₦airaland Forum

Citizens Against Fake Activists (CAFA) is appalled by the tenuous lies being peddled by one troll factory under the auspices of Concerned Nigerians (CN) and its convener, Deji Adeyanju, who has now been proven to be working with interests that want to jeopardize Nigeria’s ability to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. It is important that the relevant security agencies immediately investigate him.



In a pattern that has become synonymous with him, Adeyanju again deployed fake news to the effect that law enforcement agents have killed more Nigerians in the course of enforcing the stay at home directive than the virus has killed. CAFA is concerned that this kind of irresponsible behavior will encourage gullible people to flout the lockdown directive and thereby encourage the spread of the disease.

The impression created by Adeyanju in his misleading statement was that a few people that chose to disregard the stay at home order are entitled to compromise the safety of others by engaging in acts that will speed up the spread of the killer virus. There is ample science backed data to show that countries that took social isolation seriously recorded comparatively lower cases while those whose citizens misconstrued the concept of civil liberties to disregard government-imposed lockdown are today paying the price by way of a disproportionately high human toll.

CAFA therefore categorically dismisses Adeyanju’s allegations against the security and military agencies as patent falsehood intended to blackmail the military, the police and President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration like he has been paid to do and consistent with his obsession with demonizing the aforementioned. The only verified instance of killing, which took place in Delta state, is being investigated by the appropriate authorities while the other instances mentioned by the paid activist have been investigated and discarded.

Nigerians should recall that CAFA had raised the alarm over an increase in the deliberate attempts by crisis entrepreneurs and political merchants of war masquerading as activists to cause discontent in the country. Their sole aim is to discredit the Buhari led administration and it is now apparent that they do not care if they expose millions of Nigerians to the deadly COVID-19 with their irresponsible acts.

Adeyanju, like his fellow paid activists, has the right to make a living off paid activism as he did in the past including openly supporting the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), a group that a competent court properly designated as a terrorist organization. He perfected the act of creating phantom casualties for when his clients protest, including the protests in which he arranged thugs to attack himself so that he can blame the government for deploying excessive force against him. But Adeyanju should have by now realize that COVID-19 is a threat to humanity and it is not his call to encourage people to disregard the government ordered lockdown and social distancing necessary for dealing with the pandemic.

CAFA calls on the security agencies to thoroughly investigate Adeyanju over the inciteful nature of the lies he is telling to make people flout the stay at home order. It is important to address the trouble being fomented by Adeyanju and nip it in the bud. He should not be allowed to create the impression that the government, military and security agencies are the enemies when in reality COVID-19 is the enemy. Authorities must also note that Adeyanju’s attempt at incitement is like a pilot or testing the waters for his circuit of paid activists to know how the government will respond to such criminality. Where they sense a tepid response to Adeyanju’s lies they will then escalate the incitement until it leads to social unrest that they are hoping will bring the government down.

Meanwhile, since Adeyanju’s statement is based, in part, on the lie that people “could no longer bear the brunt of the stay-at-home order by the government,” CAFA is appealing to Nigerians to take advantage of the various palliatives being provided by the government, organizations, religious bodies and well spirited individuals. There is a place for being positively proud but there is also the time for the humility to accept help as people the world over have been compelled to do since this virus shut down economies and unleash hardship on populations.

Signed
Comrade Ibrahim Kabiru Dallah
Director of Communications and Publicity

By Richard Murphy

In August 2015, UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, had cause to commend Nigeria's effort towards counter terrorism in the West African sub region.

He said while speaking at a Dialogue on extreme violence and other issues bedeviling Africa that though no country can tackle the threat of terrorism on its own, Nigeria’s increased cooperation with countries of the region is welcomed.

It came as a little pat on the back for Nigeria given that it had only recently then experienced a regime change and the new administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was putting structures to confront the challenges.

But three years down the line, Nigeria qualified for more than a pat on the back from world leaders.

United States president, Donald Trump, while speaking about Nigeria's fight against terrorism at a joint press conference with President Buhari at the White House, in April 2018, had more to say about Nigeria in that regard.

While thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for Nigeria’s partnership and leadership role in the fight against terrorism, Trump said, "Nigeria was one of the first African nations to join the coalition to defeat ISIS, and Nigerian forces are currently leading regional efforts against ISIS in West Africa, and doing very well."

He said, "Nigeria is also leading African nations in the fight against Boko Haram, and — another ruthless jihadist terrorist group."

Terrorism, defined as the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims; and insurgency, a rebellion against a constituted authority when those taking part in the rebellion are not recognized as belligerents has been recorded in many parts of the globe for centuries.

The Nigerian army even when it was part of a West African Frontier Force, is not new to both as it has been involved in counter terrorism and anti-insurgency operations mostly outside Nigeria since the 60s and has given good accounts of itself wherever it is involved.

Nigeria according to verifiable documents, has contributed more than 20,000 troops to various UN missions since 1960.

What is worthy of note in all these exercises is that Nigerian troops have come out with higher reputation as disciplined and well trained force after each assignment and has been the leader in many tough military assignments.

It has been sent on UN and ECOWAS missions as far as in the former Yugoslavia, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone and other places .

When UN forces in Somalia were trapped and humiliated by rebel forces at the beginning of the war in Somalia, Nigerian troops led in the operation that later restored sanity, albeit temporarily to the war torn country.

The troops for that particular operation were drawn from Nigerian Army's 231 battalion in Biu and were trained at the Nigerian Armed Forces Simulation Center in Jaji.

Nigeria through its troops has also played a prominent role in the West African sub-region through the commitment of substantial military capacity to peace keeping missions.

The reputation of the Nigerian army in counter insurgency operations was so high at a time that its expertise was being sought in all troubled spots across the globe.

This had seen the Nigerian army leading the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) force to Mali and contributing 900 of its troops to that country.

The role Nigeria played in restoring democracy to countries like Sierra Leone and Liberia has remained green in the memory of the citizens of these countries who never fail to applaud Nigeria's role in saving their countries from unending wars and bloodshed.

In October 2004, Nigerian troops again were deployed into Darfur, Sudan to spearhead an African Union force to stop the genocide in Darfur.

Nigeria's role as a big brother was constantly accentuated by the success of its military in every given mission.

But as the Nigerian army fought for other countries, the time came for its capacity to be tested at home.

The first was in the late 60s when the civil war broke out and the second was the taking up of arms against the Nigerian state by the Boko Haram terrorists in 2009. On both occasions, Nigerian army showed it has the capacity to reenact the feat it has achieved abroad at home.

As the largest component of the Nigerian Armed Forces responsible for land warfare operations, the NA bears the brunt of the nation's security challenges.

It did not disappoint even with asymmetric warfare introduced by the Boko Haram and later the ISWAP terrorists. It is well known how the army was called in to intervene when the insurgency of the Boko Haram got out of hand in its early days and how the army discharged its duties effectively and arrested the sect's leader and handed him over to another agency.

It took several years after that before the insurgents again regrouped and took up arms against the Nigerian state. But even after that, the Nigerian army has been relentless in proving its capacity to safeguard the country.

This much came to the fore with the coming of Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai as the Chief of Army Staff.

This time the focus shifted from launching counter attacks to leading offensives against the insurgents and in their turf. The operations became so successful that the terrorists could no longer launch attacks on communities as any attempt they make are preempted and dispelled.

In 2015, the Nigerian army repelled an attack by suspected Boko Haram militants in the town of Biu in the north-eastern state of Borno where the militants had entered the town firing guns very early in the morning causing many residents to flee. The army had engaged the militants in intense battle and the insurgents were killed and driven back and calm was restored to the town. There have been several other instances after that but mentioning a few remarkable ones would suffice.

In June 2019, Nigerian troops again thwarted an ISWAP attack on a military formation in the Northeast where the Boko Haram came in seven gun trucks and motorcycles and stormed the base at Goniri, Yobe State. The ambush did not succeed as dozens of the terrorists were annihilated while many of them fled with injuries.

In that encounter, five gun trucks, weapons and rounds of ammunition were recovered from the militants, while their motorcycles were destroyed. Again in December 2019, Nigerian troops fought back Boko Haram insurgents at Gonar Bukar settlement on Gashua Road on the outskirts of Damaturu, the Yobe capital. They had attempted to infiltrate Damaturu metropolis in the evening and troops engaged the insurgents and sent them fleeing.

Then in January this year there was massive shooting in Monguno, a major town in northern Borno State, as the Nigerian military repelled an attack by the terrorists.

Suspected members of the ISWAP faction of Boko Haram attempted to invade the community that now serves as a mega camp for internally displaced persons and soldiers battled for several hours to repel the attack. In March 2020 Nigerian troops also devastated Boko Haram militants in Damboa, a town 85 kilometers away from Maiduguri.

Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, who is slow in commendation was so overwhelmed that he was full of praises for the Nigerian troops. He said the troops demonstrated unprecedented gallantry when they tackled the insurgents saying 19 gun trucks were recovered from the insurgents while an unspecified large number of them were killed. “‎I find it compelling to salute our gallant soldiers of the Nigerian Army and Air Force, under operation Lafiya Dole for a decisive blow against Boko Haram insurgents on Wednesday morning in Damboa town," he said.

In all, the Nigerian army has shown that it is unrivalled in the fight against insurgency and terrorism.

Murphy is a security expert and wrote this piece from Calabar

By Julius Orya


When the Nigeria police in February announced that it undertook a combat operation that led to the killing of 250 alleged terrorists in Birin Gwari, Kaduna State, many Nigerian activists questioned the announcement saying there were many gaps in the story. 

They demanded picture and video evidence and challenged the police to take newsmen to the scene of the fight to convince them.
When gallant Nigerian troops repelled a planned invasion on the town of Biu, Borno State, last December and took out quite a number of the insurgents as they tried to escape, cynicism greeted the cheery news from the camp of activists who wanted to reduce the feat as insignificant. 

But last week, when the Chadian President, Idriss Deby Itno, came out and announced that his troops have killed over 1000 of the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, Nigerian activists did not demand a picture or video evidence from him. He, rather got a standing ovation.


The same people that tried to fact check the announcement by the Nigeria police and downplay the liquidation of insurgents by Nigerian troops never deemed it fit to subject the claim by the Chadian President to scrutiny.


Deby Itno had said that while Chadian troops liquidated over 1000 of the insurgents, that only 52 of his men fell in the 'daring' operation on the fringes of the Lake Chad, which has been code named 'Operation Colero de Borno.'


Those who have bothered to fact check the claim of the Chadian President have however uncovered lots of misinformation, half truths, exaggeration and outright lies in the Deby story. 


The first is the claim by Deby Itno that he is fighting Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists. The second is the claim on the identity of those liquidated and the third is the motive for moving against the militia.


Of the four countries directly affected by the activities of the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists,  that is, Nigeria, Cameroun, Niger and Chad none of them has been so receptive and welcoming of the groups like Chad.


While the three other countries had committed to a joint multinational task force and were doing all they could to suppress the insurgents, Chad under Deby on the other hand had preferred to play the ostrich.


Over the years, Chad would pretend to be with the multinational task force in the day, but in the night, when the other countries send troops to go after  the insurgents, it will allow them safe abode deep within its borders and beyond the 25 kilometers allowed for penetration by the multinational force. This is why while the other countries have been able to keep the population of insurgents low, Chad has seen to a boom in their population. 


Fact check revealed that since the insurgents began to seize territories in 2013 and hoist their flags, they do not at any one time station more than 300 of their men at a particular location preferring to be itinerant for fear of being subdued.


When the insurgents seized Gwoza in Borno State and made it the capital of its caliphate, facts on ground showed that it kept only about 400 of its militia to secure and administer the place until they were flushed out by Nigerian troops.


In other smaller communities that the insurgents manage to capture, residents say after the initial invasion when they come with so many of their men, they quickly retreat leaving about 100 of them to hold on and maintain the siege.


For any country to have 1000 of the fighting men of the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, as claimed by the Chadian President therefore, means that either the country is accommodating the two terrorists groups or the claim in number and identity is not entirely true.


One has a cause to believe that while Chad harboured the terrorists and was using them to extort money from other bigger countries, it also had its own share of rebel militias that are almost indistinguishable from the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists. This is because their activities are known to overlap.


Militancy in Chad evolved from a series of mutiny that has become part and parcel of the politics of that country over the years since the days of Goukouni Oueddei who was shoved off the throne by Hissen Habre.


Habre also got a worse treatment from Deby who was his associate and the culture of schemes, betrayal and power tussle has become the order in Chad.
Deby Itno himself has survived many putsch and in the bid to make himself the life president,  removed term limit for the presidency and has been winning elections since then.


This, needless to say, has set him against a section of the country who are yearning for regime change and for the enthronement of true democracy in the tiny country. A mutiny even arose from within the armed forces which was however quelled and the leader arrested and detained.


Deby Itno, to sustain his grip on the nation, had to keep political opponents behind bars for several years and under inhuman conditions. 
Despite all that, he has not been able to shake off the fear that he might lose the throne the same way he got it hence never cease to look over his shoulders.


Matters got to a head last year, when there was an agitation from the civil populace against bad governance. As the agitation grew, Deby Itno decided to move against the largest concentration of armed militia in his country which he by default allowed and which could be used against him. 

The militia, realising they were about to be sacrificed in the political chess game, decided to preempt the Chadian President by moving against his killer squad and succeeded in killing 98 of them.
This angered the Chadian President who saw the political implication of the liquidation of his strike force and decided to retaliate by giving the militia a bloody nose.


It was so personal to him and relevant to his survival on the throne that he had to lead the operation himself as he trusted no one else to do that for him given the level of disenchantment and mistrust even in the armed forces . So the Chadian President in leading the troops was basically fighting for his own political  survival . Hence on the first fact check, Chad is not fighting Boko Haram in the Lake Chad. 


One the second fact check,  it is equally important to probe the identity of the militia the Chadian troops engaged. It is a well known fact that 80 percent of Boko Haram/ISWAP are Chadian Rebels as virtually all of them are found in Lake Chad Islands within the Chadian Territory. Deby Itno in dislodging his country's rebels who have grown in number and have mingled with the terrorists across the border for his political survival, has turned his political fight into a propaganda to portray him as a warlord fighting terrorism and insurgency. 
Unfortunately, this is the version our Nigerian 'activists' want to believe. Whatever they chose to believe, no one can sell the dummy to us that there was any 1,000 terrorists killed anywhere by the Chadian President who is fighting for his own survival.

Orya wrote this piece from Karu, Nasarawa State.

Idris Derby: When Orange Is A New Black

By David Onmeje

Celebration of fantasies over anything foreign has deeply influenced the psyche of Nigerians. It is in the character of every Nigerian to even abominably bow to anything and everything foreign, no matter how fake. And many are still pleasurably ignorant that the original or initial religious Boko Haram insurgency has been decapitated and eclipsed.

The scanty traces of insurgency in the country and the infiltration of ISWAP terrorists into Nigeria is deliberately festered for a different motive. What is energizing rebels and criminals in the Lake Chad Basin enclaves is economic terrorism because of its rich oil and gas resources. The naturally endowed Lake Chad Basin area is largely shared by Nigeria, Chad, Niger and to a large extent, Cameroonian republics.

For clarity, in a March 2020 well researched article published in the Journal of Politics and Religion, titled “Untold Story of Boko Haram Insurgency: The Lake Chad Oil and Gas Connection,” authored by Mr. J. Tochukwu Omenma, the author opinionated that “Oil as an important natural resource will continue to shape international conflict, and since the beginning of oil exploration in the Lake Chad basin, oil products have been a key element of the riparian states' national interest and contestation. The “greed-and-grievance” theory explains this configuration of forces behind the insurgency in the Lake Chad region.”

There have been some funny hallucinations in Nigeria, the last few days. It about the Chadian President Idriss Deby, who reportedly led his country’s Military in an operation against Boko Haram called, “Operation Boma’s Wrath” on April 4th 2020. The Chadian forces onslaught extinguished terrorists in the battle at Kelkoua, bank of the Lake Chad. Scores of Boko Haram terrorists were neutralized and two Boko Haram command posts in Chadian territory were dismantled.

This should only be commendable to the extent one discerns Chad’s repentant posture in supporting terrorism. President Deby deluded himself by erroneously thinking he could keep enjoying the criminal alliance with Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents eternally.

The only appropriate description of President Deby’s action is “revolt is the chamber of terrorists.” Deby was disappointed that his partners in crime betrayed him when the Boko Haram militants again attacked a military base in Boma on March 23, 2020, killing 98 Chadian soldiers. It happened earlier at Diffa region. He was incensed and ordered the vengeance operation to appease his soul. These are tricks crafty leaders like President Deby play with the lives of the people.

So, the onslaught killed, dislodged and captured Boko Haram terrorists’ major bunker of armoury in Chad territory. It is good news that some Boko Haram terrorists escaped into the Nigerian, Nigerien and Cameroonian territories. Its cheering revelation that terrorists have no abode in Nigeria because of the superior might of Nigerian troops. It intimated Nigerians that terrorists empowered to torment the country are harboured by neighbouring countries.

In justifying the queerness of some Nigerians, a joint military operation by Nigerian troops under the auspices of the Multi- National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) through combined air and artillery bombardments strikes also dislodged fleeing terrorists from Chad which wanted to take shelter at the Tumbun Fulani area in Borno state and Lake Chad Islands in Nigerian territory.

But Nigerians never gave a thought to the brilliant and proactive actions of Nigerian troops. Some newspapers still credited the action of Nigerian troops to Chadian forces. And so, what resonated in the country was rather the bemused celebration of President Deby for the “wonderful feat”, just to spite President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Military. One cannot scoff at the idiocy of some Nigerians enough.

Sometimes, it’s difficult to comprehend Nigerians. The Chadian Military’s strike, dislodgement and destruction of the armory bunker of Boko Haram terrorists is at best, an action expressive of a deal gone awry between Chad and Boko Haramists and their ISWAP counterparts. But compatriots failed to discern this simple insight.

Some shallow-minded fellows never reminisced that the Nigerian Military had consistently complained about the tacit support Nigeria’s neighbours who extend assistance to Boko Haram terrorists, especially Chad. The insurgents armoury bunker attacked by the Chadian forces in her territory was neither assembled in a day nor in a hurry. It has been there and provided a convenient environment for Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists to stockpile weapons, raise and train foot soldiers, in spite of the presence of MNJTF.

It is one of the many secure spots in Chad and other neighbouring countries Boko Haram retire for protection and replenishment each time they launch attacks on Nigerian territories. This is not hidden and Chad particularly has refused to heed to pleas to cooperate with Nigerian forces and MNJTF.

It is therefore, surprising that instead of Nigerians to deeply assess the sudden reaction by Chad, they are senselessly celebrating the fantasy of the action Chadian forces led by President Deby. Suddenly, almost every Nigerian has forgotten that Chad has been a major impediment in Nigeria’s absolute success in her counter-terrorism expeditions.

Under the Jonathan Presidency, President Deby allegedly collected $20 million to assist Nigeria fight Boko Haram. But thereafter, Chad embarked on actions which were supportive of terrorists and emboldened insurgents against Nigeria. And similarly, it is an established fact that under the Buhari Presidency, once Boko Haram terrorists chased from Nigeria in the heat of field combats with Nigerian troops, they cross into Chadian territory, where they are shielded to escape and recuperate to plot fresh attacks on Nigeria.

In the past, Chad had variously frustrated and sabotaged regional cooperation in the war against terrorism ostensibly because of its secret agreements with Boko Haram insurgents. Chad vacillates allegiance between Boko Haram and alliance to the mandate of MNJTF.

For instance, in 2014, Chad pulled out hundreds of its troops stationed in Niger to assist in the regional collaborative fight against Boko Haram. Chad acted in this resentful manner after President Donald Trump included the country on its revised travel ban list, as one of the countries suspected of aiding and abating terrorism. President Trump was explicit that Chad reneged to “adequately share public-safety and terrorism-related information."

In January 2020, Chad again, withdrew its troops from Nigeria operating under the MNJTF. Thereafter, Boko Haram strikes in Nigeria accentuated. Anonymous Chadian military sources claimed its forces had completed its mission in Nigeria. Chad and her tricky engagements with neighbouring countries in the fight against terrorism is so glaring.

It is no news that Chad is famous for its refusal to fund MNJTF as agreed by the member-nations. And it condescends to the level of even consenting to hundreds of cattle rustled in Nigeria by terrorists from ransacked communities to find their way into Chadian markets unmolested. It has remained one of the main sources of funding of Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria.

And despite Chad’s US secured computerized gadgets, installed at all Chadian borders with neighbouring countries, Nigeria inclusive and backed up by a 24-hour security surveillance and checks at all border-crossing points by Chad’s security forces, Boko Haram still freely ferries weapons through the country into Nigeria. Chad has not denied that it is one of the countries from which Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists receive smuggled weapons.

Terrorists smuggled heavy military weapons from some countries in Europe to Boko Haram in Nigeria transit through several countries, including Chad. Chad has neither denied or raised an eyebrow against this act clearly because of a deal and understanding it has reached with terrorists. The silent voice in the deal between Chad and Boko Haram seems to say, “allow us use your country, to transport weapons to Nigeria and we will not strike your country.”

Therefore, it is absolutely senseless and smacks of infantilism for President Deby and his partisan promoters in Nigeria to make a bazaar over his revolting against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists partners for betraying Chad by striking the country’s military base and killing soldiers. Like earlier stated, the Boko Haram armoury bunker destroyed in the “operation Boma’s Wrath,” was not erected in a day. How come Chadian intelligence never knew of it and reacted until the satanic souls rose against them?

Nigerians must know it is a battle between two criminals - Chad and Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists. Nigerians celebrating President Deby just to deride President Buhari and the Nigerian military have missed the drift and failed to decode the underlying conspiracies against their country. It is the fundamental problem of some Nigerians.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and leader of the counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai and Nigerian troops have demonstrated in actions these past years their mettle. A combination of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists are not beyond their capacity to handle.

The COAS is leading the counter-terrorism combats effectively and he has proved beyond reasonable doubt that he is capable of quenching the fire of terrorism in Nigeria. Nigeria has never had a pact with the rebels; but it is open secret that President Deby struck a deal with them, except that it has gone sour now.

Deby needs to clear his name in the kingdom of Lucifer and apologize to his compatriots for sacrificing them. Leading the battle at Boma personally was rather Deby’s symbolic purging of a haunting guilt. Nigeria is not a place for him to come and fart after playing such odious roles to terrorists, rebels, killers, murderers and rapists.

Had the likes of Chad not denied Nigeria and her military, the necessary cooperation in the fight against terrorism, Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism would have been blighted a long time ago, not only in Nigeria but from the West African sub-region. President Deby should stop playing the gods, because the “rich also cry.” His day of reckoning is finally here!

President Deby cannot connive and cooperate with Boko Haram for ages to torment and massively murder Nigerians only to step out angrily to avenge betrayal of his country by the sect and expect sane people to eulogize him. It is childish antics and fraudulent playing to the gallery. The Nigerians hailing the actions of the Chadian President urgently needs to have their brains examined.

Onmeje wrote this piece from the United Kingdom.

Citizens Against Fake Activism (CAFA) has blamed the fake news being propagated by dubious activists for the seeming resilience of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) as it warned that these so called activists are plotting to escalate their lies now that Boko Haram is taking a beating home and abroad.

This fake activists have a perfected a vicious circles whereby they tell lies to slow down the military, allow Boko Haram terrorists re-gain grounds and then turn around to blame the government for not doing enough to curtail the terrorists even though the same dubious people accuse the government of right abuses each time there is a successful onslaught against the terrorists. These fake activists and fake news agents are in essence responsible for the continuous Boko Haram terrorism in the country.

After years of not doing much to support Nigeria in smoking out terrorists that plan and launch attacks from its territory, the Republic of Chad was recently coerced into attacking Boko Haram fighters after its military suffered heavy losses to the criminals; instead of urging Chad to do more in flushing out the terrorists, these fake activist rather rushed to deploy fake news that they hoped would sour relations with Nigeria so that Chad will again lose its new found impetus to do the right thing.

The liars also attempted to rewrite history by attempting to mislead the unwary and create the impression that the terrorists have not been decimated on Nigeria soil and only operate cross border from the safe havens they found in a country like Chad, which did not do anything to stop their act of terrorism until Chadian President Idris Derby saw the ugly side of the viper he had embraced to his bosom.

It must be clearly stated that these fake activists deliberately engage in what they do. The fake news they publish are meticulously crafted and vetted by their clients following which they unleash these campaigns of misinformation, falsehood and calumny with the intent to use them for strengthening Boko Haram/ISWAP especially whenever they are being pummeled by the Nigerian military.

With the knowledge that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. General Tukur Buratai had directed troops to prepare for a final assault on Boko Haram/ISWAP and mop up terrorists that may be escaping from the trouble they courted in Chad, it is important to alert Nigerians to be on the lookout for an increase in fake news emanating from these compromised activists.

CAFA wants to particularly warn Nigerians to be on the lookout for contents from the arrowheads of the fake activists, Aisha Yesufu, Omoyele Sowore, Deji Adeyanju and Ahmad Salkida. These individuals and their proxies as well as affiliated international NGOs would be escalating the campaign of fake news and unsubstantiated stories to help Boko Haram/ISWAP resist its imminent end.

Our monitoring revealed an increase in the deployment of fake news by these people since additional steps were recently taken to launch the final attack against Boko Haram, notably the lies that were directed against Nigerians when the army shuffled its commanders to better position itself. They have also started peddling rumours and lies since the Chadian operation with the intent of blackmailing the Nigerian military into inaction and that will allow fleeing Boko Haram terrorists melt into the Nigerian society from where they will rebuild their cells.

Nigerians should blame these identified fake activists that persistently undermines national security should they do anything to strengthen Boko Haram. Citizens should exact a steep cost from them if they as much as run a single item of fake new and shame their families in market places, malls, schools and even at places of worship to serve as deterrent to other would-be promoters of fake news now that this batch of never-do-wells has been exposed.

CAFA appeals to authorities to nip the problem of fake news in the bud by leveraging on the international movement against the ugly phenomenon to arrest the ugly practice that is threatening the security of the country. We are aware that it is possible to charge purveyors of fake news to court under several pieces legislation that are already in place.

Comrade Ibrahim Kabiru Dallah
Director Communications and Publicity

By Mohammed Ibrahim

Deji Adeyanju invokes a strong feeling of empathy these days. A close observation of his persona lucidly reveals a squandered childhood and misused middle-age. He is full of the emotions of regrets and self-pity. He is a perfect portrait of a thoroughly misguided soul, pushed into a burning furnace by a toxic ambition in the quest for prosperity.

Listening to his lamentations, it drapes with the pathetic feelings of a frustrated man. Adeyanju is a self-acclaimed activist who is in intricate conflict with his inner self. Recently, Adeyanju exclaimed on his Twitter handle that Nigeria is not a country worth dying for. The ennui in him is understandably deep upon the realization that he has taken faulty steps during the best part of his life.

If Adeyanju dreads dying for a public cause in his country, it implies that he is not a true activist. He does not believe in the pro-masses campaigns he claims to advocate, probably because of the attraction of financial rewards. Everywhere, people make sacrifices for their people and nation. There is a country called Nigeria today because some of our forebears battled the colonialists and made sacrifices for independence of the nation.

Likewise, many soldiers battling Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorism in the Northeast have died. They have paid the supreme price so that other Nigerians can exist in a peaceful and secured country. Therefore, pro-masses campaigners do not dread death for whatever reason as Adeyanju has done. It means his actions all this while have been deceitful. Adeyanju’s actions reminds of another odious character, by the identity of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). He too dreaded to make sacrifices for his people but when it mattered most, he sneaked out of Nigeria. They are the self-seeking brats who project the false image of chief agitators of public cause. And they are aplenty in Nigeria, confusing themselves and those who believe in their inveterate gospels.

It is one of the many contradictions in Nigeria. The likes of Deji Adeyanju flaunts the public badge of activists, but he is everything except what he claims in public. Adeyanju is a political merchant and crisis entrepreneur, designed in a manner beneficial to him. His utterances most times portray him as a debauch. He wrote on his twitter handle another day that President Muhammadu Buhari is an animal. “Only an animal will kill 1,000 Shiites and boast about it on National TV,” he asserted.

No man who grows up in a disciplined home would use such vulgar and debased language on his leader. No circumstance, anger or instigation justifies such an uncouth diction on your President. But Adeyanju does not give a damn. Rather, he expects sane and good-mannered Nigerians to listen to him; he wants them to believe what he says or take him for a responsible person. But Adeyanju must know that student unionism is different from activism. What he does is disguised and advanced form of verbal terrorism.

And it is not surprising that Adeyanju markets himself in this manner. He has links with gangsterism, lacks morality, and an undisciplined lad. These are his observable innate attributes. In his undergraduate days at the Bayero University Kano, (BUK), Adeyanju was reportedly a rough character.

And old habits die hard. So, out of school, he is still the same Adeyanju. The air of cultism, and murder whirls around him. An awaiting trial ex-jailbird, people with such nasty experience are barren of a humane conscience; they are ruthless. When he organizes and leads protests to protect the interests of the brutal, barbaric and murderous members of El-Zakzakky's IMN in Nigeria, he is only identifying with his soulmates.

It defeats logic that Adeyanju should stand up for the defence of members of the illegal Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), a murderous sect in Nigeria. It is strange that the self-styled pro-democracy campaigner claims the murder of a thousand Shiites by government, (how did he arrive at this figure?) but is less unconcerned about the innocent Nigerians the religious extremists have killed for over 40 years. What a warped sense of justice!

So, garbing himself with the robes of a political activist is merely an antic of masking himself to exploit gullible politicians. Adeyanju has rendered himself as an active voice of political power mongers in Nigeria. In his estimation, this is a career and he practices it with every expertise.

It surprised many that when Justices Okon Abang sentenced the former PDP national publicity secretary, Mr. Olisa Metuh to jail after convicting him on charges of corruption, Adeyanju came out barking and howling like a castrated bull. He again tweeted, expressing disappointment with the decision of the judge.

He sought to exonerate Metuh from guilt, claiming the former PDP pub scribe was only paid for a transaction. To know Adeyanju is not only a brainwashed soul contracted on hatchet jobs, he argued farcically that the recipient of money for a transaction has no obligation to investigate the source. This reasoning is too infantile, especially for anyone familiar with the facts surrounding the scandalous disbursement of the $2.1 billion arms procurement fund to politicians. But is a trite law and common knowledge that a person who receives stolen property is also an accomplice in the criminal act.

Adeyanju is a doubtful character with multiple identities. He is variously known as Charles, Umar and so forth. And as an unstable character, Adeyanju has been shuttling between Christian and Muslim faiths at different intervals. He presents himself as a Christian today and a Muslim tomorrow. It smacks of a character who is at war with himself and cannot be trusted. Those who know him claim, Adeyanju was chased out of the Nigerian Peace Corps for impersonation as well. Dubiousness surrounds him.

A person like Adeyanju with such filthy credentials has no moral justification to even pretend leading a genuine public cause. It is impossible! It must be made abundantly clear to Adeyanju that a political merchant cannot automatically morph into an activist. Adeyanju cannot run away from his rotten past and seek to clad himself with a new artificial identity. He must identify his personality in consonance with his known antecedents.

And there are just two alternatives left for him. Adeyanju should acknowledge himself either as a fake activist or a cloaked terrorist. But surely, he is not a genuine activist. His actions of defending the murderous Shiites cannot exculpate him from the tag of a terrorist. It will do Adeyanju a lot of good, if he stops deceiving himself and Nigerians with the fake title of an activist.

Ibrahim wrote from Kaduna.

By Ajibola Adeojo


If recent reports of the success recorded by Chadian troops against the Boko Haram terrorists are anything to go by, then it would be taken that the Chadian forces used a new approach that had never been seen before. 


Codenamed “Operation Boma Wrath," Chadian troops were said to have launched an attack on the terrorists, following an attack on their military base on March 23 by Boko Haram in which 98 Chadian troops were killed. 

The revenge attack was adjudged a success because the Chadian troops killed many of the insurgents, destroyed five of their bases and many of their bunkers where its top commanders were hiding and recovered thousands of weapons from them.


Few of the surviving insurgents were said to have ran to Nigerian territories to escape been killed.


But if the Chadians had this  offensive strategy against the Boko Haram terrorists who have been taking refuge in their territories for several years why are they unleashing it only now? 


The answer is not farfetched. Chad did not use any new approach in military warfare. 

That it decided to come out against the insurgents now has more to do with the relationship between the Chadian president, Idriss Deby Itno and the insurgents.


Long before now, Chad had been engulfed in internal crisis for many years and many of its rebels frequently found themselves in Northern Nigeria.


Driven by hunger but with guns and other weapons at their disposal, they wreaked havoc on several Nigerian communities, seized their food supplies and extended their heinous criminal activities to highway robberies. They were known as Kwanta Kwanta due to the language they deployed in their operations.


With the advent of the Boko Haram, especially with the killing of Mohammed Yusuf, top commanders of the sect that were seeking revenge against the Nigerian State were mopped in by the Chadian rebels and in no time the latter surrendered to the command of the Boko Haram because it had more resources and an identifiable structure.


Chad therefore became an important operational base of the terrorists with the knowledge of the Chadian goverment.


The Chadian President had used this relationship to his advantage to demand financial support from Nigeria before.

But the relationship between Boko Haram and Deby went sour in recent times mainly because the Boko Haram were no longer economically useful since nobody was paying to have them kept at bay as was the practice during its early days and secondly, they were becoming a nuisance to their host communities. 


The recent killing of the Chadian troops by Boko Haram broke the proverbial back of the camel and the Chadian government had to turn its gun on the terrorists.


The swift manner the exercise was carried out however raised the questions about the  approach used which saw the Chadian troops waking up one day to round up the terrorists in a singular attack.


Some say this is because the attack was led by the Chadian President himself and would want Nigeria to emulate that.

Those advancing this line of thought forget that about the same time that the Boko Haram attacked the Chadian troops killing 98 of them, the theater commander of the Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Olusegun Adeniyi was also ambushed by the insurgents and would have been killed if not for the deployment of superior military strategy that gave the insurgents a bloody nose.


It is recorded that the Boko Haram suffered so much in that attack that they abandoned a large cache of their weapons and fled.


But days after the Nigerian soldiers outmanouvered the insurgents routing them out in their numbers,  only a little media attention was given to it unlike the Chadian episode. 

The truth is, apart from needless propaganda, Nigeria has fared far better in military operations than the tiny African country, hence has nothing to learn from Chad.

Even judging by the two incidents, it is clear which side gave a good account of itself as far as responding to attacks is concerned.


While Chad was humiliated by the killing of  98 of its finest fighters, said to be the equivalent of its strike force, Nigeria lost only two soldiers in the ambush before reconnoitering to take on the insurgents and blowing them away.

It is obvious that the Chadian military strategy and approach to counter insurgency differs from that of Nigeria in many respects and it would be a great disservice to Nigeria for anybody to suggest that Nigeria should adopt the Chadian approach in its fight against the insurgents. 

One, there is not even a clearly laid out strategy that has cast Chad as having an upper hand in the fight against insurgency. 

In the history of warfare, before any strategy could be said to be superior, it must have  produced the same results over and over again. 

This is not the case with the Chadians as what we have seen is a one off tit-for-tat mission that managed to succeed..

But the danger in playing the defensive or counter offensive like Chad has done in an asymmetric warfare like the one involving Boko Haram is that the insurgents are allowed to make their pick of targets before they are replied.

This could be counterintuitive as the insurgents while taking the time to plan and launch attacks would not always assemble in a place waiting to to be struck. 

Another thing is that allowing the terrorists to converge at a particular place before taking on them.would be at a great cost to the civilian population along their camps who would be made to bear the brunt of their sustenance and the many humiliations that come with it.

The fact of the matter is that Nigeria is far ahead of Chad and other countries in the fight against insurgency.

Nigeria has been the leader on many counter insurgency operations across the continent including the multinational joint task force currently fighting the Boko Haram.

The Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has been leading the fight from the front since he was so appointed in June 2015.

He has personally participated in drills and other military exercises with fighting troops, talked and interacted with them directly  and led operations in the theatres of war.

His presence at many operations has served to inspire troops and boosted their confidence in the battle field. 

Apart from that, the Chief of Army Staff  has been able to win the war by adopting tactics and strategies that suits particular geographical locations which he is quite familiar with.

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

Chad on the other has had a pact with the insurgents which went sour and were driven by rage of betrayal by an estranged accomplice. 

Nigeria however is driven by patriotism and the need to save humanity from catastrophe and disorder. 

The two countries are not in the same category. 

Nigeria is doing well in the fight against insurgency and has nothing to learn from a one off operation.

Adeojo, a security analyst wrote this article from Ibadan.

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) faction of Boko Haram has confirmed the killing of one of its top commanders, Muhammad bin Mallam Fow, who went with the nom de guerre, Abu al-Kukhtar al-Ansari.

A biography published for al-Ansari in the Issue 228 of the digital terrorist propaganda newsletter, al-Naba, that was distributed on April 2, 2020 and translated by the SITE Intelligence Group confirmed his death at the hands of government troops.

The ISWAP propaganda newsletter confirmed that the Nigerian Army killed al-Ansari when the terrorists undertook a failed revenge attack on Damaturu, which the they launched in retaliation for the killing of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Abu ai-Muhajir, ISIS leaders that were earlier taken out by US forces.

In addition to sundry crimes, the publication confirmed that al-Ansari masterminded attacks on Damaturu, Geidam, Garanda and Mallam Fatori in his capacity as the emir of Security Work Battalion.

While the mainstream media had been skeptical of the report by the Nigerian Army that it had neutralized a senior Boko Haram commander, al-Ansari, and scores of other terrorists during the attack on Damaturu, the obituary verified that he was killed when he tried to fire an RPG round to destroy an armoured tank.

The deceased terrorist also ran ISWAP’s indoctrination programmes in addition to managing the terror group’s intelligence network that identify and arrest those that are planning to embrace the offer of surrender from the Nigerian Military.

His death four months after he was appointed Commander of ISWAP’s Security Work Battalion shows that the Nigerian Army regularly neutralize occupants of the position.

By Francois Bonaventure

In November 2014, Mahamat Bichara Gnoti, a political associate of Chadian President, Idriss Déby Itno, was arrested with missiles.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that the missiles were meant for the terrorist group, Boko Haram and that the associate of Deby was indeed one of their suppliers of arms.

Since the arrest of Gnoti, not much has been heard about the case because as is widely known, the man is well connected with the Chadian President.

Th connection between him and the Chadian President was remarkable because of the claims to counter-insurgency  and anti terrorism stance of the Chadian President in the wake of Boko Haram attacks on Nigeria.

The Nigerian government, then led by President Goodluck Jonathan was irked by the activities of the terrorists especially the abduction of the over 200 girls from a secondary school in Chibok, Borno State and wanted to do all it could, not to appear helpless.

That was when the idea of the multinational task force that operate within the sub region without hindrance was mooted and Nigeria bought into it wholesale.

The understanding of Nigeria was that since the terrorists were operating along the border towns and normally cross over to other territories when the heat turns on them, the best way to handle the situation was to seek the cooperation of those countries that Nigeria shares common border with so that military cooperation would be made feasible.

Nigeria shares border with Cameroun, Niger and Chad on the fringe affected by Boko Haram insurgency, but it was suggested to Jonathan that it was important he meets with the president of Chad, as they said a lot depends on his cooperation since his country links the operational  base of the insurgents.

Jonathan agreed and in spite of the status of Nigeria in the sub region,  travelled to Ndjamena to meet with Deby in his capital of Ndjamena.

If Jonathan had bothered to do  a little background check on his host, he would have been a little circumspect on his dealing with his Chadian counterpart.

Deby, is not new to schemes and subterfuges. He took over power from President Hissène Habré in December 1990 through a well organised rebellion and has since survived various rebellions against his own rule.

The highpoint of his scheme to remain in power was the removal of term limits for the president in 2006 paving the way for a life presidency.

This was the man Jonathan was dealing with and without realising what was happening  found himself in the meeting that had been prearranged to extort Nigeria.

But typical of Jonathan, even when he saw some prominent Nigerians on the team of the Chadian president 'welcoming' him to the crisis ridden country, he did not suspect foul play and went on with the deal and in fact, travelled  twice to Ndjamena to wrap up the agreement.

Jonathan after the meeting in N’Djamena, told newsmen that there was a need for Nigeria and her neighbours to intensify joint actions and cooperation to win the war against terrorism and insurgency.

He said, “If you look at the economies of Nigeria and Chad, both are linked. The Boko Haram people don’t ask permission to move from Chad, Niger, Cameroon and Nigeria.

“If the countries do not cooperate, we will not find it easy to win the war, because when the heat is strong in one country, the criminals and terrorists will go to  another one and hide. So we must work together and we are discussing along that line.”

But this was only the side Jonathan was exposed to.

Details of the negotiations that would emerge later indicated  that the Chadian President, had already been groomed to make certain financial demands on the Nigerian president, which he did and was paid handsomely before he accepted to allow his troops participate in the multinational task force.

Knowing how desperate Jonathan was, the Chadian president who is said to be worth  millions of dollars continued to squeeze his Nigerian counterpart any time he needs money using the participation of his troops and use of his territories as bait.

In March 2015, Deby was furious that the Jonathan government  negotiated a ceasefire with the Boko Haram in a deal he facilitated.

“I told President Goodluck not to open negotiations with terrorists … but it was a political choice,” Mr. Deby told a French magazine.

The Boko Haram openly denounced the ceasefire as they did not get anything from the deal and launched assaults on communities.

It was only then that Deby raised his voice against the ceasefire but made no mention of the amount that went with it.

The Nigerian government initially claimed splinter groups of the Boko Haram were responsible for the continued fighting, but later blamed the failure on sabotage while saying nothing about the money involved.

Deby and his collaborators continued to explore ways of bilking an unsuspecting government but unfortunately for them, Jonathan lost the 2015 elections and a new man, Muhammadu Buhari came in as president.

Seeing the commitment of the new helmsman to live up to his promise to defeat the insurgency and terrorism, the Chadian President put on the same act and had the Nigerian President visit him in his nation's capital.

But President Buhari was a different meat to chew. After listening to the Chadian President with his so called commitment to fight the insurgents and the financial demands he was making on Nigeria, President Buhari saw through the plot to extort Nigeria, but rather than decline flatly, offered a diplomatic approach by offering to make the financial contribution to the multinational task force which was headed by Nigeria.

Deby did not like the idea and not long after, Chad's cooperation in the multinational task force waned.

But Nigeria continued the fight and as the insurgents saw the renewed vigour from the Nigerian side, many of them took to their heels and ran into Chadian territories for cover.

This is because most of them are dregs of Chadian rebels that helped Deby to power when he ousted the regime of Hissen Habre.

Deby, knowing fully well that the terrorists were using his country as a base did nothing ostensibly to get back at the Nigerian president for refusing to make financial payments to him directly.

But the number of terrorists in his country continued to increase as Nigeria became unbearable for them.

When the terrorists could no longer fend for themselves as they could no longer cross over and raid Nigerian villages as they used to, they turned their guns on their fellow country men and women in Chad who called on the Chadian government to wade in.

As the Deby led goverment dilly-dallied , the people, whose lives were being snuffed out in hundreds by the terrorists rose in revolt against the Chadian government.

Knowing the extent his people can go if he fails to do something, the Chadian President shamelessly turned the heat on the Boko Haram who he was using to extort Nigeria and other countries.

But rather than let it lie low as a price he had to pay for his greed, Deby decided to use the attack as another opportunity to bend the hands of the Nigerian government by running a propaganda that he was leading the war from front.

Unfortunately some gullible Nigerians took the claim seriously and began to blackmail Nigeria.

But everyone knows it was not  the Chadian soldiers that have secured Nigeria and made it impossible for the insurgents to do as they wished all these years.

The recruitment of some unpatriotic elements to help Deby with his propaganda so that he would further extort Nigeria and share the loot with them has been exposed.

Bonaventure wrote this piece from London.

*Boko Haram: God has revealed himself to Idriss Derby, French counterparts to severe relationship with terrorists*

The National Inter- Faith and Religious Organisations for Peace (NIFROP) believes God finally revealed himself to Chadian President Idriss Derby and his French counterparts to prevail against Boko Haram terrorists.

The now repented Derby was guilty of turning blind eyes to the terrorism around the Lake Chad Basin, especially knowing the Nigerian troops can't trespass its shores.

Under the leadership of Lieutenant General T.Y Buratai, the gallant troops repeatedly decimated the Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, with the remainder fleeing to neighbouring nations where it found solace.

But in a surprise turn of events, Derby backed by his French allies, recently led an onslaught on the Islamic fighters and NIFROP traced this to a supernatural encounter with God.

In a statement signed by Chairman Board of Trustees, Arch-Bishop Julius Ediwe on Monday, NIFROP disclosed that “Boko Haram terrorists would have become history by now if Nigeria’s neighbours go beyond paying lip service”.

NIFROP urged Niger and Cameroon to sustain the momentum and cooperate with Nigeria to separately but simultaneously launch similar operations in their territories.

The religious group, however, advised authorities to investigate sources of the weapons seized from the Chadian military operation against Boko Haram.

On its part, NIFROP assured the Nigerian troops of its total support, spiritually and physically as they edge closer towards victory over the terrorists.

Read full statement below:

The National Inter- Faith and Religious Organisations for Peace (NIFROP) is pleased that the Lord our God has finally revealed himself to Chadian President Idriss Déby to prevail against Boko Haram terrorists with the army of his country.

NIFROP had always been of the view that the Boko Haram terrorists would have become history by now if Nigeria’s neighbours go beyond paying lip service to the threat posed by the extremists to the Lake Chad Basin. The terrorists had become attuned to the fact that Nigerian troops will not violate the territorial integrity of the country’s neighbours by conducting operations beyond Nigeria’s borders, hence the hit-and-run tactics of attacking Nigeria and then fleeing into Cameroon, Chad or Niger.

Had the terrorists constantly had the kind of reception they just got from Chad each time they flee into its territory after carrying out attacks against Nigeria then there would not be as many as two scores terrorists left alive in the Basin as of today.

The divine hand that guided the Chadian President and his french allies to lay siege to the terrorist from the Chadian end of the Lake Chad Basin is a welcome development that should be sustained by that country and adopted by Niger and Cameroon. We urge the trio of Cameroon, Chad and Niger to realize that Boko Haram is a toxic terrorist organisation that has no honour and can therefore not be on friendly terms with any nation.

These three neighbours must thus coordinate with Nigeria to separately but simultaneously launch similar operations in the territory of each country so that the terrorists are deprived of the opportunity to regroup. They should no longer be allowed the luxury of being able to flee across international borders whenever there is a military operation against them in one of the neighbouring countries. The Presidents of these nations must be able to say like King David in 2 Samuel 22:38 “"I pursued my enemies and crushed them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed.”

This will effectively make it possible for these countries to support Nigeria by ensuring that the terrorists no longer use their territories to launch attacks on innocent Nigerians. Had this level of commitment been present from these countries in the past four years and coupled with the fierce efforts made by the Nigerian military under the government of President Muhammadu Buhari the end would have come for the terrorists.

NIFROP is further of the view that sources of the weapons seized from the Chadian military operation against Boko Haram should be properly investigate because the images of the seizure clearly confirmed past assertion by organizations like ours that had concluded that there are third party states arming the terrorists to torment the region. The sheer volume, assortment and sophistication of the weapons recovered from Boko Haram confirmed that the Nigerian military has been successfully containing terrorists that are far more dangerous than previously thought.

It is our belief that the Nigerian Army under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai at this moment needs prayers on the scale of the ones we are praying for the end of Covid-19 to come. NIFROP is doing the needful in this regard as we appeal to God to strengthen the hands of the state against terrorists. The say that victory is close even as we warn the Army leadership to be wary of demonic agents that will come up with fake news in efforts to break their spirit.

But our troops should be rest assured that God has given them victory over the terrorists and the next few months will see them making progress that will be more than what they have achieved in the last four years. As troops buffet the terrorists on one side, their old allies will turn against them from within, including ISIS and ISWAP because God has heard the prayers of the people of the world. Like he promised in the holy scripture, he will turn our enemies against themselves and give those who believe in him the desired victory.

We are already in thanksgiving mode at NIFROP because the Book of 2 Chronicles 20:22-24 recorded how the children of Israel faced a seemingly unwinnable war but “As soon as they began singing, the Lord confused the enemy camp, 23 so that the Ammonite and Moabite troops attacked and completely destroyed those from Edom. Then they turned against each other and fought until the entire camp was wiped out!” So shall it happen to Boko Haram, ISWAp and ISIS.

By Ogunmola Ayokunle

Nigeria operates on a faulty foundation. It is a country intricately entangled in different ways. But the greatest challenge Nigerians as citizens of a defined geographical entity has been the inability to overcome the indifference to their country on patriotism and loyalty as a people responsible to a nation.

A critical assessment of the actions or conducts of majority of Nigerians gives the impression that some people think their country is a temporary abode of habitation, as they would one day abandon it to an original home somewhere. It is utopian thoughts. Condemnably, this inclination has perpetually amplified national faultlines of ethnicity, religion or regionalism on every issue.

But the narrative on citizenship is different in other climes. Not long ago, President Donald Trump had a fierce confrontation with Speaker Nancy Pelosi over parliamentary debates on whether or not America should go to war with Iran over the crisis and controversies generated by the President’s order which led to the assassination of an Iranian Army General, Qassim Soleimani.

In spite of the official and unconcealed open bickering of these top senior America leaders, all parliamentarians whether of the ruling republicans or democrats harped defiantly on protecting the national or American interest first. In their contributions, all were concerned that personal animosities should not supersede the American interest. This is the tattoo of patriotism and loyalty responsible citizens wear at all times.

And all citizens of other countries of the world do not compromise their national interest, no matter the motivation or circumstance; whether as individuals or corporate bodies. Unfortunately, the experience of Nigeria is sadly different and extremely odd. Here, Nigerians do owe allegiance not to the nation, but their sentimental blocs or personal interests even where these are injurious to the national question.

The media plays an important role in reshaping society and molding public opinion. But in other countries, the media and its operators play these roles with ultimate regard and responsibility to their country of domiciliary. APF, an online newswire is of France and similarly, the Cable Network News (CNN) is of America.

However, no matter the challenge posed to them by professionalism and ethical demands, they do not compromise the national interests of their countries. It is like a taboo for either CNN or APF to practice their trade in a manner that is likely to compromise or jeopardize the national interests of their countries, particularly on security matters.

Nigerian citizens have a different perception of citizenship. They seek every day to pull down their country. They embark on actions which tend to even question the humanity in them. Some media in Nigeria are the worse culprits. Not only are they are excited by the security challenges that have held Nigeria at the jugular, but they ply their trade in a manner that unpretentiously expose them as saboteurs against their nation.

Cyberspace terrorism is globally acknowledged as a new, but very strong and lethal aspect of terrorism. There are even laws prohibiting the indulgence into cyberspace terrorism, which is by every ramification a potent threat in counter-terrorism efforts. But some media in Nigeria and its practitioners have given full support and exercise it wittingly.

Topmost among Nigerian media in this disapproving attitude against Nigeria or their country is Sahara Reporters (SR). This online publication operated by Nigerians owes its existence/funding to external forces. And to date, SR still draws its funding substantially from external sponsors, including countries which are Nigeria’s adversaries.

Therefore, SR has no feeling for Nigeria’s predicaments on insecurity. The touchiest aspect of it is that SR goes out of its way to indulge in destructive falsehood against the Nigerian Government, the Nigerian Military and particularly, the Nigerian Army, which are battling Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorism in the country’s Northeast.

SR has ordained itself as a news platform that has become a concentrated and brazen mouthpiece of the enemies of Nigeria. Every Nigerian and the entire world knows that Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorism which have troubled and tormented Nigerians for over a decade is funded and activated by external forces. The conspiracy against Nigeria is thick and, it is refreshed every day. And the actions of SR indicate that it has conscripted itself into plots to destabilize Nigeria.

So, SR is very incensed that the Nigerian Government under President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Military have not given terrorists or their sponsors a chance to overrun Nigeria. SR has devoted its news platform to rubbish the Military and efforts of troops in quelling terrorism in the country. They are tacitly frustrating the counter-insurgency operations in the country.

SR does it by mindlessly unleashing a pen and psychological war on the Nigerian Army and the troops in the frontlines through mischievous and fabricated news reports. The intention of SR through such invented and resentful reports is to give full support to terrorists, glorify their acts and embolden insurgents to plot and unleash more atrocities on Nigerians.

When SR is not reeling out fake news against the Nigerian Army, its editorials are fixated on dictating to Mr. President who is qualified or unqualified to serve the nation as Service Chiefs. SR has rendered its news platform to terrorists’ sponsors to ensure Nigeria is defeated in the war against terror.

Regrettably SR has marketed itself consistently as the pen wing of terrorists. It is acting as a news medium to complement terrorists’ efforts in executing the agenda of disintegration of Nigeria. So, SR is now courageous to take their battle to the doorsteps of Nigerian troops at the warfront.

The instruments adopted by SR even question their professional competence and ethical sanity. They engage in outright falsehood; publish unverified news, twist everything that comes from the theatre of operation to give a different interpretation to the public. By this action, they bolster the horrendous acts of terrorists to keep greasing their sponsorship by terrorists’ kingpins.

Just yesterday, SR quoted out of context, the former Commander, Command Theatre, Operation Lafiya Dole. And to blow-up their known mischief, SR speculated generously about deaths of soldiers and civilians as well as missing persons from the imaginary encounter between troops and insurgents. It however never complied with the professional creed of confirmation of the news, but went ahead to publish it.

The online publication sourced the materials for the said publication, after some mischief makers went to town with an alarming casualty figure, as it was done in the Jonathan's era to instigate mutiny in the armed forces. SR faults everything or decision taken by the Army leadership with every bias. Whose interest is SR serving? Could it be that SR is more interested in festering Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism in Nigeria than devoting their news platform to assist the Nigerian Government and people battle terrorism to a terminal point?

It should not be concealed to SR or its operators that it is into active cyberspace terrorism by promoting the agenda of terrorists and their financiers. What is however clear is that SR cannot continue to thrive in the corporate world on the blood of innocent Nigerians. By the strength of the prayers of Nigerians, nemesis will soon trace and catch-up with SR.


Ayokunle is a security expert and wrote this piece from Ibadan.

*Covid-19: Human rights group lauds Nigerian Army's involvement in lockdown enforcement*

.......Welcomes probe panel

The Save Human Advocacy Centre (SHAC) has hailed the Nigerian Army for another timely intervention in a crucial period to save Nigerians from impending collapse to the dreaded coronavirus.

The SHAC believes the Army's proactive response to enforce the stay-at-home order could ultimately be the game-changer as the country edges towards victory over the pandemic.

Coronavirus has swept across the world, killing thousands and forcing millions into quarantine. Several nations have activated armed forces to help combat it.

South Africa deployed its army to enforce a 21-day lockdown and U.S. President Donald Trump activated the National Guard in New York, California and Washington.

The U.S., French and Moroccan armies have set up field hospitals, and Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the army to carry out drills to increase its readiness.

Led by Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General T.Y Buratai, the Army is ensuring that Nigerians adhere to President Muhammadu Buhari's lockdown order in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun; doing so within the ambit of the law.

In a statement signed by Executive Director, Dr Grace Gyang, SHAC praised the Army Chief for going a step further to set up up toll free lines and help desk to checkmate suspected human rights abuses.

According to the group, Lt. Gen. Buratai has again proven that he is after the protection of the lives of Nigerians whether in war situations or on public health issues like now.

“ By the figures SHAC monitored on April 5, 2020, through a special website called ‘Worldometer,’ Nigeria’s Covid-19 cases are 224; we have recorded 5 cases of deaths and 32 recoveries in nearly two months since the first case was discovered. NCDC has tested over 4,000 cases. This is not time to joke with our lives! It means God Almighty is very merciful to us and we are obligated to appreciate Him through our actions and conducts,” the statement said.

“At this point, SHAC is commending the Nigerian Army in safeguarding Nigerians in this precarious time by enforcing the stay-at-home order. We are also pleased by the Army’s initiative of setting up toll free lines and desk to checkmate suspected abuses of Nigerians by any of its personnel in implementing the lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

“SHAC is infinitely proud and appreciative of the leadership offered by the COAS Lt. Gen. TY Buratai. For the umpteenth time, Gen. Buratai has proven to Nigerians that he is after the protection of the lives of Nigerians whether in war situations or on public health issues like now.

“We endearingly salute the proactive initiatives by Gen. Buratai, which actively responded to the genuine concerns raised by well-meaning Nigerians on restriction of movement to tame the spread of Covid-19. Or else, by today, and without the action of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria would have been in the same ditch of mess over Covid-19 with countries like Italy, Spain and America among others. We live in a panicked world now!.”

SHAC, however, welcomed the COAS’ resolve to investigate alleged human rights abuses against his officers and soldiers.

The group advised Nigerians, though, to allow the Army investigate and punish those found wanting within its laid down laws while they also do their best to ignore fake news.

“ SHAC is appealing to the understanding of Nigerians that in every organization or institution, there are deviants. The COAS is not unaware of the few cases where some soldiers abused or violated the human rights of some Nigerians in the course of enforcing the stay-at-home order as directed by the FGN and state Governments,” it said.

“ The issues are on his desk. And Gen. Buratai has ordered and arrested the suspected soldiers for unprofessional conduct as he has always done even in instances before now. The soldiers are currently subjected to military interrogation to ascertain the veracity of the claims and culpability of the soldiers.

“ And if found wanting in the reported cases of abuse of civilians, the trusted Gen. Buratai will not be hesitant to discipline or punish them in accordance with laid down Military laws. We again appeal for calm and understanding from all Nigerians. We all need our supports in this difficult period.

“ Perhaps, before we conclude, the general public must be watchful about the activities of fake activists who are out to blackmail the military and Nigerians. These emergency or contracted activists are unto their usual business by dusting up old pictures of soldiers’ brutality of civilians and doctoring them to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army.

“ These pictures and videos have gone viral on social media platforms to poison the minds of Nigerians against soldiers. But we must be clear-eyed to discern the fakeness and ensure that we are not misled by such dubious elements and their gimmicks.

“ SHAC is disclosing to the public that Nigerians who have difficulties reaching the Nigerian Army Human Rights Desks nation-wide can reach us over their problems in this period. We have equally launched a situation room to monitor issues of human rights abuses by all security agencies participating in the Covid-19 lock down across the country and not just the Army. We are concerned; all Nigerians are concerned.

“ Finally, we enjoin all Nigerians to support the federal and state governments by observing the stay-at-home order. We should resist the temptation of being used by dubious elements to disturb the peace of the country through Covid-19. We are just trying to overcome Boko Haram and as a nation, we cannot afford another round of mass deaths in whatever guise.”

By Philip Agbese

Nostradamus is famed globally as a man who saw tomorrow. He was a great seer, whom God endowed with unbeatable clairvoyance. He could predict the future events with amazing precision. He was venerated world-wide because his prophetic prowess and projections hardly missed the targets.

President Muhammadu Buhari can be likened to the great Nostradamus. He is imbued with such telepathy. He met Nigeria in a terribly shape. It was a country wholly dependent on other nations for survival. Buhari perceptively saw tomorrow. He had a sound vision about tomorrow and the future, which told him repositioning Nigeria on the path of self-reliance was the only worthwhile step of redemption of the country.

As democratic President of the country, he knew salvaging actions towards self-reliance were necessary to fortify the future. Thus, his administration initiated policies and programmes that would pull back Nigeria from the claws of dependence to self-sufficiency.

The Buhari Presidency preached, initiated and implemented policies on diversification of the economy. He knew a mono-economy as operated by Nigeria which depended solely on crude oil proceeds for national revenues was preposterous in the event of a global crisis. In the last few years, his administration has pumped trillions of naira to boost agricultural production, promote small scale enterprises and the manufacturing sector.

God Himself, through His divine knowledge and wisdom gave President Buhari the foresight of what was to come in the nearest future. And the President’s actions were tailored in the direction of boosting domestic food production, achieving food security and scaling up activities in the manufacturing sector. And just in four years, Nigeria has pleasantly achieved self-sufficiency in food production & many essential products for her 200 million people!

But initially, the opposition in the country, criticized President Buhari’s policies and actions. He was condemned as a leader groping in the dark. The President was unjustly lampooned for his genuine efforts in transforming Nigeria.

However, the reality has only dawned on Nigerians on the wisdom of President Buhari, with the global pandemic, Coronavirus (Covid-19) currently ravaging the world. Buhari saw today’s reality years back and prepared Nigeria for it. There is now imposition of movements and restrictions on business transactions world-wide.

The price of crude oil in the international market has also slumped unimaginably. But the manageable stabilization Nigeria has achieved, in the face of this global threat fueled by Covid-19 pandemic is attributed to its impressive self-reliance status ennobled by the Buhari Presidency. Nigeria would have been in deep mess had President Buhari sustained the culture of Nigeria’s 100 percent dependence on foreign countries.

When President Buhari closed land borders, his critics and opponents filled the space with resenting voices. But the reality of Covid-19 has exposed the wisdom in that decision. It is the strength of a leader who has foresight. Even Buhari’s most ardent critics, now acknowledge him in their reflective moments, except that the usual pride of Nigerians has restrained some of them from confessing it publicly.

But in more diverse and salient ways, President Buhari’s leadership has shuddered Nigeria protectively and impactfully. The deliberate multiplication of crises, violence and conflicts in Nigeria orchestrated by state actors with its attendant humanitarian problems hinted Mr. President of the necessity to manage the fallouts more frontally and coordinatively. And Mr. President observed that mass poverty in Nigeria among the majority poor was also a problem which needed to be confronted and solved by the federal government in an organized manner.

And it is his divine wisdom and knowledge of anticipation of the unexpected that informed President Buhari to establish the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management & Social Development on August 21, 2019. As usual, the unknowledgeable opposition in Nigeria and critics slammed him variously, accusing his government of ‘duplicitousness’. But Mr. President saw tomorrow and was unperturbed and undaunted.

And after establishing the Ministry, President Buhari proceeded to appoint a humanist, trusted administrator and competent disaster management expert, Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq to pilot the affairs of the ministry.

With Covid-19 gradually simmering into the nooks and crannies of Nigeria and government’s proactive steps to halt the spread of the disease, a total lockdown of the country has been ordered. The importance of the creation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has once again come to the fore.

Through the effective coordination and supervision of agencies under the Ministry, the Minister is providing palliatives to vulnerable Nigerians to save lives and alleviate the suffering of people locked down in their homes as a result of Covid-19 epidemic.

It has adopted a multi-faceted approach in dishing out palliatives to the poor and vulnerable, IDPs, the elderly, persons with disabilities, refugees, trafficked persons, and petty traders among others, as part of Presidential interventions to cushion the effect of the Covid-19 lockdown of the country. The palliatives have manifested in form of cash and food supplies to vulnerable groups in the country.

Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq has established the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development’s COVID-19 Response Committee, comprising all agencies under the purview of the Ministry which are speedily delivering diverse reliefs to vulnerable segments of the country. Agencies under the Ministry have been repositioned and are working seamlessly with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and delivering succor to Nigerians susceptible to extreme hardships as a consequence of the Covid-19 lockdown of the country.

The minister has started dishing out palliative interventions to over 11.4 million households, and to vulnerable Nigerians already captured by the social investment/welfare programs register, covering 35 states and 453 LGAS across the country.

The minister is also exploring the possibility of expanding the register of beneficiaries, as she is in discussion with the US Social Protection Donor Group to add an additional 1 million households to the scheme for the intervention.

And it was divine wisdom and foresight that propelled President Buhari to appoint Engr. Mustapha Maihaja in 2017 as Director- General, National Emergency Management Agency (DG NEMA). NEMA under the leadership of Engr. Maihaja is leading other agencies in providing relief services and palliatives to vulnerable groups throughout the country as well as responding to other disaster situations.

Nigerians are experiencing less hardships during the Covid-19 shut down of the country because NEMA is in perfect working synergy with agencies like North East Development Commission (NEDC), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP ) and all the components of the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIPs) in reaching out to vulnerable Nigerians. Nigerians have started receiving food items, conditional cash transfers, and protective items such as face masks, soaps and sanitizers.

Furthermore, the impact of Covid-19 in Nigeria would have been devastating had the Presidency failed to engage experts ab initio in disease detection and management in the country. It was a divine foresight that informed President Buhari to appoint Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, a world class epidemiologist and public health physician of international repute as the Chief Executive Officer,(CEO) Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) since August 15, 2016.

From the first index case of Coronavirus in Nigeria, reportedly imported into the country by an Italian, Ihekweazu has taken proactive measures to secure the country. In alliance with relevant MDAs, the NCDC boss has established Isolation Centers as well as Covid-19 Testing Centers in states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It promptly acts on specimen of persons suspected of the virus and give necessary advice to safeguard public health. The proactive handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and the success story and the near zero casualty figure in Nigeria is as a result of the ingenuity of the NCDC’s CEO.

Likewise, it is only divine intervention that has insulated President Buhari from contracting the deadly coronavirus disease, even though he mingled with his closest aides and some governors that have already tested Covid-19 positive. These persons are receiving treatments in isolation centres. President Buhari is indeed divinely inspired and empowered to protect Nigeria from unexpected emergencies or disasaters.

Agbese is a human rights laws researcher writing from the United Kingdom.

Human right and social- justice crusaders, otherwise known as activists have moved up the social ladder in Nigeria.

They are no longer the harassed and brutalised lot locked up in dungeons, sacrificing their comfort for any cause they believe in.

They have joined the upwardly mobile in Nigeria who drive exotic cars and spend their evenings at lush gardens in the Federal Capital, Abuja with movie and pop stars.

That lifestyle used to be the exclusive preserve of con men also known as 419 and later internet fraudsters who stage scams to swindle the unsuspecting public of their hard earned money.

The crusaders for democracy and social justice in Nigeria have had their reputation tainted by desperation to make it and have found a gold mine in the offer by corrupt politicians to blackmail either the president of Nigeria or the military.

Investigations by our correspondent revealed that blackmailing the Nigerian president was discovered to be a gold mine shortly before the 2019 elections which the president won with a big margin.

The desperation to taint the image of the military especially that of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai is another goldmine, due to the success of the military operation in the Northeast which has shored up the credibility of the president in delivering the promise he made to the electorate in 2015.

President Buhari had won the 2015 election partly due to the belief that his wealth of experience in the army would help in curbing the terror being unleashed on Nigerians by the Boko Haram terrorists.

Our investigation found out that opposition politicians shortly before the 2019 general elections, in the bid to detract from the high points of the Buhari administration decided to destroy the main thing standing for him; his credibility. This is as all polls conducted before the election indicated that Buhari stood a better chance of winning the election due to his popularity.

The plot was contrived to work on staining his image before the electorate and the international community.

The strategy is said to be aimed at cutting down on his large followership in the northern part of the country and to make it impossible for him to penetrate the southern part which he seemed set to do.

The inclusion of the international community was to regurgitate the age old fable about not being a democrat so that his foreign support base which helped in 2015 would be weakened.

Top opposition figures, our findings revealed, reached out to some individuals and organisations who were known activists for that purpose while offering to pay good money for the 'project.'

As hard currencies were being mobilised for the purpose, sources in the opposition disclosed to our correspondents that the buzz caught the attention of other intending freeloaders who also aimed to make something for themselves and before the elections would come, the queue of activists demanding a deal became quite long.

Our investigations showed that the bait dangled before the activists who became steeped in the project was responsible for some of the negative publicity against the Nigerian president in the media during the 2019 elections.

An Abuja based social crusader who partook in one of the campaigns and made 'good money' for himself, told our correspondent on grounds of anonymity that he knew from then that the business will not go away in a hurry due to the money in their circulation and the desperation of the opposition to paint the president in bad light.

Rather than abate after the elections, things got more serious when the processes of litigation over the election commenced.

The opposition was hopeful that it would get a favourable judgment and intensified its bid to win 'in the court of public opinion.'

He said that was boom period for the activists as the desperation of the opposition took another dimension.

Another activist who said he got a slice of the action after the elections admitted that he got introduced into the business by a friend who was an associate of an opposition politician

" I was with them one day when they now asked me if could use my creativity to earn something for myself and I said yes.

"That was how I stated and we held several meetings and I was assigned a particular task and topic; I performed well and was paid and the game continued," he said.

But even as the opposition lost at the courts, the business of blackmailing the president and the military has not stopped.

This is because the military was not unrelenting in making the president proud by defeating insurgency.

Only last week, our reporters stumbled on a meeting in the Wuse area of Abuja where people were being asked to turn in their scripts for vetting and possible reimbursement

Our reporter found out that the activists are usually given topics to develop and blackmail the president and that any that gets the go ahead of the opposition receive as much as $10, 000.

The delivery could either be in form of a news story written against the president or military which is circulated to the mainstream media or by direct confrontation with constituted authority.

An insider told our correspondent that "what you get depends on your target. For PMB they pay as $100, 000 which is about 38million naira while for the military the pay as much as $50,000.

It is not immediately clear whether such activists are working in cahoots with the insurgents terrorising Nigeria in the Northeast but an insider told our reporter that 'for now it is the politicians trying to get at the president.'

The recruitment of the activists for the purpose of destroying the image of the President our finding revealed is done in two stages.

The first is call up those who have for one reason or the other fallen out with the president and the second is to reach out to the camp of the supporters of the president to give the campaign of calumny a modicum of credibility.

Sources also revealed that even some clerics have also been recruited into the business.

Attempts to confirm if the police is aware of this did not yield fruit but police sources say the authorities may soon swoop in on the activists as what they were involved in was criminal

A top member of the ruling party who asked not to be named when contacted, said the party is aware and will soon take an action on those involved.

By David Onmeje

It is a truism that opposition and robust criticisms suckle democratic wheels and allow governance flourish on beneficial templates. The problem in Nigeria is that a number of critics are more confused than the views they reel out in criticisms. Sometimes, they even reel out criticisms which burp with warped opinions, obviously pointing to the shadows of hirelings.

The National Communications Commission (NCC) Complex at Mbora was recently commissioned with President Muhammadu Buhari in attendance. It was a great accomplishment and a successful ceremony by all gradations.

But thereafter, a critic, apparently on a hatchet job, staged out with vituperations of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami. Apparently, he had personal or instigated issues with the Honourable Minister, but unfortunately presented them in an award-winning trophy of flawed style and lost senses from the first word to the last with his flawed ink. Candidly, he impressed himself, but no one else.

The critic, Emmanuel Johnmar was loud in condemnations of the Minister; labelled him a liar, corrupt, incompetent and a neophyte in managing Nigeria’s Telecommunications industry. Scrutinizing the contents of his criticisms, there was the confounding problem of establishing his real intent. He got himself confused more than the public he staged out to elucidate.

Was Johnmar attempting to praise Mr. President or berate him for appointing an incompetent person like Dr. Pantami to superintend on Nigeria’s communication’s industry and digital economy? At a point, the critic sounded like someone weeping for President Buhari for having a “disaster” like Pantami in his government. But could the critic be more catholic than the Pope?

What befuddled most was the critic’s parameters of what his intelligence could deliver to him as yardsticks of excellence or commendable performance on a job or public office. It was laughable that the critic’s notion of splendor in the case of NCC, one of the many agencies under the supervision of Dr. Pantami was that there is “no credibility in employment, promotions and awards of contracts.” Is this his idea of perfection in a public office? How could a normal person degenerate this poorly in reasoning?

Sadly, that’s the critic’s idea of excellence of a government agency or ministry and not service delivery to the public. It provided clear insights to discerning minds that disgruntled staff of NCC and their shadowy accomplices in the Ministry have contracted him to run down the Minister at all cost.

These are same critics who abuse President Buhari’s principle and philosophy that government is continuity. Nigeria’s landscape is dotted with billions upon billions of uncompleted projects. And public funds have been sunk into them, but every successive government abandon such projects. But President Buhari introduced a new approach to governance by completing these abandoned projects, yet the critics are still fuming and mouthing all manner of insanities in condemnations.

When Buhari completes projects abandoned by his predecessors, the critics claim he is devoid of wisdom to initiate and complete his own projects. If he overlooks them and apply his principle, in the greater interest of Nigerians, the same critics still complain. One is compelled to think whether Buhari’s predecessors brought out the money for such projects from their family patrimony.

The crux of Johnmar’s criticisms on President Buhari, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami and the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) NCC, Prof. Garba Danbatta is that the incumbent administration never appreciated the NCC Complex building they commissioned as started by previous administrations in Nigeria. What is the heck here?

The same senior officials Johnmar sought desperately and provocatively to disparage have traversed a long trajectory in public leadership. President Buhari’s public leadership antecedents are open secrets. Whilst Prof. Danbatta has an established niche as a famed academic in his field of specialization, who by virtue of public service, works under Minister Pantami. And both are crack brains in the Information and communication (ICT) industry in Nigeria.

Dr. Pantami particularly has come a long way in the ICT industry home and abroad. He established his fame years back, right from the point he was the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) at the outset of the President Buhari’s administration.

Buhari wanted to indoctrinate Nigeria into e-governance and he had to look for an ICT expert. He found an Information Communication Technology (ICT) specialist and Internet Technology (IT) czar, Dr. Isa Pantami, a Fellow of British Computer Society (FBCS). His briefs from the Presidency was to spearhead reformations and innovations that would restructure and reposition NITDA as a vibrant agency of the federal government that will drive the Buhari administration’s dream of e-governance for Nigeria.

And Dr. Pantami marshalled out a work-plan and a template, which accomplished this mandate within the shortest possible time through an action frame-work he christened, as, “The Strategic Roadmap To Transform the Nigerian IT Sector,” document. The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy elevated the Nigeria’s regulation of the IT industry and left relics such as e-governance in MDAs; enhanced cybersecurity; digital inclusion; platforms for private sector capacity building by IT stakeholders, development of local content and its promotion.

Nigeria as a nation benefited a lot from his initiatives in NITDA. Through e-governance, ghost workers from the federal civil service numbering over 34, 000 were fished out and government saved billions of taxpayers’ money to invest in other sectors. JAMB now conducts Computer Based Tests (CBTs) and several other federal government MDAs are seamlessly harnessing the treasures of Dr. Pantami’s IT knowledge in different sectors of governance.

It is the reliability and impact of Dr. Pantami’s performance in NITDA that ASUU is hesitating enrolment into IPPIS and advancing all manner of excuses. Its therefore, uncharitable for any critic to descend his contracted ink or axe on such a rare gift to Nigeria in the IT or ICT sector. Pantami’s elevation to the position of Minister streams from his preceding excellent performance as NITDA boss. President Buhari knows Pantami has the knack for the job and willing to do it to the fullest to salvage Nigeria. Whatever Johnmar wrote adequately expressed itself in frustration.

Nonetheless, as Minister, Dr. Pantami has taken full control of Nigeria’s Telecoms industry and IT world; he was first to decry to Telecoms operators that they are over-billing Nigerians on data. He was frank that once Nigerians purchase data, it should not expire. He is working towards implementing the pay -as- you-go package for all GSM operators in the country. He is perfecting plans to compel Telecoms to charge Nigerians less for the services they offer.

It is very unconscionable for a self-styled critic to brand Dr. Pantami and those who work under him with such baseless allegations. These are allegations even the so-called critic has not dropped any hint about their veracity. It’s not all about anyone sleeping to wake up and some demons quarantining his senses to scribble rubbish. The critic imagined and wrote frivolous allegations against Dr. Pantami because Nigeria is in a democratic government and freedom of expression is permitted. It smacks of the abuse of the same liberty of freedom of expression.

Minister Pantami remains one of the best leadership personalities in the new team of President Buhari and a vital cog in the #NextLevel blueprint. And it is definite that detractors such as Johnmar would maliciously come after him. President Buhari selects his team carefully.

So, those trying to crucify Pantami’s efforts are both local and international enemies of Nigeria who do not want the progress of the country and have conscripted critics to act at their behest. The Minister’s stewardship is stainless and
he is poised to add more value to the development of Nigeria in the ICT and IT sector. Let the angels of darkness allow the star to shine on Africa.

Dr. Pantami has demonstrated himself as a dynamite in ideas, which are beneficially explosive. The critics should take an honourable bow out of his leadership space. Nothing written against Pantami has any modicum of conviction. It is the simple and plain truth. Johnmar is however appreciated for exercising his freedom of expression in a democracy.

Onmeje is Group Managing Director of TheNigerian News Group and wrote this piece from London.

By Solomon Oseke

These are indeed interesting times in Nigeria where the media has elected to be on the other side of the divide, churning out divisive news items that serve the country no good, all in return for a plate of porridge. It is also a sad epoch in our existence as a people and as a country where some news platforms have taken the role of being the mouthpiece of the enemies of Nigeria.

I get confused most times on how we got it so wrong in this country like we are a bunch of uneducated folks that know nothing about National interest. Some news platforms now see it as the fad to lead the assault against the government not for what it worth but to promote the interest of their paymasters that have refused to come to terms with the reality that Nigeria belongs to all of us and not a select and those that have also refused to come to terms that it is no longer business as usual where a few share the commonwealth of the people at the detriment of the over 180 million Nigerians.

These news platforms are obsessed with everything about Nigeria. From the choice of the President to who has the right to appoint and sack Service Chiefs in the country. The Nigerian Military has also not been spared from their venomous attacks. Day in day out, we are regaled with fictitious stories about the President and how whatnot about the operations of the Nigerian Military in North-East Nigeria.

This trend is indeed worrisome and should give all well-meaning Nigerians a reason for worry because as it stands, we are not only fighting terrorism in North-East Nigeria, we have also been confronted by lack of patriotism from a constituency that is meant to maintain editorial independence, accuracy and fairness, social responsibility and public interest.

This is the starkness of the reality confronting us as a country now and a vivid definition of the enemy within. The enemy within are those that use their positions to cause havoc rather than promote peaceful coexistence in the society. The enemies within are those who would stand truth on its head by publishing false and misleading stories for the consumption of the general public. The enemies within are those who would intentionally spread inaccurate figures from the North East and push to the public space without minding the consequences of such actions on the overall psyche of the fighting troops as well as the generality of Nigerians.

The enemies within are those who would collect gratification from members of the opposition and spread propaganda using their news medium all in the name of playing politics and at the detriment of National Interest. The enemies within are those who are not happy with the gains been recorded by the Nigerian Military in the war against terrorism in the country. The enemies within are those who would leak to the Boko Haram terrorist the operational strategies of the Nigerian Military.
The enemies within are those who quote military commanders out of context to destabilize the system, and the enemies within are those that wine and dine with the enemies of Nigeria in their quest for the disintegration of Nigeria. And the list goes on.

I have had reason to state in numerous forums that the challenges facing Nigeria are orchestrated and sustained with the active connivance of some news platforms that have elected to be the devil’s advocate in time as critical as this in the annals of the country.

In recent times, the worst hit is the Nigerian Military in the theater of operations in North-East Nigeria. It is so grave that now these individuals twist everything that comes from the theater of operations to give a different interpretation to the general public. The recent casualty of their mischief is the theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, where he was quoted out of context in such a despicable manner.

I am at a loss as to how we got it so wrong in Nigeria. As a start, since 2015, when President Muhammadu Buhari assumed leadership of the country, Nigerians sighed relief and wished for our hopes and aspirations to be translated into tangible realities. This much we saw with the quality of appointments into critical areas of the Nigerian economy, including the Nigerian Military.

Using the Boko Haram war as an example, the Nigerian Military hit the ground running after the presidential directive for the relocation of the military command to Maiduguri in Borno State. And in less than a year, we saw tangible results with territories under the control of the Boko Haram group recaptured. The leadership of the Boko Haram group was dislodged from their operational headquarters in Sambisa Forest, and their remnants scattered all over the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin region.

Nigerians were relieved. They were grateful and encouraged the Nigerian Military to do more to put an end to the activities of the Boko Haram group. Little did we know that some were not happy, and they consequently ganged up against Nigeria. And as funny as this might sound, the likes of Sahara Reporters led this charge in their onslaught against Nigeria.

Sahara Reporters and their agents have been at the vanguard of ensuring that Nigeria does not know peace. They have twisted and falsified figures. They have misinterpreted government policies and efforts towards ending the war against terrorism in Nigeria. They are in the habit of going to town with false casualty figures in an attempt to instigate mutiny in the Armed Forces.

This was the case during the Goodluck Jonathan era, and they succeeded, and Nigeria suffered the consequences. And ironically, this same strategy is what is happening now in Nigeria, and Nigerians must be aware of this nefarious plot against the Nigeria Military.

We must realize that they are more ferocious than before and would stop at nothing to ensure that they achieve their notorious agenda. It is, therefore, no surprise that the Nigerian Military is their strategic focus due to its exploits in the war against terrorism in North-East Nigeria. But for how long they intend to carry on remains to be understood. This would only be possible if Nigerians allow it.

In all of these, I am more than convinced that all those that have elected to be on the side of the evil plot against Nigeria would be indeed put to shame. And how would this be possible? This would be possible if all Nigerians, as a matter of urgency, begin to disregard the activities of Sahara Reporters and their agents scattered all over Nigeria.

The good news is that Nigeria is indeed bigger than those individuals and their agents that are against the interest of Nigeria. I firmly believe that Nigerians would, in one voice, reject and rebuke those that are against our progress as a people and as a country.

The government also has a role to play. They must strive to control the narrative in the media to feed Nigerians with the actual situations of things at all times and every given opportunity. They must not allow the likes of Sahara Reporters and their agents to take the lead as this might have harsh consequences for the morale of its troops in operation in North-East Nigeria.

Nigerians must stay united in our quest for sustainable growth and development. We must form a common voice to defeat the enemies within and as well as the enemies of our progress. Nigeria is indeed on the path of greatness. I salute the enormous sacrifices of our Military and can only encourage them to do more in service to fatherland.


Oseke wrote this article from Auchi.

....Lauds COAS, Buratai's patriotism

The Progressive Yoruba Youth Congress (PYYC) has warned ethnic bigots to steer clear of the military and avoid politicizing its internal administrative matters.

PYYC's caution trails the manner the recent reshuffling of senior officers was interpreted in some quarters despite being an obvious routine exercise.

In a statement signed by president, Mr. Kola Salau, the Yoruba youths said it is “disappointed that certain interests are attempting to incite the Yoruba nation to take offence” at the redeployment of commander Operation Lafiya Dole.

PYYC wondered why the same group didn't put in similar energy when one of them, Lieutenant General L.O. Adeosun, was given an accelerated promotion.

The Yoruba youths, however, expressed its support for the military, the Army, in particular, under the leadership of Lt. Gen TY Buratai.

According to PYYC, the Army chief has shown exceptional patriotism and passion for competence and capacity over personal interest.

Read full statement below:

The Progressive Yoruba Youth Congress has noted with alarm the attempt to politicize what should otherwise be internal routine administrative matters in the military. Our sense of alarm arose out of our concern for the consequences that such unbecoming trend have for the long-term stability of the country.

The most recent of this ill-advised impugning of political meaning into military matters are the faulty reactions from some quarters to the routine reshuffling of senior officers that is now being interpreted as punitive when that is not the case.

Some ethnic bigots are alleging that the immediate past Theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, General Olusegun Adeniyi, was redeployed because he spoke out about operational challenges. Whereas we are aware that General Adeniyi was sent to be a research fellow at Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) in Abuja, where he would be able to share his field experiences with others and therefore make the institutional knowledge readily available to others.

The Progressive Yoruba Youth Congress is disappointed that certain interests are attempting to incite the Yoruba nation to take offence at this redeployment when the assignment of commanding Operation Lafiya Dole is not the birthright of any ethnic group. Commanders from other ethnic nationalities had occupied the position in the past and more from other ethnic nationalities will still man the position until the terrorism is wiped out from the northeast of the country.

We wonder why these same interests did not mobilize the Yoruba nation to protest when one of them Lieutenant General L.O. Adeosun was given an accelerated promotion to his current rank, which by the way places him on the same rank as the Chief of Army Staff. This was in recognition of his gallantry and is consistent with the Yoruba drive for competence and excellence.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai has demonstrated similar passion for competence and capacity, which gives us the impression that he must be a Yoruba son to have such preferences. We are pleased with his stature as a detribalized statesman whose actions are guided by patriotism at all times and will never descend low as to vilify any officer.

The Congress therefore wholeheartedly supports the Nigerian military, particularly the Army under the able leadership of Lt. Gen TY Buratai while urging Nigerians to continue to give him their support.

We however warn detractors of the military to stop giving ethnic slant to internal workings of the military. Those behind the campaign of calumny against the military should learn to give up because all their previous and ongoing attempts to infiltrate the military have failed and will continue to fail because of the detribalized leadership that is in place in the military. We warn these ethnic bigots to stay away from the military as it is not an institution that is open to their interference.

By: Emeka Nwosu

In the wake of the breakout of the Coronavirus pandemic ( COVID-19) globally, the federal government of Nigeria has initiated measures towards the containment of the further spread of the virus. President Muhammdu Buhari consequently imposed a 14-day lockdown in the federal capital territory-Abuja, Lagos and Ogun states.

A section of the country hailed this move by the president and as well criticized by others citing the effect the lockdown would have on the polity. This medium consequently investigated the level of compliance in the Federal Capital Territory and environs.

In the Federal Capital Territory, it was observed that the level of compliance was over 95% with officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies seen at strategic places within the federal capital territory enforcing the lockdown.

Those that were granted clearance to move were mostly those rendering essential services. This medium sampled the opinion of some persons as regards the directive of the federal government on the containment of the Coronavirus pandemic, and the responses were indeed satisfactory.

According to Mrs. Hannatu Yakzum, a nurse with one of the public hospitals in Abuja, she expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance so far, indicating one of the ways the coronavirus could be contained is when people stay indoors.

"The lockdown is necessary given the fact that the virus spreads upon contact and the World Health Organization has stated there is a need for people to maintain social distancing by staying in their homes for a certain period. The federal government has done well in this regard, even though it would be difficult to observe 100% compliance."

"As you can see, there is a strong presence of soldiers at strategic places within the city, and they have denied access to those that do not have any business outside. This is quite commendable."

Another respondent interviewed in the Asokoro area of the federal capital territory believed that mandating the Nigerian Army to enforce the sit-at-home order is one of the best decisions given the attitude of Nigerians to obeying instructions.

"The coronavirus is real and a global pandemic. As we all know, it takes great efforts for Nigerians to obey instructions most times. So the deployment of soldiers is appropriate, and that is why you could see this level of compliance. I am not sure the police would have achieved this much.

It was also observed that soldiers who mounted checkpoints at the City Gate were seen screening motorists in an orderly manner while maintaining social distancing. Mr. Abayomi Lawal, a security operative with Nizamiye Hospital, stated that the soldiers were conducting themselves with care with the kind of questions been asked and the level of distancing maintained.

"We are gradually getting it right in this country; you must agree with me that if this were to be in time past, you must have received some merciless beatings before questioning by the soldiers. But this time around, you could see the decorum displayed by the soldiers. Those without a genuine reason to be on the road are advised to turn back and go home."

"The level of organization displayed by the soldiers at the city gate is responsible for the orderliness experienced here. As you can see, those cars turning back are those that were denied access by the soldiers."

However, for Mr. Kunle Ifedayo, a welder residing along the airport road, it wasn't a pleasant experience he had with the soldiers at the Zuba axis of the federal capital territory. He stated that the soldiers meted out stringent punishment to those they found on the roads.

"I was asked to sit on the bare floor for over an hour by the soldiers. I was on my way to Zuba to quickly buy some materials to complete a job so that I can have some money. I explained to the soldiers, but they won't listen. They said I have flouted the presidential directive and asked me and some others to sit down on the floor. I think that was too harsh since we were going to buy work materials and not traveling."

This was not the case for Mr. Stanly Rotimi, a building contractor who was forced to push his car backward for one kilometer for flouting the sit at home directive. According to him, he was on his way to one of his building sites in the Lokongoma axis of Abuja when some soldiers stopped him.

"I was asked of my mission, and I informed them that I was on my way to the site. They asked if I was going to work alone and I informed the soldiers that my workers were already waiting for me at the site. They told me I had no businesses gathering people at this period and was asked to push my car backwards for close to one kilometer. I almost died until an officer beckoned on me to stop and offered me water to drink."

"In truth, I didn't know my action violated the government sit at home order, even though I think the approach of the soldiers was very harsh. I could have died in the process of pushing my vehicle all by myself. I am appealing to the relevant authorities to caution the soldiers as it is not everyone on the road that is healthy."

Our reporters also observed that within the federal capital city that consists of Wuse, Maitama, and Garki, a strong military presence was noticeable at strategic places. It was noted that the soldiers accosted those on the road, and those with the genuineness of reasons to be out were granted passage and while those without any cogent reason were asked to return home.

For Ms. Ada Onyeakachi, a telecoms worker, it was reassuring to see the way and manner the Nigerian Army exhibited decorum in their conduct. She believed that, indeed, things have changed in the operations of the Nigerian Army.

"It was hard to believe I was in Nigeria with the way and manner I was approached by soldiers on my way to work. The decorum was impressive and they as well maintained social distancing with face masks on. I think Nigeria is making progress."

When our reporters visited the Karu axis of the FCT, it was observed that soldiers mounted checkpoints and ensured that those with legitimate business outside were granted permission into the FCT. Quite many vehicles were turned back.

Some of those our reporters interacted with expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the soldiers. They stated that there were no displays of hostilities as typical in times past. Mr. Ephraim Oguche, who was one of those denied passage, said that he was impressed with the conduct so far.

"I don't feel bad in any way, but instead glad I was treated courteously by the soldiers. Upon interrogation, they pointedly told me I had no business outside and that I should return and stay with my family. I didn't argue with them as I know they were only doing their job in the interest of the country.

Our reporters also gathered from credible sources that the military high command issued a directive that under no circumstance should motorists be subjected to any form of torture. Our source who pleaded anonymity stated that it would have been impossible for the soldiers to go contrary to the directive issued by the military hierarchy.

"The conduct of the military personnel on the streets was as a result of the directive issued that under no circumstances should any citizen is harassed on the street. The instruction was clear. Those on essential duties should be granted passage, and those without any genuine reason should be asked to return home."

"I think to a large extent that has been the order of the day, except for a few cases where some soldiers would attempt to go extreme in their conduct."

This medium also interacted with scores of people at different locations within the FCT, and the generality of the respondents expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the lockdown by the relevant security agencies.

This was against the initial apprehension expressed in some quarters with the implementation of the lockdown by the relevant security agencies. The military command has, by their action, displayed an enviable level of professionalism.

Truth vs. falsehood: When not to crucify the Military

By Ebuka Jackson

I am one of those that that have long stated that journalism has been destroyed in Nigeria with the half-truths and often malicious reportage of events in recent times. It is so despicable that some news mediums would go any length to spread falsehoods, not minding the consequences of such actions in the polity.

The recent redeployments carried out by the Nigerian Army has again elicited reactions from some certain quarters after a news medium in their wisdom twisted the narrative in an attempt to mislead the general public into believing what is not the case.

As a start, it must be stated in unequivocal terms that should the likes of Sahara Reporters carry on in this fashion, Nigeria might wake up one day and realize that we do not have a country anymore.

It is no secret that Sahara Reporters thrives in falsehood, and the content of their news items are highly paid for by their numerous clients that consist mainly of those who do not have the interest of the country at heart. I stand to be corrected; Sahara Reporters can be termed a platform dedicated to the propagation of Armageddon in Nigeria.

Its editorial style smacks a mockery of what journalism entails. Its writing style is unprofessional and lacks every sense of standard editing protocols. It’s more like a copy and pastes session where they are eager to publish in return for their paycheck.

This brings me to the recent publication by the same Sahara Reporters wherein it stated mischievously that the recent redeployment of the Theater Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole in North-East Nigeria by the Nigerian Army was done because Major General Olusegun Adeniyi complained and exposed the inefficiencies of the operations of the Nigerian Army in North-East Nigeria.

This was not surprising coming from the stable of Sahara Reporters. But the challenge here is the fact that the news medium would elect to pass such falsehood to the unsuspecting general public with so much impunity, not minding whose ox is gored.

As a first, Sahara Reporters is not conversant with military operations, and as such, it is smacks of a mockery for it to attempt to blackmail the Nigerian Military for a purely military action. I am constrained to pen this article to put issues in proper perspectives as one conversant with the operations of the Nigerian Military with regards to promotions, demotions, appointments, and redeployments.

As a start, there are standard procedures in the Nigerian Military with regards to the above mentioned. The operational strategies of the Military are always subjected to routine appraisals, and based on reviews, such things as promotions, deployments, and the likes are effected in boosting the operational effectiveness of the force.

I want to use the case of rotation of troops in the battlefront as an example. It is standard procedure, not just in the Nigerian Military, for occasional rotation of officers in their various commands. This is so because when an officer stays too long in a duty post, there is a tendency for such officer to get compromised in the cause of the discharge of their duties. This practice is not just restricted to Nigeria but the world over. This is easily verifiable.

So, that Sahara Reporters sees the redeployment of Major General Olusegun Adeniyi as witch-hunting is a function of two variables. One is the fact that they must have acted in crass ignorance of standard military practice, and two, they carried out the instructions of their paymasters to cause disaffection in the polity.

Either of the above, their action is quite despicable and capable of causing unrest in the country. And not just that, their actions can go a long way in causing mutiny in the Nigerian Military for very obvious reasons. It must be stated that since the formation of Operation Lafiya Dole in North-East Nigeria, scores of commanders have been appointed and replaced by the military hierarchy in line with standard practice. And this standard practice was what led to the appointment of Major General Olusegun Adeniyi in August of 2019 when he took over from Major General Benson Akinroluyo.

It also suffices to add that Major General Olusegun Adeniyi has been in the theatre of operations in Maiduguri for a while. He was the deputy theatre commander to Major General Benson Akinroluyo, whom he subsequently took over from as commander in 2019. So in a way, the narrative been pushed by Sahara Reporters is not only defective, but it is also of poor taste given the fact that Major General Olusegun Adeniyi has been in the theatre of operations for over four years as deputy theatre commander and subsequently as commander.

I must state that this is standard practice, and this much as seen to the various rotations of officers across military formations in the country. Mind you; the recent redeployments didn’t affect Major General Olusegun Adeniyi alone as scores of officers were also affected.

At this point, the public must be aware that Sahara Reporters desist from crucifying the Nigerian Military for no justifiable reason. It must also do well to learn not to delve into issues that are routine military practice the world over. It is, therefore, my considered opinion that this is not a time to play to the gallery. They can continue their money for stories regime, but I beg that the Nigerian Military is spared their shenanigans.

The enormity of the task at hand requires all levels of concentration, and this much Sahara Reporters must realize and come to terms with. They should also do well to educate their paymasters that spreading falsehood against the Military serves no good now and always.

The public must also do well to see through the veil of Sahara Reporters and consequently views its reportage of issues with a pinch of salt. A word is indeed enough for the discerning. This is my take.


Jackson is a public affairs analyst and wrote from Abuja.

Rotation of officers is a professional strategy aimed at reinvigorating operations-- CP Tsav.

A former top security chief in Nigeria and retired Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav has stated that the routine posting of officers in the Nigerian Army is a professional strategy aimed at reinvigorating military operation. He said this during an interview with select journalists in the country in the wake of the recent reposting of military commanders across the country by the Nigerian Army.

CP Abubabar Tsav (rtd) stated that as standard with most security formations, there are regular postings and reposting to ensure that cases of familiarity and complicity are reduced to the barest minimum.

“ It is a standard practice that officers should not stay at a particular command for too long a period to reduce incidences of familiarity and complicity with criminal elements in such locations. If you look at the operations of the Nigerian Police and other security agencies, you would realize that there are always postings and reposting as a way of reinvigorating operations for maximum efficiency.

He further stated that postings in the security sector are purely for professional purposes and not witch-hunting, as some would want to believe.

“ People must understand the sensitivity of the operations of security operatives. It’s far different from conventional practice in the civil or public service. Here we are dealing with the protection of human lives and properties, and as such, there is no room for sentiments. Nigerians must come to terms with the fact that whenever any of our security agencies carry out routine postings, it is purely for operational reasons and nothing more.”

When asked if the redeployment of Major General Olusegun Adeniyi from the theatre of operations in North-East Nigeria was not connected with his recent conduct where he posted videos of troops during operations in the northeast, he stated that nothing of such would have been the case as the Nigerian Army under Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has evolved to be a professionally active fighting force.

“ I tell you for free that those of us in the security sector understand the dynamics involved in warfare. We also follow security issues carefully, and I tell you that the redeployment of Major General Olusegun Adeniyi has nothing to do with the videos that went viral on the social media space.

“ I think the Nigerian Army of today has evolved past that stage that people are insinuating. Not with a man like Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, a statesman to the core. It must be noted that the sensitivity of the northeast operation requires that the Chief of Army Staff carries out a holistic review of his frontline commanders and their performances as a whole and not just about one rare attempt to showcase oneself to the world as a war Commander.”

“ One does not need to be in the top echelon of the Nigerian Army to know that Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, given the opportunity would promote Major General Olusegun Adeniyi and any other officer that is doing an excellent job. So it must be understood that his redeployment is routine and in line with the operations of the Nigerian Army in operation in North-East Nigeria.”

“ The Boko Haram war is not one that the Nigerian Army would play to the gallery. It is an asymmetric war, and there is no room for personal or selfish pursuit. The overarching objective remains for the best interest of the country and the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army. Therefore I strongly believe that his posting has nothing to do with his recent actions but the overall well-being of the Nigerian Army and the interest of the state.”

On the war against insurgency, Tsav stated that in less than no time, the Nigerian troops would have cause to be celebrated by the citizens as the troops have continued to give in their best to the fight.

“ If we go down memory lane, we would realize that since 2009 when the Boko Haram group began a violent campaign against Nigeria, there has never been a time like now where the morale of the fighting troops has been boosted to give in their best. Since 2016, the Nigerian Army has indeed risen to the occasion and proved that they indeed mean business. From the takeover of the over 16 local government areas under the control of the Boko Haram group, to the capture of the operational headquarters of the group in Sambisa forest.”

“ These exploits indeed came with lots of sacrifices, and this is where I give great credit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, for his unflinching commitment to ensuring that the Boko Haram insurgent groups are neutralized. This much we must admit in fairness.”

The anti-corruption crusader also stated that the Nigerian Army has demonstrated and displayed that capacity to end the war against terrorism in Nigeria. It behooves on well-meaning Nigerians to give it all the support it deserves.

“ I believe that those who know me would readily attest to the fact that I am not one that shies away from the truth, even while I was in service. This attribute of mine can be easily verified. I have always spoken the truth in all situations in areas I have considerable knowledge. I think as far as security is concerned in Nigerian, I can count myself as an authority.”

“ I can state categorically that the Nigerian Army of today is indeed a highly professional and effective fighting force. This is not unmindful of the activities of some disgruntled elements that are working hand in hand with some external forces that do not want the progress of Nigeria.”

“ Sufficing to add that despite all their shenanigans, these disgruntled elements cannot break the spirit of the fighting troops. Instead, the troops have continued to display loyalty to the country in the battlefront hence the numerous gains recorded since 2016.”

Tsav particularly queried some news platform that derive pleasure in publishing negative things against the military stating that these news platforms are compromised and it is against the interest of the country if such anomalies continue unabated.

“Terror groups take to social media because it’s cheap, accessible, and facilitates quick access to many people. In the past, it wasn’t so easy for these groups to engage with the people they wanted to. In contrast, social media allows terrorists to release their messages right to their intended audience and interact with them in real-time. The media provides a platform for terrorist movements to broadcast and amplify their message to global audiences. Without this platform, the message of terrorist actions would not reach beyond its very immediate locale and therefore, would remain unknown to most people outside the confined boundaries of the attack.

“ This negative trend must be curtailed because the terrorist groups have found these news platforms as worthy partners in their despicable plot. It is also not a secret that these news mediums are funded by some external interest and members of the opposition that are hell-bent on seeing to the disintegration of Nigeria. This trend must be discontinued, and these news platforms should see themselves as partners in progress as no amount of money is worth any human life.”

He also advised Nigerians to continue to rally support for the Nigerian Army in the quest to defeat terrorism in Nigeria.

“Nigerians must rally support for the troops. They must see the enormous sacrifices that are being made daily and come to the realization that the interest of Nigeria should take center stage at all times. I believe that in less than no time, the Nigerian troops will have cause to be celebrated by the citizens as the troops have continued to give in their best to the fight against terrorism.”

*By Charles Ibekwe*

On Tuesday, the Nigerian Army redeployed some top generals and senior officers in a move meant to reinvigorate and enhance synergy as a tradition in its operations.
Among those redeployed is the theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Olusegun Adeniyi who until his redeployment was in charge of leading the onslaught against Boko Haram terrorists and other forms of insurgency in the Northeastern part of the country.
The redeployment of personnel came at a time the Nigerian army which has recorded several victories against the remnants of what is known as the Boko Haram, needed to reposition to round off the onslaught in strategic military style.
But because the redeployment came few days after a foiled ambush by the Boko Haram terrorists on the convoy of the now TC of Operation Lafiya Dole, it has been given all sorts of interpretation that are strange in military circles.
The Boko Haram terrorists had tried to attack the convoy of the then theatre Commander but were immediately repelled in the process as many of them fell to the superior firepower of the troops in the convoy, with a significant number fleeing and abandoning their weapons which were recovered by troops of the Nigerian army.

Unfortunately, the Nigerian army lost two of its men in the attack but the devastation in the camp of the terrorists was such that they could not re-engage the soldiers as they had wanted to but ran with their tales between their legs.
Mischief makers are however already in town with all sorts of insinuations with a certain online publication, based in the US and run by key political opposition figures in Nigeria, Sahara Reporters, leading the rumour mill by trying to link the current redeployment of personnel to that incident.
The attempt to link that foiled attack with Tuesday's redeployment has produced a mass of rubbish that neither makes any sense nor appeals to any sense of reasoning. Apparently concocted to deceive the gullible and put the army on the defensive, many Nigerians have seen through the tale and have since written it off as ludicrous.

General Adeniyi, as stated in the release by the army has now been redeployed from the theatre command in the North-east which he headed to the army research centre in Abuja while Major-General, F. Yahaya, will now lead the Boko Haram war as theatre commander of Operation Lafiya.
The affected personnel are in high spirits because they understand that deployment in the military , the world over, is routine and is done to rekindle spirit of the officers and to enhance professionalism.
It could also involve the movement of forces within operational areas, outer positioning of forces into a formation for battle or relocation of forces and material to desired operational areas.
In the US army usage, deployment encompasses all activities from origin or home station through destination, specifically including intra-continental United States, intertheater, and intratheater movement legs, staging, and holding areas and can last from 90 days to 15 months.
It can also mean the return of service members in a combat zone to their prior station.
The current deployment of the generals as well as other top military officers in Nigeria, therefore is another normal exercise meant to reinvigorate the system for greater professional effectiveness and professional efficiency.
It is also aimed at injecting new hands to further actualize the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai as Chief of Army Staff, .the Nigerian army has benefited from such movements and have helped in terms of new strategies to prosecute the war against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.

In 2019, the Chief of Army Staff, approved the redeployment and posting of senior officers to different positions.
In that exercise, E.O Ogunkale, a major-general, was moved from Command Army Records, Lokoja to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluation and A.O. Uthman, also a major-general, was redeployed from Nigerian Army School of Signals, Apapa, Lagos to Defence Headquarters as Director, Defence Communications; while Maj.-Gen. O.O Soleye was moved from Defence Headquarters to Headquarters, Command Army Records, Lokoja as Commander.

In 2018, the Nigerian Army also redeployed 103 officers including Major General Abba Dikko,the Commander, Theatre Command of Operation Lafiya Dole while a Deputy Vice Chancellor was appointed for the newly established Nigerian Army University Biu, NAUB.
In 2017 the Nigerian Army redeployed and amended postings of seven major generals, 45 brigadier generals and 597 other officers in one of its most far-reaching shake-up exercise in recent years
To further demonstrate the regularity of such exercises, the Army cancelled the redeployment of Adeniyi Oyebade, two months after he was transferred from being General Officer Commanding of Nigerian Army 1 Division, Kaduna, to Army Headquarters in Abuja as chief of logistics.
Many who are aware of military drills and operations know that deployment of personnel is a constant feature.
That is why innuendos by mischief makers and other publications like Sahara Reporters to taint the recent exercise has failed to find accommodation on the minds of rational beings.
It has been exposed as yet another attempt to find faults when there is none and a failed attempt to award credit to those fighting Nigeria where they do not deserve and it is a shameful and most unfortunate thing anybody could try to wish for his country.

Ibekwe is ex- US marine and public affairs analyst based in Lagos.

By Ahmed Danfulani

Fear has been sold to the world with the outbreak of pandemic of Coronavirus (CONVID-19) in Wuhan, China. In just a few weeks, the entire world has been reduced to one huge symbol of deaths and of mass graves.

The phobia of Coronavirus is real and deafening. The victims are as scary as much as the non-victims. Like a verse in the legendary South African reggae star, Lucky Dube, everybody “is the next victim,” unless the haunting image of Coronavirus is pulled down globally. It has reached the shores of Nigeria with about 30 reported cases of infected people, with one death so far.

Regrettably though, Nigeria has seen enough mass deaths in her history in a decade to the extent the global alarm over Coronavirus induced deaths is mincemeat or child's play in the psyche of Nigerians. Boko Haram insurgency, with its latest tincture, ISWAP terrorism have made mass deaths a regular menu in the country.

Can Nigerians excuse themselves from gory and nauseating memories of mass deaths and graves spurred by vicious armed bandits, armed separatists campaigners, herders/ farmers conflagrations, communal upheavals, militancy or religious extremists and even political thugs or violent election riggers? These memories are evergreen and recurs from time to time.

However, it should not be misconstrued that recounting these orgies of recurrent circle of violence and deaths in Nigeria implies an endorsement or preference for it than the epidemic of Coronavirus. But it's simply, a parodic attempt to establish how Nigerians are inured to mass deaths in other more demonic forms in the country than Coronavirus.

And to date, Nigeria has been grappling with silent, but very sophisticated layers of Coronavirus in other colorations. Nigeria has been battling things far more deadly and contagious than Coronavirus which neither the military nor the civil authorities have fully appreciated its intensity in recent times.

The determination of President Muhammadu Buhari's administration to blight insecurities in Nigeria, especially insurgency is unflinchingly consistent. And the unquenchable zeal and courageously gallant outings of the Nigerian military to also eliminate Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorism in Nigeria is self-evident. But again, it is variously frustrated in more stealthy ways than the global invasion and spread of Coronavirus pandemic.

Many Nigerians may not be aware of the dark forces against the resurgence and festering of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism in the country. The problem with these latest security threats is not because insurgents or terrorists are so powerful to the level of repressing the Nigerian military. It is also beyond the contemplation that the FGN has not done commendably enough to terminate the reign of insecurities in Nigeria.

The major issues in the Northeast are not really the Boko Haram terrorists who, who like Coronavirus, sneak to hack people to death at will, abduct and destroy public infrastructures in the region. It is also not the evil men who masquerade under the cover of NGOs to subject the already traumatized, frail and suffering victims of insurgency to inhumane and degrading treatment after taking so much from the outside world to assist them survive.

More than a few will also be shocked that it is also not the usual political actors who appear on the stage only when Boko Haram is at the losing end with their crocodile tears. But they initiate nothing to get youths off the streets to divert their attention from conscription as foot soldiers of terrorism.

From these ponders, one will therefore hastily guess that it is Coronavirus pandemic that is Nigeria’s problem. But the real problem in the Northeast shockingly is not Coronavirus. After all it hasn't been discovered in Nigeria beyond manageable stage, after the first case in Lagos.

On the contrary, the greatest existential threat to Nigeria now in respect to her battles with terrorism and insecurities is the role of Amnesty International (AI) and some foreign cables such as Reuters and AFP. They have constituted the worse stumbling blocks to Nigeria’s match towards exculpation from insurgencies and insurrections.

AI and these foreign online platforms have been the major disasters that our country has faced in its war against Boko Haram and it is hideously more potent and lethal than Coronavirus. And insurgency has attracted more deaths in Nigeria than Coronavirus has ever recorded anywhere in the world outside Wuhan in China.

There is every clue to suspect AI and these foreign newswires as agents and fake news purveyors for terrorists and their external sponsors. Not only that they fabricate and circulate fake news on the FGN and the Nigerian Military’s confrontations with Boko Haram, but their extreme focus of propaganda on Nigeria on the fake side of news is repulsive.

AI has morphed into a daily news medium in Nigeria; inventing and syndicating news about terrorism and the Nigerian military encounters with terrorism in the Northeast. The common denominator among them all is that their published reports are permanently crafted to indict the Nigerian troops and Military authorities.

It does not usually have named attributions, but speculative and propagandic. It drapes with everything which conveys the message that these actors are into active promotion of cyberspace terrorism. And the world frowns at it and there are laws which prohibits it.

Nonetheless, these vicious enemies of Nigeria make generous, but unprovable allegations against the Nigerian military such as human rights violations, extra-judicial killings, sexual abuse of women, use of child soldiers, starvation of Boko Harm suspects in military detention facilities, unlawful arrests and detentions and sundry such constructions of offences of war crimes.

But sadly, while they level such allegations on the military, these suspected agents of terrorists are less bothered to confirm their findings from military authorities before rushing to the press with the scanty findings from what they usually term “eyewitness” account. And the “eyewitness accounts” are usually their planted agents in the theatre of war in the Northeast or outrightly cooked sources.

Therefore, they reel out very alarming and unsubstantiated casualty figures. When terrorists triumph against troops or not, a news story is crafted to give credit to the “invincible” might of terrorists, to cause anxiety in Nigerians and dampen the spirit of troops. These agents are normally the first to break the news of Boko Haram attacks on any community, an indication that they might be privy to such attacks before its occurrence. It means they are likely working closely with terrorists.

In its 2015/2016 annual report on Nigeria, AI levelled such senseless allegations of war crimes against the Nigerian Army prosecuting the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast as well as other security agencies.

However, when several probe panels invited them to substantiate the allegations, AI hedged and adduced excuses on lack of trust in members of the Panel. From its reaction, it was clear that AI was functioning like an opposition party or alternative government in Nigeria. And it had no evidence to prove the allegations.

And the scheming of AI and its apostates is to perpetually and falsely accuse Nigerian Military of war crimes in prosecution of the counter-insurgency combats in the country. And therefore, frustrate plans by countries of goodwill to sell weapons to Nigeria to battle Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, citing human rights violations and war crimes against Nigeria.

So, AI and these online newswires are Nigeria’s worse version of Coronavirus more than the pandemic itself. Any country will be glad to accept Coronavirus, but pray fervently never to have these agents of darkness gang-up or occupy their country in the guise of anything.

Nigerians should not forget that AI and these newswires as well as their external sponsors are very determined to set the people against themselves. Over the years, this has been the game plan, which is designed to finally plunge Nigeria into an interminable war like in Syria or Sudan. But the plans have so far not succeeded because Nigerians are aware and have refused to fall for their cheap propaganda. Nigerians are urged to remain steadfast and vigilant.


Danfulani wrote from Yola, Adamawa State.

By Idoko Ainoko

When the matter borders on the security of Nigeria, Sahara Reporters has on several occasions acted as if it does not care about the peaceful and cooperate existence of the country. 
Going by the way the online medium  concoct stories, twists facts and embellish negative occurrences in favour of insurgents, terrorists and other the enemies of Nigeria, one can say without fear of contradiction that Sahara Reporters is not serving the interest of Nigeria.
The medium has been consistent with this style of reportage that one cannot but ask in whose interest it is carrying out the all the negative press about Nigeria and its security agencies. 
Last year, a national daily inadvertently reported details of the preparation by the Nigerian army to crush the Boko Haram terrorists and many media managers rose in condemnation of the act of indiscretion by the media house.
In a paper presented at a workshop for the media and the military in Kaduna, chairman of the editorial board of Thisday newspapers, Segun Adeniyi categorically stated that what the media house did was wrong.
But because it was a one off case, the military and other concerned stakeholders immedlaiey put the episode behind them and moved ahead.
That cannot however be likened to the case of Sahara Reporters which consistently takes sides with the terrorists in the reportage of conflicts in the North eastern part of the country.
When a media organisation allows itself to be biased to the extent that it is seen as the mouthpiece of criminal and u patriotic elements, then it should bow its head in shame. 

The media is expected to inform the general public, but such information must be factual and for common good.
The Nigerian army, on the other hand has a statutory duty to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria and it has since 2015 when the current administration was inaugurated being doing that successfully. 
The army has successfully liquidated the base of the Boko Haram terrorists, set many of their captives free and recaptured seized territories from them.
It has also made it difficult for the insurgents to attack communities at will and has recently been able to foil such attempts in Biu, Garkida and Maiduguri among other places. 
But Sahara Reporters most times when the Nigerian army makes such commendable move against the insurgents, prefers to go to sleep.
It closes its eyes when troops overrun invading forces of the insurgents and turns a blind eye when the insurgents suffer casualty. 
But any move by the insurgents or acts of error by the Nigerian army is never missed by Sahara Reporters as it is embellished and blown out of proportion to make them look like they are having an upper hand in the war.
Two months ago, Sahara Reporters reported that the Boko Haram dealt the Nigerian army a heavy blow when the terrorists attempted to ambush one of the theatre Commanders but were subdued and neutralised. 
The army felt embarrassed by the way Sahara Reporters reported the  incident that it had to clear the air on the matter saying it was rather the Boko Haram insurgents that were decimated at the site of a failed ambush sprung against the theater Commanders’ Convoy.
The army said, "In a clear display of misguided desperation to stage a reprisal following the recent neutralisation of several of their top commanders by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, on 6 January 2020, some marauding elements of the criminal Boko Haram insurgents laid and eventually sprung an ambush against the convoy of the Theater Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Olusegun Adeniyi.
"The Theatre Commander’s convoy came under the criminals ineffective and uncoordinated fire from Anti-Aircraft Guns, Machines Guns, Rocket Propelled Grenades and some of their foot soldiers about 2 Kilometers to Auno in Kaga LGA of Borno State while returning from Jakana where he visited troops’ location following his earlier meeting with the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum at Auno.
"In a commendable demonstration of bold action in battle, the Theatre Commander led the gallant troops of his convoy to engage the criminal Boko Haram Insurgents with superior firepower, subduing them and thereafter assaulting the ambush site with his men thereby causing the criminal insurgents to flee the location in disarray."
In that incident alone, 20 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 2 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, one camouflage trouser, one Nigeria Police Force fragmental jacket, 2 AK 47 Rifles and 3 AK 47 Rifle magazines were captured from the fleeing insurgents by the army. 
But Sahara did not see all of that. 
Before that, Sahara Reporters on its website had also published a story with the caption “Nigerian Army Presents Unverified “Lt Col” To Refute Petition Against Military Hierarchy” on its website to disparage the army.
In this report as noted earlier, Sahara Reporters committed itself to support for terrorism and fighting Nigeria, its people, its military and particularly the Nigerian Army.
This is because no such thing happened because the serving officer was found not to be the author of the petition as the officer in question dissociated himself from the so-called petition in a press conference he personally attended.
When the army called a press conference to clarify the matter, Sahara Reporter chose not to attend. 
The type of stories you are sure to see on Sahara Reporters website about the Nigerian army are fabrications about defeat, glorificarion of insurgents and any act of misdemeanors by any soldier.
The onlibe news platform has obviously become a mouthpiece of the enemies of Nigeria. 
When they are not obsessed with the choice of President Buhari on who serve the nation as service Chief, they are  providing full support for the terrorists just to see that the nation is defeated or they are serving as a platform for the disintegration of the country .
This is clearly not just unethical and unprofessional but unpatriotic. Those behind Sahara Reporters should realise that they can achieve nothing in the long run if they continue on this path of perfidy and should as a matter of insurgency retrace their steps. 

Ainoko wrote this piece from Kaduna.

The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE) believes there is a deliberate agenda by online medium, Sahara Reporters, to trigger mutiny amongst Nigerian troops on the frontlines.

CATE says it came to this conclusion having examined the Omoyele Sowore-owned portal's reportage on the military and the insurgency war in the last three years.

In a statement signed by president Gabriel Onoja on Tuesday, CATE described SR as an enemy of Nigeria, promoting external interests against the country, doing so by also violating ethical standards.

The centre cited two recent instances where Sahara brought its devious motives against Nigeria to the fore; a report claiming that soldiers have been infected by coronavirus and another alleging troops maltreating civilians.

CATE, therefore, warned Sahara Reporters to quit cyberspace terrorism, having been known to embrace foreign interests against Nigeria's fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism.

It further advised the medium to be mindful of the legal provisions of their actions.

Read full statement below:

The Centre Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE) observes with utmost dismay the deliberate intentions of an online Newswire with an identity as “Sahara reporters” to perpetually cosset actions against the Nigerian Military, which by every interpretation constitutes supportive acts of Cyberspace terrorism.

In the last one month, when the entire world has been brought down by the global Covid-19 pandemic, with economies of even super world countries grounding to a sudden halt and a corresponding reduction in sponsorship of international terrorism, Sahara reporters has enlivened it in Nigeria.

Nigerians must know that before this era, Sahara reporters had satisfactorily established themselves as masked agents of foreign sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria by their reportage. This online publication has assertively asserted itself over the years as the greatest and unrepentant enemies of Nigeria and Nigerians to the extents it promotes external interests against the country so brazenly.

Those abreast with how Sahara reporters begun and its funding to date should not be surprised at the replay of this information. And the Sahara reporters’ medium does it in more ways than imagined, especially on Nigerian troops battling Boko Haram criminals and ISWAP terrorists in Nigeria’s Northeast.

They satisfy their external paymasters through invention or contraption of outright falsehood or fake news and rush to hasty publications of same about terrorists “triumphant” strides. But in all their reports in the last three years, the medium freely violates ethical standards by quoting unverified death figures against the Nigerian Military or Nigerians in the Northeastern part of the country without confirmation from appropriate authorities.

Sahara reporters most favourite past time now is when it promotes all manner of fake news against the Nigerian military battling to preserve the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria. No one needs a soothsayer to know, the medium has perfectly aligned itself with their agents of darkness, fabricating and publishing falsified terrorists attacks on Nigeria to embolden terrorists. It’s done with fake and escalated casualty figures to celebrate the death of soldiers and dampen morale of troops together with their superior officers.

Even as the professionals as Sahara reporters lay claims, they write such stories with nameless attributions, just targeted at derailing the counter-insurgency operations and dampening the spirit or resoluteness of the Nigerian military or troops to terminate terrorism in the country. CATE has noticed that Sahara reporters is all out to instigate or trigger mutiny amongst troops who will find handy excuses to abandon their duty posts at the frontlines in Nigeria’s Northeast.

CATE is astounded with Sahara reporters’ consistent focus of sexed-up reports on anti-terrorism combats in the Northeast. If they find nothing or notice that Nigerians are enjoying some respite and recovery from the insurgency ravaged Northeast, through the courageous efforts of troops, the online medium cooks anything to rekindle the confidence of their external masters.

For instance, in the March 28, 2020 edition of Sahara reporters with the screaming headline, “BREAKING: Two Nigerian Soldiers Test Positive For Coronavirus In Borno.” It was a three-paragraph story and it said nothing outside scratching the surface. The opening paragraph said, “Two Nigerian soldiers have tested positive for Coronavirus in Monguno, Borno State, Sahara reporters can confirm.”

What is new about Covid-19? Did Nigeria invent Covid-19? To what extent has Sahara reporters investigated Covid-19 in Nigeria to report to Nigerians that it has found it expedient to negatively profile Nigerian troops at the warfront? Its part of the medium’s conspiracy with their foreign sponsors. Terrorists themselves dread Covid-19 and it explains why the tempo of terrorism in Nigeria has waned because Iranians can no longer sponsor them.

And to further betray the medium’s devious motives against Nigeria, Sahara reporters, again wrote in the same story; “It is unclear if the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) had tallied the newly recorded cases to the number of confirmed cases in the country….” The basic rule in journalism is that, when in doubt, leave out the aspect in the story. But they played it because they are on a mission.

Please Nigerians, CATE is sampling just two recent reports from Sahara reporters. The second report from same medium is even worse. The medium quoted the Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, as lamenting how Nigerian troops “recorded heavy casualty during a recent encounter with the hoodlums.” The report branded terrorists “hoodlums” and not terrorists anymore. This is barefaced mischief.

Sahara reporters proceeded to circulate the re-circulated videos of soldiers maltreating civilians at no named place and attributed it to Nigeria. All over the world soldiers use same camouflage uniform (khaki). The Sahara reporters photographer would have convinced Nigerians by showing at least a label of a signpost where they claimed Nigerian troops manhandled civilians. But no, because the news medium is on a hatchet job.

Unfortunately, none of any verisimilitude sign that could be linked to Nigeria was indicated in the video which Sahara reporters posted on their website. It’s possible that the medium lifted the photograph from Chad, Niger or even Cameroun and impinged it on Nigeria to serve their known agenda for their external paymasters. This is an uncharitable and unpatriotic act.

This is very unprofessional and unethical. Sahara reporters should settle their grudge elsewhere, but spare the Nigerian military at frontlines. Nigerians have no time to play politics now with issues of security.

CATE is unequivocally stating that Sahara reporters is promoting mischief, falsehood and dishonest objectives to ruin the gains so far made on the war against insurgency in Nigeria. Nigerians beware!! The medium is into active promotion of cyberspace terrorism, by using foreign interests against Nigeria to surreptitiously support Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism. Sahara reporters regrettably has marketed itself as the terrorists’ chief propaganda corps in Nigeria.

But let Sahara reporters be reminded about the Nigerian law, gazatted as “Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment Act 2013,” Section 5, subsection 1, A & B which says; "Any person who knowingly, in any manner, directly or indirectly, solicits or renders support (a) for the commission of an act of terrorism, or (b) to a terrorist group, commits an offence under this Act and is liable on conviction or imprisonment for a term of not less than twenty years…For the purposes of this section, "Support" includes incitement to commit a terrorist act through the internet ."

CATE pleads with Sahara reporters to be mindful of the legal provisions, its implications and draw a distinctive line between journalism and support of terrorists individuals/groups through their online (internet) publications.

By Mohammed Ali

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai is from Borno State in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria. But that is not why the people of that geo-political zone love him.

Everytime the name of the Chief of Army Staff comes up in discussions in the region, the peoples'countenance brighten and their spirits lifted.

This is as a result of what the Chief of Army Staff has done to restore normalcy and hope in their lives by giving a sense of belonging that the country can protect them from constant attacks, intimidation, mass murder, torture and other forms of abuses.

The above scenario has come to represent the lot of the people of the region before the coming of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

It was a dark period for the people when all forms of bringandage were being unleashed on them without let.

Out of the six states in the Northeast, only one, Taraba could claim to.have suffered only minimally from the devastating effects of terrorism and insurgency that was ravaging that zone.

The remaining five, Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe and Yobe saw real terror and other forms of dehumanization that they cannot forget in a hurry.

This was the region where teenage boys in secondary were slaughtered in one night, over 200 school girls were adopted, communities sacked and surviving members of the comuntuues left to die in bushes and desert stretches and families permanently displaced with no hope of reuniting.

Other parts of the country also felt the heat as bombings, mass shootings, and executions imcteased leaving hundreds including law enforcement officers, and civilians dead .

Out of the six states in the Northeast, three states were regarded as the main theaters of conflict hence the most severe impact of terrorism were felt in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states where violent deaths were becoming the order of day.

The entire social and economic infrastructure in those states collapsed with the poorhealth situation in those stayes worsening, schools remaiing permanently closed and many living as refugees in neighbouring countries, or internally displaced within the country

Sexual violence and kidnapping became upscale.

This is not to talk of markets, churches, mosques, roads, homes that have been destroyed.

But with the coming of Buratai as Chief of Army Staff in 2015, troops were able to penetrate the fortresses of the insurgents and freed many that were held captives.

Local governments that were.taken over by the insurgents were.recaptured and brought under the control of Nigeria and order was restored while general services in health and other public institutions resumed.

Families that were separated for.long were reunited, those that fled to other countries as refugees began to return and camps of Internally Displaced Persons were emptied as many returned to their communities.

The Chief of Army Staff also added value to the lives of the people of the region by building an army university in Biu, one of the local governments being targeted by the insurgents.

Added to that, Lt. Gen. Buratai also the established Nigerian Army Brigades in Monguno, Gubio, Gwoza, Damaturu and Damboa to enhance security in the area.

The designation of Sambisa Forest as Nigerian Army Training Area and the establishment of Command Secondary Schools have added to the security in the region and raised the standard of living of the people.

States like Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi and even Adamawa have since put the horrors of the insurgents behind them and are living normal lives all thanks to the efforts of troops.

These days,.when movement of insurgents are sighted in the region, the people are not alarmed as they know that they will definitely be crushed by the ever ready troops in the area.

This is why Buratai is highly loved and respected in the region. He has given the people their lives back.

By Idoko Ainoko


Every system and in all political dispensations, there are enough spoilers and destroyers. The professional sabs stop at nothing to rock the boat even where the circumstances resist. There are people who hate progress and invent all antics to ensure progress is interrupted. Their only joy is when they cause confusion.

Nigeria has a fair share of such people. And unfortunately, they are also found in the corridors of power and they use such positions to pursue personalized agenda at the detriment of the nation. Nigeria’s most urgent challenge now is the insecurity.

But it is glaring that there is no meaning approach or suggestions to assist the President and Heads of Security agencies overcome the challenge of insecurity. Most Nigerians are out to weaken the attempts by the President to surmount our security challenges.

And the National Assembly has many of such Nigerians who are opposed to President Buhari’s stringent actions on security. I can argue conveniently and boldly with Nigeria’s best of political Socrates that since 1999 the National Assembly (NASS) has been Nigeria’s greatest incumbrance on the country’s progressive match to peace and prosperity.

NASS has consistently affirmed itself as the static and haunting nightmare of the country’s match to a stable or vibrant democracy, good governance and progressive development. Every evil plan against Nigeria is hatched through NASS. which they usually back with pristine laws.

The negative shadows of NASS are too overflowing and have overshadowed any modicum of respect or honour it has ever earned on credibility as an important institution of government in a democracy. I am not hesitant to say, NASS has marketed itself as an institution which also deserves an independent body to monitor it’s sinister and destructive activities in the nation.

The National Assembly is currently deliberating on a law Christened “Nigerian Armed Forces Commission Bill 2019.” The Bill is sponsored by Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe from Abia state. The law seeks to dissolve all the powers constitutionally vested in the President in hiring and firing his Service Chiefs. The powers which presently resides with the President is transferred to the Commission whose composition comprise politicians and National Assembly members.

It is difficult to understand the direction or intention of the proposed Bill. It is hogwash in every sense. It is the most senseless Bill ever contemplated in Nigeria or known to any country in the world. Outside its obvious aberration, I see it as a duplication hence existing laws already empowers the Senate to confirm Service Chiefs nominated by the President. So, what does the Senators want to do to Nigeria with that Bill?

What the Sen. Ahmed Lawan-led Senate is attempting to do by the Armed Forces Commission is to politicize and weaken the management of national security. It is a masked attempt to polarized the Nigerian military and make it susceptible to the mercy of politicians to recklessly manipulate. This is how we consciously embark on actions that are capable of destroying our country. The Senators themselves know that such a Bill is irrational and destructive to the security architecture of the nation.

But a lot of Nigerians are comfortably silent, because the darts are directed at a President they hate. But they have forgotten that President Muhammadu Buhari will not remain Nigeria’s President forever. Every Nigerian knows the Armed Forces Commission Bill will spell doom for the country if allowed to scale through the legislature.

The contents of the Bill overtly endanger the future of Nigeria because it is a sure way of polarizing the Nigerian Armed forces which will begin to function by the dictates of political parties and politicians. This is not permissible anywhere. We cannot leave sensitive decisions on national security in the hands of multitudes as the Senate is contemplating.

I am convinced that this is not justifiable. It surprises me that members of the Senate are hypnotized and hoodwinked by Sen. Abaribe into believing such a destructive and worthless Bill is worth their attention and energy to the point of debating. It is not possible for one nation to have two Commanders-In-Chief. The Bill seeks to create two Commanders-In-Chief for Nigeria. Where else is this aberration obtained?

Abaribe is a diehard apostate and an unrepentant agent of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). He is the Senator who took the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu on bail when every one else declined. He failed to produce Kanu in court on the appointed day, which betrays his total allegiance to IPOB. It is clear to me that Sen. Abaribe is the veiled official force of IPOB in government and the Senate. And therefore, he is using his privileged position to nourish IPOB’s agenda as evidenced by his contemplation of this absolutely useless Bill.

And we all know that the main agenda and determination of IPOB is to lead a war against the country. It has not given up on this ambition. And its agents like Sen. Abaribe are working in diverse ways to create fertile and unchallengeable grounds for the IPOB war on Nigeria. No one is in doubt as to where they are deriving their inspiration.

And the nonsensical Armed Forces Bill sponsored by Abaribe is cleverly crafted to weaken the power of the Nigerian Military in the event IPOB declares war on the country. It is honed to sow the seed of disloyalty to Mr. President among the Armed Forces when IPOB steps out again against Nigeria.

So, we are not going to allow Sen. Lawan and his cahoots to rubbish the Nigerian Armed Forces. If Sen. Lawan is blind to Abaribe’s prosecution of IPOB’s agenda, Nigerians are not blind to it. The Bill is a façade by Sen. Abaribe to feather the nest of IPOB. It is Sen. Abaribe’s drive for IPOB’s agenda to destabilize Nigeria. But we don’t think, it is correct for him to use the Senate as platform in promoting and emboldening the ferocious and criminal activities of IPOB.


Ainoko is a public affairs commentator based in Kaduna.

By Sunday Attah
 
 
There is no such thing as crisis of confidence in the current war against insurgency in Nigeria. If there is, it wouldn’t have been confined to the hush tones of conspirators but would have been evident in reports of the operations of troops.
When Nigerian troops suffered defeat in the hands of insurgents in the previous administration and retreated to other countries for tactical maneuver, the whole world knew that there was a problem on ground that even the military command could not hide.
The contrary is the case with reports coming from the theatres of war and other locations where Nigerian troops have battled the insurgents in recent time.
Unlike in the past where military camps and fortresses were being attacked and subdued at will and communities decimated in the twinkle of an eye, the narrative has changed to reports where troops have constantly repelled insurgents based on intelligence reports, destroyed their bases and sending them fleeing in all directions by taking the war to their bases.
This was the case in Biu, Michika, Maiduguri and other places where the insurgents had attempted to launch attacks.
The effectiveness of military operations at the moment is such that there is no room for the slightest form of compromise to be accommodated, not to talk of engendering a crisis of confidence. Such thoughts exist only in the imagination of naysayers.
People have forgotten so soon that Nigerian troops have recorded tremendous success in the fight against insurgency compared to what was obtainable in the past.
This they have done by changing tactics and strategies and taking the fight to the theatre of war, deployment of intelligence in the face of challenges and by boosting the morale of troops.
The Nigerian Army as well as the Chief of Army Staff, have received awards and recognition from governments and reputable organizations the world over.
The gallantry of the Nigerian troops is to such an extent that neghouring countries which were relied upon to lead in the fight against insurgency after having withdrawn the bulk of their troops from Nigerian soil have been awed by the renewed efficiency, professionalism and determination of the Nigerian troops which has seen them succeeding in the fight unlike in the past where they have to rely on such countries.
Time there was when Nigeria invested heavily on the participation of other countries as a stimulus for fighting the insurgents. But with the success being recorded now, Nigeria has taken back its leadership position in the fight and has paved the way for the success of the much onslaught against troops.
The Chief of Army Staff explained recently that the narrative changed because changes were introduced in tactics deployed by Nigerian troops from a wholly defensive posture to one where the army defend in numbers and conduct offensive operations in smaller packets but simultaneously in different fronts.
People have also forgotten so soon how the terrorists had seized parts of Nigerian territories and proclaim with glee that they are severing it from other parts while hoisting their flags to drive him the point.
It was such a low period for Nigeria that in Borno State alone, 14 local government came under the authority of the insurgents with the sacking of every form of authority of the Nigerian government, such things no longer exists as all the captured local governments and territories have been liberated and there is now an effective local government administration in those places.
Many would recall that Sambisa Forest used to be the most dreaded place in Nigeria where even troops dare not tread.
Insurgents had captured the military training facility as well as the armory and were deploying it to their use as they wished. The area was a no go area for troops then even when it was suspected to be where they kept the terrorists kept their abductees.
The effrontery of the insurgents then was such that they even penetrated military bases like Monguno and Gwoza and seized the training facilities as well as armoury and sent troops and other trainees fleeing for dear lives.
But the Nigeria army under Burati has confined such experiences to the dustbin of history by retrieving such captured military bases and the dreaded Samnbisa Forest from the hold of the insurgents and established a base at Camp Zero.
More than that, the hitherto usual invasion of military facilities by the insurgents have been stopped as the remnants of the terrorists have been so pummeled that they have been reduced to launching attacks on only soft targets.  
This has led to an improvement on internal security as many roads that were declared impassable due to the activities of insurgents on such routes have been liberated by Nigerian troops such that many can now travel freely to their destinations without fear of being killed or attacked.
The barricading of major roads by organizations and in worship centers in state capitals has also reduced as people no longer fear conducting business within their premises.  
From complaints about lack of sufficient and modern weapons the amry has been able to equip personnel with modern fighting equipments as well as encouraged and supported all NA officers and soldiers who have innovative ideas and competencies that it is now partnering with several companies in Nigeria including Innoson Motors, Proforce Limited and Nigeria Machine Tools, among others, towards the production of light and heavy armoured vehicles, critical equipment as well as protective clothing for NA troops which has led to the development of the TYB Rover, Infantry Patrol Vehicle (IPV) and the Bionbion Helicopter, among several other equipment.
Many also forget there was time when the activities of insurgents had begun to penetrate the hinterlands leaving the fringes of Bor and Yobe and extending to Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Kaduna and even to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
 
Those that peddle the idea of a crisis of confidence rely heavily on the restraint deployed when measures that extend beyond Nigeria are involved.
But this is misleading because they do not seem to realize that there are various dimensions to the insurgency which Nigeria has no power over. The interests of nations come into play when certain measures are taken which impact extends beyond a particular border. In such an instance, nations have to observe restraint in order not to be seen as infringing on the territorial integrity of others.
Issues concerning prisoner swap especially when  it has to do with international terrorists organisations like ISWAP cannot be determined by the interest of one country alone due to the effect it is bound to have on the global war against insurgency.
 
Nations have to fight to defeat both internal enemies and those coming from outside and the Nigeria army have done great so far showing that it has learnt from history.
In Romans 13 the bible enjoins all to respect constituted authority. It says,  “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.”
It is also recorded that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first divine revelations for the purpose of legal warfare to repel aggression and protect human rights in Mecca where he peacefully preached the message of Islam to the Meccans for thirteen years until an intolerable level of persecution forced him and his followers to flee to the nearby town of Yathrib (later known as Medina and despite emigrating outside of Mecca, the Meccans headed by the Quraish aristocracy vowed to exterminate the newly formed religious community.
In all aspects therefore the Nigerian army has giving a good account of itself while defending the people and the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
There is therefore no such thing as crisis of confidence as far the war against insurgency in Nigeria is concerned.
 
 
 Evangelist Attah is a public affairs commentator based in Abuja.

A Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state, Dr. Solomon Aguele, has congratulated the newly sworn in Executive Chairman of Esan South East Local Government Area, Hon. Peter Aguele.

This came on the heels of the judgment of the Edo State High Court declaring Him Peter Aguele the rightful winner of the local government chairmanship primaries in the council.

Speaking with reporters at his country home in Ewohimi, Edo state, the former PDP Chairman urged the newly elected chairman “to see his victory in the court as an act of God and therefore use the opportunity to unite the people of local government and provide the desired leadership and dividends of democracy to the people”.

Dr. Aguele added that “indeed the court had shown by it's judgement that it still remains the last hope of the common man”.

By Bridget Agada

The management of disasters in Nigeria has come under public scrutiny in recent times. This is especially so in the light of the various humanitarian crisis that has been experienced in Nigeria, and worthy of mention is the Boko Haram crisis in North-East Nigeria. As a start, this subject would not be understood in its entirety if the agency of government responsible for the management of national emergencies in Nigeria is not highlighted.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was established via Act 12, as amended by Act 50 of 1999, to manage disasters in Nigeria. It has been tackling disaster-related issues through the establishment of concrete structures with the overarching mission to coordinate resources towards efficient and effective disaster prevention, preparedness, mitigation, and response in Nigeria.

It acts in the following areas: Coordination, Disaster Risk Reduction, search and rescue, policy and strategy, Geographic Information System, Advocacy, education, administration, finance, and logistics; relief and rehabilitation; planning, research, and forecasting.

Nigeria, as a nation, has suffered from its share of disaster occurrences. For example, between 1992 to 2000, Nigeria recorded about 400 major fire and aircraft disasters involving more than 10,000 people with a death toll of about a thousand-plus, and the quantum of property destroyed was evaluated to be in millions of dollars.

These include flooding and soil erosion, while the human-made ones include dam-failure, maritime disasters, bomb explosions, conflicts occasioning displacement of victims), oil spillage, population explosion, and air crashes. Nigerians have been lucky with earthquakes but not so fortunate with floods, pollution, and oil spillages.

The loss of lives and inefficient disaster management in Nigeria has been a burden too hard for the government to carry. The problem has been compounded by the fact that the citizens lack the basic knowledge of health and safety as well as a disaster avoidance technique. As a result of the inefficiency and apparent shortcomings in the management of disasters and to address the limitation in the scope of the operation of National Emergency Relief Agency NERA, and proffer solutions to the ineffective disaster response in the country, on the side of NERA which was established in by Decree 48 of 1976 by the Federal Government of Nigeria to fight the reoccurrence of disaster and the post effect of the disaster which is death, the federal government of Nigeria held a meeting with stakeholders and leaders of NERA and the outcome metamorphosed to the formation of NEMA for effective management of disaster in Nigeria.

The question is thus: Is NEMA making progress on her mandate? The answer is yes due to the following reasons. Since April 2017 when Engr Mustapha Maihaja came on board as the director-general of the agency, a lot has changed. This much has been attested to my critical stakeholders in the industry. They indeed stated that the policy drive and innovations introduced to the operations of the organization indeed gave it a fresh breath of life.

As a first, NEMA under the leadership of Engr. Mustapha Maihaja established Disaster Response Units (DRUs) to enhance disaster management efforts nationwide further. DRU's are designated military units established through the instrument of the National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP) and charged with the responsibility of providing immediate assistance to civil authorities to reduce further loss of lives and property as well as human suffering during a National Disaster.

This is aside from the fact that efforts are almost completed to put in place Hi-Tech facilities and other infrastructure for an improved and all-encompassing disaster management system for our country. An example is the installation of the Search and Rescue Satellite-aided Tracking (COSPAS-SARSAT) system. COSPAS-SARSAT system, since its inception in 1982, has reportedly saved over 20,000 lives worldwide. The system consists of emergency radio beacons, equipment on satellites in low-earth polar ground receiving stations, also called Local User Terminals (LUTs), Mission Control Centers (MCCs), and Rescue Coordination Centers (RCCs).

It is on record that only three COSPAS-SARSAT technologies exists in the whole of Africa, and one of them is located in the NEMA headquarters in Abuja. This is indeed a rare feat and an example of the leadership drive of the director-general towards ensuring a regime of effective and timely disaster management in Nigeria.

It has also been stated that most disasters resulting in high casualty rates are due to the absence of an early warning mechanism. In this regard, NEMA has established a functional GIS lab for early warning and precision in response to disasters and emergencies. The lab collects spatial data, analyses, and prepares useful information that helps to aid responses to disaster. It is one of the significant facilities of the agency for its disaster risk reduction programme.

The Agency under Maihaja has gone into collaborative pacts with Helicopter operators in the Country, NGOs, INGOs, International, regional, and sub-regional bodies and agencies for both capacity building and technological enhancement in pursuit of a workable preparedness approach to curtailing disasters.

It must be stated that all of these innovations have indeed positioned NEMA as an effective disaster management agency. It is also on record that NEMA under the watch of Engr. Mustapha Maihaja has seen the development of an improved welfare package for its workers that consists of improved insurance and emoluments. This has led to an increase in the productivity level of the staffer in the agency. This is indeed commendable and an indication that the exceptional and proactive leadership provided by Engr. Mustapha Maihaja is indeed yielding dividends and responsible for the various successes recorded by the agency in managing disasters in Nigeria.

NEMA under Maihaja has also implemented measures that ensure unscrupulous elements do not abuse materials meant for the needy. It has eliminated the practice where impostors collect materials intended for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) through the biometric registration of affected persons. Critical stakeholders have recognized this feat as indeed revolutionary.

It is indeed a statement of the fact that NEMA under the watch of Engr. Mustapha Maihaja is indeed making tremendous progress on her mandate of effective disaster management in Nigeria. The director-general has set a worthy example of what sound leadership should be in Nigeria in our quest for socio-economic development.


Agada is a human resource practitioner and wrote from Abuja.

The Centre for Democracy and Developmental Research (CDCR) has rubbished a US report which alleged voter intimidation by security agents during last year's general elections.

According to CDCR, the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in Nigeria released by the US Department of State was fabricated and full of lies.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, President African Affairs, Dr. Johnson Bewaji wondered how the US Department of State arrived at this conclusion, especially after the polls was adjudged as one of the most transparent by international observers that traversed the length and breadth of the country.

The Centre recalled the patriotic role played by the Nigerian Army, Department of State Service and other security agencies during the exercise; how it maintained sanity and integrity during the entire process.

CDCR, though, believes that this may be another grand plot by the opposition to discredit the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

After a careful analysis of the issues raised, the centre, however, the Centre concluded that the Report on Human Rights Practices in Nigeria is absolute falsehood and a figment of the author’s imagination.

The Centre for Democracy and Developmental Research, therefore, advised Nigerians to ignore the report and others in this same direction aimed to paint the current government in bad light.

Read full statement below:

The Centre for Democracy and Development Research is holding this press conference to put issues in proper perspective with regards to the allegations against the Nigeria Security Agencies by the US Department of State in its 2019 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Nigeria.

The report, amongst other things, alleged that there were high incidences of voters' intimidation by Nigerian security agents, including the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army, during the 2019 general elections. The report also alleged that these supposed acts fuelled the impression that the Nigerian Army worked for the success of the ruling All Progressives Congress during the general elections.

The Centre for Democracy and Development Research as a result of this wish to state that both local and international observers closely monitored the 2019 general elections in Nigeria and the Centre for Democracy and Development Research was amongst the accredited international observer groups that traversed the length and breadth of the country during and after the elections.

It is succinct to state that during the elections, the role of the Nigerian Army was invaluable in the sense that it was able to maintain sanity and integrity during the entire election period by ensuring that the activities of political thugs and others do not hamper the credibility of the elections in any way.

We also wish to state that the officers and men of the Nigerian Army indeed saved the day in the areas that were prone to violence. This undeniable fact was highlighted in our interim report after the elections, and we are consequently bewildered as to the source of the information of the US Department of State in its 2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in Nigeria.

The content of the report is indeed questionable and calls for concerns from all critical stakeholders because it is highly misleading and not an accurate representation of the facts on the ground with regards to the credibility of the 2019 general elections in Nigeria.

The Centre for Democracy and Developmental Research sees this attempt as futile and a deliberate attempt to question the authenticity of the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari at the 2019 general elections.

It is indeed worrisome to state that the content of the US Department of State 2019 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Nigeria strategically shares semblance with the narrative pushed forward by the opposition party that lost out at the elections.

This statement of fact can be further buttressed when the issues canvassed in the 2019 Country Report are put side by side with the plot by the opposition party to discredit the outcome of the elections before the international community.

We are therefore constrained to believe that the possibility of the US Department of State acting out the script of the opposition in Nigeria is very high and of reasonable suspicion, because its content and arguments are directed at the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Centre for Democracy and Development Research wishes to state that there was never a time it observed during the elections incidences of voters intimidation by the security agencies. There is also no basis for the unsubstantiated assumption that the Nigerian Army worked for the success of the ruling All Progressive Party at the elections.

We indeed wish to state that the reverse was the case as it still appears some foreign interests are still angry that the military and other security agencies stood against the underground plot by Nigeria's opposition and their external collaborators to destabilize Nigeria.

This is on the heels that the underground plot was to ensure that war broke out after the exercise in their attempt to seize power through the back door.

The Centre for Democracy and Development Research after a careful analysis of the issues raised and the elections it observed wishes to state that the 2019 Report on Human Rights Practices in Nigeria is absolute falsehood and, at best, a figment of the imagination of the authors.

The Centre for Democracy and Development Research wishes to inform members of the general public that indeed the plot to discredit the electoral victory of President Muhammadu Buhari is still rife and taken the international dimension with the 2019 Human Rights Practices Report in Nigeria as that example of that international dimension.

The Centre for Democracy and Development Research wishes to advise members of the unsuspecting general public to form the habit of disregarding reports of such nature as their motives are not always in the interest of Nigeria, but that of those that have elected to ensure that Nigeria disintegrates.

The Centre for Democracy and Development Research thanks all present and wishes to state that it shall be making public the outcome of its observations of the 2019 general elections for the consumption of the generality of the public.

Thank you for your time.

By Deborah Obeweh
 
In the history of terrorism and the fight against insurgency the world over, few countries are able to beat their chests to say they have succeeded in crushing terrorists in record time like Nigeria has done under the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Since President Buhari promised during the inauguration of his administration to relocate the operational command of the armed forces to the areas ravaged by the activities of the insurgents, the world watched to see if the strategy could usher in a glimmer of hope in an asymmetrical war that has defied all known tactics for winning a conventional war.
This is because most who have been involved or have experienced insurgency and terrorism know how different it is from a conventional warfare and realize that it takes more than a sophisticated armory or superior firepower to crush.
World powers like the US and Russia have found out that the war against insurgents is different from a conventional war because, due to how it starts, is fought in a terrain better known by the insurgents.
The efficacy of weapons is therefore hampered by the undulating terrain like hills, valleys, forests and creeks; access to the fortresses of the insurgents is made difficult with laying of land mines and due to proximity to civilian settlements. There is also the inability of members of surrounding communities to cooperate with troops due to fear and lastly, peculiarity of the illogic the drives the insurgency.
All these factors affected the initial operations of Nigerian troops sent to fight the insurgents and like it happened to US troops in other countries, Nigerian troops were being ambushed and killed and many had to run to other countries for their safety.
Worse still, communities and local government were being captured and a sizeable part of the country was brought under the control of the insurgents.
But the appointment of Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai as the chief of army staff in 2015 helped to changed all that; it raised the hope that Nigeria was about to do something different giving his approach and tactic towards the fight.
The Nigerian government had made a promise to end the scourge within a given time and Gen. Buratai resolved to achieve that.
Here was Nigeria, which had in the past admitted to not possessing modern weapons and a general lack of confidence haunting its troops now talking tough and giving a deadline for the defeat of insurgency.
And to the surprise of many nations, Nigeria was able to achieve and by December 2015, was able push the insurgents out of the territories they were occupying, destroy their weapons, set captives held by them free, liquidate many of their top commanders and pushing the insurgents to the fringes.
The world immediately took an interest in Nigeria because this is an area where many nations have failed.
The US an acclaimed world power failed woefully in several wars against terrorists and insurgency that it has come to learn to tread carefully when the issues in other nations bother on the twin evil.
Right form its intervention in Iraq to its recent in Syria, the strategy adopted by the US have not been that effective. This has not been helped by its meddling in the internal affairs of sovereign states or resort to different standards depending on the countries concerned.
Its intervention have been woeful that most times it is even blamed for escalating the crises in such countries as it happened in Iraq and Syria.
The Soviet Union had also not fared better when it comes to fighting terrorism,
It exhibited a lack of preparedness to fight counter-insurgency war when it went into Afghanistan.
It was reported that in 1985, Soviet forces lost 18 aircraft and 53 helicopters,  before the introduction of the Stinger shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles into the war.
In Somalia the US-led military operation in 1992–93 which culminated in the Battle of Mogadishu on October 3–4, 1993,  18 U.S. soldiers and hundreds of Somali militia fighters and civilians were killed.
Under international pressure, the UN humanitarian effort, known as Operation Provide Relief, arrived in Somalia in April 1992.Various Somali militias however disregarded the cease-fire that brought the UN intervention and engaged in extensive fighting as well as in large-scale hijacking and looting of international food convoys.
 
Hence the US proposed to the United Nations that American combat troops be sent to Somalia to protect aid workers which the UN accepted and on December 9, 1992, a force of about 25,000 U.S. troops began to arrive in Somalia.
The already unstable situation took a turn for the worse when 24 Pakistani soldiers were ambushed and killed while inspecting a weapons-storage facility.
On October 3, 1993, the U.S. forces in an attempt to capture Olympic Hotel in Mogadishu, where the targets were thought to be meeting went awry.
After 17 hours of continuous fighting, the surviving U.S. troops were finally rescued by an international force but the battle left 18 U.S soldiers dead and 84 wounded.
Soon after the incident at Mogadishu, the US withdrew all its troops from Somalia and a year later UN troops were also withdrawn, leaving the country engulfed in clan warfare.
This is in sharp contrast to what is taking place in Nigeria where within a short while after taking over, the Buhari administration crushed the erstwhile dreaded Boko Haram insurgents by taking the fight to their territories.
Within three months after Buratai moved troops to the theatre of war, the minister of information, Lai Mohamed announced that the insurgents were technically defeated and degraded.
This is because much success was recorded after troops were mobilized to enter right inside the fortresses of the terrorists at Sambisa Forest and the terrorists were fled and were reduced to launching attacks on soft targets to prove their existence.
Since 2015 when the current administration was inaugurated, so much effort was put in place to ensure the life of the citizenry is secured.
General Tukur Yusuf  Buratai on assumption of office got the troops ready for action and introduced reforms and  strategies which gave the military upper hand as they took the insurgents by surprise in their fortress which saw the Boko Haram terrorists running for dear lives.
Complaints about insufficient weaponry became a thing of the past as weapons were procured at speed and mobilized across the theatre of war.
There was confidence building as the low morale of the army gave way to high spirits as men and officers which under the previous dispensation were quitting due to lack of confidence became encouraged and fought in defense of their fatherland.
The military took the dreaded Sambisa forest and established a base at Camp Zairo as the insurgents on seeing superior fire power and war strategies surrendered and began to fight among themselves. 
Gwoza a local government headquarters  and 13 other local governments which were previously captured by the insurgents and designated the capital of the Caliphate were recaptured by Nigerian troops and its people liberated.
Local governments areas in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States that were under Boko Haran were liberated and the insurgents were pursued to precincts on the fringes of the Nigerian border and began to prey on soft targets to be able to eat
Much has been achieved with the release of the over hundred Chinok girls and return of the other set stolen from Dapchi within days.  This is a far departure from the attitude in the previous era when more than three weeks were wasted before the administration could even admit that some girls from Chibok were abducted.
Camps for Internally Displaced Persons IDPs were emptied as  more persons in such camps relocated to their recaptured communities living normal lives as before. 
 

Obeweh is a psychologist and wrote from GCU, London Campus, United Kingdom

Boko Haram/ISWAP: CALSER pays special tribute to COAS, Buratai's continued impressive coordination of troops' offensive against terrorists


The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has hailed Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai for sustaining the momentum and intensity in the fight against terrorism.

CALSER paid special tribute to the Army Chief at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Nigerian Army recently announced remarkable success in anti-terrorism and anti-banditry operations across the country.

The Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, noted that armed bandits, kidnappers and other sundry criminals were finding it difficult to operate in the country due to the increased onslaught of the troops against them.

CALSER, in a statement signed by President, Princess Ajibola, lauded the COAS whose steadfastness and dedication to the course has rubbed off on his gallant troops, evident in their recent outings.

According to the Centre, this “ is indeed an indication that the war against terrorism would indeed come to an end soon”.

It further revealed that “with the reports gathered, there has been tremendous progress that has seen to the rescue of innocent people, mostly women and children from the Boko Haram/ISWAO enclaves.

“This is indeed commendable and as such the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights wishes to state that the Nigerian troops have indeed proved that where there is a will there is always a way because, despite the various conspiracies against Nigeria in the war against terrorism, the Nigerian troops have always given the Boko Haram terrorists fatal and decisive blows in the war front. “

The Centre reckoned that this tremendous gains wouldn't have been possible without President Muhammadu Buhari's concerted effort to ensure that the security agencies are up and running with improved welfare and up to date operational equipment.

“The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights salutes the resolve of the Muhammadu Buhari led administration for this display of patriotism and unalloyed commitment to Nigeria,” Princess Ajibola said.

CALSER, however, urged Lt. Gen Buratai not to take his foot off the pedal at this point, especially with the troops in an all-time high in terms of morale.

While charging Nigerians to rally behind the military, the Centre called on the African and international communities not to play ostrich and join hands with Nigeria in ridding the country of fleeing and heavily decimated insurgents.

This, the group declared, has become paramount as a bulk of the arms and ammunition used by the Boko Haram terrorists were supplied by foreign countries.

“ The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic also wishes to state that the war against terrorism requires all hands to be on deck in our quest to defeat terrorism. All Nigerians must stay united with the Military as they push for the final decimation of the Boko Haram terrorist group,” Princess Ajibola noted.

“ This is also calling on other African countries to intensify their resolve in the fight against terrorism in the African continent as it must be stated that the threats posed by terrorist organizations in the region is a collective threat as the effect would be felt across the region and ultimately affect our growth and development.

“This charge is also extended to the European Union to do all it can to support Nigeria in the fight against terrorism by ensuring that it sanctions any of its member countries that sell arms and ammunition to the Boko Haram terrorist group.

“ This is indeed the time for African leaders to exhibit the true African spirit by join hands with Nigeria to defeat the remnants of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group. This much is necessary because the strategic importance of Nigeria in the African continent cannot be overemphasized.

“This is on the heels that the bulk of the arms and ammunition used by the Boko Haram terrorist were supplied from some European countries. It must be stated that it is not by mere coincidence that the Boko Haram group continue to enjoy the strategic support of some European countries.

“We wish to state that it is deliberate and a part of the grand plot by some foreign interest to destabilize Nigeria in fulfillment of their nefarious agenda. This is unacceptable and must be discontinued immediately.

“Nigeria shall be indeed great again. The leadership of the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights salutes the courage of all Nigerians that have kept faith in the country for the labors of our hero's past shall never be in vain. “