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We can defeat Boko Haram in 15 minutes – Army

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We can defeat Boko Haram in 15 minutes – Army

The Nigerian Army has pointed out its major hindrance in defeating Boko Haram insurgents in the North East, boasting that it can defeat the insurgents in 15 minutes if they are provided the necessary logistics.

Maj. Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole disclosed that lack of Army Aviation was responsible for its inability to defeat the insurgents.

He made the disclosure while receiving the National Assembly joint committee on Army in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, yesterday.

Adeniyi said Boko Haram has never been a “formidable force” as they are perceived to be.

He said: “The only thing that needs to be given to the army now is Nigeria Army Aviation.

“There is a way you solve a problem that will change the game. The army needs combat helicopters to end the Boko Haram war. If we have it, it will not be deployed like air force assets, air force jets which are for bigger strategic goals.

“These helicopters will sleep with us in the trenches, they will be with us in the frontline. These helicopters and the rifles are dispatched together.

“I know this has been on the table for years. When this is done, Nigeria can forget about Boko Haram.

“Let me say Boko Haram is not a formidable force, Boko Haram is not strong; Boko Haram cannot sustain 15 minutes of intensive firing. I personally exchange with Boko Haram in Marte, in Delta, in Gubio as deputy theatre commander and as theatre commander.

“Please go and tell Abuja that Boko Haram is not a formidable force that the military cannot defeat.”

Aisha Buhari arrives Nigeria says, ”I have rested well”

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Aisha Buhari arrives Nigeria says, ”I have rested well”

Nigeria’s First Lady, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday returned to the country after a long holiday in the UK. She arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 4.30am via a British Airways flight.

Speaking to reporters on arrival, Mrs. Buhari said she was happy to be home after a well-deserved rest. She confirmed that she was fully rejuvenated to continue the work of improving the health and well-being of women, children and other vulnerable Nigerians.

She used the opportunity to thank her husband, family and well-wishers for their support and encouragement.

On hand to receive her were wives of present and former governors and many associates.

General Buratai: Many Generals In One

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General Buratai: Many Generals In One

By Paul Smith

“I offer neither pay, nor quarters, nor food; I offer only hunger, thirst, forced marches, battles, and death. Let him who loves his country with his heart, and not merely with his lips, follow me.” – Giuseppe Garibaldi

The urge to serve one’s fatherland is innate and springs from an inner motivation to give all of what a leader embodies in life without reservation as expressed in the wit of Giuseppe Garibaldi. Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and henchman of the counter-insurgency operations, Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai is a stunning depiction of a quintessential, selfless, patriotic, committed and talented leader.

Over the years, Gen. Buratai has proven that he was not goaded into military career, but he voluntarily opted for it to faithfully serve his nation at any cost. So, while leading the battle against insurgencies and insurrections’ in Nigeria, Nigerians were astounded with his consistency, honesty, dedication to all assignments and his zeal to succeed against all odds.

In future when Nigeria’s history on Boko Haram terrorism is retold, Gen. Buratai will be fondly remembered as an Army General who made the difference in the fight against terrorism. He will be remembered as the messiah and nemesis of Boko Haram insurgents. Gen. Buratai will feature as the liberator of trapped communities or villages in the Northeast and rescuer of the oppressed victims of insurgency in the region and Nigeria.

When President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Gen. Buratai to spearhead the national assignment of ending Boko Haram insurgency in the country, it was a mandate many thought was not executable on account of the many hurdles on his path. Many also thought with the tough and raging Boko Haram insurgency war on Nigeria laced in asymmetrical warfare, the Army Chief and his troops would make no impact, just like his predecessors.

But Gen. Buratai has proved his skeptics wrong. Widely reputed as a warmonger and expert combatant of the finest breed, Gen. Buratai assumed it a personal challenge, if Boko Haram terrorism thrives in Nigeria under his reign as leader of anti-insurgency operations in the country.

The Army Chief started with personal rebranding of conduct, outlook and approach to the counter-insurgency operations. He sipped extensively from the wisdom of America’s most coveted war expert and diplomat, General Colin Powell who said that; “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.”

Therefore, Gen. Buratai was no longer an Abuja leader of the counter-insurgency operations, confined to the coziness and cushioned chairs of his office at the Army Headquarters’ (AHQs) Abuja. He did not only relocate the Command Theatre to Maiduguri, the hub of terrorism, but also remained in the region, crisscrossing from community to community and personally led troops in assaults on terrorists in many instances. Sometimes, Gen. Buratai would dust his COAS garbs and play the role of field instructor to Special Strike Teams.

In simplest terms, Gen. Buratai led by example and therefore, subordinate Commanders and troops who were hesitant to battle insurgents on the frontlines under the malicious conviction that their superiors “sat in Abuja and sent them out to be slaughtered” by Boko Haram replicated Buratai’s example after sighting their boss in the trenches.

A renowned German, Field Marshal Erwin Rommel once punched that a good military leader must; “Be an example to your men, in your duty and in private life. Never spare yourself and let your troops see that you don’t in your endurance of fatigue and privation. Always be tactful and well-mannered. Avoid excessive sharpness or harshness of voice, which usually indicates the man who has shortcomings of his own to hide.”

In effect, Gen. Buratai’s presence and conduct on the battlefield in the midst of troops gingered enthusiasm, loyalty, endurance, patriotism and boosted their morale. Famed as a war strategist and tactician, he was handy to give orders in difficult scenarios’ in the course of battle.

Thus, in no time, the asymmetrical war strategy adopted by terrorists, which was their greatest strength and weapon in terrorizing Nigerians was dismantled. The development saw the gradual weakening of the prowess of insurgents and a drastic drop in frequency of siege on communities.

And similarly, insurgent’s atrocious acts of abductions, horrendous killings and arsons waned and gradually eclipsed. Gen. Buratai effectively proved to insurgents that he is a better General in asymmetrical warfare.

Much more, Gen. Buratai’s strength of character is disarming, his integrity enviable. Being the ombudsman of counter-terrorism in Nigeria, he is susceptible to inducements from the Iranian based ISWAP terrorists kingpins who are desperate to conquer Nigeria. But Gen. Buratai is a major stumbling block to this devilish ambition and it explains why their agents back home hide under feigned patriotism to campaign for Buratai’s removal from office.

ISWAP is appalled that Gen. Buratai has been able to decimate and defeat Boko Haram, recapture all the 18 LGAs in the Northeast under Boko Haram hegemony; neutralized insurgents from their Caliphate headquarters in Gwoza and freed nearly 20,000 Nigerian hostages. The adversaries of Nigeria are sad that Gen. Buratai has also conveniently confined insurgents operations to remote areas in Borno and the Lake Chad Basin. ISWAP can offer gold to any leader of counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria to soft-pedal in order to allow them ingress into the country to torment the people.

But they have met a regrettable bulwark in Gen. Buratai who is committed to fulfilling his pledge of complexly routing out Boko Haram and delivering back to Nigerians, a country extricated from the fangs of terrorism for national peace and security. Therefore, even in strength of character and public conduct, Gen. Buratai remains a towering and irrepressible General.

And those amazed at the streaks of victories Gen. Buratai has recorded against Boko Haram may need to have a peep into his administrative and organizational ingenuity which he brought to bear on the Nigerian Army. He inherited an obviously defective army which shirked in battles before enemies of Nigeria.

But he proved his mettle as an administrative General, as he zealously stepped out to reposition the Nigerian Army. He effortlessly achieved his target of grooming a responsible and responsive army, adequately armed in training, professionalism and discipline in the performance of their constitutionally assigned roles as defenders of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria.

Focused on this objective, Gen. Buratai launched rare reforms and instituted innovations which have repositioned the Army. It is now rated as the best fighting force in Africa, thus, reclaiming its lost glory on the continent.

Even in policy and planning, Gen. Buratai has demonstrated that he is a versatile Army General. He has ensured that the personnel of the Nigerian Army maintain an apolitical posture and neutrality in all their interactions with the civil populace. The Army Chief has strengthened the cord between Military and civil relations in manner hitherto unknown in the history of the Nigerian Army.

In all Army formations, the cordiality and civility in interfacing with Nigerians is exhibited by soldiers; while he does not hesitate to punish erring personnel who violate the ethical creeds. He rewards excellence of soldiers, but punishes indolence and recalcitrance. The Civil/ Military relationship is further cemented with generous and soothing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects to Army’s host communities in a range of sectors.

Interestingly, in the last four years. Gen. Buratai has ordered a dozen operations on Internal Security (IS). And each operation is carefully planned and code-named, as well as targeted to achieve a particular purpose in constant appraisal of his assignment on the insecurity threats assailing the nation. Nigerians have seen Army operations like “Operation Harbin Kunama” I, II & III, “Operation Python Dance” I & II, “Operation Crocodile Smile,” “Operation Lafia Dole,” “Operation Gaman Aiki,” “Operation Whirl Stroke,” and “Operation Deep Punch” among others.

And Gen. Buratai has never failed to fully consummate the motive of each of the field operations. Pleasantly too, troops have in all instances strictly adhered to professional best practices and Rules of Engagement (ROE) as violations attracts stiff punitive measures on the violator in accordance with military tradition.

The ongoing “Clearance Operations” and its retooling with the “Super Camp Strategy in the Northeast region are the multiple ways Gen. Buratai has demonstrated to Nigerians and the world his ingenuity on counter-terrorism. He is indeed, an exceptional Army General.

The dexterity of the Army boss as an all-round General is also manifest in his concern and handling of issues of human rights violations and abuses. Deployment of soldiers for Internal Security (IS) as circumstances have demanded in Nigeria, with the presence of soldiers in virtually all the 36 states of the federation, including Abuja is quite a delicate assignment. There is a high possibility of bruises between soldiers and civilians.

However, Gen. Buratai has positioned the Army to maximally respect the human rights of Nigerians when on IS national assignments throughout the country. And as a foresighted Army General, he envisaged occasional breaches and moved proactively to protect Nigerians by establishing the first Human Rights Desk at the AHQs, and also domiciled it in all Army Divisions to tackle issues relating to alleged violations of the human rights of Nigerians by soldiers.

Gen. Buratai is indeed, one General among many Generals. The COAS is truly what this anonymous military analyst said; “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 quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent. In the end, leaders are much like eagles… they don’t flock, you find them one at a time.”

Smith is a freelance journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Global Amnesty special rapporteur commends Nigerian military’s effective coordination against Boko Haram

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Global Amnesty special rapporteur commends Nigerian military’s effective coordination against Boko Haram

…..tasks FG, NGOs to resettle IDPs in liberated communities

A special rapporteur from the Global Amnesty Watch (GAW) has hailed the Nigerian military for displaying effective coordination against Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East amidst conspiracy.

The GAW came about this commendation after a systematic tour of selected communities in the once troubled region, including Chibok, Gwoza and Madagali – all supposed strongholds of the radical Islamic sect.

In a situation report signed by Williams Cullen and delivered at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the human rights group revealed that its primary objective was to examine the situation of things in the region, ascertaining whether any Nigerian territory is under the control of Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters.

To achieve this, the group adopted all necessary strategies, employing the services of interpreters and a guide to navigate as well as assistance from the Nigerian Army, providing security cover for the team where needed.

Among others, in the end, Mr Cullrn commended the Nigerian troops for their sustained efforts to ensure that the region continues to enjoy the return of peace.

The group established that no part of the visited communities are under the control of the terrorist group as against what is being portrayed by some section of the media.

In order to reintegrate properly, the GAW, however, urged the Federal Government and non-governmental organisations in these parts to help the returning inhabitants settle down.

Read full rapporteur below:

The Global Amnesty Watch, in line with its mandate of serving as that watchdog on Human Rights compliance by government and organizations around the world in a bid to ascertain the situation of things in North-East Nigeria, undertook a systematic tour of select locations in North-East Nigeria. The tour availed the GAW Special Rapporteur a first-hand knowledge of the condition of things, as well as the role of the government in bringing to an end the crisis in the North East region.

Introduction:

In the light of the news making the rounds on the occupation of Nigerian territories by the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group, the Global Amnesty Watch (GAW) commissioned a team of select researchers to undertake a systematic tour of select communities in North-East Nigeria with a mandate to highlight the situation of things and also to ascertain if and whether any Nigerian territory is under the occupation of Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters.

These researchers relied on information making the rounds on areas that are under the Boko Haram/ISWAP occupation to draw the list of communities to be visited. Consequently, Dambao, Gwoza, Postikum, Chibok, and Madagali were identified as areas to be visited to put to rest the various speculations making the rounds and also to put the issues in proper perspectives for members of the unsuspecting public.

The Situation Report:

The tour of select communities in North-East Nigeria did come with some communications challenges. As such, the researchers relied on local interpreters and a guide to be able to navigate the terrain. The Nigerian Army also provided security cover for the team in areas that are not motorable in a bid to avoid landmine areas.

The situation of things in the select communities presented a picture of relative calm and with reconstruction works ongoing at every nook and cranny even though at a low scale. Scores of people were seen returning to these communities, and normalcy seems to be the order of the day.

In Chibok, the researchers observed that there were skirmishes between the youths and the members of the Civilian JTF who disagreed on the modalities for the security of the community since the return of peace to the area. The youths wanted to have control of the security apparatus, a situation that irked members of the Civilian JTF members. This eventually led to a situation wherein protest some overbearing youths took laws into their hands and went berserk in protest. The situation was, however, brought under control by the intervention of the Nigerian Army company stationed in the community as part of the Super Camp Strategy introduced by the Army hierarchy to ensure adequate patrol of areas in search of Boko Haram/ISWAP remnants.

In Damboa, the researchers witnessed an atmosphere of relative peace. This was occasioned by the presence of military personnel in critical locations keeping vigil while the locals go about their normal businesses.

The case of Potiskum presented an interesting scenario for the team of researchers in the sense that the town was bustling with commercial activities. Upon interaction with the locals, it was stated that the last time Potiskum experienced any form of insurgent activity was in 2015. Since then, they have moved on with their lives without fear of any attack from the Boko Haram terrorist group.

In Gwoza, the situation was a bit tensed in the sense that rumours were rife in the air of possible attack of the community by Boko Haram elements. The team of researchers observed that the security situation in the area was beefed up, and this somewhat placed a restriction on both human and vehicular movements.

In Madagali, the situation was calm as there was no atmosphere of threats to peace and tranquillity. The town can be seen under surveillance by troops who were constantly patrolling and carrying out stop and search operations.

There were also signs of reconstruction works going on, and it was gathered that in the past one year, lots of locals that hitherto took refuge in IDP camps had been returning home in droves.

Conclusion:

The Global Amnesty Watch upon the scrutiny of the report of the researcher’s herby states that no Nigerian territory is under the control of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist, rather the more significant part of North-East Nigeria is gradually returning to normalcy.

The Global Amnesty Watch also notes that though there is relative peace in these areas, a lot still needs to be done mainly by the newly established North East Development Commission. The North East Development Commission must, as a matter of urgency, hit the ground running to complement the efforts of other critical stakeholders in rebuilding and resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons in the North East region.

The activities of International NGOs, as well as local NGOs operating in the region, must reflect the commitment to helping the IDPs relocate back home, especially in the liberated communities. They must also assist the people with means of livelihood such as farming fishing and other trades that would make life meaningful for them.

It is also vital that the Nigerian Police is also involved in the clearance operations in a bid to ensure that other criminal elements do not arise in the name of Boko Haram.

Commendations:

The Global Amnesty Watch owing from the situation on the ground in North-East Nigeria commends the efforts of the Nigerian military for their sustained efforts to ensure that the region continues to enjoy the return of peace.

The Global Amnesty Watch also lauds the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for the show of commitment ending the Boko Haram crisis in North-East Nigeria, and also worthy of note is the rescue of over 17,500 children and women from Boko Haram captivity in North-East Nigeria.

General Buratai’s spiritual warfare campaigns and matters arising

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General Buratai’s spiritual warfare campaigns and matters arising

By Roger Williams Ikongbe 

Some Nigerians are a hypocritical lot, including those who occupy exalted and influential leadership positions. Most times, when you listen to them, the impression which assails the mind defiantly replays images of weak leadership persona.
Some days back, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and leader of the anti-insurgency campaigns in Nigeria, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai canvassed for the spiritual engagement of Boko Haram ideology by Nigerians. And inexplicably, it elicited harsh condemnations and scathing outbursts by some Nigerians.

In the last four years, Gen. Buratai and our troops have been in the frontlines and trenches of the Northeast, battling Boko Haram insurgency. Its unarguable that significant impact have been achieved in Nigeria’s campaigns against terrorism reflected in the decimation and defeat of the Boko Haram insurgents. But it has not been fully routed out, as it intermittently smokes in feeble strikes in obscure parts of the Northeast.
Gen. Buratai may have incurred the wrath of his adversaries in the country, when he advocated for the spiritual engagement of the negative ideologies of   Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Nigeria by religious groups. He said it, at a seminar of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, themed, “Countering insurgency and violent extremism in Nigeria through spiritual warfare.”

The Army Chief was specific that Islamic and Christian clerics across all Army formations, communities, families, and groups should enlist in the spiritual battle against terrorism.
In the simplest terms, Gen. Buratai opined, “It is easier to defeat Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists than their ideology because, while we degrade the terrorists and their havens, the narrative of the ideology grows the group.”
It was a hard fact, and by no means an admission of incompetence in confronting terrorism and terrorists. It is an additional angle, which reality indicates, it   begs for inclusion in the holistic confrontation of this scourge of national insecurity.

But some Nigerians so irrationally lampooned the Army boss. Those who have been seeking for ways to have Gen. Buratai hanged for his exploits and continuous belief that Boko Haram must not be allowed to return back absurdly perceived his campaign of spiritual warfare on Boko Haram as a window to trumpet a renewed agenda for his vilification, citing the rehearsed very flimsy excuses.

However, some foresighted and clairvoyant Nigerians appropriately interpreted Gen. Buratai’s sermons in the proper context. And one writer and social economist who gave it a very punchy angle was Dr. Obadiah Mailafia in the article, “General Buratai and Spiritual Warfare,”  (published on  October  7, 2019).
Mailafia’s historical and contemporary expositions and interpretations of Gen. Buratai’s spiritual warfare campaigns against Boko Haram and ISWAP are grippingly fascinating and rich in contents. He calmly and diligently reeled out the enriching relevance of what some Nigerians seek to diminish by anchoring very sound arguments rooted in undeniable   warfare histories of countries around the world, which have fruitfully practiced spiritual warfare.

But could Mailafia have been wrong in his assertions in backing the COAS? Certainly, such contemplations are severed from the truth. Nigeria’s basic problem is the overwhelming presence of pretenders and hypocrites.  And they are irritatingly mouthy; most times senselessly.
Through scholarly works, sociologists have established a dominant sociological character of Nigerians as rooted in religion and spirituality. Whether as Christians, Muslims or traditionalists, Nigerians habour strong beliefs in solving all problems through the spiritual intervention of whatever they worship or adore.

Some Nigerians even believe in the totems of their tribes and beseech it with every problem. There are tales of certain rivers or streams in some communities, whose waters can spiritually heal and the people hold it in reverence.   Simply put, all Nigerians go spiritual with virtually all the problems which confront them.  Why should the case of Boko Haram be an exception, as canvassed by Gen. Buratai?
So, it becomes indiscernible why Gen. Buratai would be crucified because he canvassed for the engagement of Boko and ISWAP through spiritual warfare.  It is even more senseless for critics who are attempting to push the argument that Gen. Buratai is now devoid of ideas to tackle the anti-insurgency campaigns in Nigeria. That is the height of dishonestly, proudly played out in public domain, because some Nigerians have an obstinate passion for untruthfulness.
Therefore, it is easy to forget for the sake of convenience or inured by the motivations of delight in covert support for festering terrorism that when Gen.Buratai sermonizes about spiritual welfare against Boko Haram and ISWAP, he must be chained to a stalk. Ironically though, he is only reminding Nigerians of a role they have played in the past based on the indispensable spiritual content in them.

But Nigeria’s history whiffs with several experiences of the use of spiritualism in solving problems. When Nigerians faced tough times under the Gen. Sani Abacha military junta, another former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon organized the “Nigeria Prays,” prayer sessions across the country.
Still on the political turf, Nigerians are still conversant with the melodrama between Chris Ngige and Chris Uba consummated on the spiritual potency of a shrine in Anambra state. Until it eclipsed, the revered Ombatse cult in Nasarawa –Eggon was the spiritual home to many Nigerian politicians who besieged it for political prosperity and protection.  Christian crusades grounds are filled to the brim in anticipation of spiritual healing or miracles.  The instances are manifold.

Therefore, spirituality essentially defines the average life of a Nigerian. And so, it is strange that some persons would stoutly oppose Gen. Buratai’s spiritual warfare campaigns against Boko Haram and ISWAP.  It is germane that those with such fixated mindset to oppose whatever Gen. Buratai does or says should have a rethink.
If truly, such clan of Nigerians share in Gen. Buratai’s mission and persuasions of completely routing out Boko Haram and ISWAP  from  Nigeria, the onus is placed on them to also fight this war from whatever spiritual angle at their disposal.  There is neither anything unusual nor strange about it in warfare.
Our experience these past 10 years in battling insurgency have revealed enough for everyone to understand, he must play a role. The military alone cannot end insurgency, if its ideology continue to be watered.  It was former President Goodluck Jonathan who identified three categories of Boko Haram -namely, the religious Boko Haram; political Boko Haram and commercial Boko Haram. And all are driven by satanic ideologies which grows the sects  in  leaps and bonds.
The Nigerian military has successfully decimated and defeated terrorism on the battlefield, but its shadows still manifest because the remnants, re-germinates these negative ideologies to win fresh converts. It accounts for the sporadic strikes of Boko Haram terrorists on obscure locations in the Northeast region.

And clerics, communities, families and groups owe their nation an obligation to confront the propagation of these negative ideologies which nourish and fester terrorism. And this noble assignment covers not only remnants of insurgents, who are sadly sheltered in homes they should be rejected. But also, the preachments should extend to populations susceptible to the influence of these negative ideologies from terrorists.

Dr. Obadiah Mailafia could not have been less accurate in his perception of Gen. Buratai’s evangelism on spiritual warfare on Boko Haram and ISWAP. His expose has deeply penetrated and captured the minds and hearts of Nigerians.  Gen. Buratai is truly the best in his generation. He is indubitably distinct on counter-terrorism and malicious criticisms will not diminish his status. We can only conclude as Obadiah has succinctly educated us, General Buratai is rich in philosophy and has exposed one of the cornerstones in his life as a successful war tactician.

Ikongbe is a pastor and wrote from Salem Christian Centre, Stratford, London.

‘We operate no ponzi scheme’ – Dunamis Church

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‘We operate no ponzi scheme’ – Dunamis Church

The Dunamis International Gospel Centre, on Tuesday distanced itself from an online Ponzi scheme called “Dunamis Investment Platform.”

The church, under the leadership of Dr. Pastor Paul and Dr. Mrs. Becky Paul-Enenche, declared that the ministry does not operate a Ponzi scheme, stressing that such was a “scam.”

This warning was contained in a statement signed by Pastor Victor Stephen, Head, Central Admin of the church on Tuesday.

The statement urged Nigerians against transacting any business with such platform because its owners are fraudsters.

It further warned that anyone caught in the act would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to an online Ponzi scheme known as “Dunamis Investment Platform” where individuals are asked to invest a certain amount and get back double their investment within a few hours. THIS IS A SCAM!!!

“The general public is hereby notified that Dunamis International Gospel Centre does not run any Ponzi scheme either online or offline.

“The platform is apparently owned by fraudsters who are out to defraud people.

“Therefore, the general public is hereby warned not to transact any business with them as they are fraudsters who are out to defraud people of their hard-earned money.

“Report anyone involved in such act to the nearest police station.

“Finally anyone caught in this evil act will be made to face full wrath of the law. Blessings!!!”

Insurgency: Coalition writes Senate President, Speaker over allegations of fraud against INGOs operating in North-East

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Insurgency: Coalition writes Senate President, Speaker over allegations of fraud against INGOs operating in North-East

Following the recent spate of suspicious fraudulent activities involving international non-governmental organisations operating in the North-East, a coalition of civil rights group has written the National Assembly leadership to take prompt action.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) and Centre for International and Strategic Studies (CISS) formed an alliance in a press conference on Tuesday to make the plea to the county’s legislative arm.

In a letter jointly signed by Ibrahim Abubakar and Ifure Atifure for SHAC and CISS respectively and addressed to Senate President Ahmed Lawan, the group urged the NASS leadership to investigate the “despicable actions by international NGOs and their local franchise in support of Boko Haram”.

According to the Coalition, the Nigerian military consistently rose above the Boko Haram terrorists but their progress has been hampered by these so-called humanitarian groups, covertly giving tactic support to the terrorist group.

These foreign NGOs offer financial, logistics as well as intelligence support to the radical sect, the group revealed.

In other to halt this ugly trend, the civil organisations, therefore, called on the National Assembly to probe and restrict the nefarious activities of these foreign NGOs.

If not curtailed in good time, the group said Boko Haram/ISWAP activities would continue to fester at the detriment of peace and tranquillity in Nigeria.

Read the full letter below:

Dear Senate President,

We bring warm greetings to the leadership of the National Assembly in Nigeria and also to commend the Distinguished Senate President on the sound leadership it has provided since the commencement of the 9th Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dear Senate President, as you may be aware, Nigerian has been grappling with the activities of terrorist groups in North-East Nigeria, which has resulted in the wanton loss of lives and destruction of properties.

This undeniable fact is such that all well-meaning Nigerians must see to the end of terrorist activities in Nigeria if we are desirable of achieving peace and tranquillity in the country through our actions and inactions.

The Boko Haram conflict in North-East Nigeria has festered for the past ten years since the group took up a violent campaign against the constituted authorities in Nigeria and consequently led to the loss of lives and properties and a disruption of the development of the economy of North-East Nigeria.

Dear Senate President, it is a known fact that the Nigerian Military has been at the forefront in the fight against terrorism in North-East Nigeria, and all and sundry have commended this much in the country.

Dear Senate President, it must be stated in unequivocal terms that the activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group in North-East Nigeria are buoyed by the fact that some individuals and organizations masquerading under various nomenclatures have been covertly giving tactic support to the Boko Haram terrorist group.

These individuals and organizations have perfected the act in such a way that despite the efforts of the Nigerian Authorities in the fight against terrorism, the Boko Haram terrorist group have continued to enjoy financial, logistics as well as intelligence support from these groups.

Dear Senate President, it must be stated that since the advent of the present administration in Nigeria in 2015, lots of efforts have been put into ending the Boko Haram crisis in North-East Nigeria by the display of a strong political will as well as a significant improvement of the operational capacity and efficiency of the Armed Forces in the country.

The Senate President may at this point wish to note that the activities of some Non-Governmental Organisations operating in North-East Nigeria have been suspect in recent times.

It has also been proven beyond reasonable doubt that these NGOs have been covertly giving tactic support to the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group and this has led to the resurgence of the group operating on the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin region. They have been providing financial and logistics support in the area of food and drug supplies.

Dear Senate President, as despicable as this might sound, the activities of some international NGOs in North-East Nigeria are causing more harm than good, and as such, there is a need for urgent and proactive steps to be taken towards arresting this anomaly.

Their fraudulent activities have continued to fuel the crisis in the northeast region and thereby frustrating the efforts of the Nigerian Military in its quest to clearing the remnants of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group.

Dear Senate President, it must be stated that if urgent measures are not taken to address the nefarious activities of the international NGOs operating in North-East Nigeria, Nigeria might continue to grapple with the nefarious activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group.

It is, therefore, our considered opinion that the National Assembly must not be seen as shying away from its responsibility of contributing to sustainable peace in Nigeria through the instrument of effective legislations that would restrict the activities of these NGOs that have been aiding and abetting Boko Haram/ISWAP activities in North-East Nigeria.

Dear Senate President, the urgency of now requires that the National Assembly under your dynamic leadership begins the process of initiating legislation that would curtail the nefarious activities of these international NGOs that do not mean well for the unity of the country. The National Assembly must act now in the interest of peace in Nigeria and in fulfilment of its constitutionally recognised mandate in the entrenchment of peace and unity in Nigeria.

Dear Senate President, we are consequently by this letter urging you to use your good office to see to the enactment of laws that would curtail the excesses of the international NGOs operating in North-East Nigeria.

Dear Senate President, if the activities of these NGOs are not curtailed in good time, the Boko Haram/ISWAP activities would continue to fester at the detriment of peace and tranquillity in Nigeria.

The urgency of now requires all hands to be on deck, and as such, it behoves on the leadership of the National Assembly under your leadership rise to this occasion in this critical point of our existence.

While we anticipate a favourable response, please be assured of our highest regard.

Boko Haram: Questionable activities of International NGOs very worrisome – Civil Rights group

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Boko Haram: Questionable activities of International NGOs very worrisome – Civil Rights group

A civil rights group, Coalition for Civil Rights and Good Governance has raised an alarm over the worrisome activities of foreign non-governmental organizations in the NorthEast.

The group made this revelation in a press conference on Monday in Abuja to demand the probe of these international NGOs.

In a statement signed by its convener, Princess Ajibola, the coalition said it had taken time to review and evaluate the recent developments in the NorthEast and found these supposed humanitarian groups culpable of supporting insurgency.

It further revealed that these NGOs gained accreditation to the region under the guise of philanthropic work only to do the opposite – serving as puppet in the hands of the Boko Haram terrorists.

The group reckoned that this show of shame has dampened the integrity and credibility of the indigenous NGOs in the region.

In addition to the current probe by security and anti-graft agencies, the group therefore called on the National Assembly to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the activities of these International NGOs.

According to the Coalition, it is only through the means the reasons why these groups suddenly resorted to providing cover for terrorists would be revealed.

See full press statement below:

Gentlemen, the Coalition for Civil Rights and Good Governance has taken time to review and evaluate the recent developments in the northeast of the country, notable Borno state, where there are military operations to dislodge what is left of the Boko Haram insurgency. That also include the operations against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) variant.

We are concerned about the worrisome revelation that international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were caught out supporting the terrorists in various capacities. Activities that have been confirmed on the part of these NGOs include: (1) UNICEF staffers passing classified military information and intelligence to Boko Haram terrorists (2) Action Against Hunger supplying food, medication and logistics support to Boko Haram terrorists to enable recover from the degradation of their fighting capacity by the military (3) Human Rights Watch issued a pro-Boko Haram report to tarnish the good works of the military (4) Amnesty International issuing series of reports and media content to advance Boko Haram interests (5) Several other subversive activities that are yet to come to light but that are going on nonetheless.

It should be noted that these NGOs got into Nigeria and gained accreditation to the north east under the guise of doing humanitarian work to alleviate the suffering brought upon the people in this area by terrorists’ activities. The development exposed by the military has however revealed that these organizations and their staffers have done the exact opposite by engaging in activities that: (1) encourage the terrorists to continue carrying out attacks against Nigerians as well as help advance the ability of the terrorist group to recruit new fighters (2) support Boko Haram to recover whenever the military successfully degrade them (3) provide them information that allows them to be able to attempt attacks against military formations (4) whip up international anger against Nigeria and the military of the country (5) present captured or killed Boko Haram terrorists as victims such that the military is wrongly perceived as engaging in abuse (6) expose the civilian population of the northeast to Boko Haram attacks (7) the questionable NGOs have compromised the integrity of NGO work in Nigeria by contaminating indigenous NGOs and CSOs to work against the interests of the state.

It should be further noted that other serious minded organizations that would have provided actual humanitarian relief and support have stayed away from the region as they thought that their indicted counterparts are already providing such. It is logical for these serious organizations to want to avoid duplication of efforts hence their ceding the intervention work to these ones that have now been found to be criminal in outlook and intent. They have thus denied the needy of crucial help and relief that the responsible organizations would have provided. We therefore have a situation where the world believes that the people affected by Boko Haram’s acts of terror are getting the help and assistance they require when in reality those that should be providing the help are the ones sustaining Boko Haram.

It is therefore apparent that the ultimate target of the subversive activities of these NGOs is Nigeria’s democracy. They want to undermine not just the military but every institution that makes Nigeria a sovereign democracy.

Our recognition of this threat had earlier made us to call on the security and anti-graft agencies in the country to investigate and track the cash flow of these organizations. The call was premised on the need to establish how they have been supporting Boko Haram terrorists against Nigeria.

We find it expedient that the investigation of the NGOs operating in the northeast requires a comprehensive approach. While the security, anti-graft and military agencies are able to shed light on the damage they have done to peace and security, it is apparent that we need to have a profile of the larger and farther reaching consequences of activities that are targeted against Nigerians and the country on a larger scale.

As a consequence, we are demanding that the National Assembly immediately investigate the activities of international and local NGOs operating in the northeast of the country. The probe should be with a view to identifying how and why entities that do not mean well for Nigeria have been operating in the country to the extent that they were able to provide cover for terrorists. It is our belief that outcome of such probe would empower the National Assembly to mandate security agencies and the military to give proportionate response to the threat that these organizations pose to Nigeria’s integrity.

We equally believe that an investigation into the activities of these NGOs will provide insight into the areas in need of amendment where Nigeria’s legislation on terrorism, terrorist financing and national security are concerned. The investigation would also help trigger a legislation on NGO financing in Nigeria, which has been used as a front for funnelling funds that are now threatening the existing of Nigeria.

In the meantime, we demand that staffers, management and owners of NGOs that are found culpable of the serious allegations like providing funding to terrorists as being alleged in public domain should be handed to law enforcement agencies for trial.

It is our passionate appeal that even if the National Assembly members are unconcerned about the suffering of Nigerians under the tyranny of these international NGOs, they should at least look out for their own personal interests that would be imperilled if these subversive elements are able to disrupt critical national institutions as they are attempting to. Our lawmakers must take a definite stance against this threat to our nation.

Nigeria’s sovereignty and the exemplary leadership of the Nigerian Army

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Nigeria’s sovereignty and the exemplary leadership of the Nigerian Army

By Esther Okpabi

The security architecture in Nigeria is such that it revolves around the operations of the Nigerian Army. I say this for the simple fact that since 2015, and with the advent of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Army has indeed risen to the occasion in times too numerous to mention with innovations and operations that have always restored peace around the country.

I am one of those in the school of thought that posits that, but for the present commitment of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, as well as the Chief of Army Staff, Nigeria would have disintegrated in line with the doomsday predictions of 2015. But the sheer commitment of these individuals altered the equation, and Nigeria is united today.

I must add that in the annals of the country, there hasn’t been a time that the Nigerian Army has been stretched thin like this period, with operations running simultaneously across the country, including the Boko Haram/ISWAP conflict in North-East Nigeria. The truth is that one wonders how the Nigerian Army has been able to combine all of these operations of protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria without fail.

It is, therefore, my considered opinion that one of the early gifts that President Muhammadu gave Nigerians was the choice of Service Chiefs who were mandated to hit the ground running in ensuring that the various security challenges facing the country are addressed. This is also on the heels that Nigeria was on the brinks and with a military that had been overwhelmed by the myriad of challenges confronting it, which was occasioned by the selfish and lackadaisical attitude of the then political and military authorities towards the unity of Nigeria.

That period was indeed free for all endeavours that saw the misappropriation of funds meant for critical military operations as well as the welfare of the fighting troops in North-East Nigeria. So the consequent result was an upsurge in the activities of Boko Haram terrorists till they took control of over 16 local government areas in North-East Nigeria.

We must agree that since the coming of the present administration and the operational strategies deployed by the various services of the Armed Forces, the security architecture in Nigeria indeed experienced a considerable facelift. Worthy of mention is the exploits of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, who has been described in various quarters as the war legend of our time due to the way and manner he has led the fighting troops in confronting the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist and other militant groups in Nigeria.

It is indeed not an understatement to state that but for the efforts of the Nigerian Army, militant groups such as the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) would have caused maximum damage to the sovereignty of Nigeria. But again, the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai was able to nip in the bud their nefarious activities.

The exploits of the Nigerian Army under Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai has never been in short supply. This also explains the encomium that has been showered on him from home and abroad for exemplary leadership in the operations of the Nigerian Army in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria. For example, the Nigerian Army was honoured with the Certificate of Professionalism by the International Human Rights Commission Geneva, Switzerland, jointly with the Committee of Foreign Observers, for its efforts at protecting Human Rights during the just concluded 2019 general elections in Nigeria.

Again, sometime in 2017, the Chief of Army Staff was given the Presidential Award for Excellence for his determined war against the Boko Haram insurgents by the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Reading a citation at the award ceremony, the NIM stated that “In less than two years of Lt. Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai becoming the Army Chief of Staff, the tide has changed to much safer northeast and thereby restoring confidence in the Nigerian Army as a reliable agent for National Security.”

“Many of the captured and deserted cities and towns were recovered and normalcy gradually restored. This rare feat could not have been possible without the intervention of Lt. Gen. Buratai, who, upon the assumption of duty, swiftly demonstrated his leadership skills and military prowess coupled with patriotic zeal, to tackle headlong, the nefarious activities of the insurgents, which threatened our national cohesion.”

You must agree with me that the above citation aptly describes the level of life the Chief of Army Staff has been able to inject in the operations of the Nigerian Army since he assumed leadership. Would you consequently have been surprised by the fact that also, the Chief of Army Staff, was conferred with the highest military award in Brazil?

The Brazilian military order of merit award, which is the highest military honour in the country, is awarded to military officers, who had distinguished themselves in various military endeavours. According to citation at the occasion, the award was in recognition of Buratia’s exemplary and world’s recognized leadership qualities and the Nigerian Army’s effort in the fight against terrorism and insurgency. And this is no fluke.

The Nigerian Army has indeed risen to the occasion in the fight against terrorism. As such, it behoves on all well-meaning Nigerians to give it that support in its quest towards defeating the last evil standing, which is the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group.

I can go on non-stop on the exemplary leadership of the Nigerian Army in protecting the sovereignty of Nigeria. And in all of these, one thing stands out; the rare display of an unflinching commitment by the Chief of Army Staff towards protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria has been the magic wand. And if the truth must be told, if this has been the case before the advent of the present administration, the Boko Haram crisis would have been long over.

Be that as it may, the leadership of the Nigerian Army has been able to reclaim the lost glory of the Nigerian Army and indeed sent many merchants of death hovering over Nigeria out of business. Those whose stock in trade is to cause ethnic and religious division in the country have also been sent out of business with the renewed commitment of the Nigerian Army in protecting the sovereignty of Nigeria.

This is indeed commendable, and it consequently behoves on those holding sensitive positions of authority in Nigeria to take a cue from the exemplary leadership as exhibited by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai. Nigeria shall be indeed great again.

Okpabi wrote from the New Nile University, Abuja.

BREAKING: Mercy wins BBNaija

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BREAKING: Mercy wins BBNaija

Mercy has won the 2019 Edition of Big Brother Naija.

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