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ISSUES OF THE MOMENT: STATE OF THE NATION

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This episode of Issues Of The Moment beamed its periscope on the arrest of Yele Sowore and his Revolution Now intended protest.

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SECURITY DOSSIER: OPERATIONAL COORDINATION AMONG SECURITY AGENCIES

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Against the backdrop of the unfortunnate incident that happned between the Nigerian Army and Ngerian Police in Taraba state, Lawrence Audu and his guests of Security Experts, Terence Kuanum and Clement Ogolekwu analyse the whole . situation from a security perspective.

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Nigerian Army inducts newly acquired Mine Resistant Anti-Ambush Protected Vehicles

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The Nigerian Army has inducted and operationalised four newly acquired Mine Resistant Anti Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAPs) in the North East theatre of operation to enhance fire power and protection of troops fighting Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) Terrorists.

Recall that the Nigerian Army in partnership with Proforce Nigeria Limited, – an indigenous Armour Vehicle Manufacturing Company based in Ode-Remo in Ogun State had delivered the first ever Nigerian Army – Proforce locally manufactured MRAPs, four of which were inaugurated on August 1, 2019 by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai represented by the Chief of Training and Operations (Army) Maj Gen EO Udoh said the induction of the MRAPs would boost the operational capability and protection of the troops to decisively prosecute the ongoing counter insurgency operations.

He reminded the troops that equipment alone without strong will and determination by men cannot win wars, he therefore charged them to remain resolute in the discharge of their duties and strengthen their commitment to end the war against terrorism soon

While appreciating the efforts of the Special Forces in the fight against terrorism, especially the recapture of Baga by the Special Forces, he assured them of Nigerian Army’s continued support to specialised training as well as improved welfare to enhance the effectiveness of the Special Forces.

Earlier, the Commander Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, Maj. Gen. Mhounday Gadzama Ali, said the provision of the MRAPs and other equipment by the COAS will spur the Command in their dogged struggles to wipe out the remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP Terrorists soon.

As part of the concern the leadership of the Army has for the troops, the representative of the COAS delivered the goodwill message and had lunch with the troops after inspecting an ongoing renovation work in the camp.

 

Buratai celebrates Sallah with recuperating troops in the Northeast

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Buratai celebrates Sallah with recuperating troops in the Northeast

Army Chief Buratai celebrates Sallah with recuperating troops
The Ed-el-Kabir celebration is a season to share love with friends and family.

Recuperating troops at the 7 Division Medical Centre and Hospital Services, Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri, Borno State weren’t left out of this merriment despite their health condition.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai, took this year’s celebration to these gallant officers.

Represented by Chief of Training and Opertaions(Army) Maj Gen EO Udoh, the COAS said the Nigerian Army had lived up to expectations and remains ahead of the threats bedevilling the country despite some daunting challenges.

He added that the Eid El Kabir festival reminds the officers and soldiers of the significance of loyalty, obedience and sacrifice, even as it provides a unique opportunity for the personnel to reflect and redouble their efforts towards fulfilling their roles and justifying the confidence reposed in them by Nigerians.

He commended the sacrifices of troops in the ongoing operations across the country as they discharge their statutory responsibilities satisfactorily, adding that their dedication to duty had ensured that the Nigerian Army remains the bastion of the country’s unity.

Finally, the COAS paid tribute to troops that had paid the supreme price in various operations across the country and assured that the Nigerian Army would continue to meet its obligations to their families to ensure that the void left by their loved ones is not felt.

Ivorian music star DJ Arafat dies in road crash at 33

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DJ Arafat, a singer from Ivory Coastwith a huge following in francophone Africa, has died after a road accident in Abidjan, the state broadcaster RTI has said.

Boko Haram: We celebrated Sallah for the first time in 5 years – Shehu of Bama

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The Shehu of Bama Kingdom of Borno State, Kyari Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, has expressed delight after his people joined the rest of the world to mark the first Eid-el-Kabir celebration in his domains.

According to the monarch, this was the first time in almost five years the community partook in the religious feast celebrated across the globe by all Muslims.

“Today we are celebrating Sallah in Bama which we were not privileged to celebrate for the past five years,” an utterly elated Shehu stated on Monday.

“ Indeed we have to be grateful to Allah SWT for sparing our lives and non among us here today that is thinking to live up to this moment to grace this Sallah celebration in Bama.”

Bama was the target of Boko Haram terrorists in the past, forcing natives and other inhabitants to flee their homes.

Umar El-Kanemi, the traditional ruler wasn’t spared as his wife and daughter were reportedly abducted in 2014 and released two years after.

The monarch, alongside his counterpart from Dikwa, Masa II Ibn Umar El Kanemi, even fled their communities to reside in Maiduguri.

However, peace has since been restored to the area thanks to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Army under the dogged leadership of Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.

As part of the rehabilitation and reconstruction process, the monarchs returned in July in company of local government staff and primary school teachers accompanied by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole who regained the Kingdom back from Boko Haram terrorists.

An eyewitness account revealed that there was free movement of people around the town, especially in public places without fear of any violence or attacks by Boko Haram throughout the Sallah season .

There was also a mass prayer on Sunday for the first time in a long while, led by the monarch himself.

All these feats have been attributed to the gallantry of the Nigerian military and a decisive leadership

Police cautioned over attempt to instigate personnel against soldiers, asked to allow panel investigate Taraba incident

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The Nigeria Police have been cautioned against instigating colleagues of the deceased policemen to go after soldiers in retaliation over the recent incident involving their men and personnel of the Nigerian Army in Takum, Taraba State.

Recall that some officers of the Intelligence Response Unit, the Nigeria Police Force, lost their lives in what was believed to be an operational mix-up with the Nigerian Army in Takum.

However, the police had through their Spokesman, Frank Mba, claimed that the death of the cops was a deliberate attack on their men by officers of the Nigerian Army. Consequently, a panel of inquiry has been set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Reacting to the incident, the Grand Alliance Against Terrorism (GAAT) said the ongoing war of words between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army was needless since a panel has been institute to investigate the root cause of the clash.
Addressing newsmen on Tuesday, Babatunde Michael, Executive Director of GAAT, said the recent statements and comments that the force officially issued practically instigated colleagues of the deceased policemen to go after soldiers in retaliation., a development he said would not augur well for future working relationship with not just the Nigerian Army and the military but also with other security and para-military organizations.

The group, therefore, called on both parties to sheathe swords while waiting for the outcome of the investigation.
His speech below.

We wish the Nigeria Police had, in the aftermath of the tragedy that resulted in the death of these gallant policemen, resorted to the kind of profound introspection that will not provide answers as to what went wrong but one that will provide the framework that will ensure that in the future there will be no incident of police teams attempting to convey an arrested suspect past Army checkpoint without identifying themselves but rather attempting to ram through the checkpoints.

As laymen, we had hazarded a guess as to why a police team on a national assignment of such importance will refuse to stop at those Army check points and we can only conclude that there is such uncertainty about identities in the land that criminals could have kitted themselves in any choice uniform and mounted a roadblock to free the suspect, Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume, who was being conveyed. It became immediately clear that a few procedural steps could have averted this disaster, like the police team notifying the Nigerian Army ahead that they were transporting a suspect; the policemen could also have changed into uniform and transfer to a clearly marked police vehicle for that leg of the assignment.

These observations are because, the same way uniformed people mounting roadblocks could be criminals, is the same way kidnappers will attempt to transport their victims past military checkpoints by ramming their way through. A timely notification, proper service uniform and a conspicuous police branded car or convoy of cars would have made the difference that ensure these hardworking policemen are still among the living.

The probe that has been ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari into the death of the policemen is enough grounds to not raise more posers than these for the moment. In fact, we urge the panel to take these issues we have raised as part of the input for its investigation. Adherence to rules of engagement on the part of the Army and the Police, or lack of it, should form part of what the investigation should uncover because we believe that no one that is rendering such service to their fatherland deserve to die under such avoidable circumstance.

While it is imprudent to at this time apportion blames to either party as to the series of events that led to the death of the policemen, it is important to condemn the aftermath of the event in which the Nigeria Police Force launched a coordinated campaign of calumny against the Nigerian Army on the unfortunate incident. The media war run by the police was so intense that some critics that have been known to support criminal groups were celebrating the face-off between the two security organizations. We can only wonder how much boost this has given to the underworld.

From the much we have seen in the aftermath of the incident, it seems the Police are desirous of taking up arms against the Nigerian Army. The statements and comments that the force officially issued practically instigated colleagues of the deceased policemen to go after soldiers in retaliation. The Police is embarking on social media campaign against the Nigerian Army which does not augur well for future working relationship with not just the Nigerian Army and the military but also with other security and para-military organizations. Added to the ubiquity of social media on which the incitements were publicized this is a dangerous precedent.

It is a route that the Nigeria Police should not have taken especially when Mr President has already directed for a thorough investigation, which makes the ongoing campaign against the Army by the police unnecessary. It makes more sense for all parties to await for the outcome of the investigation, so the police must show that it is sincere and has nothing to hide by peddling sentiments.

More importantly, Nigerians must not lose sight of the fact that the Nigerian Army would not be on the roads in civilian areas if the police had lived up to its billings. Therefore, notwithstanding what the panel will decide, the police as a matter of self-review should begin implementing measures to resume its statutory duties of civil policing that the Army was forced to take over owing to its inability to meet up. Since the Army is only supporting in this regard, the police leadership needs wake up and take charge.

Even though something tragic has happened, as patriotic Nigerians who are interested in the interest of our country, we urge for decorum in dealing with the situation even as we condemn attempt by either of the parties to embark on blame game that will ruin the collective efforts being made by all.

The panel occasioned by the Presidential directive for a proper investigation must be allowed to do a proper job because we believe and have confidence in Mr. President’s capacity to do justice at the end of the day. The Grand Alliance Against Terrorism (GAAT) therefore considers the flagrant disregard for Mr. President’s directive as irresponsible and lack of respect for the nation’s constituted authority by the Police. We want to emphasize that even for a law enforcement agency, no one or organization is above the law so the Police or the Army should not take laws into their hands. This demands an end to the ongoing media hostility including the current campaign of calumny on the social media against the Army and its leadership.

I will walk on water like Jesus, self-acclaimed prophet declares

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Self styled billionaire prophet, Emeka Odumejeje has declared he that he will walk on water like Jesus Christ.

The prophet called on his members and journalists world over to join him at the Onitsha part of the River Niger on the 19th of August for the miracle.

Army-Police clash: Buhari directs Defence Headquarters to commence investigation

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The Defence Headquarters has been directed to set up a special panel to investigate the clash between the Army and Police in Ibi, Taraba State, where some Policemen lost their lives.

Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar said this while speaking to State House Correspondents, and also briefing them on the outcome of Thursday’s National Security Council meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buahri.

He said: “The Council decided that a committee will be set up under the Defence Headquarters, to critically investigate the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident in Ibi, Taraba State.”

The Chief of Air Staff said after reviewing the security situation in the country, it was satisfied with the progress so far recorded.
“The Council evaluated the current strategy of managing internal security operations all over the country and we are satisfied with the current efforts, we are making substantial progress in all the areas of conflict,” he said.

Air Marshal Sadique, who assured citizens of their safety, said technology would continue to play a very critical role in addressing security challenges in the country.

“All the services are using one form of technology or the other in order to ensure that our country is secured so technology will continue to play a role and we are also looking at other areas of technology that are not currently in use, to ensure that we put together all that is required to ensure security of Nigeria and Nigerian,” he pledged.

Protesters vow to commence 40 days civil disobedience over Amnesty International’s refusal to leave Nigeria

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The Coalition for Civil Rights and Good Governance has threatened to embark on “40 days civil disobedience” over the refusal of Amnesty International to leave the shores of Nigeria.

The group stated this on the 7th day of its occupy Amnesty International office, Abuja over its alleged connivance with some agents of destabilization to cause unrest in Nigeria.

CCRGG vowed not to give up until the NGO leaves Nigeria.

Addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, Princes Ajibola, President of the group, averred that “If we are pushed to begin the 40 days occupation, our member will make a daily advance of one metre upon the premises of Amnesty International until we enter its reception, workstations, conference room and offices to bodily throw out its staffers and escort them to the airport.”

He statement below.

Seven days ago, we took the bold step of standing up for our country by openly confronting the monster that threatens its future in the form of an international non-governmental organization called Amnesty International. We consistently occupied the Amnesty International for the seven-day period irrespective of the intense blackmail and propaganda directed at us by the NGO.

In the course of the seven days, over two million protestors took part in the anti-Amnesty International protests in Lagos and more than one million participated in Abuja under rain, sun and unwarranted brutality from Amnesty International.

The occupation has been illuminating for us because it surfaced a lot of facts and useful information that were hitherto in the realm of conjecture.

For one, we have been able to establish that the conspiracy against the existence of Nigeria is more extensive and elaborate than previously thought. While Amnesty International is the arrowhead of the foreign component of this evil agenda, it has a large network of other NGOs, CSOs and even quasi-business entities that are running errands for it – these are the groups that jointly issued statements to condemn the occupation of Amnesty International’s office. Individuals that are on its payroll equally exposed themselves as such by condemning our action.

The extent of Amnesty International’s infiltration of Nigeria is alarming to a point where it even has the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on a leash like a dog. It launched NHRC like an attack dog against this protest in an act of desperation forgetting that it has exposed the lapses at the Commission in terms of playing its own role of monitoring issues of human rights in Nigeria. We now understand that NHRC deliberately abandoned its duties to create a vacuum for Amnesty International to exploit. Our protest exposed this unholy alliance, which forced NHRC to tediously attempt to disparage our efforts.

Not to be left out are members of the opposition. The people that contracted Amnesty International to run local side shows for them in the course of implementing its internationally hatched destabilization agenda. They owned and tele-guide the proscribed organizations like IMN and IPOB as well as anarchist movements like RevolutionNow and DaysofRage, which have been deployed to cause widespread violence. Even as we occupied its offices, the NGO continued to defend the rights of these groups to destroy Nigeria without being challenged or prevented from doing so. It defended their incitement and call to violence as “freedom of speech”.

For those that ever doubted that Amnesty International is interested in plunging into war, its sponsorship of the fake revolution by the proscribed and anarchist movements against the democratically elected Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari is a final proof that should jolt all patriotic citizens into action. We should be alarmed that upon being found out as a subversive organization, instead of giving up its destabilization agenda, Amnesty International has rather intensified its attack on the Nigerian state while urging that inciting and hate speech should be allowed as “freedom of expression”.

This strategy had served the NGO in other countries that are today in disarray and it is to our collective peril to allow it replicate same successfully in Nigeria.
It is instructive that Amnesty International and its allies have condemned our occupation of its offices while decrying our call for more Nigerians to join the protests against its subversive activities while defending the rights of anarchist movements to do exactly the same thing and even worse against the Nigerian state and its government.

The implication is that the NGO is not willing to accept the treatment it is encouraging its clients to give the federal government. It is clear that this organization knows that the people it is supporting are doing the wrong thing but it is defending them simply because it wants to get at the government and weaken it.

It was discovered that the protests being backed by Amnesty International are a fallback position after its support for Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) did not translate into an ability to penetrate metropolitan cities and carry out attacks against places of interests. An option to use violent protests by IMN and IPOB similarly failed.

But we have also learnt that this NGO has no desire of giving up on its destabilization agenda as it will always plot new schemes to achieve its goals whenever its strategy is defeated.
This is why we have resolved that Amnesty International must leave Nigeria now. We stood up, as a coalition of several groups, to challenge its subversive activities in the last seven days. We expect that this organization will use the benefit of the end of the seven days occupation to slink away at night because criminals are accustomed to making their getaway under the cover of darkness.

But where we discover that the NGO continues to violate the space of Nigeria by remaining in the country after these seven days of occupation, we want to categorically warn that the various groups may be forced to return on Monday, this time for a round 40 of days of occupation.

If we are pushed to begin the 40 days occupation, our member will make a daily advance of one metre upon the premises of Amnesty International until we enter its reception, workstations, conference room and offices to bodily throw out its staffers and escort them to the airport. The 40 days will witness impassioned Nigerians overrunning this Office with their properties to permanently occupy the place until the needful is done.

It is reassuring that more Nigerians have indicate interest to join the occupation that will expel the monster that is threatening Nigeria from the jurisdiction of the country. We salute the patriotism of these people that have indicated commitment to act even before they are called upon just as we salute all Nigerians that have come out in solidarity with this protest. We shall keep everyone up to date on the status of the protest and when the 40 days of occupation will begin.

Finally, we want to put Amnesty International, its allies and supporters on notice that there will be no giving up until it shuts down its operations and leave Nigeria. The worst that can happen is for it to unleash law enforcement agents of thugs on us and we are prepared.