestors in Paris, France and other cities of the country.

While it may argue that that the disproportionately harsh and violent clampdown on the protests has not resulted in death, the nakedly racist nature of the police action, since their victims are predominantly migrants, is not lost on those that are able to assess the situation without capitalism induced biases. The French police are so civil in their approach to managing protestors that they rammed one with their car.

The fact that France, which prides itself as an old democracy, has to resort to such forceful takedown of protests, is a stark reminder of the reality that lockdowns are crucial to containing the spread of the virus and any country interested in the survival of its population will do anything to enforce them.

It is insulting that an NGO from France decided to constitute itself into a reviewing authority for the implementation and enforcement of domestic orders taken in the interest of Nigerians. ASF France should have first set France on the path of respecting human rights before trying to dictate to Nigeria how to manage local affairs. The inclusion of the phrase, “without borders” in its must not be misconstrued by ASF France to think it can assume jurisdiction to review the implementation of extant legislation in other countries.

This, therefore, raises the ethical question of why France is allowed to enforce its own lockdown, with the true toll of the resulting casualty hidden from the world, and Nigeria is not allowed to enforce same even though some people died under circumstances that re now under investigation. Perhaps the intention is to box Nigeria into a corner where COVID-19 will achieve the population decimation that France has always been keen in implementing in Nigeria as seen in its persistent support for terrorism in the northeast of the country.

The import of ASF France getting one Angela Uwandu to sign the statement that maligned Nigeria is not lost on us at GGDC. This is France using the cover of an NGO to attempt foisting its assimilation colonial policy on Nigeria all over again. France, tragically, is not short of traitors that will mortgage the interest of their country in critical times like this. However, using a Nigerian face or name has not deceived anyone as to whose message is being passed and to what end.

We, therefore, want to warn Nigerians to take note that ASF France is an army of occupation and has come up to lay the groundwork for inciting citizens to take actions that will undermine the sovereignty and integrity of their country. Its sole interest is to ruin the peace of Nigeria.

The Good Governance and Development Crusade (GGDC) rejects the statement issued by ASF France in its totality while urging the group to stop further activities in Nigeria as it is now considered personal non-grata. ASF France must forthwith cease and desist from further meddling in Nigeria’s affairs.

We do not want them anywhere in our country and we demand that they wound down all their operations in Nigeria while their non-Nigerian operatives must leave the country as soon as the airspace re-opens.

COVID-19: Chinese Doctors in Nigeria End 14-Day Isolation Today

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COVID-19: Chinese Doctors in Nigeria End 14-Day Isolation Today

The team of 15 Chinese medical professionals who arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on April 8, 2020, with medical equipment worth about $1.5 million, is expected to complete the mandatory 14-day isolation period today.

The team is expected to begin work tomorrow after the completion of the 14-day quarantine period. The invitation of the Chinese doctors by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 was highly criticized by most Nigerians especially doctors under the aegis of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

But 13 days after the arrival of the Chinese medical team made up of doctors, nurses, and laboratory technicians, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire and the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 have failed to provide a tangible update on the Chinese team.

The situation has raised a lot of concerns and questions: Who are these Chinese doctors? What are their names, designations and specialisations? Have they completed the mandatory two-week isolation? Have they started work in Nigeria? What is the scope of their work in Nigeria? How long are they going to stay in Nigeria?

When these questions were put forward to the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, he told The Guardian: “We are not the only ones getting supplies from China…even New York got 1,000 ventilators from them as donations. Start with this recent evidence of Chinese experts giving technical support on COVID-19 to many countries, including our former colonial masters.

 

COVID-19: El-Rufai tests negative for Coronavirus

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COVID-19: El-Rufai tests negative for Coronavirus

Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir el-Rufai has tested negative for the novel Coronavirus.

In a tweet on Wednesday afternoon, Mallam el-Rufai said: “I am delighted to report today, that after nearly four weeks of observing a strict medical regime, I have now received the all-clear after two consecutive negative test results”

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