₦airaland Forum

A Coalition of Civil Society Groups have concluded plans to embark on mass protests and daily sit-outs, at the Headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, to demand for an immediate arrest and prosecution of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Honorable Mudashir Obasa, over allegations of financial improprieties.

The group also says it plans to embark on a daily sit-out, at the commission's headquarters, to demand action, as it accused the EFCC, of shielding Obasa, from prosecution, over the monumental corruption taking place in the Assembly, under his leadership.

Details later.....

By AE Ameh

In the military, we are faced with several challenges. We are always on the go in the quest to keep the country safe and secured. I recall ten months ago when I was posted to Borno State from my previous posting in Taraba state; it was a case of mixed feelings for me as I didn't know what to expect.

Make no mistakes; I was not in anyway frightened. As an army officer, I had signed for it, and the issue of fear was far from it. I dare to say my initial reservations were how I was going to work with my commanders in the theatre of operations as we have been fed with tales on how some commanders can be overbearing. In some instances, their sense of judgment does much harm than good.

You reading might be wondering why I am writing the article. Yes, it is primarily to narrate a chance encounter I had with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai in the theatre of operations in Borno State.

The encounter was a chanced one which I would forever cherish as long as I remain an officer of the Nigerian Army. As I write this piece, we just returned from an operation in Dikwa where scores of Boko Haram members were killed and some arrested. Interestingly, the Chief of Army Staff was with us in action. It was like a joke, as we didn't know he was with us.

The Chief of Army Staff was inside our advancing tank that first engaged the Boko Haram group before we moved in to provide support during the operations. That encounter was such an eye-opener for me as it afforded me the rare opportunity of meeting the Chief of Army Staff on a one on one basis. The celebration that followed reminded us of our days in the Nigerian Defense Academy. The Chief was with us all through the night as we compared notes on the success of the operations as well as our lapses.

Two things struck me about the Chief of Army Staff. He is an exceptionally humble man. The way and manner he related with us sent shivers down our spines. It was such a difficult thing to see the number one man in the Nigerian Army shake hands with lance corporals, exchanging seats with sergeants, eating from the same plate a recruit would eat from and many other surprising acts.

I dare to say that in my ten years as a commissioned officer in the Nigerian Army, I have never seen a Chief that is so humble and down to earth. A Chief that looks at you and enquires about your family. I recall the case of a corporal who had some family issues that was bothering him.

At our usual camp night, the Chief of Army Staff noticed an unusual mien from the soldier. He beckoned on him and asked a few questions. The soldier narrated his challenge and how he has not seen his family for three years. Everyone was shocked that a soldier could have such courage to speak in the presence of the Chief.

We concluded that it was over for that soldier. Our commander attempted to take charge of the situation by barking on the soldier to disengage. All the while, the Chief was standing and wearing a smile, and there was pin-drop silence.

I recall that for about five minutes, there was palpable silence. The Chief then called on the solider to come forward. When he did, the Chief asked him to cock his rifle and face the south. The soldier complied, and the Chief asked him to fire shots until his magazine was empty.

After firing thirty shots, the Chief then asked him what his next actions would be. The soldier replied that he would refill his magazine. It was at that point that everything changed as the Chief took us on a lengthy lecture on "The Army Values". He harped on selfless service, honour, integrity and personal courage.

I must confess that we were held spell-bound by the way and manner the Chief spoke. At the end of the lecture, he asked the soldier to make his wish known. And immediately he granted the desire of the solider. The take away for me from that encounter was that the Chief of Army Staff listens. As a matter of fact, he has all the time to listen to you regardless of your rank. He always wants to hear us speak about our challenges.

The Chief of Army Staff is also a workaholic and one that does not sleep. Another crucial fact, the recent successes recorded in the theatre of operations are as a result of the inputs of the Chief of Army Staff, who has been with us for a while. He works extraordinarily hard from coordinating operations from the various sector commands; he is also involved in planning and reconnaissance operations.

The Chief is everywhere you can think of in the theatre of operations mixing and exchanging ideas with soldiers and officers alike. I also noticed that he does discontinuance any idea no matter how irrelevant such an idea is. His display of leadership is mainly responsible for the level of professionalism in the Nigerian Army today.

I stand to be corrected; the Nigerian Army has never had it so good. He is the soldiers' soldier and one that would take the lead in everything and expects everyone to follow. He is also one that takes responsibility for a wrong decision made. As incredible as this might sound, we witnessed one of such instances, and everyone was shocked with the way the Chief handled the situation.

I recall that this act by the Chief created some murmurings from the troops against some commanders that never made amends for some of their tactical errors; instead, they would shift the blame and continue as nothing happened even in instances where some of our soldiers lose their lives.

To cap it up, the Chief is a delight any day and anytime. His grasps of issues are legendary and speaks volume of a highly intelligent man. I also recall how he called off an operation because he felt the morale of the troops were not high enough.

He immediately ordered for a feast for those that were detailed to participate in that operation. It was such sweet relief for us because, in truth, most of us were exhausted mentally and physically. That is how sensitive the Chief is to the morale of the troops. The few weeks that he has been with us in the trenches has seen to an astronomical rise in the confidence of the troops.

As I write this piece, I can tell you that we are about going for an operation and the Chief is leading it. The atmosphere is calm, we are all relaxed and battle-ready, and for me to be able to pen this article tells a lot about my state of mind. I doff my heart for the Chief. He sure is a role model to young officers like us.


Ameh, an officer wrote this piece from Maiduguri, Borno State.

CoS: Nigerians in Diaspora laud appointment of Gambari as a plus for country's image abroad

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (UK) has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari's choice of Prof. Ibrahim Gambiri as his new Chief of Staff.

In a communique issued  by  Prince Oni, The Director of publicity, at the end of an emergency virtual meeting on Thursday , the UK-based Nigerians described the diplomat's appointment as a “plus to the country's image abroad”.
Abba Kyari’s shock demise in April left a huge vacuum in the presidency, which was already being felt.

And Prof. Gambari was handed that monstrous task on Wednesday and Nigerians in diaspora has joined their compatriots back home to commend the move.

Being a seasoned diplomat and academia, the Nigerians said that Prof. Gambari comes with pedigree and would offer credibility to President Buhari's administration, especially in the international community.

The group believes his wealth of experience would impact positively on the administrative and policy direction of the federal government.

The Nigerians expressed total support for the president, who according to them, displayed statesmanship, putting the interest of Nigerians in appointments into sensitive positions of authorities in the country.

The group, however, urged the new CoS to swiftly hit the ground running and ensure that the nation comes ahead of his personal interest.

Read full communique below:  

A communique issued after an emergency general virtual meeting of Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group, United Kingdom, assessing the appointment of Prof Ibrahim Gambari as the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Introduction:

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (UK) is a think tank of Nigerian intellectuals resident in the United Kingdom and devoted to dissecting issues on development and governance in Nigeria, and to avail informed and expert advisory services to the Nigerian government on a sector by sector basis.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (UK) have in times past and through its vast network of members availed the Nigerian government laudable policy initiatives that have been implemented by previous administrations to the benefits of Nigeria and Nigerians.  

The Issues:

The recent appointment of Prof Ibrahim Gambari as the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari has elicited reactions from various quarters and as such an emergency general virtual meeting was called by the leadership of Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group to deliberate on the suitability and otherwise of Prof Ibrahim Gambari as Chief of Staff to the President.

The virtual meeting was well-attended, and an ad-hoc committee on leadership and governance was constituted to examine the resume of Prof Ibrahim Gambari, amongst other issues.

The Deliberations:

After extensive deliberations, the ad-hoc committee made the following observations:

That the appointment of Prof. Ibrahim Gambari would give credibility to the Muhammadu Buhari led administration given his background as a professor of political science, a diplomat and an academician that has taught as various notable universities around the globe.

The Prof Ibrahim Gambari is coming at a time where Nigeria is in dire need of a seasoned administrator to assist in fine-tuning government policies, offering sound and balanced advice to the President on issues that concern governance and development.

That Prof Ibrahim Gambari's pedigree and international clout would serve as an image booster for Nigeria among the comity of Nations.

That Prof Ibrahim Gambari’s wealth of experience would impact positively on the administrative and policy direction of the Nigerian government.

The Consensus:

Members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring group were unanimous in accepting the appointment of Prof. Ibrahim Gambari as the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

That President Muhammadu Buhari with this appointment is desirous of putting Nigeria on the path of greatness.

That Prof Ibrahim Gambari’s dexterity, extensive international contacts would be of immense benefit to Nigeria.

That Nigerians are particularly elated about the choice of Prof. Ibrahim Gambari being a nationalist, a patriot and true democrat whose wealth of experience in both local and international politics is second to none in all ramifications.

Our Stand:

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (UK) lauds President Muhammadu Buhari for his display of statesmanship and putting into consideration the interest of Nigerians in making appointments into sensitive positions of authorities in the country.

That Prof Ibrahim Gambari must strive to avail Nigeria his services by putting National Interest above personal interest.

That Prof Ibrahim Gambari must understand the enormity of the task at hand and must consequently hit the ground running.

That Prof Ibrahim Gambari understands that the former Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari has left a big shoe behind and he must work very hard in line with the President's vision to restore normalcy, sanity and transparency in the conduct of affairs within the corridors of power.

That President Muhammadu Buhari choice is indeed the best for Nigeria and another value addition as a whole.

Conclusion:

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (UK) herby state that the appointment of Prof Ibrahim Gambari is worthy, timely, and in the overall interest of Nigeria and expresses no doubt that his impact on governance would felt in no distant time.

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has applauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice of Prof. Ibrahim Gambari as his new Chief of Staff.

According to the group, the president has once again demonstrated true patriotism hinged on love, strength and unity of purpose.

Gambari, a renowned academic and diplomat of international repute was confirmed as late Abba Kyari's successor on Wednesday.

The appointment of the Kwara native has been widely accepted and NDF believes this is the right move by the president.

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Abdulkadir Bolaji, on Wednesday, the NDF said "Gambari's appointment is a victory for democracy and the Nigerian people."

The choice of Gambari, the group added, is well-deserved and merited owing to his “ rich knowledge and grasps of the issues at hand as a highly rated diplomat, political scientist and scholar that has left indelible footprints in governance at the highest level”.

While declaring total support for the new Chief of Staff as he settles down for the task at hand, the NDF, however, urged all Nigerians to do likewise.

Read full statement below:

The National Democratic Front lauds the appointment of Prof Ibrahim Gambari as the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari in the critical point of our existence as a people and as a country.

It is our firm belief that Prof Ibrahim Gambari is coming on board with rich knowledge and grasps of the issues at hand been a highly rated diplomat, political scientist and scholar that has left indelible footprints in governance at the highest level.

The National Democratic Front views his appointment as a victory for democracy and the people of Nigeria because the ultimate beneficiary would be the Nigerian people that have yearned for the dividends of democracy over the years.

We wish to commend President Muhammadu Buhari for his display of patriotism and foresight in carefully selecting a Chief of Staff that would assist in formulating developmental policies that would translate our hopes and aspirations into tangible realities.

President Muhammadu Buhari has once again demonstrated his unflinching commitment to the Nigerian cause by bringing on board an individual who has achieved tangible results in the international scene, and whose strength of character is hinged on selfless service to our dear country.

The National Democratic Front joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating this appointment for its merit and suitability in line with the cardinal objectives which the Muhammadu Buhari presidency was overwhelmingly voted for at the general elections.

It is our firm belief that Prof Ibrahim Gambari would in no small measures and in his dexterity avail the Muhammadu Buhari administration the required drive in its fight against insurgency and corruption for the betterment of Nigeria.

The National Democratic Front at this moment declares its support to the new Chief of Staff as he settles down for the task at hand. We have no doubt whatsoever on his ability to fine-tune government policies and lead the President and Commander-in-Chief in the right path in the governance of the country.

It is our hope that Nigerians will continue to support the Muhammadu Buhari led administration and continue to extend the needed courtesies to the new Chief of Staff in particular and members of the cabinet in general.

This is indeed a victory for democracy and the Nigerian people as we confront the various economic, political and social challenges in the country.

The National Democratic Front wishes to use this medium to congratulate the good people of Nigeria for this worthy appointment. We desire that Nigerians from all walks of life extends their support to Prof Ibrahim Gambari as he settles down to the task ahead.

It consequently behoves on all cabinet members to do well to extend their sincere courtesies to the new Chief of Staff in a bid to speed up issues that affect governance in the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari has indeed demonstrated the pan-Nigerian spirit that is hinged on love, strength and unity of purpose.

The National Democratic Front herby charges all Nigerians regardless of their political affiliations to see the appointment of Prof Ibrahim Gambari as the Chief of Staff to the President as a step in the right direction in our quest for a Nigeria of our dreams.

We state that the confidence reposed in Prof Ibrahim Gambari would not be betrayed because he has a rich resume and pedigree that speaks volume of capacity, competence and patriotism.

By Idris Abubakar

The narrative that the rambunctious and puffy leader of the Boko Haram terrorists group, Abubakar Shekau, has been devastated to the point that he has not only become sober but is pleading for mercy would have been unimaginable in the recent past. 

Indeed when the audio tape of the Boko Haram leader was released by a major news medium, many did not believe it initially until it was confirmed by multiple sources.

Shekau, through media preps and hype has over the years  succeeded in not only terrorising the minds of people, but has succeeded in creating a myth of invincibility about himself. 

But it is true that the Boko Haram leader in a new audio, not only admitted being weakened but cried for mercy seeking protection against the firepower of the Nigerian military.

Shekau in the 1:22 seconds audio, cried that he and his men are facing difficulties  due to what he called the  devilish act and wickedness of the Nigerian military. 

He said, “We deserted Izala people to practice Your true religion; we abandoned Tijjaniyya people to practice Your true religion; we deserted the Shiites to practice Your true religion; we forsook our parents, uncles and aunties to practice Your true religion. 

“It is because of your religion that we placed knife on Your servants’ necks; but today, they are trying to change us from one thing to another. Oh Lord, have mercy upon under [the blessings] Ramadhan; Oh Lord, have mercy on under [the blessings] of Ramadhan," he said while crying profusely.

The ululations of Shekau is  not without basis.

Since March when Lt. Gen. TY Buratai moved to the theatre of war in Borno State, the fight against insurgency and terrorism took a new dimension with the Nigerian military giving the insurgents hell in each encounter.

The sustained offensive has recorded a series of successes against the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists fighting on the fringes of Lake Chad region. 

In March, Nigerian troops eliminated not less than 20 top Boko Haram commanders including one Abu Usamah, and over 100 of their fighters who were hiding in Kwalaram, Ngilewa, Sabon Tumbu, Bukarmairam, Wulgo in the Marte and Gamboru Ngala axis as well as in Gorgi, Damboa local government of  Borno State.

The troops followed up on that with the  killing of 105 insurgents in Buni Gari and captured many weapons in April and on the heels of that in May, killed 134 of ISWAP and  Boko Haram members  and  arrested 28 of their informants and overran their camps in Durfada, Allafha, Timbuktu, Bulajibi and Gonikurmi near the Sambisa forest. 

These appear too good to be true but all facts relating to the success have been fact checked and confirmed by security experts, the media and other independent bodies .

The question now is what has made it possible for these successes to be recorded within a short time and in the magnitude attained.

Hitherto, the killing of even tens of insurgents given the asymmetric nature of the fight and the lack of clear demarcation between the terrorists and civilian communities have been celebrated,  but in less than two months, over 500 of the terrorists and not less than 40 of their top commanders and informants have been  taken down bringing them to their knees and begging for mercy. 

The secret has to do with the current leadership of the military and the experience of the person leading the assault on the insurgents at the Lake Chad region.

Buratai undoubtedly is one of the best war commanders and intelligent military tactician Nigeria and indeed Africa has ever had.

Since he began leading the Multinational Joint Task Force against insurgency the pressure tilted on the terrorists.

Pathetic stories of troops fleeing from battle fields in what was known as tactical withdrawal stopped completely. 

Stories about soldiers opening fire on their commanders due to lack of trust or wives of soldiers protesting the deployment of their husbands to the battle front all stopped

Troops and their commanders who have worked directly under Buratai have described him as motivation personified.

Troops tell the story of one of his first appearances in the theatre of war after he was appointed chief of army staff. While addressing soldiers in their camps,  shots, apparently from the insurgents were heard from the nearby bushes and the COAS was said to have given an order for the troops to follow him to take down the 'irritants.'

Since confirming that the Army Chief is serious about winning the battle due to the zeal and courage he exhibits, troops no longer have cause to doubt the sincerity of their commanders and have been motivated to push harder. 

Seeing that the new helmsman is  not one that would hole himself up in a guest house partying while troops are in the battle field but one that is prepared to be in the battlefield with them, troops regained their confidence and moved with gusto. 

The Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters must noticed the change in the fighting spirit of troops and must have been asking themselves if these were the same set of troops that were scared of confronting them that many of them were said to have even deserted the army out of fear.

The fact is, Buratai, thinks, eats and drinks battles. He sees military engagement and combat as every drill that should be expected by any serious soldier no matter the rank.

Those close to him say he devotes his time to study and  planning war strategies and is meticulous and thorough in execution. 

He is said to have studied all the strategies of war heroes like Chaka Zulu, Khalid ibn Walid, Hannibal, Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte and others.

War experts and security analysts maintain that given the depth of knowledge and experience Buratai has acquired over the years, that it would be an insult to expect anything less from the current war against insurgency given the nature of the enemy who are mere street urchins trained by a sprinkle of rebels from Chad who serve as their commanders. 

The  Army Chief's latest innovation is said to be the strategy which involves moving reinforcement while troops are pressing hard against the insurgents which has completely overwhelmed the terrorists. 

President Muhammadu Buhari has indeed made the right choice as far as the military high command is concerned. 

But it is not over until it is over. 

Buratai and the troops  deserve the prayer and support of all Nigerians as we can see that he and his troops are on the last lap of putting a final stop to Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorism.


Abubakar is a security expert and wrote this piece from Shomolu, Lagos.

By Abubakar Tsav

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai on Tuesday,  lost his mother, Kakah Hajiya Hauwa Yusuf Buratai after a brief illness at her home in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The death of the Buratai matriarch, is coming two years after the patriarch of the Buratai family, Alhaji Yusuf Buratai, a veteran of World War II, who joined the West African Army in 1942, passed on in February 2018.

The Buratai family having lost two strong pillars in the past two years must indeed be grieved by the irretrievability of the losses and the sad reality their absence portends.

The death of Mama Buratai, though painful has however reminded us of the deep sacrifices and forfeiture of personal comfort the Nigerian military in the bid to secure our lands and ensure the rest of us stay safe pass through.

For at the time that Mama passed on peacefully, her son, Lt. Gen. Buratai was in the trenches fighting what has become like a cancer in the body of the country, Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorism.

Buratai is currently in his native Borno State overseeing military operations to defeat terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.

He has been engaging the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists that have since 2009 taken up arms against the Nigerian state and whose activities have resulted in the death of thousands including women and children, displaced and scattered many families and destroyed property and basic infrastructure including hospitals and schools that are too numerous to be quantified in a fierce battle.

Buratai, to effectively decapitate this scourge, has since March this year, relocated to the theaters of war and has been leading the battle from the front.

His presence at the battlefield had spruced up the courage of the fighting troops spiking up the number of wins being recorded at the Lake Chad region.

Within the first week of his relocation to the Northeast, over a hundred of the insurgents were brought down and subsequent military operations have also brought out better results with over 500 of the terrorists liquidated in less than two months.

It is to the credit of the Chief of Army Staff that the insurgents for the first time since they declared war on Nigeria and other neighbouring African countries, began to cry for mercy and to send signals that they are considering the act of surrender.

As Nigerians and other lovers of peace the world over cheered to this news, many forgot that the soldiers in the field, whom many have derided in the past, also have their lives to live and that they also are responsible family men like many of us and would have preferred they are with their families.

But the need to secure the country and make life meaningful for the citizenry and to facilitate development has trumped all other desires and wishes.

The death of the Buratai matriarch while her son was in the trenches, tells the story of our gallant soldiers.

Perhaps Mama wanted to draw our attention to the plight of the average military personnel on the battlefield and to remind us to keep them in our prayers, that was why she passed on as such an auspicious time.

Like the other mothers whose cries cannot be heard,  she has donated her son to the cause of serving humanity and motherland.

President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged this much when he commiserated with the Chief of Army Staff over the death of his mother.

In a statement signed  by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity,  the President prayed that the Almighty God will comfort Lt. Gen. Buratai, who he said has been at the epicenter of war against terrorists in North East, urging the family to find solace in Hajiya Hauwa’s good works.

He also prayed the Almighty God will receive the soul of the departed matriarch, who he said lived a pious, prayerful, and generous life.

Those who knew Mama  Buratai, described her as kind hearted and generous mother who assisted many.

"We remember your fond love, years of toil, endurance and perseverance while alive. Naturally, your affectionate love drained sorrows from the hearts of many; comforted the millions of wailing souls around you.

"We remember and will miss your comforting counsels in our moments of torments. Your sagacity transcended boundaries and brought comfort to the known and unknown. Mama, your translucent piousness, generous lifestyle and care would forever be etched on our memories," said one of them in a glowing tribute.

Mama  Buratai was said to have been very supportive of her son and had even expressed optimism that her son would bring the insurgency in the country to an end.

This shows she has been a supportive mother who knowing the qualities she has imparted in her son, had the confidence to know where his capabilities could take him.

That she did not cringe and cry when her son was at the battlefield, must have been the secret to the confidence exuded by the Chief of Army Staff which had in turn rubbed off on the troops and had kept them going resulting in the current series of successes being recorded at the battlefield.

President Buhari, the Nigerian armed forces and indeed all Nigerians would miss your motherly support to the nation.

We can only hope that after all these years of standing as a pillar unto your son, your demise will not diminish the spark in him but would in respect to your loving memory, serve to urge him on to finally bring the battle against insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria to an end.

Rest in peace Mama as we pray that God grants you Jannatul Firdaus.

Tsav wrote this tribute from Makurdi, Benue State.

By Idoko Ainoko



Civil rights activists,the world over, are  known for their fight against social injustice and their bid to make lasting impact on the lives of the oppressed and underprivileged.

They champion causes for the betterment of the citizenry as well as reinforce mechanisms for effective governance in the overall interests of the people and for the development of nations.

In the UK, US and other countries, rights activism was fired by the increaing cases of gross injustice and discrimination against certain persons and when it started,  it was thorough and very serious as it focussed social justice and the fundamental human right. 

Early activists in the US include names such as  Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Rosa Parks, W.E.B. Du Bois , Malcolm X, Jesse Jackson and many others.

These people put their lives on stake to advocate for equality and social justice and sometimes went through terrible experiences to achieve their aims for a better and egalitarian society. 

Early activism in Africa took the pattern of the struggle in black America and was mainly for the inclusion of natives in goverment and widening the political space for the participation of the majority. 

In Nigeria, the likes of Herbert Macauley, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Aminu Kano, Funmi Ransom Kuti and others were at the forefront of the struggle.

Down the line,  they passed the baton to people like JS Tarka, Tai Solarin, Wole Soyinka, Gambo Sawaba and others.

The nature of activism however changed with prolonged military rule when  people began to demand for popular participation in politics. That was when the likes of Beko Ransom Kuti, Ayo Obe, Olisa Agbakogba, Femi Borishade and the likes took to the street to demand for justice for the oppressed.

But over the years, the term activism has been bastardised and reduced to mere political rivalry or complaint over loss during elections or worse still, a process of seeking attention  for appointment.

This process became rampant  during the military era when  settlement of political opponents became the order of the day.

Since then, every Tom, Dick and Harry mounted the rostrum with claims of activism to get attention and once they are settled with juicy political offices, they abandon the struggle and continue with the pursuit of personal comfort.

Unfortunately, the phenomena transcended the military era became the culture in political and civil society circles until President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office in May 2015 and decided to put a stop to such mercantilism.

Those who wanted appointment he insisted had to show merit; anybody that takes the course of blackmail just to seek attention is either ignored or dealt with according to the laws.

On a good day, everybody agrees that the President Buhari led APC government is doing very well.

Within the four years it has been in goverment, the administration has recorded many feats that has moved Nigeria forward.

The administration has made mark in the key areas it had set out to achieve which are, fight against corruption, improving the economy and fight against insurgency. 

Corruption in the public sector has been reduced to the barest minimum with the introduction of TSA and the IPPIS form of payment.

Under the current administration, prominent persons including members of the ruling party have been brought to book for corrupt practices and so much stolen money has been recovered and utilised for public good.

The federal goverment also has been able improve on the economy through the agricultural sector and empowered many farmers while developing the small and medium scale enterprises.

It has also done well in the aspect on security, as it has been able to defeat Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists that were almost taking over the country. 

The administration has done more than that. It handled the issue of the Coronavirus very well which explains why the virus did not get out of hand.

Recently the government also reduced the pump price of fuel and has been paying the poor and vulnerable in the society.  But it seems like the more the goverment impacts positively on the people, the more a certain group  of  persons that call themselves activists are not happy. 

They have chosen not to see anything good about the current administration and will criticise everything even for the fun of it. 

In other climes, activists criticize only policies and actions of government they perceive as wrong but in Nigeria they make no distinction, as they are bent on casting the goverment in bad light.

These are what the Femi Fani kayodes, the Omoyele Sowores, the Ayesha Yusufs, the Shehu Sanis and the Deji Adeyanjus of this world are doing. 

They lack the capacity and painstaking finesse to thoroughly x-ray government policies and actions to offer suggestions, but are quick to pick holes.

Most of these later day 'activists' have missed it. They were not around when the struggle for democracy was fought, hence mangle the process and intent for popular struggles. 

They are not concerned about the oppressed or the less privileged, they are only angry that they and their sponsors have lost power. 

Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina captured their mood rightly when he described them as 'wailers.'

They are the wailers who must cry to get attention. They are like the proverbial child who screams even when his mother is on her way to the market to get his food.

They wail even when they're being helped.

Yesufu rode on the back of the 'Bring Back Our Girls' struggle for the release of the Chibok girls and when she failed to get an appointment in government like some of her counterparts took her wailing to a level where nobody takes her serious again.

In the case of Sowore, one does not even have to go far to know what is driving him as has himself revealed that what is driving him is his ambition to be president of Nigeria;  and when he couldn't achieve that, he now turned it into a revolution calling for regime change.

Deji Adeyanju on the other hand is only trying to find his feet but has gone in the wrong direction. That his activism is of the Mercantile hue was exposed when his sponsors took him to Dubai when  he was challenged by some hoodlums during a protest. 

While Fani kayode who was the spokesman for 2015 presidential campaign, has not stopped crying because his party has lost power. His case is similar to that of Shehu Sani who wanted to be given an automatic ticket to the Senate and when the ruling party insisted on a primary election he ran to another party.  Having been defeated in the general elections, he has now ran back to activism.

But it is high time well meaning Nigerians expose these  people and call them to order.

They should be made to realise that Nigeria belongs to us all and that other citizens are not happy with they way they're trying to distract the current administration from achieving its policies and programmes for the betterment of the citizenry and development of the nation.


Ainoko is a public affairs analyst and wrote this piece from Kaduna.

Buratai has quarantined Boko Haram terrorists, sponsors now on self isolation, says Security expert, Dogo Luqman 



A security expert,  Mr. Dogo Lukman, has applauded  the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai and Nigerian troops over the recent onslaught against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.

He said what Buratai and the troops have done to the terrorist groups is akin to placing them on quarantine while sending their sponsors on exile.

Our correspondent reports that Buratai has been coordinating military activities in the theatre of war since March at the Lake Chad region in the bid to making sure that the activities of the groups are brought to a final end has posted impressive results on the battlefield giving hope that the defeat of the terrorists is close by.

Lukman, who spoke with newsmen in Abuja, said after processing relevant information emanating from the Lake Chad region, there is every indication that the terrorists have finally been subdued, cornered a a cordoned off while their  sponsors have gone into hiding.

His words: "These elements that used to torment the peace of the entire country have been quarantined by the heat coming from the troops and are now self isolating themselves in caves."

The security expert who gave analyses of the information coming from the theaters of war said in March 27, 2020,  Nigerian troops eliminated not less than 20 top Boko Haram commanders including one Abu Usamah, and over 100 of their fighters who were hiding  in Kwalaram, Ngilewa, Sabon Tumbu, Bukarmairam, Wulgo in the Marte and Gamboru Ngala axis as well as in Gorgi, Damboa local government of  Borno State.

He said in April, Nigerian troops also killed 105 insurgents in Buni Gari and captured many weapons including five AK-47 rifles, three GPMG and one Duska anti-aircraft gun.

He said in May,  78 members of ISWAP and 56  Boko Haram members were killed and 28 of their informants  were arrested. 

The security expert said though the Nigerian military declared that the army killed over 300 insurgents in the recent combat operations, there are indications that over 500 of the terrorists have been killed within the period. 

Luqman said this is evident from the overrunning of insurgents’ camps in Durfada, Allafha, Timbuktu, Bulajibi and Gonikurmi and in and  around Sambisa  Forest where many of the terrorists were killed .

"These operations happening in the deep fortresses were hardly reported but the casualty rate on the part of the insurgents was quite high.

The troops normally pull put of such places to plan ahead hence tend to underestimate the level of damage but the insurgents have been given a bloody nose this time that they cannot tell what exactly hit them," he said.

The security expert said the recent audio message released by Abubakar Shekau in which he confessed that his men are under “trial” and going through rough times is a confirmation in security cycle that they have been overwhelmed.

Said Luqman: "This is a man that in all his messages used to talk about killing or abducting innocent and unarmed citizens, but this time he is saying they are passing through a trial and is encouraging them not to lose hope.

He said Nigerian troops have gone beyond technically defeating the terrorists to nearly bringing them down to their knees.

"This is because they can no longer operate as they wish and are only scampering from one point to another in utter confusion," he added. 

The security expert commended the current battle strategy of the military which he said involves moving reinforcement while troops are pressing hard against the insurgents.

This he said is commendable and has boosted the confidence of troops while overwhelming the terrorists.

Luqman called on the authorities to send more troops to the battlefield in order for the military to maintain presence in the operational locations they overrun and to avoid a situation where the Boko Haram elements regroup.

He said though the troops have done much, there is the need to take proactive and innovative steps that would confound the insurgents and accelerate their final defeat adding that concentration should not be on their fighting troops alone but efforts must be made to counter them in intelligence gathering.

"No doubt much has been achieved but the little effort remaining requires a harder push and superior strategy," he stated.

*PDP lauds PMB, military on sustained offensive against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists*

The PDP National Support Vanguard (PDP-NSV) has shoved aside its usual politics to hail the Nigerian government and military for the sustained onslaught against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

According to the top opposition group, now is the time to shun partisan interests in support of the gallant troops ahead of final victory.

In a statement co-signed by Hon. Gideon Ekele and Comrade Lucky Jonathan, its President and National Secretary respectively, the PDP Vanguard said that President Muhammadu Buhari has maintained a patriotic stance by providing much-needed leadership in the Armed Forces.

This, according to the group, has translated to the multiple gains recorded by the Nigerian troops in the war against the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

In time past, the PDP-NSV admitted sitting on the fence instead of rallying behind the troops on the frontlines.

For the current momentum to be maintained, the opposition, however, urged all Nigerians to support the military in ridding the nation from the remnants of the already decimated radical jihadists.

Read full statement below:

The PDP National Support Vanguard wishes to laud the Muhammadu Buhari led administration for its commitment in the war against terrorism in Nigeria. The government has maintained a patriotic stance by providing that leadership needed in the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This leadership has indeed translated to the multiple gains recorded by the Nigerian troops in the war against the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism in North-East Nigeria.

The PDP National Support Vanguard sees the war against terrorism in Nigeria as a collective one, rather than one blinded by party sentiments and at the detriment of the much-needed peace and tranquillity in the country.

We wish to state that it behoves on all well-meaning Nigerians to put party sentiments aside and give the Nigerian Military the needed support in the discharge of its constitutional mandate of preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country.

It must be stated that the Nigerian troops consist of Nigerians from various parts of the country that swore to an oath to protect and fight for the interest of Nigeria regardless of their ethnic and religious affiliations and this much they have stayed true to so far.

The PDP National Support Vanguard believes that it is time for all and sundry to shun partisan interest and support the Nigerian troops as they begin the final push for the decimation of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group.

The multiple gains recorded by the troops in battle against Boko Haram/ISWAP must be sustained for the betterment of the country, and this suffices why all hand must be on deck in this critical point of our existence.

This is not the time for the pursuit of blind partisanship or loyalty to party affiliations. This is indeed the time for unity of purpose and utmost loyalty to the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.

We wish to state that in times past, the PDP National Support Vanguard like many other Nigerians have sat on the fence as far as the war against insurgency is concerned mainly for partisan consideration.

It is therefore instructive to state that sitting on the fence is no longer fashionable because Nigeria is on the verge of winning the war against terrorism through the exploits of our troops in the theatre of operations in North East.

The PDP National Support Vanguard recognizes the exigencies of time. It, therefore, states that it is in full support of the efforts of the Muhammadu Buhari led administration in the war against terrorism in the country.

We call on other Nigerians regardless of their political affiliations to rally support for the troops in battle in North-East Nigeria as any attempt to continue in any blind partisanship by any organization is to declare oneself as enemies of humanities.

The leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, has cried profusely in a new audio, seeking protection of Allah against the firepower of the Nigerian military.

Of late, the Nigerian military has intensified offensive and recorded a series of successes against the Boko Haram terrorists on the fringes of Lake Chad.

In a 1:22 seconds audio copied from DailyNigerian platofrm, the Boko Haram leader spoke in Kanuri, seeking protection of Allah against the “devilish act” of Nigerian military, and said they are facing difficulties in this Holy month of Ramadan.

“If it is the devilish act and wickedness [of the Nigerian military], may Allah protect us from their evil. Oh Allah, keep us firm on your religion. We are poor things who know nothing, oh our Lord, Allah.

“We deserted Izala people to practice Your true religion; we abandoned Tijjaniyya people to practice Your true religion; we deserted the Shiites to practice Your true religion; we forsook our parents, uncles and aunties to practice Your true religion.

“It is because of your religion that we placed knife on Your servants’ necks; but today, they are trying to change us from one thing to another. Oh Lord, have mercy upon under [the blessings] Ramadhan; Oh Lord, have mercy on under [the blessings] of Ramadhan (crying profusely).

“Oh Allah give us victory over our enemies. Oh brothers, for Allah’s sake, obey Allah and help me with prayers. This does not mean I am angry.

“May Allah keep us firm on the Qur’an. Allah knows best. Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet of Allah and all thanks be to Allah,” Mr Shekau sobbed.

In a reaction to the audio clip, Bulama Bukarti, a human rights lawyers and conflict analyst who has studied Boko Haram for over a decade, said “this is the first time we heard Shekau cry in this way.”

According to Mr Bulama, the audio suggests that something terrible is happening to the Shekau faction of Boko Haram.

“The Shekau we are used to is a bombastic, ruthless gangster that ridicules, mocks and chortles at his victims. This audio is quite unusual. It suggests that the group is under immense pressure that threatens its existence. Anything that will make Shekau sob must be a serious existential threat and I think it is the Nigerian Army’s ongoing onslaught.

“The army has been releasing news and photos of their successes and Boko Haram itself has lately been releasing eulogies to dead fighters. That is what made Shekau wail in this audio. He thinks it is hard to survive this one,” Mr Bulama said.

He however noted that the audio does not suggest that the Boko Haram leader is surrendering and seeking negotiation.

“But make no mistake that he would never back down, he will not surrender. He would rather die fighting. As the clip indicates, he is as committed to his cause as ever. And history has taught us that Boko Haram is capable of weathering storms and bouncing back from serious defeats. Therefore, I suggest that the Nigerian Army should push on; it is not time to relax. It is time to do even more,” he added.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has proven that he is enemy of man and God by sacking over 450 staff of American University of Nigeria (ABTI), and Gotel Communications, the Employment Advancement Rights Network (EARN) has said.

EARN, in a statement signed by its President, Barrister Edward Ogenyi, on Sunday, described the move as “inhuman, unconscionable, intolerant and lacking in compassion especially at a time that responsible organizations are holding off on such decisions until after the COVID-19 pandemic”.

The group of legal practitioners wondered how Nigerians would have coped with Mr Atiku as president, knowing that he is so “consumed by extreme capitalism”.

EARN, though, added that this is an eye opener for Nigerians, especially with the ex-VP reportedly nurturing ambition to contest again in 2023.

The human rights group, therefore, warned Atiku that Nigerians are waiting for him at the next polls to “put a final nail in the coffin of his tyrannical style and ineptitude as a manager”.

EARN, however, called on ABTI and Gotel Communication to recall the sacked staff or their founder would face mass action all over the country.

Read full statement below:

As a pressure group of seasoned activists, lawyers and professionals with the sole aim of protecting Nigerian workers, Employment Advancement Rights Network (EARN) has comprehensively reviewed the sack of over 400 staff of the American University of Nigeria (ABTI), which is owned by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and almost 50 staff of Gotel Communication, also owned by the politician.

We have also reviewed the justifications for the sack of these hardworking Nigerians by the managements of ABTI and Gotel Communication, which both answer to Atiku. The responses to the sack amount to a charade and adding insult to injury. Both organizations sufficiently demonstrated that they place profit over humanity, a policy that could have only been formulated by the owner.

EARN condemns the sack of the over 450 staffers of these Atiku-owned organizations as inhuman, unconscionable, intolerant and lacking in compassion especially at a time that responsible organizations are holding off on such decisions until the COVID-19 pandemic has been sufficiently brought under control. The situation at ABTI and Gotel cannot be more precarious than what obtains in the banking sector, where chief executives have listened to reason and put a planned sack of workers on hold.

We wonder why the university and broadcasting company could not, like the banks, wait until after the pandemic before throwing hundreds of workers and thousands of their dependent into poverty, hunger and uncertainty. This callous decision confirmed that the origin of these organization and the seed fund for setting them up cannot stand up to scrutiny.

In our view, Atiku has by this action declared himself an enemy of God and humanity. Contemplating the sack at a time like this in the first instance is evil and implementing it elevated the owner of the decision to the status of the devil. He is by no means a man that should have a say in the wellbeing of anyone because it is apparent that his only concern is his avarice.

Considering the repeated failed attempts he has made to become Nigeria’s number one citizen, EARN is now imagining what the lot of Nigerians would have been under a person that is so consumed by extreme capitalism. Knowing that he has the intention to again run for president in 2023, right thinking people must now begin interrogating is this profit monster should be allowed anywhere near where issues that affect the ability of citizens to earn decent living.

We hereby put Atiku Abubakar on notice that Nigerians are waiting for him in 2023 to put a final nail in the coffin of his tyrannical style and ineptitude as a manager. The explanation put forward by his companies for the sack confirms that he is incapable of planning and organizing even at such level, which makes it criminal for him to have aspired to high office in the past knowing that his competence is below what is required.

We caution in the strongest term possible that Atiku must get ABTI and Gotel Communication to recall the sacked staff since they already admitted that these people lost their jobs to the incompetence of the owner and management and not gross misconduct. Failure to recall the sacked staff, EARN will launch coordinated picketing in the form of sit-ins, with consideration for social distancing, in Atiku’s houses and businesses all over the country. The properties will not only be picketed but would be fully occupied and locked down once the COVID19 pandemic is over.

*North-East: Police, political leaders must act fast to consolidate military gains - NEDA*


The North East Development Agenda (NEDA) has called on the police and political leaders in the northeast to build on the tremendous achievements of the military in the region.

NEDA gave the charge in a statement signed by its President Alhaji Ali Tanko on Sunday.

Nigeria’s once troubled northeast zone, a supposed stronghold of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in years past is now enjoying relative peace and tranquillity thanks to the gallant Nigerian Army.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General T.Y Burarai, himself led the final clearance operation that has consumed hundreds of the fleeing radical jihadists.

However, NEDA believes this progress would be tainted without the support and collaboration of other actors such as the police and the elites.

According to the group, these terrorists have abandoned the fight and fled inwards into Nigeria’s other towns and villages where troops are not stationed.

As it isn’t the role of the military to carry out civil policing, NEDA reckoned that the cooperation of the police and the leaders is required to fish these fleeing terrorists.

The group, therefore, called on the Nigeria Police Force and political leaders from the region to immediately swing into action to consolidate on the gains made by the military in keeping the area free of Boko Haram.

Read full statement below:

The progress that has been made by the Nigerian Army and other services of the military in ridding the north east of Boko Haram has been reassuring given the scale on the terrorists have been killed and their camps decommissioned. But there is urgent need to act in ensuring that there is no vacuum created in places from where Boko Haram elements ts have been eliminated.

The North East Development Agenda (NEDA) is consequently calling on the civil police, being the Nigeria Police Force and political leaders from the region to immediately swing into action to consolidate on the gains made by the military in keeping the area free of Boko Haram. A delay in doing this will make everyone that failed to take action liable should there be a resurgence of terrorism in Nigeria.

The military remains in pursuit of fleeing terrorists as it continues to drive the battle deeper into anywhere that Boko Haram is found to have a presence. Some of these terrorists apparently abandoned the fight and fled inwards into Nigeria’s other towns and villages where troops are not stationed. This is an area in which the political leaders are needed to galvanize the people into providing useful information that will help security agents mop up these fighters.

We also know that the military is not meant for everyday civil policing neither are troops trained for such, which makes it necessary for the Nigeria Police Force to step in and complement the efforts of the military by immediately taking over civil policing to ensure that the fleeing terrorists do not regroup anywhere near the north east again. The emphasis here is that the Police does not have to wait for a Presidential directive or National Assembly motion to resume its statutory duties in the north east now that the terrorists that once put the situation there beyond the functions of the police have been decimated.

What was experienced in the past was a situation where terrorists rebuild their cells from towns and villages that were not adequately policed after the military had cleared them of terrorists. This is a mistake that must not be repeated. A visible police presence, coupled with the necessary structure for intelligence gathering, will be a natural deterrence to any aspiring terrorist not to test the strength of the state.

From all available reports on the ground, the military has won the war against the Boko Haram terrorists and conscious efforts by the political leadership to restore normalcy must be immediately put in place as to forestall the negative consequences of the terrorists ever regrouping again.

In this regard, the political leadership should show direction by speeding up the rebuilding efforts and economic expansion in the north east to address the poverty that made Boko Haram’s recruitment of frustrated and desperate youth easy in the past. For this purpose, political leaders in the region should embrace a sort of peer review mechanism that ensures that public resources are used only for what they are meant for, which is to bring about improvement in the life of the people.

It is equally necessary that politicians collectively commit to engaging in acts that can re-introduce terrorism to the area. The practice of giving tacit support to Boko Haram members or any violent group out of political desperation has to stop while political office holders must also desist from a tendency to politicize anti-terrorism measures as this has proven to be a great disadvantage to the society.

The political leadership must also mobilize the traditional and religious institutions to contribute to the restoration of lasting peace in the north east. The traditional institution can be empowered to keep track of the youth ward by ward such that anyone showing tendency of radicalization and extremism can be immediately helped with rehabilitation. The religious leaders on their part can help correct their colleagues that are involved that are involved in promoting extreme doctrines.

This arrangement would be greatly strengthened if the police prioritizes intelligence gathering and building a network of community volunteers to create a viable information network and a kind of participatory policing in the communities.

Such a synergy among these critical stakeholders is the greatest thank you gift that they can give to the Nigerian military and the troops that have made the supreme sacrifice to get rid of terrorists that once held the north east by the jugular.

Press Release: SMBLF Asks Nigerians To Be Vigilant.

Leaders of the Southern And Middle Belt Leaders Forum are outraged at the complacency of the Nigerian Security Forces at the invasion of their areas by teenagers from certain section of Nigeria hidden in containers and trailers in large numbers in spite of the ban of interstate movements by the President, the Northern Governors Forum and the Nigerian Governors Forum.


What type of country do we we live in that the order of a President and laws in the country would be selectively obeyed or ignored totally by some citizens without consequences while others are under koboko to obey?

This ominous development is coming after Boko Haram threatened openly three weeks ago, that they were going to take their battle against Nigeria to the South East and South South. Very worrisome in this development is the quietness of the National Security organizations, the National Covid-19 Committee and the Presidency since this story broke out.


This development has brought about very strong suspicions amongst people regarding the aim of the deployment of these young men. Their capacity to escape all border security checks until they reach many States in the South and Middle Belt and nearly the whole country points to a strong collaboration. SMBLF asks all Nigerians at the receiving end to be vigilant.


God forbid that the Boko Haram threat is being surreptitiously executed.
We will certainly not fold our arms and allow massive influx of youths who have no reason to flout extant laws on interstate movements, no pressing National engagement in our areas, no verifiable occupation, no tests for Covid-19 and no pre-arranged accommodation, to come and forcibly occupy our forests and perhaps prosecute the threat of Boko Haram.


The silence of the Federal government in this situation is ominous. The maneuvers appear deliberately planned and provocative. We will resist any threats to our invasion and the security of our lives and property with every amount of self - help available to us.

To avoid further descent to an uncontrollable situation,we call on the Federal government to publicly declare this invasion illegal, direct our National Security Organizations to flush them out NOW and ensure that they do not return. We need to be reassured there is a government here!


Not too long ago General Danjuma warned us to be ready for self - help. We hope that his predictions have not become inevitable and that our country can be saved a slide into lawlessness and its disastrous consequences.

A stitch in time saves nine! We call on our people to be vigilant.

How can we endure sporadic killings in the hands of herdsmen in "normal" times and Almajiri invasion under pandemic?


Signed by:

1) Chief E K Clark for Pandef

2) Chief Ayo Adebanjo for Afenifere

3) Chief John Nnia Nwodo for Ohaneze

4) Dr Bitrus Pogu for The Middle Belt Forum

*Boko Haram: Group hails Buratai's winning strategies, urges neighbouring nations to lear[sub][/sub]n*

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has applauded Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T.Y Buratai for his unique strategies which are yielding results aplenty in the war against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

According to the pro-democracy group, the COAS’ meticulous planning, deep thinking, experience, foresight and profound knowledge of the terrain is the difference in the theatre of operations.

The troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have recorded tremendous success in the final clearance since Lt. Gen. Buratai stepped foot in the Northeast almost a month.

Scores of the insurgents have been consumed by the troops' continuous onslaught, the most recent in Timbuktu Triangle.

In a statement signed by Secretary-General, Dr Abdulkadir Bolaji, the NDF said that this progress is as a result of deep thinking on the part of the military high command as well as painstaking calculations and meticulous planning.

The group added that this isn’t much of a surprise as the COAS is known as a master strategist, a thoroughbred professional and commander with vast knowledge in military warfare while climbing the ranks.

Like George Washington, the NDF noted that Buratai reviewed the old strategies used by troops and out-thought the enemy by adopting a unique fighting approach.

The National Democratic Front, however, urged the COAS to share his secret with the other nations so that rooms are not created for the insurgents to explore through the weakness of one country to hide and nurse their wounds as it happened in the past.

Read full statement below:

Gradually, even those who had disparaged the Nigerian Army over the news that its Chadian colleagues had flushed out Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists from its territory, are beginning to concede that Nigerian troops were misjudged on the basis of a single operation but are more coordinated and better.

In the past two months, the Nigerian army through a streak of victories over Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists has shown that it has not lost the verve and composure it has come to be known for over the years.

Between April and now, Nigerian troops have penetrated the fortresses of insurgents with liquidated top commanders and foot soldiers of the sect, set confusion in their midst, scattered their ranks and pummelled their topiary.

Only last week, within a spate of 24 hours, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole through a coordinated artillery bombardment on Timbuktu Triangle and another artillery engagement in Buk, Damboa LG of Borno State, killed 134 number of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.

This is in addition to the victories recorded against the insurgents only last month in which over of the terrorists were similarly liquidated.

The National Democratic Front, NDF, wants the world to note, that these victories were not by accident but as a result of deep thinking on the part of the military high command ad well as painstaking calculations and meticulous planning.

We want the world to know that having followed the professional progress of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, we have noted that what is happening now in the theatres of operation is consistent with his character as a meticulous planner, deep thinker, experienced strategist and a sharpshooter.

Right from his days at the Army Headquarters where he served in the Department of Army Policy and Plans, Abuja; from where he became Assistant Chief of Staff Administrative Matters at the Infantry Centre Jaji; to when he became a Major General and was appointed Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji; to when he was appointed Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTNF) before he became Chief of Army Staff; Lt. General Buratai, has been known as a master strategist and thoroughbred professional and commander with vast knowledge in military warfare owing to his experience and study of military strategy the world over.

We make bold to say that Nigeria is lucky to have a planner- strategist at the helm of the military command at a time the nation is ravaged by the activities of terrorists and insurgents because having personnel with less qualification, foresight and experience would have put Nigeria in quandary.

The Lake Chad Region, which is bordered by four countries of Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Nigeria has made the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists quite unique and different from other theatres of operation.

While military expeditions in Afghanistan have only the mountainous terrains to contend with and in Somalia, the vast land and waters, the Lake Chad Region combines all the environmental challenges and more.

From the Nigerian and Cameroonian sides are high mountains with steep and creepy slopes while on the Nigerien side are vast stretches of desert land and between Chad are both land and water.

Past military expeditions that relied on surmounting the challenges from a particular angle have failed until the current Chief of Army Staff used a different strategy that took into cognisance the uniqueness of the challenges posed by the undulating terrain.

Like George Washington, the veteran military tactician who got the highest honour as a military officer did in the battle to win New York, Buratai, reviewed the old strategy used by troops and out-thought the enemy by adopting a unique fighting style suitable to the conditions at hand.

Washington is known for studying through the detail of army operations, including logistics and is said never to have led a large army into battle but relied heavily on the art of surprise, using tactics like ambush to overwhelm the enemy.

In the case of Nigerian troops, Buratai used the element of right timing to take the battle to the insurgents.

He, like Washington, must have reasoned that in a long war of attrition over a large territory with large scale military engagements like the one in the Lake Chad Region, that careful deliberation was the most appropriate strategy and he applied at a time the insurgents least expected which is coming with harvests of victories that we are witnessing today.

These basic elements of applying the right strategy at the right time were what helped Washington achieve a decisive victory which ended the American Revolutionary War.

We therefore commend General Buratai for his brilliance and application of the best military strategies to conquer the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists who have become irritants in the Lake Chad region.

We believe that the recent events in the theatre of war are precursors to a final battle which would route out insurgents entirely from the region and end the war as Nigerian troops have succeeded in regaining the confidence of the citizenry.

Buratai has shown that Nigeria will conbattlefieldain its pride in the comity of nations as the first to defeat this kind of insurgency.

We applaud the efforts of the Nigerian Army Chief and that of the entire troops in the battle field and wish them success in the final push to decapitate Boko Haram and ISWAP.

We urge members of communities around the Lake Chad region to cooperate fully with Buratai and the troops as victory is in sight.

We call on commanders of troops of neighbouring African countries to rise above the mundane and emulate the style of the Nigerian Army Chief which is bringing results.

The Nigerian army Chief must be magnanimous enough to share his secret with the other nations so that rooms are not created for the insurgents to explore through the weakness of one country to hide and nurse their wounds as it happened in the past.

We join our voice with that of others to call on the army Chief to live up to his promise not to leave the theatre of war until total victory is attained.

We commend President Muhammadu Buhari for putting a round peg in a round hole in the fight against insurgency and terrorism.

Nigeria's victory over Boko Haram has come to stay, says human rights researcher, Kuanum


Foremost researcher on human rights and author of several books,  Mr. Terrence Kuanum, has described recent victories by Nigerian troops led by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf  Buratai in the Lake Chad Region, as a positive sign that the victory of troops over the insurgents will be permanent. 


Kuanum made the observation in an exclusive interview with our correspondent in Abuja.


He said the last two months have seen the steady progression in the offensive being led by General Buratai against the terrorists and insisted that the winnings all point to the direction of permanent victory as the terrorists are now in disarray .


"I had the opportunity of following recent happenings in the Northeast and I must say this is an opportunity for Nigerians to feel proud as there is every indication that the war against the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists would soon be over permanently," he said.


Reviewing the steps taken by the Chief of Army Staff in recent operations, Kuanum said for the 11 years he has been following the activities of Boko Haram terrorists and the efforts of the Nigerian and other governments to stop them, he has not seen a better coordinated and result yielding efforts like the current one.


He said from what he knows about military operations and counter insurgency efforts,  having a back-to-back victory as is being recorded recently by Nigerian troops, is a clear indication that the terrorists have been overwhelmed and are on the verge of surrendering. 


"What you normally get from this type of asymmetric warfare is a tit-for- tat kind of battle where one side strikes the other at a time it was least  expecting and the other side tries to take its pound of flesh by launching a counter-offensive.


"But what we now have in the Northeast is the consistency in  shelling and decimation of the Boko Haram terrorists by troops exposing the terrorists' lack of capacity to reply and confirming that their earlier boasts as not only empty but vacuous," Kuanum said.


The foremost researcher and  authority in military history, said he is sure that at the end of the operation which he said would be over soon, other countries would be coming to Nigeria to learn how to defeat insurgency and terrorism because according to him,  that has been the toughest and complicated type of warfare the world over due to its asymmetric nature.


He said for Nigeria to have been able to find a solution to the scourge where even military super powers like Russia and the US have failed  in the past years, would surely come as a thing of pride for the entire nation.


The researcher said in the past countries like the US and Russia could not put their acts together by thinking that they can subdue terrorism through the decapitation of its leadership and top commanders alone.


He said that approach which was borrowed from anti- criminal operations especially in drugs and narcotics where once the Don is taken out and the other foot soldiers run for cover, however did not work in the fight against terrorism and insurgency. 


"That was why when the US took out Osama Bin Ladin and other commanders of the Alquaida groups, the activities of the terrorists did not stop," he pointed out.


He said Nigeria made the same mistake when it assumed that with the killing of Mohammed Yusuf, the terrorism of Boko  Haram would stop saying it rather evolved into a more dangerous outfit under the leadership of Abu Shekau.


"In the same way, the killing of Muhammad Marwa did not stop the Maitatsine sect until a wholesome operation that included the liquidation of the ground troops, destruction  of their armoury and reorientation of their members took place," Kuanum explained.


This, he said are some of the strategies he noticed with the Buratai leadership where no stone is left unturned to bring an end to the activities of the terrorists. 


He said: "General Buratai is known to be one of the serious thinkers and sound intellectuals within military cycles and he must have taken all these into cognisance and is applying them to achieve the winning formula we are witnessing."


Kuanum asked: "When was the last time you saw a Shekau releasing a video bragging that he would capture Nigeria as he is wont to do in the past? When was the last time you saw terrorists invading military barracks,  seizing weapons and making shows of them?"


All these, he said,  "have become history and the end of Shekau is near I tell you, so I believe the security reports which suggest that Shekau is begging to surrender are true."


When asked to give his opinion on whether the federal government should accept Shekau if he surrenders, Kwuanum said he believes accepting the surrender would have greater impact on Nigerians and would serve to discourage other terrorists more than killing him in the battle field.


He said this is because the military has claimed several times that it has killed Shekau after which he would resurface and dismiss their claims.


The researcher said if the military finally takes Shekau out this time, many would doubt if it is true saying if on the other hand Shekau surrenders and he is presented to the public, people would be convinced and many of his men would follow suit and surrender.


Kuanum called on the Chief of Army Staff not to relent saying many Nigerians are praying for him and the troops to succeed.

A former military officer and historian, Capain AI Adeleke (rtd) has said the current victories of the Nigerian Army over Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists are products of deep strategic thinking on the part of the Nigerian military top brass.


Adeleke, who spoke with our correspondent in an interview in Lagos, said it is part of strategic military planning to lure the enemy into thinking it is gaining the upper hand in a battle only for full arsenal to be unleashed to overwhelm in ways they cannot recover.


He said the fact that Boko Boko Haram terrorists have become sorry sights the battle field after proclaiming they were unstoppable shows that superior and sophisticated approach to combat have been  deployed on them. 


The expert,  however said the string of victories being recorded by Nigerian troops  did not come as a surprise as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General TY Buratai, is one of the most strategic thinkers and repertiores of intellect in the military today.


He said from the frontal engagement carried out by troops based on precise intelligence reports with almost zero casualty, it is obvious that Buratai is taking after respected past war heroes who won their battles through  application of strategic planning and tactical drills.


"You don't record such victories repeatedly through trials and errors but through conscious systemic and deliberate tactics," he said.


Adeleke said  it is not unlikely from the results being recorded against the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists that the Chief of Army Staff must have observed closely the staying power, resilience and master stroke strategies of people like Julius Caesar, Hannibal,  Khalid ibn Walid,

 Alexander the Great , Frederick the Great, Gustavus Adolphus, Prince Eugene of Savoy and Napoleon Bonaparte. 


Citing the war pattern of  Gustavus Adolphus, Adeleke said it was his invasion of Germany that helped the Protestants clutch victory from defeat at the hands of the powerful Catholic League, headed by a then world-dominating Spain.

He added that Gustavus became one of the most famous military leaders in history,  when he turned Sweden into one of the superpowers of Europe after he, like Buratai, won a series of great battles "through innovative integration of infantry which included cavalry and artillery and which provided the foundation for modern military warfare."


He said Khalid ibn Walid, who is known as the greatest war General in the Arab world on the other hand, must have inspired Buratai with his outmaneuvering of a much larger Byzantine force in a brilliant campaign that culminated in his great victory at Yarmouk. 


He said Khalid compares with Buratai in the manner he remained undefeated in all of the 100 battles  that he fought, which paved the conquest of the Middle East, Persia, India, North Africa and Spain.


Adeleke said Frederick the Great on the other hand, must have served as an inspiration to Buratai going by the way he defended Prussia During the Seven Years’ War.

He said it took the exceptional resilience of Frederick the great when Prussia was surrounded by much stronger enemies of Austria, Russia, and France on all sides, to  survive, and later snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

He said another remarkable influence on the Chief of Army Staff must have been the Roman army commander, julius Caesar.

He said Caesar, after the conquest of Gaul showed his brilliance in warfare when he led the Roman army into Germany and Britain and established the dominance of Rome over western civilization.


He also said Hannibal who led the single greatest logistical triumph in military history must have inspired Buratai.

He recalled that Hannibal almost destroyed the armies of Rome by ingeniously marching an army of elephants from Africa, through Spain and over the Alps into Italy. 


He said Alexander the Great on the other hand conquered  almost the entire world then and was known for his ruthlessness to completely eliminate the enemy.


He said Buratai definitely shares part of Napoleon's military genius which the latter demonstrated by his destruction of the Third Coalition and the defeat of the combined armies of Austria, Russia, Portugal and others in a series of battles that culminated in what is known the Battle of Austerlitz.


He said, "As a retired military officer, I cant help but notice some of the traits of these renowned war heroes in the current Chief of army staff which reassures me that the man not only knows what he is doing, but is capable of enacting further breathtaking strategies to bring terrorism and insurgency to an end in Nigeria. 


He said, " When you talk about true grit and military Professionalism there is  no way you will not commend Buratai and the troops in the field especially with application of sophisticated strategies and intellectual depth to warfare.


Adeleke said  for an officer who has passed through some of the best military instutions in the world and acquired recondite trainings coupled with having gained valuable experience before his present assignment, no less should be expected from Buratai. 


He said, "The chief of army staff was already heading the multinational task force before  he was appointed to present  position hence the ground work for the current victories have  being laid have been laid by him.


"It was under Buratai as the commander of the multinational taks force that Nigeria was able to clear insurgents from Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states in 2015 for elections to hold there ."



He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his foresight and ability to discover someone like Lt. Gen TY Buratai to lead the war against the enemies of Nigeria. 


"You know Buhari himself is a military tactician who has seen much action  in his days in the army, so he recognises talent, skill and mental acuity when he sees one and I'm happy that he made the right choice in appointing an Army Chief with the necessary grit and qualification to deliver," he added.

The Young Political Leaders Forum of Nigeria (YOLN) has praised the Nigerian Army’s incredible exploits in the war against terrorism.

The group made this known in a letter signed by its President, Prince Timothy Atuluku, to President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday.

According to the political leaders, Nigeria would have been consumed by the Boko Haram insurgency had the president and the gallant troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, led by Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T.Y Buratai not intervened.

The group stated that but for the coming on board of Buhari's administration, Nigeria would have become the mockery of the world.

The leaders, thus, hailed the sterling leadership of Mr President and his COAS which indeed filled the leadership vacuum over the years to prosecute the war against terrorism has been phenomenal.

The political leaders, however, assured the president and COAS that Nigerians are behind them in the quest to wipe the Boko Haram insurgents in North-East Nigeria.

Read full statement below:

His Excellency
Muhammadu Buhari
President and Commander-in-Chief
Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Aso Villa,
Abuja-Nigeria.

Dear President Muhammadu Buhari,

LETTER OF COMMENDATION IN THE WAR AGAINST TERRORISM IN NIGERIA

The Young Political Leaders Forum of Nigeria brings its warmest regards to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for the sound leadership in the country since 2015.

We wish to state that, but for the coming on board of your administration, Nigeria would have been consumed with the myriad of challenges confronting it chiefly the Boko Haram insurgency in North-East Nigeria.

Mr. President may wish to recall that upon assumption of office in 2015, the military hierarchy was relocated to North-East Nigeria. That singular act indeed set the country of the path of progress with regards to the war against terrorism in Nigeria.

Mr. President may also wish to recall that the appointment of Service Chiefs in the country was indeed the game-changer in the sense that the various Service Chiefs hit the ground running and Today the multiple successes recorded in the war against terrorism is evident for all and sundry to see.

The Young Political Leaders Forum of Nigeria is, therefore, using this medium to inform Mr. President that the efforts of the Nigerian Military have been outstanding since 2016 when the military gained ascendency over the Boko Haram terrorist group that culminated in the sacking of the operational headquarters of the Boko Haram terrorist group in Sambisa forest.

We are more than appreciative of the operations of the Nigerian Military in North-East Nigeria and other parts of the country. We wish to exbeen consumed with the myriad of challenges confronting it chiefly the Boko Haram insurgency in N

Mr. President, you may wish to know that the overwhelming votes by Nigerians in the 2019 elections are in recognition of the outstanding show of commitment to the war against terrorism that has yielded tremendous results over the years.

The Young Political Leaders Forum of Nigeria indeed states that the confidence reposed by Nigerians has not been betrayed by His Excellency and hence this letter of commendation, as well as appreciation to our loyal and committed troops that have continued to do the country proud.

We wish to state that in the annals of our democratic experience since 1999, Nigeria has never gotten it right like now when our country is indeed blessed with a leader that has exhibited sincerity of heart and purpose and also a leader that has shown significant commitment towards setting Nigeria on the path of greatness among the comity of nations.

Mr. President, it must be stated that your sterling leadership has indeed filled the leadership vacuum in Nigeria over the years, and your commitment to prosecuting the war against terrorism has been phenomenal.

The Young Political Leaders Forum of Nigeria also commends the efforts of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai. He has led the Nigerian Army with utmost professionalism and dedication in the discharge of his duties.

Mr. President, you may wish to be informed that the Chief of Army Staff has led the troops in battle in an exemplary manner that has seen the activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group confined to the fringes of the Lake Chad in absolute disarray and with nowhere to run to.

The sacrifices of our troops have indeed been felt in all nook and cranny of Nigeria, and this is made possible by the ingenuity of the Chief of Army Staff and the political leadership who has made it a habit to undertake routine visits to the theatre of operations in North-East Nigeria.

Mr. President, the outcome of the routine visits of the Chief of Army Staff in recent times has seen to the killing of over 250 Boko Haram terrorists in recent operations carried out by the Nigerian Military.

The Young Political Leaders Forum of Nigeria wishes to inform Mr. President that Nigerians are with him and the administration towards a final victory on the war against the Boko Haram insurgency in North-East Nigeria.

The Young Political Leaders Forum wishes to encourage the President and Commander-in-Chief not to relent in this final push against the remnants of the Boko Haram by the Nigerian troops by providing that conducive atmosphere for the overall success in the war against terrorism in Nigeria.

Nigerians are eagerly waiting to come out en mass after the COVID-19 pandemic is over to celebrate these milestones from city to city in appreciation of what the military has done for the country through their numerous sacrifices over the years.

Mr. President, you have indeed done well and set Nigeria on the path of greatness through your laudable initiatives and the Young Political Leaders Forum in Nigeria wishes to state in unequivocal terms that it is indeed passing a vote of confidence on our gallant and loyal troops fighting day and night in executing the war against terrorism in Nigeria.

We consequently encourage the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai not to relent in its final push in bringing the Boko Haram war to an end.

Mr. President, 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.

Timbuktu- Triangle Victory: Coalition of Activists laud Nigerian troops over successful outings

The Coalition of Nigerian Activists for Greater Nigeria (CNAGN) believes that troops of Operation Lafiya Dole deserve special laurels for their tremendous feat against Boko Haram terrorists in the northeast.

This special recognition trails the troops’ recent onslaught around the Timbuktu-Triangle in Borno State which was once reported to be under the control of the radical jihadists.

Led by Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukut Buratai, the Nigerian troops have gained massive grounds in its final clearance operation, with the latest consuming 134 insurgents.

And in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Dr Kenneth Anayo, on Tuesday, the group of activists hailed the “troops for their uncommon efforts, patriotism and gallantry in the past few weeks especially their most recent exploit in neutralizing over 134 terrorists”.

CNAGN expressed confidence in the COAS and his troops as they match closer towards victory over the terrorists who already appears to be depleted.

The activists, however, urged the Federal Government to carry out a similar operation on the civilian and non-combatant wings of Boko Haram, who arm them with information.

Read the full statement below:

The Coalition of Nigerian Activists for Greater Nigeria has urged the Federal Government and Nigerians to specially commend the troops currently carrying out the final phases of the operation to wipe Boko Haram terrorists out from the northeast of Nigeria and all over the country. The Coalition’s reachtion followed reports that the Nigerian military neutralized as many as 134 Boko Haram terrorists in the Timbuktu-Triangle while arresting 16 informants that had helped the terror group’s operation in the past.

The punishment that the Nigerian Army has inflicted on Boko Haram terrorists is a befitting gift to Nigerians at a time that people are eager for good news in the midst of the COVID-19 scourge. The terrorists that once made themselves into a scourge and a torn in the country’s flesh are today getting the kind of treatment they deserve being the disease that they are. For this the Army, its leadership and troops that are taking part in the operation deserve laurels to spur them on.

We at the Coalition of Nigerian Activists for Greater Nigeria laud the troops for their uncommon efforts, patriotism and gallantry in the past few weeks especially their most recent exploit in neutralizing over 134 terrorists as part of the final onslaught in the war against terrorism. The troops have left everyone talking about their gallantry and patriotism in the their continuous display against the terrorists.

This group, which has always had the highest level of confidence in the capacity of our military to defeat the terrorists without any doubt, is proud that a time has come for all Nigerians to stand behind the troops to defeat the terrorists and their agents of darkness.

The Coalition of Nigerian Activists for Greater Nigeria, however, wants to appeal to the Federal Government to reciprocate the good work the military is doing in flushing out the leftovers of Boko Haram elements by unleashing a similar operation on the civilian and non-combatant wings of Boko Haram. By this we mean that the government should act on intelligence at its disposal about the sympathizers, sponsors, enablers and collaborators of Boko Haram.

The fact that the military has arrested as many as 16 informants for the terrorists showed that they have seriously infected the national space. Consequently, we demand that the government take action in freezing bank accounts linked with terrorism financing, close down businesses connected to Boko Haram commanders and their associates, including those that have been used as fronts for laundering funds to the terrorists.

It is also time to take a firm stand against propaganda deployed in support of Boko Haram and those behind such poison. We equate this with the Nigerian Military being on the threshold of cutting off the head of the beast but the government and the rest of the country must take active steps to incinerate its carcass so that is has no prospect of spawning miniatures or clones in its dying moment. We urge that Boko Haram is atomically defeated on the battlefield in the northeast, defeated in the media and cyberspace, defeated in the socio-political and economic space in order for all Nigerians to enjoy peace.

Even as they commend the military for destroying Boko Haram, Nigerians must now take the next crucial step of collectively freeing their minds grip that terrorism once held over them. It is in the hearts and minds of Nigerians that the terrorists will be finally defeated. The days of Boko Haram are over.

A security expert, Richard Murphy has said the killing of 135 Boko Haram terrorists in the Timbuktu Triangle around northeast Nigeria has exposed the terror group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau as a liar who is now under pressure to maintain an influence he never had.

Murphy, who spoke against the background of the series of military operations that resulted in the killing of the terrorists over last weekend, noted that the development has forced Shekau into a situation where he could be killed by his own commanders owing to the repeated losses they have suffered.

According to Murphy, “The pace at which the Nigerian military is going has made it clear that any terrorist that does not personally broker a deal to surrender is most likely to end up like those that have been killed in recent operations. Dead.

“Interestingly, there is a facet that some analysts are not seeing in the present military operations. These Boko Haram terrorists are being killed as they flee the battlegrounds. It is not that they were being repelled in the course of attacking a military base, it is not that they were killed while springing an ambush or launching a surprised attack against troops. They are being decimated by an army that took the war to them in their hideouts.

“I have an explanation for this. It is that the fundamentals changed in a way that Boko Haram terrorists and their commanders are yet to appreciate. They have lost the capacity to retreat into neighbouring Chad after launching attacks in Nigeria and the same can be said of Niger and even Cameroon. The Nigerian military also took delivery of certain hardwares, which was not the case as at the time decision makers in the west were being swayed by fabricated human rights violations report.

“Add the compelling leadership exhibited by the Nigerian Army Chief, General Buratai, and you begin to get a picture of why Shekau will do well to close shops, possibly consider a surrender, if that window is still open,” the security expert posited.

He said the number of terrorists killed by government troops in recent weeks have exposed Shekau’s “numerous lies” that have spurred his minions to their death in the ongoing war being waged against their insurgency.

Murphy explained that “War is not all about the bombs and the bullets. It also entails psychological warfare, which is what propaganda is directed at achieving. This must have been what Shekau thought he was doing when he recorded the latest audio he published. But within hours of the clip making it to the public it became apparent that it was a bad call given the mix of situations he currently faced. The desperation showed through just as each sentence of the recording is now proving to be a lie.

“Shekau lied that he was not considering any decision to surrender. Yes, in the business he is currently engaged in he wouldn't say otherwise until the final whistle, which we are not likely to wait for given the division that now dominate his camp.

“From all indications, he is on the run and his capacity to do any further fight with the troops is zero. He has lost over 300 men in just one month and such a rogue wants the world to believe that he is still able to fight? That's not correct. He is finished and his end has come,” he declared.

The security expert however said the Nigerian Army must sustain its offensive against the terrorists to ensure recovery is impossible for them while noting that the country had given Shekau enough time to surrender while he failed to take up the offer even though it was presented several times.

He warned that the Army must fight and ensure that the last terrorist is killed and not allowed to escape into Chad or any other neighbouring nation, “Nigeria must learn from the past in two different respects. The first is that any terrorist left behind in this onslaught is like the rhizome of an invasive plant species left in the soil, given enough time and the right conditions it will grow and take over the whole place; this is what happens each time the military defeats Boko Haram and leaves behind some remnants of the fighters. The second thing Nigeria must learn from is the history of Boko Haram itself, if you killed its founder or leader without mopping up the followers, they will always find a mad man to lead them into battle,” Murphy stated.

Boko Haram 134: Our military have lightened our spirits in spite of Covid-19 – African women network

The Africa Women Arise for Change Network (AWACN) has hailed the Nigerian military’s final clearance operation against Boko Haram terrorists as the sole bright spot in an utterly gloomy COVID-19 season.

AWACN, in a statement on Wednesday, said the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have gladdened the hearts of African women with its recent onslaught on the fleeing terrorists.

Led by Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General T.Y Buratai, the Nigerian Army has recorded tremendous success over the insurgents, with the most recent exterminating 134.

In a statement by its President, Lady Nkechi Odoma, the group expressed delight with the COAS and his men for this magnificent feat amidst the rampaging coronavirus that has consumed nearly 300,000 lives worldwide.

As women, AWACN said they were the worst hit by terror activities ranging from deaths of their husbands, children and even rape.

The women network congratulated the COAS, describing him as “ a responsible husband and family man who feels our pains and who has been in the theatre of operation with the troops for the past five weeks”.

AWACN, however, urged the Army Chief and his troops not to take their foot of the peddle as they are only a stone throw away from victory.

Read full statement below:

Recent news coming from the theatre of the military operation in Northeast Nigeria and the Lake Chad region has gladdened the hearts of African women like no other thing has done in the recent past.

Women in Africa are happy that Nigerian troops by their gallantry and patriotism are proving that evil can never have a permanent victory over good and that finally, our tears as key stakeholders in the family unit would be permanently wiped away.

You may wish to know that women have borne the brunt of the activities of these terrorists the more as they have made many of us widows, many have been victims of rape and forced marriages, while many have been dispossessed of all they have including their children.

It comes to us therefore as not only cheery but reassuring that Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD) eliminated 134 Boko Haram/Islamic States of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and arrested 16 informants in Borno State, Nigeria recently.

These are the groups responsible for the worst horror visited on African women in recent times.

Though the general mood the world over is that of angst and grief occasioned by the ravaging effect of the Coronavirus, which has also claimed hundreds of thousands of lives the world over, bright sparks that illuminate the horizon should not be neglected.

We see the recent victory of Nigerian troops as one of such sparks that is worth celebrating because of the overall impact it would have on bringing the inhuman carnage in Northeast Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region under control as well as restore peace and development in Nigeria.


By now, the world is aware that the ongoing subsidiary operation in the North East Theatre of Operation, code-named ‘Operation Kantana Jimlan, led by no other than the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, is yielding great success.


Since the Chief of Army Staff relocated to the theatre of war, Nigerian troops have moved from one success story to another and these have given us hope that a total victory over the evil forces of ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists is not only certain but will be sooner than expected.


To our pride and happiness, Nigerian troops through a coordinated artillery bombardments on Timbuktu triangle conducted on May 1 and 2, destroyed seven Boko Haram Gun Trucks while 78 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters were killed through both aerial and human intelligence and within the same period, another successful artillery engagement to Buk in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State resulted in the neutralization of an additional 56 BHT criminals bringing the total of the terrorists liquidated within a spate of two days to 134!


Such acts of bravely being repeated by Nigeria troops in recent operations will surely hasten the liquidation of the evil terrorists groups in Nigeria and will make way for a return to normalcy in many of the ravaged communities and make us, the women, happy.

It will also send a strong signal to other insurgents that the days when their evil activities were being tolerated are over.

We note the precision on targets and assault on the strongholds of the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the most professional and efficient manners.

Indeed we can say that the Nigerian Military is one of the best in Africa if not the entire world.

Another commendable aspect of the exercise is that 16 high profile Boko Haram and ISWAP informants have also been identified and apprehended.

With the rounding up of these informants, the intelligence and information gathering network of the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists would be weakened and it is not unexpected to hear very soon the insurgents begging to surrender since their sources of information have been blocked and their further resistance would be akin to groping in the dark.


We congratulate the Chief of Army Staff, General Buratai, a responsible husband and family man who feels our pains and who has been in the theatre of operation with the troops for the past five weeks.

We note that his presence and participation in operations has greatly inspired the troops leading to.the success being recorded at the battle field.

We also commend the troops who have by their acts of gallantry given the citizenry a course to rejoice at a time of when the general mood the world over has not been that bright.

We urge the chief of army staff not to relent but pursue the fight to its logical conclusion more so as victory is at sight.


We assure the Chief of Army Staff of the cooperation of the citizenry especially women towards ensuring that the battle is won.

God bless the Chief of Army Staff and God be with our troops until the final victory over evil is achieved.

Former Lagos State Commissioner of Police and human rights crusader, CP Abubakar Tsav (rtd), has given the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General TY Buratai and the Nigerian Army a pass mark for their success in recent military operations at the Lake Chad Region.


Our correspondent reports that Nigerian troops in two operations on the 1st and 2nd of May, coordinated artillery bombardments on Timbuktu triangle and destroyed seven Boko Haram Gun Trucks and carried out another artillery engagement in Buk, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State eliminating 134 number of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists. 


The retired police commissioner and elder statesman,  in an interaction with newsmen, said the recent decimation of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists by Nigerian troops in the Lake Chad region serves as a sweet reminder that the Nigerian army has not lost the efficiency and professionalism it has been known for over the years.


Tsav in the interview explained that he is full of commendation for the Nigerian troops not  because they succeeded in liquidating terrorists but making it further difficult for them to carry out any attack within Nigerian borders.


The retired police commissioner said it is evident that all the operations were executed with clinical military precision and professional efficiency. 


This, he said, is obvious from the total avoidance of collateral damages despite attempts by terrorists to hide in civilian populated communities and their  'cowardly' use of humans as shields when overwhelmed.


He stressed that the manner the insurgents were taken out can only be achieved if troops are abiding by the highest forms of professional ethics under the right leadership. 


Tsav said he noticed there have been  differences in the approach and outcome of military operations since the Chief of Army Staff relocated to the Northeast.


"When the Chief of Army staff moved to the theatre of operations, the message he was sending to his troops is that he doesn't mind putting his life on the line for results to be achieved and that he is expecting no less from the soldiers.


"He is also stressing the seriousness of the operations and the need to impart on troops the highest level of strategy and tactics to win the war but before one could even say 'go' the results have started showing. That means not only has he sent the right signals, but the troops have been able to decode the message and act accordingly," Tsav said.


The retired police commissioner said he was happy with last week's liquidation of 134 number of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists terrorists recalling  that only last month, 105 number of terrorists were liquidated during an encounter at Buni Gari in Gujba Local Government of Yobe State by troops of Sector 2, Operation Lafiya Dole.

                        

Tsav said he is impressed because while the number of terrorists taken out is important, it is also worthy to note that high calibre weapons including  five  AK-47 Rifles, three GPMG, one  Duska Anti Aircraft Gun, one PKT Gun, two handheld radio,  several ammunition and ammunition links  magazines and assorted hard drugs were also recovered from.


He said this will further weaken the insurgents by depriving their remnants of weapons they have been using to unleash terror on hapless citizens," he said.


The elder statesman said it is worth noting that it was not quite a month after that succeful operation that the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have again eliminated 134 Boko Haram/Islamic States of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and arrested 16 of their informants.


He said while the insurgents are in disarray and desperate to put up a face, Nigerian troops have been calm and calculated in their operations which has made them to achieve high and excellent  results.


Tsav said Gen Buratai and troops of the Nigerian Army have by these victories shamed the prophets of doom who had predicted that Boko Haram insurgency would bring an end to the entity known as Nigeria.


He said what is happening in the field of operation is the complete opposite of what the prophets of doom predicted saying rather than disintegrate, Nigeria is waxing stronger and stronger while citizen confidence on military instutions has been fully restored.


"From the over 20 local government captured by the terrorists and the hoisting of their flags in some, what we have now is that not an inch of the Nigerian territory is under either Boko Haram or ISWAP control. This is kudos to the Chief of Army Staff and the troops'" he stated.


Tsav added that apart from being happy that normalcy is fully returning to the Northeast, Nigerians are beginning to feel proud of their country once again. 


He said with the current records of onslaught against the terrorists, no dissent or insurgent group would contemplate taking up arms against the Nigerian state without fearing the consequences.


"I expect the Army Chief to live up to his promise to stay with troops until total victory is attained as his presence is a great morale booster to the officers and men in the field," he added.

Exclusive: We are finished, Boko Haram Commanders cry out over sustained onslaught by Army

Feelers from North-East Nigeria indicate that the Boko Haram group is seeking avenues for a dialogue with the federal government in a bid to put an end to the recent onslaught against it by the Nigerian Army.

According to credible sources conversant with the happenings in North-East Nigeria, it was stated that the recent onslaught led by the Chief of Army Staff that resulted in the death of over 135 members of the group, which included some top commanders is indeed the final straw that broke the camel’s back.

A source who pleaded anonymity due to the sensitivity of the information stated that the leader of the Boko Haram group, Abubakar Shekau is indeed battling for his life as some top commanders of the group have turned against him and are ready to take the bulls by the horns to negotiate for a soft landing by surrendering and seeking forgiveness.

“After the last operation by our troops, over 135 members of the group were killed including a top commander who has been at the forefront of surrendering as there seems to be no way out of their dilemma.”

“The death of the commander indeed shook Abubakar Shekau who is battling to avert a revolt from his members over his insensitivity to their plight and also the death of one of their top commanders who has advocated for a ceasefire in recent times.”

The source also added that the situation in the camp of the Boko Haram group is that that of despair and lamentations.

“We have been able to scoop that Abubakar Shekau is trying his best to keep the spirits of his fighters high, but the challenge they faced in recent times has not yielded the desired results as our troops are closing in on them as the day goes by”

It was also gathered from reliable sources that the death of the top commander had been blamed on Abubakar Shekau who is still maintaining a tough face as regards the war believing that the situation could still be remedied.

Our source informed this medium that what is left in the Boko Haram camp is a group of disgruntled fighters that are lacking in everything from food to arms and ammunition.

“You might have read in some daily newspapers on the efforts of some Boko Haram members reaching out to the federal government for a ceasefire. This is very true, as there have been several attempts to get the Nigerian Army to a ceasefire which has not yielded the desired results since the Chief of Army Staff is personally coordinating the operations.”

“I can tell you that the situation is quite tensed as the directive of the Chief of Army Staff is to get Abubakar Shekau wherever he is, and I am not sure any of the sector commanders can go against that directive. So in a way, it is a tough situation for everybody, unless the Chief of Army Staff orders a ceasefire, and so far he hasn’t done so.”

According to a top staff of one of the humanitarian agencies in North-East Nigeria, he stated that the Boko Haram group is seriously rooting for dialogue as a way of ending the war. He also added that overtures had been made and from the look of things the Nigerian Army is not disposed to the idea of dialogue.

“We have done our best in asking the military echelon to dialogue with the Boko Haram group, but we have not received any favorable response so far. You know that there is a limit to how far we can push because it is a very sensitive issue. As such, we must respect whatever decision from the military authorities.”

When asked if indeed the Boko Haram group is seeking for a genuine dialogue with the federal government, the source stated that the Boko Haram group is truly seeking for a way to end the war as they have run out of ideas and stock to prosecute the war further.

“They have reached out to us to plead with the military authorities to halt further attacks on them as they are ready to dialogue and drop their arms. This much we have passed to the theatre command, and as we speak, we have not gotten a response from them.”

“We are treading carefully so as not to incur the wrath of the authorities, and so this is where we are as it stands. If the military hierarchy so decides to dialogue with the Boko Haram group we shall welcome it because we are interested in the return of peace to North-East Nigeria.”

According to another source who has worked in the North East for several years, stated that the probable option for the Boko Haram group is to seek the support of world leaders in prevailing on the Nigerian authorities to dialogue with them.

“From the feelers, we are getting; it doesn’t seem likely that the Nigerian President is ready for a dialogue. The option left, in my opinion, is the intervention of world leaders and organizations, and that can only happen at the diplomatic level, which is clearly outside our purview.”

“I can tell you in confidence that many of the Boko Haram fighters are ready for a dialogue and they are insisting that the government should withdraw the Army as a sign of goodwill. However, how that would play out is left to be imagined.”

“They have cried out on numerous occasions for the Army to a ceasefire so they can have a dialogue, but from the look of things that situation seems much tensed as the troops are advancing daily.”

This medium was able to gather that the Chief of Army Staff who has been in the North East has ruled out the possibility of a dialogue with the Boko Haram members. A top commander who doesn’t want his name in print stated that the Army Chief is not disposed to having a dialogue with Boko Haram.

“The Chief is not interested in any form of dialogue and as such the troops have continued to advance in recent weeks. Not unless the Army Chief shifts his grounds, the likelihood of dialogue is ruled out as it stands.”

“I do not see that happening in my opinion as it seems the big man in Abuja would not condone such options with the way things are. The option of dialogue would have happened years back if indeed they were serious.”

It would be recalled that the Nigerian troops have carried out sustained operations against the Boko Haram group in recent weeks led by the Chief of Army Staff that has seen to the death of hundreds of Boko Haram fighters.

By: Benedict Agu

They said He wasn't a democrat, he proved them wrong by conducting an election that has become a reference point on the continent of Africa today. They said He was corrupt, yet five years after leaving office, not a single case of corruption have they been able to bring forward against him. You then begin to wonder what his continued rising profile have psychologically and emotionally done to the Muhammadu Buhari regime, who still curiously and outrageously appears to be embroiled in a  wild goose chase of their imaginary corruption allegations, against former President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

While it somehow sounds laughable, one is also sincerely concerned about the latest drama of the regime, which media reports claim, is requesting all documents from American banks concerning any alleged transactions to, from, or for the benefit of Dr Jonathan and his wife between 2009 and the present day.
The latest revelation is scandalously an obvious witchhunt and tendentious at best. It is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf, that this is another in the series of the usual diversionary antics of the Buhari's regime, whenever it is battling with its aviodable mistakes and irretrievably nosediving popularity.

Well, in the latest instance of the mendacious allegation, the regime flagrantly failed in its usual manner, to link any verifiable asset or the purported foreign bank accounts directly  to Dr Goodluck Jonathan, but instead resorted to media rascality and propaganda, which has become the regular trademark of the Buhari's regime.

It is important  to remind this regime once again, that Nigerian political culture has advanced far beyond this regime's characteristic blame game, rumours and innuendos.  They should perhaps be reminded that the era of rumormongering and government propaganda is well past its sell-by date.

For the benefit of unsuspecting members of the public, particularly Nigerians,  Dr Goodluck Jonathan today remains one of  poorest former President in the whole of the African continent. And this is because he refused to appropriate public funds to himself, contrary to the design of the unconscionable propagandists desperate to sell a different narrative to the public. His lifestyle before, during and after office attests to the fact that this illustrious son of Nigeria has always lived within his means and was driven by patriotism for all his actions and policies as President.

How many Nigerian leaders, including President Muhammadu Buhari can find the comfort of having his residence in such part of Yenagoa, in Bayelsa State,  where the Jonathan modest residence is located, or is it the rented duplex which houses the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Office in Abuja that speaks to his opulence? For the avoidance of doubt Jonathan has no investment or property anywhere in the world today that could be described as  a choice possession befitting of a man who has served this country as former Deputy Governor, Governor and later Vice President and President of the Federal republic of Nigeria.

Despite all the harassment and empty boasts of the Buhari regime targeted at his predecessor, none of the so called corruption allegations against Dr Goodluck Jonathan has been personally linked to him. Goodluck Jonathan is only a rich man, in the imagination of his detractors and shadow chasing agents of this regime.

Nothing can be more duplicitous of a serving government than to surreptitiously without recourse to Dr. Jonathan subpoena American banks to produce his non-existent bank documents despite the former President's consistent insistence that he has no accounts abroad.

The fact that the Federal Government admitted in the US court judgement that was not under investigation on the matter being that the signing of the P&ID contracts preceded the Jonathan administration, points to the fact that there must be more to the endless witch-hunt than pursuit of public good.

It is as well that the former President has not only  not restated his innocence but has gone further to urge the American authorities to cooperate with the blundering Attorney General of the Federation in his request for bank details senior officers that served in the past administration.

It is instructive that Jonathan through his spokesman reminded the Buhari government that it found itself in a big whole today with the P&ID imbroglio because it willfully ignored appropriate counsel stemming from a negotiated settlement offered in 2015 by the preceding administration that could have ended that matter without the threat of  impending financial doom.

Despite the foregoing, it is obvious that operatives of  the embattled Buhari regime will definitely stop at nothing in continuing on this path of infamy.

They will not give up on attempting to demonise Dr Jonathan and members of his family, especially as it has now become very obvious that the woeful performances of the regime, can never earn President Buhari the kind of popularity and influence, being enjoyed by Dr Goodluck Jonathan, after his tenure of office. But they fail to realise that Nigerians are no fools.

The Coalition of Arewa Youths for Good Governance (CAYGG) has charged the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai and the troops on the frontlines to sustain the momentum against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

According to the group, the onslaught must be intensified, so as not to give the terrorists any space to recuperate.

CAYGG made this appeal in a statement signed by its President Haruna Ochimana on Monday.

From experience, the group said the radical sect leverage on “any lull in attacks against them to recruit more hapless youth into their ranks and also pick up arms and provisions supplied by their sponsors”.

The group, however, expressed confidence in the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, especially with the COAS leading from the front.

It assured that the “ hour for a final victory is now and nothing should be spared in smoking those vermin out of those vermin out of their warrens”.

Read full text below:

After taking time to assess the ongoing war that the Nigerian Army has taken to the camps of terrorists in the northeast of the country, the Coalition of Arewa Youths for Good Governance is appealing to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai and the Nigerian Army to sustain the upper hand they now have over the terrorists be it the Boko Haram elements or those dealing death under the franchise of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The onslaught against the terrorists must be intensified and slowed down on any account in order not to allow them any breathing space to reorganize. Past encounters have taught that the terrorists use any lull in attacks against them to recruit more hapless youth into their ranks and also pick up arms and provisions supplied by their sponsors.

We further appeal to the COAS and his commanders not to be distracted by the recent gimmicks of the terrorists and their sponsors as the singular objective of the military presence in the region is to ensure that the terrorists are sent into oblivion and the communities in the area can again resume their places as the agricultural, commercial and entrepreneurship hubs that contribute a huge chunk to the economy of Nigeria.

The trick that Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, is playing by being indecisive with whether he wants to surrender or be killed in battle is one that the COAS should not allow to slow down the efforts to bring this war criminal to justice. We rather see Shekau and his sponsors being caught in the confusion ensuing from the intensity with which the troops have descended on them.

We expect that the military anticipate the next front in the ongoing war, which would be fought in the theater of public opinion and populated by international NGOs that will publish fictitious reports to continue the strategy of distracting the troops. The military must put itself in a position to appreciate that patriotic Nigerian youth like the Coalition of Arewa Youths for Good Governance is more interested in having peace and security restored to their country and not given unnecessary consideration to what pro-Boko Haram international NGOs think about the rights of sociopathic murderers.

The news feeds are replete with the how troops of the Nigerian Army under the leadership of the COAS, who has relocated the fronts, have continued to dominate the winning streaks against the terrorists that once tormented the peace of the country. While not behaving like Oliver Twist, the Coalition of Arewa Youths for Good Governance sees now as the best time to sustain the momentum against the insurgent and eventually finish them off once and for all time.

We nonetheless greatly appreciate and thank the Army for putting the terrorists in their place because it would have been a calamity had the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists continued to torment Nigerians at a time when COVID-19 is ravaging the world. We are consequently grateful to the Nigerian military that they have sustained the war and maintained the tempo of victory against the insurgents, who would have added to the dread that the virus is instilling in hearts.

We believe our troops will do more especially at a time that the COAS is busy in the theatre of war to see to a final defeat of the insurgents from all angles. Nigerians both at home and abroad appreciate these selfless sacrifices, the tenacity of purpose and resilience being displayed by our gallant troops, their commanders and the Chief of Army Staff.

The troops should see that the hour for a final victory is now and nothing should be spared in smoking those vermin out of their warrens while also cutting off the head of the serpent as this amount to tackling the problem from its the root and bringing us the desired trophies from the war front. This is one battle that the world has been eagerly waiting for Nigeria to win and enthrone its long-standing superiority in the continent as the force against insurgents and terrorists.

By Ibrahim Kabiru Dallah

The Boko Haram crisis in North-East Nigeria means different things to different people. While to some, it is a war against Nigeria, few others perceive it as propagation of their ideals. For another category, however, it is just a business venture that must not come to an end.

The recent audio purportedly released by the factional and delusional leader of the Boko Haram group, Abubakar Shekau and its rabid interpretation by Ahmad Salkida, leaves a lot to be imagined. For starters, it smacks of a puerile attempt at changing the narrative since the Nigerian troops launched an offensive against the Boko Haram group because of their avid interest in ensuring that blood continues to flow in fulfilment of their evil desire against Nigeria.

I stand to be corrected; Ahmad Salkida needs to tell Nigerians more stories on the fact that the Boko Haram group is not decimated and that they are hinting on dialogue instead of surrender. The sensibilities of some of us conversant with the operations of the Nigerian troops in North-East Nigeria will be insulted if this narrative pushed by Salkida and his gang is allowed to gain traction.

While his actions might not be entirely new, Ahmad Salkida has, in times past and on numerous occasions, acted as the mouthpiece of the Boko Haram group. He has displayed an impeccable sympathy to the group, which is manifest in audios and videos when the chips are usually down.

This time around, Ahmad Salkida again interpreted purported audio with the voice of Abubakar Shekau claiming that the Boko Haram group is in strong spirits and its commanders and fighters are not on the verge of surrender but instead disposed to dialogue.

While it is commendable that they admitted to the dialogue option that in itself indicates that all seems not well in the camp of the Boko Haram group regardless of the propaganda Ahmad Salkida is pushing on their behalf.

There is also no doubt that the offensive launched by the Nigerian troops has indeed left the group in disarray hence this face-saving measure by Ahmad Salkida and those that do not want an end to the Boko Haram insurgency for apparent reasons.

Two things struck me in the treatise by Salkida. He stated thus: “The Boko Haram leader also derided social distancing measures against COVID-19, saying members of his group were observing congregational prayers and engaged in trading in their hideouts.”

I am sure he didn’t think through this strategy before going public. How can a group of people holed-up in their hideouts be engaging in trading? What are they trading in and whom are they trading with? Are they trading with Nigerians, Chadians, Malians or Cameroonians? Your guess is as good as mine.

He also stated that Abubakar Shekau had urged his members to be patient and resilient in the face of trials. I agree with this position because the Boko Haram group is indeed faced with trails of immeasurable proportion since the renewed offensive against it by the Nigerian Army with the active collaboration from the Multinational Joint Task Force consisting of troops from Chad, Mali, Niger, and Cameroon.

It is obvious that they have reached a point of no return as their escape routes have been taken over by troops from the Multinational Joint Task Force and as well as cutting off their supply chain for arms and ammunition as well as other logistics supplies.

These are critical questions that must be asked by discerning minds when the likes of Ahmad Salkida attempt to push forward a misleading narrative. However, the beauty of it all is that indeed times have changed as far as the war against terrorism in Nigeria is concerned. The tide has turned and the end of the Boko Haram group is around the corner, and this much the likes of Ahmad Salkida must come to terms with.

This is not the time for propaganda as the only option left for the Boko Haram group is to surrender in this circumstance. It also behoves of Ahmad Salkida to take this message to Abubakar Shekau that there is a need for him to surrender as it is evident that all his commanders are disillusioned and not willing to fight anymore.

This much has been in the public domain and an indication that indeed the Boko Haram war is about to end. So, this feeble attempt by Shekau through Salkida cannot fly as the rational thing to do is to surrender in the interest of all and sundry.

It is indeed a situation of the voice of Shekau and the hand of Salkida and indeed the cry of a drowning man whose only rope he has to hold unto is to attempt to use proxies to paint a picture a fighting force, but in truth, a group that is holed up in hiding with nowhere to run to as troops have surrounded them with no escape route spells doomsday.

The efforts of the Nigerian Army in this renewed onslaught against the Boko Haram group are indeed commendable. They have somewhat put pains in the hearts of those that do not wish the country well by seeking an elongation of the war that has rendered millions homeless and hundreds of thousands dead.

That the Boko Haram group has been rendered ineffective in recent times spells doom for this category of people that sees their nefarious activities as the propagation of their ideals, as well as those that see it as a business venture that must not come to an end. Whatever the case may be however, a special commendation must be extended to the leadership of the Nigerian Army that has been relentless over the years.

The recent news emanating from the theatre of operations indeed corroborates the fact that indeed top Boko Haram commanders are seeking a truce with the federal government. If this is not the case, I wonder why Abubakar Shekau himself is muting the option of dialogue as a way out as propagated by Ahmad Salkida in his recent outing.

The Boko Haram group has been placed on the edge regardless of the feeble attempt by Salkida to change the narrative for whatever it is worth. It is indeed time for all and sundry to rally support for the Nigerian Army in this final push as we are all in one way or the other victims of the nefarious activities of Boko Haram.

Ahmad Salkida should also do well to understand that the Boko Haram war is coming to an end, and there is no need to push further narratives that they cannot sustain. He should do the needful by advising his friend to toe the line of his commanders and surrender. This war has ended. Business too.

Dallah is a patriotic citizen and wrote from Lafia

*Covid-19/ Boko Haram: Inter-faith congregation forecasts divine victory over pandemic, terrorists*

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace (NIFROP) has prophesized that an end to the Boko Haram insurgency and COVID-19 pandemic is in sight.

NIFROP made this declaration on Saturday, the seventh-day of its Joint Prayer and Fasting for divine intervention and solution to Covid-19 and Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism.

In his speech, NIFROP's president, Bishop Sunday Garuba said "God has given us a song of victory" over the terrorists, noting that Abubakar Shekau's days are numbered.

Despite meeting virtually, the cleric reckoned that its sessions have garnered over 500,000 views, a testament of the firm followership across religious lines.

With its numbers and intercessory prayers, Bishop Garuba said the fleeing Shekau and whatever is left of his group would soon be a forgotten issue.

NIFROP, however, urged Nigerians to continue to show support for President Muhammadu Buhari and the gallant troops of Operation Lafiya Dole led by Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.

Read full statement below:


Dearly beloved of God,

I welcome you all once again to the 7th day of our simultaneous joint Prayer and Fasting programme put together in prayers and supplication to God Almighty for divine intervention in halting the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria and across the world, as well as the end of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism in Nigeria.

As we all know, this prayer session is being held online because we have been advised to observe social distancing as a precaution. We consequently developed this online platform, which started about six days ago.

I must commend those of us that have been consistent with the prayers and fasting even though it’s been done virtually; I also want to encourage some of us that have not been able to connect with us online in this critical national assignment do endeavor to do so. The pages are National Inter- Faith and Religious Organisations for Peace on both YouTube and Facebook and The Unity Church/ Unity Masjid.

Dear brethren, I am joyed in the Lord to inform you all that the first-day virtual meeting also witnessed the distribution of food to brethren across all creed and faith across the country. This is indeed phenomenal in the sense that we were able to put smiles on the faces of families regardless of their religious or ethnic affiliations.

I also wish to inform us that so far, we have had over 50,000 viewers who have followed our prayers and fasting programme online. This is indeed phenomenal, and it is our earnest prayer that the figures should continue to increase to the glory of God.

My dearly beloved in the Lord's vineyard, this is a great assignment that God has bestowed on our shoulders on behalf of our great country and let me announce to you all that by the special grace of God we shall emerge victorious at the end of the 21-day prayer and fasting programme.

In the book of Hebrews 4:16, the bible says, "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Let me announce to all us that we shall receive mercy and find the grace to help us in our time of need by the special grace of God because God is not a man that he should lie, and his words are yes and amen.
The book of Psalms 90: 17 states that "May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
Establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands." This is reassuring because we are carrying out an important assignment, and God, in His infinite mercies shall establish the works of our hands.

The Holy Koran also confirms this in (Quran 42:26) "And He (God) answers those who believe and do good works, and gives them more out of His Grace."

My dear beloved, as we all know, the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace has been in the vanguard of uniting Nigerians across both faiths praying for the peace and progress of Nigeria, and this has seen us hold several programmes that has had a significant effect on our polity over the years.

I want to use this occasion to commend all of us from the pastors and imams that have been committed to our activities over the years. It is our earnest desire that Nigeria shall continue to experience peace and progress now and the years ahead.

I also want to use this medium to inform all of us that God is indeed merciful to Nigeria through the gift of President Muhammadu Buhari, whose commitment to the overall wellbeing of every Nigerian takes center stage.

President Muhammadu Buhari has, over the years, strived to keep the country as one. For that, we are grateful to God for his benevolence and His grace over the life of our president. We pray that God in His infinite mercies continue to grant him a sound mind and sound health in the discharge of his duties.

Dearly beloved in Christ, this body, which is also known as the Unity Church and Unity Masjid has been supporting vulnerable families with food items and direct cash transfer to those who have fallen on hard times within the period.

Our intervention was initially projected for 5 000 families. However, today we can tell you that the Lord is making more provisions and supporting brethren with more than expected. We shall continue to render this valuable assistance for as long as we can.

We will continue to do the little that we can and pray the Almighty God to heal the land and deliver us from the Boko Haram/ISWAP evil. I want to inform all of us that indeed our victory over COVID-19 and the evil deeds of Boko Haram is certain.

In the book of Deuteronomy 20:4 "…for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory." Dear beloved, our victory over COVID-19 and Boko Haram shall be indeed sweet to the Glory of God.

I want to use this medium to declare that the days of Abubakar Shekau are indeed numbered. I am convinced that by the special grace of God, he shall be captured, and the end of Boko Haram would come very soon.

Our dear father shall not lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Our pride often tricks us into thinking we can deal with evil on our own. We can't, and if we try, we will fail. We pray to our Heavenly Father and ask for deliverance.

Dear Lord, do not remember the iniquities of our forefathers against us; Let Your compassion come quickly to meet us in Jesus name.

I thank you all and encourage us not to relent until we receive redemption in Nigeria. God has given us a song of victory.

At a time when he is running from one camp to another to evade capture by soldiers that are hot on his trail, a foreign funding of €5 million from an international NGO has set the leader of Boko Haram, Abubabakar Shekau on a war path with some of his key commanders, as they accuse him of greed and unilateral decision making in how the funds should be shared.

Verified intelligence reports indicated that the International NGO, which operates in the northeast and with affiliations in other parts of the country informed the Boko Haram leadership of the receipt of the funds on their behalf with an advisory that disbursement will follow “previous channels and beneficiaries’ templates.”

Sources familiar with development in the war against terrorism in the northeast confirmed that the NGO in question would usually credit arms suppliers on behalf of the terror group using fronts, proxies and convoluted cut-outs that distances it from terrorism financing. It will then retain its handling fees and costs for providing relief materials and medical treatment to wounded terrorists while transferring the balance to the terrorists using similar channels as those for paying arms dealers.

There has been no mention of the organization or third-party country that made the €5 million available.

The outstanding amount to be remitted to the terrorists is now a subject of contention between Shekau and his key commanders. One of the sources revealed that “Shekau is hiding because some of the boys, who are angry over how he is handling the money, have threatened to kill him before the government troops get him.”

The Boko Haram leader is reportedly interested in using a chunk of the money for recruiting mercenaries as replacement for the fighters that have been killed in recent encounters with militaries while also paying generous compensation for those that have been killed in a desperate move to shore up morale. But some of his commanders reportedly expressed their preference for “taking care of and encouraging the living” while also prioritizing those that have put in time in killing for the group. The commanders are accusing Shekau of directing the money at expenditure lines that will either benefit him or for which proper accountability will not be possible, like paying compensation for dead fighters whose relatives are not known.

Another source who is a staffer of an international NGO working in the region, not the one that provided the funds, disclosed that "an international NGO gave Shekau €5 million to share to his commanders and their fighters pending full arrangements for their surrender. But instead of being appreciative, the fighters rather condemned Shekau for his greed and they are gearing up for a show down.”

A military source meanwhile said “Shekau is getting blind as such only the very close ones of his aides have access to him. The issue of €5 million is causing serious disaffection in their camps. We found out that the audio message he released was a sort of commitment to those who gave the money. He had to show that he is still in the fray and remains the contact they should deal with.

“Shekau has been receiving such funding in the past and he was never able to build his terror infrastructure beyond what is currently being dismantled. Our commanders have not concerned that he is still defrauding those sponsoring him, if there is any concern it is that we should be able to capture him before his own fighters kill him,” the source said.

The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE) believes the leader of Boko Haram terrorist group Abubakar Shekau is playing double games with his sponsors, knowing he is almost at the end of the road.

Led by Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have surmounted the jihadists in recent weeks with both land and air offensives.

Scores of the insurgents lost their lives while few others that survived like Shekau were said to be on the verge of surrendering to the troops, staring defeat on the face.

However, the factional leader, in a viral audio clip, refuted the Army’s onslaught despite overwhelming evidence.

And CATE believes this is just a coy to extort funds from his sponsors, bragging to satisfy them on one hand, retreating on the other.

In a statement signed by the National Coordinator, Gabriel Onoja, on Friday, the centre warned Shekau that he is engaged in an exercise in futility, one that will either end in his death or his eventual capture.

CATE, therefore, urged the Army not to keep the option of surrender on the table indefinitely, allowing troops to haul Shekau into custody with the speed of light.

Read full text below:

Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE) has followed the released of an audio recording of Abubakar Shekau, who leads Boko Haram which he likes to call Jama’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, with interest considering the positive connotations the recording has for Nigeria’s war on terrorism. In the recording, Shekau futilely attempted to shake off the decimation that has been visited on his band of terrorists by the Nigerian Army after they had taken a previousus beating from the military of Chad.

Contrary to what Boko Haram spin doctors like Ahmad Salkida want the world to believe, there are glaring facts to be gleaned from Shekau’s audio recording, which points to the reality that this sick terrorist leader is staring defeat and possibly certain death in the face unless he pushes ahead with his reported plan to surrender.

First, it took Shekau this long to record an audio from his bolt hole and he cannot even do a good job of it as he was only able to record eight-minute 22 seconds of rant before he had to scurry off again, afraid that he would be bombarded into oblivion. We are aware that he had to wait until it is Ramadan, knowing that true believers in God must make time out to fulfil their religious obligations; while others were praying and breaking their fast became for Shekau the ideal time to record his short audio clip. An unbeaten Shekau would have recorded a lengthy diatribe.

Shekau’s preference for audio over video that would have given him mileage for proof of life confirms how scared he has become since the military took the war to his hideouts. He is aware that a video shoot, irrespective of how well he attempts to disguise the background or strip the file of metadata would have resulted in his exact location receiving the deserving packages from our ever-ready military. The Nigerian Army has constricted the space around Shekau, and it is a matter of time before the serpent begins to feed on its own tail, the terrorists are narrowing their options to committing mass suicide like they did in Chadian prison or being killed in battles they are now poised to lose.

The period that Shekau and his fighters have been scrambling around in Sambisa Forest must have affected him to the extent that he is unable to appreciate how the world have moved on since he first manifested his mental illness. Democracy has taken root and its dividends is what has sealed Boko Haram’s fate in areas from which the Army has expelled terrorists.

We will not worry about Shekau’s glorification of his murderous group’s disregard for social distancing needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. That they are disregarding social distancing is enough proof that they have a collective death wish and are ready to commit mass suicide via mass coronavirus infestation instead of falling from the bullets of the gallant troops of Nigerian Armed Forces. He is aware that exposure to COVID-19 will wipe out whatever is left of his terrorists’ camps within three weeks hence the stall tactics to allow enough time for himself and his members to die off.

The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE) is advising Shekau to die alone if he is so desperate to kill himself and to desist from his current attempt to lure more unsuspecting youth to join his doomed cause. He should jettison his ongoing drive to recruit unsuspecting youth as a replacement for the hundreds of his terrorists’ fighters that have been wasted by troops in recent weeks.

The overture that the Boko Haram leader made about surrendering is possibly the best decision he has even made in his lifetime. But, tragically for him, he allowed the allure of money to derail him into making the provocative audio recording that has shown him as a fraud, someone that will do anything to extort his sponsors.

Instead of accepting defeat quietly, he and his sponsors have decided to play a double game. He is bragging to satisfy the demands of his sponsors on one hand while they too are giving him the false hope that he would not be hunted down. He accepted to surrender at one end while promising his sponsors, particularly members of the Nigerian opposition at the other end that he will not surrender provided he is given more money to buy arms and ammunition to continue fighting.

CATE categorically warn Shekau that he is engaged in an exercise in futility, one that will either end in his death or his eventual capture that will amount to the height of ridicule for the persona he has built for himself with people’s blood.

We want to appeal to the Military not to keep the option of surrender on the table indefinitely. They should allow troops to haul Shekau into custody with the speed of light so that the terrorist and his sponsors will know that the military is not to be dared.

CSO  Cautions security agents over Intimidation and Harassment of former Edo State Chief of Staff.


A civil society organization, The Generational Citizens for Better Leadership Initiative in Benin City, Edo State. Has cautioned security agencies in the state to desist from intimidating and harassing the former chief of staff to Governor Obaseki, Comrade Taiwo Akerele.

In a press statement signed and released to the media on Thursday Morning in Benin City by the spokesperson of the group Comrade. Etinosa Uwangue cautioned security agents and implore them to desists from harassing and intimidating the former chief of staff or his private staff.

The former chief of staff to the Edo State Governor Taiwo Akerele is a law-abiding citizen of the state who has served the state meritoriously until his resignation and as such does not deserve the kind of treatment been melted down on him. If he is needed by the security agents, it is advised they follow appropriate channels provided by the constitution rather than the Gestapo style they are using.

The spokesperson for the group further demanded a probe into the alleged invasion of the former chief of staff residence in Benin city by armed security agents and also calling the state commissioner of Police and DSS Edo state command to call their officers and men to order.