*Pledges to work with the traditional institution

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS),
Major General Faruk Yahaya has said the traditional leaders were critical to the success of ongoing operation to end Boko Haram insurgency and terrorism in the Northeast.


This was contained in a statement signed by the Deputy Director Public Relations 7 Division Nigerian Army/Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Colonel Ado Isa, dated June 25, 2021.

It said the COAS made this known during a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-kanemi, CFR and Members of Borno Emirate on Friday 25th June, 2021 in his palace Maiduguri, Borno State.

General Faruk said he was pleased to be at the Shehu's palace with Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters to pay respects and homage to the revered traditional ruler.

He said he arrived the state earlier in the day on operational visit to the Theatre and felt it was an honour to visit the Shehu as father, leader not only in Borno but also in the country, to receive royal blessing for the task ahead of him.

He appreciated the support of the royal father and the entire Emirate even while he was in the State as the Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI before his appointment as the 22nd Chief of the Army Staff.

He noted the support of the royal father and the Emirate has led to some of the successes recorded in the operations against the terrorists. He solicited for more support.

The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-kanemi, CFR commended the military for the gradual return of peace to the State and Northeast. He said 17 of the 27 local government areas previously occupied by Boko Haram Terrorists some years ago.have been recaptured and civil authority restored. He asked the COAS not to be deterred and pledged the support of the Emirate to the Army leadership and Military generally.

The COAS was accompanied to the palace by the Chief of Operations (Army) Major General Ibrahim Yusuf, other Principal Staff Officers at the Army Headquarters, Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Christopher Musa, Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander, Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI, Brigadier General Abdulwahab Eyitayo and other senior officers.

19 Northern speakers proffer solutions to security challenges facing region

The Northern Speakers Conference has proffered solutions to the security challenges facing the region.
The Chairman of the Northern Speakers Conference, Hon Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani had tasked the 19 Northern Speakers to proffer solutions to insecurity bedevilling the region.

He gave the charge in his welcome address at the 2nd Regional Conference Meeting in Kaduna on Tuesday.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, the speaker said the worsening security situation impoverishing more people in the region.
According to him, the costs of staple food items are rising due to scarcity resulting from fear of farmers to go to their farms, describing it as a serious issue.

“Our farmers are afraid of going to their farms over apprehension of being kidnapped or even killed,” he said.

Zailani said that he would have been more delighted to welcome the speakers of the Houses of Assembly of the 19 Northern states, but recent happenings in the region have diminished his joy.
“So I would simply welcome you to Kaduna for this important meeting,” he said.

The forum’s chairman, who is the Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly lamented that the present situation of things in the region is worrisome, saying: “Our educational growth is threatened by frequent attacks and abductions at institutions of learning.”

He, therefore, challenged the forum to come up with workable suggestions that will tackle the twin problems of poverty and insecurity bedevilling the region.
“This is a serious threat to food security and our communities which are mainly agrarian in nature. We must rise to the occasion, put on our thinking caps and proffer realistic solutions,” he charged.

Charges Northern governors to unite on security
Meanwhile, in a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the speakers charged the 19 Northern states governors to sink their political differences and unite in order to tackle the insecurity bedevilling the region.

The communique was signed by the chairman of the communique drafting committee, Hon Hamisu Ibrahim Chigari and two other members, Hon Saleh Yipmong and Hon P. M. Makonde.

The Forum also called on the relevant stakeholders to reconsider priorities in favour of the security of lives and property of our people, while noting that the provision of infrastructural facilities and other developmental projects are equally important.

The forum wants budget preparation to skew in favour of the security of lives and property and called on all relevant stakeholders to use the ongoing constitution review to provide for community policing for better security of life and property of the citizens.
The forum also supported the devolution of powers by way of decongesting the Exclusive Legislative List for Concurrent Legislative List in the ongoing review of the constitution.

The forum advocated for more empowerment schemes that will ultimately engage the youth and take them off the streets thereby enhancing the security of life and property of the people in the region and charged security experts and professionals to train vigilantes and other local security groups to effectively complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the country.

The forum called on the Federal Government to provide more security to the Northern part of Borno State to take over the control of Guzamala Local Government Area that is under the full control of the insurgents and the deployment of more military personnel in Abadam and Baga Local Government Areas of the state to check the nefarious activities of the insurgents.

Sports An Option To End Banditry, Insecurity - Kaduna Speaker

The Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani has said that sports is a veritable tool Nigeria can explore in bringing an end to insurgency, banditry and other forms of insecurity bedeviling the country.

According to a statement signed by his SA Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, he expressed this in his speech while declaring open a 3-day Workshop On Coaching Management, organised by his SSA Youth, Sports and Culture at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna on Thursday.

"To end the growing army of willing tools in the hands of bandits and insurgents, we need to put on our thinking caps.

"All available options must be explored, including the economic angle, which will put food on more tables of our citizens and youth," Zailani said.

He said the workshop is another milestone achievement of the Malam Nasir el-Rufai-led present Kaduna State administration in job creation and empowerment of youth.

"I am highly delighted to be part of yet another historic moment.

"This is because sports besides ensuring that we remain healthy, is a huge income earner and has potentials of employing several youth," he added.

Zailani said that when his SSA, Ekene Abubakar Adams came to him about the programme, he immediately approved it and gave him the go ahead in view of the impact it would have on the immediate society and NIgeria at large.

"This three-day workshop is one veritable tool that will not only train, but will serve as an avenue of training the trainer," he said.

The Speaker therefore, urged all the participants to concentrate and learn all that the resource persons will be giving to them.

"I have full confidence on the resource persons, knowing that they are coming all the way from the National Institute of Sports (NIS) and the certificates the participants will be issued will be accepted anywhere in the world," he added.

Democracy Day; Zailani Preaches Unity, Cautions Against Unpatriotic Protests

The Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly/ Chairman Northern Speakers Forum, Rt. Honourable Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani has tasked Nigerians to be United and shun protests being sponsored by enemies of the country.

Zailani made the call in a statement signed by his SA Media and Publicity Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani to mark Nigeria's 2021 Democracy Day billed for June 12.

"We should thank God that we have experienced uninterrupted 22 years of democracy.

"This is a time to rally round as a nation and take advantage of our diversity to preach peace and unity to guarantee the progress of our dear country, Nigeria.

"I therefore, appeal to all Nigerians and citizens of our dear state Kaduna, to avoid being used as instruments of retrogression to use the planned June 12 Nationwide protest to destabilise our hard earned democracy," he said.

The Speaker congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Nasir el-Rufai and all other elected political office holders on the Democracy Day celebration, while commending them for the dividends that are reaching Nigerians and Kaduna citizens respectively.

"We are proud of the achievements of our President, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari. Only on Thursday, he commissioned the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Railway Gauge Lines, which will translate to economic prosperity of the South West and by extension, the entire country.

"I am also delighted with the tremendous achievements of our dear Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, through the massive urban renewal projects, which is transforming our three major cities in the state," he said.

He prayed for Nigeria to witness more uninterrupted democracy, stressing that it is the only type of governance that has the people's interest at heart.

our achievements have been based on team work, as motivated by dedicating it to the government and people of Kaduna State.
“We are inspired by our amiable LEADER and Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai who keeps inspiring not just political leaders in the state, but the entire nation,

Our Performances Inspired By el-Rufai, Kaduna Speaker Says As He Receives LEADERSHIP AWARD


The Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani has given credit of successes recorded by him and the Assembly to Governor Nasir el-Rufai.

Zailani expressed this when receiving the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Department of Political Science and Defence Studies Masters in International Affairs and Strategic Studies (MIASS) 2019/2020 LEADERSHIP AWARD on Saturday June 5, 2021 in Kaduna.

"I was a bit surprised because all our achievements have been based on team work, as motivated by dedicating it to the government and people of Kaduna State.


"We are inspired by our amiable LEADER and Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai who keeps inspiring not just political leaders in the state, but the entire nation," he said.

A statement signed by his SA Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani said that he was represented at the event by his SA Special Duties, Hadiza Ibrahim Arab.

According to Zailani' he was amazed when he received a letter of his nomination for the award

"I was informed that the Dinner committee decided to award me with the Leadership Award for the leadership roles I have played over the years in the fight for Justice and Equity for the good people of Kaduna State," he said.

The Kaduna Speaker therefore, dedicated the award to the government and people of Kaduna State.

"In view of that, I am accepting the award and dedicating it to the government and good people of Kaduna State.

"I appreciate the Class of 2019/2020 of Masters In International Affairs and Strategic Studies of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) for choosing and honouring me with this prestigious award," he said.

He assured that the award will spur him as an individual and the State Assembly to keep doing their jobs as legislators dedicatedly with the view of improving Kaduna State in particular and uplifting Nigeria.

"Thank you all and I wish you success in your individual careers.
God bless 2019/2020 of Master In International Affairs and Strategic Studies NDA!"

Zailani Describes Attacks Leading To Loss of 5 Lives In Chikun, Igabi As Ungodly



The Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly/Chairman Northern Speakers Forum, Rt. Honourable Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani has described as barbaric, wicked and ungodly the killing of five persons and burning of a church and another building in Chikun and Igabi local government areas.

He expressed this in a statement signed by his SA Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani on Saturday night, while reacting to the criminal activity which took place earlier same day.

"I am deeply saddened by the barbaric and cowardly killing of five persons in Chikun and Igabi. The criminals further displayed their heartless and ungodly nature by burning a church and another building, which is disheartening," the statement quoted Zailani.

The Kaduna Speaker, condoled all those affected, assuring them that it won't take long for the perpetrators to be brought to book.

He charged security agencies to step up information gathering and surveillance to prevent future occurrences.

Zailani also advised the public to always speedily provide trusted security agencies with useful information that will assist in bringing and end to such wicked attacks by enemies of Kaduna State and NIgeria.

Nigeria's Diversity Should Be An Advantage For Upliftment - Kaduna Speaker


The diversity in Nigeria should be an advantage rather than a problem and should help Nigeria attain greater heights.

According to a statement signed by his SA Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Speaker Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Yusuf Zailani expressed this in his remarks at the third anniversary of Oba Yoruba Mando Afaka Kaduna State On May 30, 2021.

"Nigeria is blessed with lots of cultural heritage. With the beautiful atmosphere here in Kaduna, I am glad that the Yoruba's originally from the South West of this country, have made Kaduna their home.

The Speaker who was represented by his SA Human resources Hajiya Khadija Ibrahim Arab said "This is what is expected of us all over Nigeria, as enshrined in the Constitution that there should be freedom of every Nigerian to reside and engage in lawful business in any part of the country.

"Here in Kaduna, we welcome all Nigerians of different religions and diverse cultural heritage. The diversity should remain our strength to propel us as a United nation to greater heights," Zailani said.

He said that he was delighted to be at the historical event for the celebration of the third anniversary of Oba Yoruba Mando Afaka.

"I wish the Oba Yoruba Mando Afaka many more prosperous years and pray Almighty Allah keeps us alive to converge in your ultramodern Secretariat for subsequent celebrations," he added.

The statement informed that at the event, which was also a N50m fund raising for the building of Yoruba Secretariat in Afaka, Chairman of Igabi Local Government Area, donated a plot of land to the Yoruba Community.

He was represented by the Councilor, Afaka Ward, Honourable Auwal Sani Muhammed Koraye.

Also, a community stakeholder, Alhaji Muazu Muhammad Ruma Tafidan Afaka donated the sum of N50,000, Kaduna Speaker donated N100,000 and Hon Zayyad Ibrahim Member Representing Igabi Constituency in the House of Representatives donated the sum N100,000.

Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly/Chairman Northern Speakers Forum, Rt. Honourable Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani has described the choice of Major General Farouk Yahaya as the new Chief of Army Staff as a step in the right direction.

He expressed this in a statement signed by his SA Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, made available to newsmen on Thursday May 27, 2021.

He commended President Mohammadu Buhari for taking his time to choose an excellent officer, who has gathered rich experience in the infantry.

"The new Chief of Army Staff's track records show that he is experienced and will hit the ground running in bringing to an end the security challenges the country is facing," he said.

Zailani charged the new army chief to double efforts in dealing decisively with insurgency, banditry and other threats to Nigeria's peace and unity.

It would be recalled that prior to his appointment, Major General Yahaya was the General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army and the incumbent Theatre Commander of the Counter Terrorism Counter Insurgency military outfit in the North East, code named Operation HADIN KAI.

Insecurity: Hon. Zailani Advocate For More Proactive Measures



From Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani



The speaker of the Kaduna state House of Assembly Rt. Honourable Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani has said that the present state of insecurity in the northern part of the country is a major set back in the region.

According to him, the present state of our dear country NIgeria in terms of deteriorating security in spite several efforts by various tiers of government to curtail the insecurity crisis has failed.

He however, said that as leaders of our respective states Houses of Assembly, it behoves on us to think within and outside the box to proffer solutions to the security challenges that we are confronted with.

"The North has been a leader in this country in terms of food production, but if we fail to put our house in order, our people will abandon their way of livelihoods due to fear of bandits and criminals.

"My counterparts from the South can attest to the fact that almost 80 per cent of foodstuffs consumed down there is from the North. Due to insecurity and economic challenges inflation is very high causing high rise of prices for goods and services before reaching the end user, making it more difficult for Nigerians to cater for their families.

"Even more heart wrenching is how the insecurity is compounding the educational crisis in the North. As most of us are aware, the recent kidnappings of school pupils has caused so much trauma and fear to many parents who are forced to keep their children at home to ensure their safety and security.

"This is no doubt a major set back and, a big blow to the effort been made by many Northern states to boost education in the region," he added

Zailani further said, we must use every available opportunity and resources at our disposal in bringing an end to banditry, insurgency and other violent crimes like kidnapping which is threatening the growth and progress of Northern region which will affect the country at large.

"As leaders of State houses of Assembly, we must rally our members inspire them to proffer ideas and solutions that will help us end this madness and senseless killings.

"We also must remind ourselves that the prevailing conditions have led to dwindling economic fortunes of our people who are predominantly farmers, who as a result of fear, are abandoning their farms, leading to loss of jobs, livelihood and economic prospects."

Hon Zailani stated that for democracy to really be what it is expected to be, all arms of government must be truly INDEPENDENT, without any over bearing influence from the other.

As such, the EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE and JUDICIARY have to work harmoniously, yet independently. Such independence should not just be an academic independence on paper, but one that gives all arms their rightful places in the Constitution, to ensure proper checks and balances.

Afaka APC debunks rumoured denial of membership registration

The ruling All Progressives Congress APC Afaka, chapter of Igabi Local Government in Kaduna state dismissed as tissues of lies, some online reports indicating that it has denied some people right to join the party its membership registration and revalidation exercise which commence on 9th on Monday.

The exercise was supervised by the Afaka ward APC membership registration committee.

The Afaka registration committee chairman Comr. Tasiu Musa disclose this during an interactive session with pressmen, he explained that the exercise commenced as schedule, and is being conducted in a very transparent manner, so anybody alleging denial of the registration is fake and highly mischievous.



The Councilor Afaka Ward during supervising the exercise express delight by the arrangement the registration committee did, especially the way COVID-19 protocol was strictly observed.


He urges party faithful to come out and register and revalidate their membership of this great party.
Many party faithful accompany him to the revalidation center, this alone attested to his popularity.

Many people are of the view that those speeding unfounded news in the social media in other to discredit the ongoing revalidation exercise will never suscced because of the solid and transparent nature of the program which carried everyone alone.

Indeed, Hon Auwal Sani Muhammed (Koraye) is a much likable politician in Afaka ward and no amount of smearing campaign can stop him.

JUST IN: Ex-Service Chiefs Now Non Career Ambassadors
February 4, 2021


In what could be seen as a clear show of appreciation and loyalty, President Muhammadu Buhari has forwarded the names of the immediate past Service Chiefs to the Senate as non-career Ambassadors-Designate.

In a letter to Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, President of the Senate, the President said: “In accordance with section 171 (1), (2) (c) & sub-section (4) of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, I have the honour to forward for confirmation by the Senate, the under-listed five (5) names of nominees as Non-Career Ambassadors-Designate.”

The nominees are: Gen Abayomi G. Olonisakin (Rtd ), Lt Gen Tukur Y. Buratai (Rtd), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (Rtd), and Air Vice Marshal Mohammed S. Usman (Rtd).

The President urged the Senate to give expeditious consideration to the nominations, a statement by Presidential Media Adviser, Femi Adesina said.

By Yakubu Shendam

There's a saying that if you sell your country, even the buyer won't trust you. This is because anyone who has the audacity to sell even his blood can betray the buyer who is not related to him in a more drastic manner. Even though betrayal is everywhere and always a painful experience, to be betrayed by one's kinsman or country man is the deadliest of betrayals. Sadly enough, most betrayals come from people we know, people who even kiss our cheeks like Judas Iscariot did to his master.

Like Judas, Betrayals has also perfected the act of betrayal and petty sellout schemes using Civil Society groups as cover. Probably because their price are always a beggarly '30 pieces of silver,' the money doesn't last long and sooner than later they are back on the street broke and looking for who to sellout to their paymasters for a token. While unsuspecting Nigerians see them as activists, they are nothing but street lads who feeds on breeding insecurity and mischief through their sponsored protests and demonstrations. They appeal to gullible Nigerians who follow them not knowing their antics and motives.

It is not news that a self style group masquerading as a civil society has threatened to drag the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen TY Buratai to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the false claims that the most professional, respected, workaholic, amiable and gallant former COAS ever produced by the Nigerian Army had committed war crimes while in office. This is not only ignoble but also laughable. With his track record, Nigerians can't be decieved into believing merchants who carries out their activism in absentia.

Last we forget, we are well aware of these groups in Nigeria. We know their background and everything about them. Yet there's no record whatsoever that links some of their handlers with any qualification or any work experience. Where then does they get the money to sponsor the expensive lifestyle they projects on the social media? The answer is simple, they are frauds who gets paid for causing mischief in Nigeria so that they can get funds to lead their 'Hushpuppi' lifestyle in Dubai and any other unsuspecting country that grants them residency. If they are trying to use this ICC kangaroo case as a ruse to get money from the former Chief of Army Staff then they have lost out completely. Lt Gen TY Buratai did not negotiate with terrorists in office and can not do business with street urchins either.

Everybody know that the former service chiefs especially the COAS did extremely well while in office. Before assumption of office, many parts of the country especially the North East and South East were in the hands of different terrorists and sessionist groups. The Nigerian flag was removed in many parts of the North East and replaced with Boko Haram flag. Nothing could be done until the assumption of Lt. Gen TY Buratai who waved the magic wand and cleared the terrorists away from Nigeria into perpetual hiding. The records are there for everyone to see. Where were they and their sponsors when Bandits held Nigeria hostage and hosted flags on Nigerian soil?

The voluntary resignation of the service chiefs came when the ovation was loudest. These gentlemen decided to bow out not because they could not deliver to their nation. They did that even though they had done so much for their country and were still doing extremely well. They must therefore, be celebrated as heroes by all well meaning Nigerians and not to be threatened by street lads who feed fat on insecurity and mischief.

Nigerians must know that security is everybody's business and strive to work hard to support security efforts instead of listening to people who speak only when they're hungry and looking for money to foot their lavish lifestyle. Like I have always insist these self acclaimed human rights crusaders deserves to face prosecution for making inciting comments and causing resentments amongst Nigerians without any justification.

Nigerians must note that there's no Civil Society group that is working with any of these people anywhere except the faceless phrase they hides under. No Civil Society group will want to partner with one whose interests is bent on destroying their country and dragging peoples' reputation in mud for self gains. If at all there are any Civil Society groups with the intention of suing the former COAS, what are their names? The answer is, there's none and there won't be any because every Nigerian is aware of how insecurity was decimated to the barest minimum and the professional disposition of Army personnel under Gen Buratai.

These persons and their gang of traitors must remember that like Judas, blood money comes with great consequences and regret. They must desist from feeding their greed on peoples' hard earned reputations and at the expense of their country.


Yakubu Shendam, a youth national President and security analyst writes from Abuja.

By Sadeeq Shehu

"WHETHER ONE LIKES BUHARI OR NOT, ONE MUST INVARIABLY ACCEPT THAT BUHARI IS AN UNEXPLAINABLE PHENOMENON.

Probably no other Nigerian politician can survive the combined onslaught and mischief of IBB, OBJ, TY Danjuma, powerful clergy both Muslim and Christians, some disgruntled traditional rulers, judiciary, SP Saraki, Speaker Dogara, Atiku, Buba Galadima, Kwankwaso, Tambuwal, Opadokun, Afenifere, media, numerous "powerful" decampees too numerous to mention, National Collusion, CUPP, BBOG, wishers of death, marabouts, poisoners, letter writers, crooked lawyers, already arraigned /likely to be arraigned EFCC customers , investigators and diggers of past history , forensic accountants bent on discovering dirt, disgruntled persons who have developed a sense of entitlement, mischievous labour leader and strike organizers, school certificate searchers , economic saboteurs, old age, personal health challenges and ear problem and still remain standing.

No politician , no leader can encounter the bad fortune that PMB did in the case of Boko Haram, bandits of Zamfara, farmers/herders clash, economic recession, and still retain his popularity and trust with the masses.

Probably, no Nigerian politician has so much public trust, so large a reservoir of goodwill, so big a savings account (opened and operated for the past 40-45 years) , so much political IOUs which he can convert into political capital in case of either personal mistakes or the mistakes of his aides.

No politician with so little money to throw could assemble so big a crowd of supporters. When errors of judgment occur (and indeed several missteps have occurred under his watch) there is no Nigerian politician whose teeming supporters are ready to forgive and forget and understand and accept that his errors are honest mistakes all made in a zeal to serve them.

In the history of Nigerian politics and Nigerian politicians, Buhari is an unusual, abnormal, atypical, peculiar, bizarre, unconventional, unexpected, unfamiliar, strange, odd, curious, out of the ordinary, and an extraordinary kind of politician never seen before in the Nigerian political terrain.

Buhari , (to wax Churchillian) is an enigma , wrapped in a mystery inside a puzzle. He resembles noone but himself. How does one define or rationalize Buhari? If you say he is a phenomenon , you'd be right. If you say he is using charm , juju , some would (like reportedly Sule Lamido said) some would also believe you. Would we ever see such a politician in Nigeria about whom all is forgiven, all is understood?"

~Sadeeq Shehu.

New Emir of Biu gets staff of office

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, on Saturday, presented the staff of office to the new Emir of Biu, Mai Mustapha Umar 11, with a call on him to consolidate the foundation put in place by his late father.
Presenting the staff of office to the first Class Emir, at a ceremony in Biu, Zulum also urged him to be fair, just, and to sustain support to government programmes, particularly in areas of education, health, and agriculture.

The governor also urged the traditional ruler to continue to mobilise his subjects on security consciousness and community policing.

Zulum used the occasion to also commend the Federal Government and the military for the recent successes recorded in the fight against insurgency in the state.

“May I use this medium to commend the Federal Government, and in particular the Nigerian Military, for the recent successes they recorded in the fight against insurgency, especially by taking the war to the enclaves of the insurgents.

“Let me commend the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, directors and principals in the military high command, the theatre Commander, the GOC, sector commanders, brigade commanders, commanding officers, men and officers in the theatre of operation.

“The police and all other security operatives working in Borno for the support they rendered in securing the territorial integrity of our nation,” Zulum said.

Dignitaries that attended the ceremony included the Shehu of Borno, Dr Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Almin El-Kanami, Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu, and Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen.Tukur Buratai.

Falgore (Kano State), Jan. 21, 2021 (NAN) The Nigerian Army has begun the selection exercise for the Short Service Commission Course 47 and Executive Commission Course 1/2021 candidates at its Training Area Falgore in Kano State.

Addressing the candidates on Thursday, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the decision to conduct the exercise in Falgore Forest was to ensure that better candidates were selected for training.

Buratai, who was represented by the Chief of Training and Operations (Army), Maj.-Gen. Nuhu Angbazo, urged the candidates to be serious with the exercise, saying that only those who meet the criteria would be selected.

He assured them that the selection exercise would be done in a credible and transparent manner, adding that the selection board comprised persons of impeccable character.

The COAS advised the candidates to demonstrate their physical ability to become officers of Nigerian army, adding that emphasis would be placed on both physical fitness and aptitude of the candidates.

He also urged them to shun the idea of being fixed into the system through back doors.

According to him, this will be the best exercise that will set the pace for the subsequent ones.

Buratai also urged the candidates to be ready for deployment to battle fronts in various theatres of operation after their training.

“If you know you are not ready to go and fight the war that we are fighting now like in Maiduguri, Timbuktu triangle and other places, you better leave now.

“Make sure that whatever you do, you put in your best and it is only those who meet that criteria that would be taken.

“We are not supposed to talk to candidates before selection but because we want to get the best, we decided to talk to you.

“If you think that somebody brought your name here to be selected, if you don’t pass the requirements, you will be disappointed.

“Everything here now depends on you because the members of the board are honest men who are very meticulous,” he said.

A federal commissioner of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), retired Maj.-Gen. Suleiman Saheed, said the board would ensure that only qualified candidates would be selected, adding that merit would be considered.

Saheed assured them that the federal character principle would be adhered to in selecting the candidates from all the states of the federation.

He said it was the army that introduced quota system before the government adopted and subsequently established FCC.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the candidates are mandated to undergo different stages of tests, including physical fitness, aptitude and medical.

The physical fitness test will involve five, 10-kilometre and 20-kilometre run while the medical tests include blood pressure measurements, on the spot temperature check, and X-ray checks, among others.

At the end of the selection process, successful candidates for the Short Service will proceed for a mine months training at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna, while those for executive commission moves to Kachia for four months intensive training.(NAN)

ASATTAHIR Commiserates with Victims of Sokoto Central Market Fire Disaster


The Board of Trustees staffs and Management ASATTAHIR International Foundation, have commiserates with victims of the tragedy of fire outbreak at the Sokoto Central Market, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, the 19th day of January, 2021.

This was contained in statement signed by Prof. Yahaya T. Baba CEO & Secretary, Board of Trustees.

The statement further explains that the fire out break is a serious occurrence and undoubtedly a major setback for the economy of not only Sokoto state but Nigeria as a whole.

“As a multi-billion Naira stock of investments and economic holdings for government, business individuals, groups and organizations, the fire disaster afflicts many corporations, shareholders, business partners, merchants, entrepreneurs and different groups of consumers across the country and beyond.” it emphasized.

The statement therefore says, “It is in recognition of this sad development in one of the most trying times of global economic contraction, accentuated by the spread of Covid-19 that we sympathize with victims for the huge losses that are yet to be estimated.

As major stakeholders, ASATTAHIR International Foundation also commiserates with the Government and People of Sokoto state, the Sultanate Council and in particular the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Sokoto state Chapter”.

The Foundation further prayed that Almighty Allah will give the victims the courage to withstand this tribulation and that He will replenish them as they strive to recover from the shocks and the losses there from.

‘”Once again, we are deeply saddened by the fire disaster and trust that Allah in his infinite mercies and benevolence is sufficient to the victims as they strive to surmount the distress.”

By Thomas Uzah PhD

Interventions on the political and economic fronts by Nigerians in the Diaspora have been anything but complimentary of our leaders, systems and policies.

It is as if once our intellectuals find their feet in other shores, they develop a contemptuous mindset towards their country and anything happening in the country is viewed from negative prisms.

These Diasporans become perpetual critics whose thirst for castigating Nigerian leaders and their policies is hardly satisfied.

This posture had made many patriotic citizens to conclude that most of these Nigerians living in foreign countries are driven by regime hate hence are not capable of critically and objectively dissecting the situation they choose to interrogate not to talk of proffering  positive solutions.

Rather than come up with ideas for the political and socioeconomic upliftment of their people, Nigerians in the Diaspora have constituted themselves into a nation of nay sayers, cynics and pessimists trying hard to drag the Nigerian state down. 

It is typical of comments from there to reduce every economic breakthrough to happenstance, every good policy to a mere mistake while challenges are elevated as the norm.

While the nationals of other countries seek ways to better their country through researches and pooling of funds from their host countries, the Nigerian Diaspora community is more interested in seeing itself as an opposition party. 

In the 70s, it was a group of Malaysians in the Diaspora who stumbled on the Nigerian palm fruits  and through researches, were able to extract pure vegetable oil from the fruit which they now export to other countries.

But decades after we have sent our sons and daughters to the most technologically advanced countries, our mothers and sisters are still using grinding stones to grind pepper while our men are still using raffia to climb palm trees.

Good and commercially viable agricultural products still perish on their ways to the market because there's no means of preserving them.

While they have failed in their patriotic duties of using their experiences to help in the development of their country, they appear unrelenting in the bid to rubbish whatever progress Nigeria is making.

This was why when Nigeria was categorised as one the fastest developing economies in the world, it did not make an impression on these set of intellectuals, neither have they said anything since our military turned the tide against terrorists and insurgents that have been disturbing the peace of the country.

Unofficial reports state that there are about 15 million Nigerians in the diaspora and can be found in most countries of the world especially the United States and the UK, followed by South Africa, UAE and other European countries such as Italy and Spain. 

The largest Nigerian Diaspora community is in the US with around followed by the UK.

A survey conducted in the US indicated that Nigerians in the US are one of the highest educated migrant groups.

The survey found that 29% of the Nigerian diaspora older than 25, held a master’s degree, Ph.D. or an advanced professional degree compared to 11% of the US population overall. 

It is said that no country in Sub-Saharan Africa receives more remittances than Nigeria, estimated by the World Bank at around 24.3B per year and 6% of GDP.

This makes Nigeria the sixth country in the world in remittance inflows. 

This ordinarily should have been celebrated as it is quite huge, but the benefits of such potentials are hardly seen at home. This id because they are only channelled towards luxurious and personal interests. Hardly are the inflows invested into the Nigerian economy with a view to ensuring a multiplier effect.

They are remittances through family ties and have not been substantial enough to jump start any aspect of the economy, let alone develop one.

Even the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, which “has the responsibility to coordinate and organize Nigerians in and from the Diaspora to contribute human capital and material resources, including their expertise, for the development of Nigeria and its constituent states,” has not been forthcoming in that regard. 

Worse still, many of the Nigerians in the Diaspora, wreak havoc of the image of Nigeria by their involvement in crime across the continents.

A release by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for America in year 2020 showed that Nigerian citizens are among the leading nationals in crime.  

Clearly, they have become bad influences on their home country by becoming emergency activists who go out to ruin the peace of the country . 

It has even been alleged that some of their unpatriotic interventions are sponsored to destabilise Nigeria for which they receive financial gratification. 

But these have got to stop. Nigerians abroad must start seeing the good in their country and project same to the world. They must serve as the catalyst for technological advancement and steer clear of the underground moves to use them to destabilise their own country .

Uzah PhD is Head, Mass Communication Department, Kwararafa University Wukari.

NIGERIAN ARMY AND THE WAR AGAINST DISINTEGRATION

Yabo Chris Ephraim

The year 2020 will forever be a historical reference point for every country around the globe. Every country had a share of the challenges that 2020 came with or at worst felt it impact. In Nigeria, it was not just the global pandemic and its ravaging impact, it was a year the Nigerian Army had a date with history. It was tested in many fronts, but it core mandate of defending our sovereignty, unity and democracy was tested in no small measure. Like Abraham Lincoln said; "only the test of fire makes fine steel". The Nigerian Army has earned itself a place in history for standing up to the enemies of our nation both internally and externally

In the year 2020, precisely around October, there was an uprising that culminated in the killings of scores of our security personnels by our own citizens, massive and wanton destruction/looting of public and private properties. This uprising was disguised as a peaceful protest, but it was not aimed at pursuing any genuine reforms or good governance. The stated objective was to end police brutality and bring reforms, but the organizers only used that as a smokescreen to lure unsuspecting Nigerians to join the uprising and give it more publicity. The grand design was to topple the government in power by creating and sponsoring chaos and anarchy in the fashion that was used in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Tunisia and Sudan.

The strategy is to sow strife and disaffection among citizenry, which will engender a fertile ground for the evil machination of Western power in collaboration with some of our brothers in Nigeria. Once this is achieved through a combination of propaganda and incitement, then the real bloodthirsty masquerades will surface in the name of democratic institutions and organizations such as Amnesty International, ICC and their propaganda apparatus CNN.

Nigerian Army through intelligence, discovered this devilish plan by unscrupulous elements and planned a counter strategy to quell the uprising peacefully and without contravening the constitution of our country which guarantees the right of the citizens to protest. On 14th October 2020, it issued a statement to the effect that it will not allow subversive elements destabilize our country. It equally reaffirmed its commitment to protect our democracy at all cost.

Those who masterminded atrocities that ousted the legitimate government of Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya chose a different strategy of accusing the leaders of harboring and sponsoring terrorism which has not been proven till this day. The case of Egypt was plain animosity by the Western power against the Moslem Brotherhood and the government of Mohammed Morsi which started as a protest at Tahrir Square that eventually led to his ouster and death. The other cases were through economic sabotage and perpetually organized insecurity which brought these countries to their knees

Nigeria as the biggest player in Africa with so much potentials became the target of this unscrupulous elements from within and without. Through economic sabotage, relentless recruitments of terrorists, training, arming and funding terrorism, they have clogged the wheels of progress in Nigeria. With the prediction of the disintegration of Nigeria in the year 2020, it was hoped that this government wouldn't last beyond their projected date for its disintegration. With the support of some international organizations, they project an image of democratic ideals and protection of human rights on the one hand, while fuelling terrorism and insecurity on the other. These Western powers have largely refused to cooperate with the Nigerian government in the fight against insecurity by outrightly delaying or refusing to sale arms to Nigeria, but have continue to supply more than enough arms to the enemies of Nigeria. Many may not quite understand the full scale of the grand design by this satanic forces. With this government surviving more than five years after the said prediction, they have in recent times intensified their effort to keep a date with their prediction of Nigeria's disintegration, with the collaboration of some political jobbers willing to trade our peace and stability for their selfish ambition.

Despite the setbacks and towering challenges, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies have sacrificed their lives, blood and sweat to manage these internally and externally engineered insecurity, to keep Nigeria standing after their due date. The Nigerian Army has maintained utmost discipline, valour and patriotism even in the face of provocative propaganda, and has continue to ensure that Nigeria's case did not spiral out of control as is the case with countries mentioned earlier.

We, as a people, must resist the plan to destabilize our country by refuting and disregarding all the negative propaganda against our government and the security agencies. We must be resolute and united in supporting our security agencies particularly the Nigerian Army that is at the forefront of this war and keeping our democracy. We must keep the faith knowing that darkness cannot overcome light and evil cannot triumph over good. I salute the courage and determination of the leadership and all personnel of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their sacrifices and doggenes.

Gen. Buratai as African Steward Man of the Year 2020

By Thomas Uzah

Eventually, the Year 2020 grudgingly dragged to an end. It was a difficult and tough year for all Africans. From economic meltdown to wars, conflicts and the blight of the global Covid-19 pandemic. In the continent, Nigeria also had her fair share of these troubles. These predicaments were varied and complex.

As already known, the position of Nigeria in the continent is very strategic and sensitive. It is a country with a large landmass and huge population. And it is not disputable that the African continent is troubled and threatened anytime a misfortune adversely affects Nigeria.

What troubled Nigeria deeply and almost brought the country to her knees last year was the nagging spate of resurgent insecurities. Nigeria was confronted with the menace of resurgent Boko Haram insurgency and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists. The armed gangs regrouped and came back like a bad penny in what appeared in every countenance like a revenge mission over their defeat by soldiers.

And also, emerging from a general election year, Nigeria grappled with the challenge of the infiltration and proliferation of weapons; intrusion of hired armed mercenaries, ethnic militias, armed bandits, the scourge of kidnappers, oil pipeline vandals, buccaneers, ethno-religious eruptions, vicious secession agitations, communal skirmishes and the bloody #EndSARS protests.

Certainly, the peace, security and stability of the country was extremely tested by these organized armed criminal gangs. They registered presence in most parts of the nation and in overwhelming numbers, perpetually overpowering civil security. And in all instances of internal security breaches, the magnitude consistently attracted the deployment of soldiers on special assignments on Internal Security (IS).

These forces of darkness pushed Nigeria to the cusp of total destabilization and disintegration. There were glaring signs of the absolute compromise of national security, like the #EndSARS protests, had Government failed to take proactive steps to extinguish the smokes of these insecurities and disable the brigands. But at the end of the year, Nigerians gracefully crossed into 2021 with less of such troubles or precisely, their absolute obliteration based on the interventions of the Army.

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and leader of the counter-insurgency operations, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai dispensed himself in these troubled times as Nigeria’s loyal and trustworthy salvationist. He deserves the most endearing and profound eulogies for imposing security sanity in Nigeria today.

The Army Chief led soldiers to accomplish these difficult security tasks professionally, and distinctively. Gen. Buratai doggedly ensured the berth of peace and security in Nigerian and by implication, the African continent. He rescued Nigeria from the hands of armed captors, sanitized the country and opened fresh vistas of security regeneration or rebirth.

As Punchman of the counter-insurgency operations in the country, Gen. Buratai discharged his stewardship to fatherland with dexterity, distinction and splendor. He salvaged Nigeria and restored lost hopes. His works erased the feeling of hopelessness harboured by most Nigerians over insecurity. And surely, with him still on the saddle, Nigerians have settled with the reality that it is possible to live in the previously tormented country, free of security threats or molestations from armed gangs.

The last quarter of 2020 was particularly challenging for the country. Political desperadoes ignited a carnival of fires in the guise of #EndSARS protests. Almost the entire Southern part of the country was engulfed by the heat of the violent #EndSARS protests. The quantum of destructions and bloodbath orchestrated by the sponsors and promoters of #EndSARS was appalling.

Nigeria was on the verge of complete anarchy, and the total breakdown of law and order. But Gen. Buratai staged out and effectively quenched the destructive fires triggered by the pig -heads of the #EndSARS campaigners. The Army marketed itself as Nigeria’s redeemers.

In the wake of resurgent insecurities in April 2020, Boko Haram insurgents’ and ISWAP terrorists bounced back with venom. Gen. Buratai relocated to the Northeast region. He spent two months in the trenches, directing and personally leading troops of the “Operation Lafiya Dole” in the battle against terrorists in the frontlines. And the positive results within a week were incredible. He was able to neutralize over 2,000 terrorists, destroyed their re-established camps and confiscated numerous weapons from insurgents.

Armed bandits and allied criminals terrorizing the Northwest region groaned and numerously met their waterloo, when Gen. Buratai launched “Operation Sahel Sanity.” Within weeks, troops dislodged them from their hideouts in the various forests; neutralized hundreds of the bandits in fierce battle encounters with troops. The Army impounded the weapons abandoned by fleeing bandits. Scores of the criminals, logistics suppliers and connivers were also arrested in the course of these operations. Gen. Buratai saved Nigeria from this nightmare.

The kidnap of the Kankara schoolboys and later, the Mahuta school children by bandits, sparked national uproar and outrage. Tongues sharpened even in the international community to discredit President Muhammadu Buhari, if the abductees do not regain their freedom. But Gen. Buratai saved the day. He immediately marshalled out troops which moved fiercely after the abductors.

And in a skillfully executed unarmed operation, soldiers rescued all the kidnapped school children within six days. Also, none of them was either injured or wounded in the course of the operations. They were reunited with their families in a presidential ceremony. State Governors whose states were tormented by armed bandits and cattle rustlers have attested to the restoration of peace and security by soldiers.

Similarly, the ethnic warlords and militias tormenting communities of the North central region were also repressed by Gen. Buratai. Hordes of the gang leaders and the foot soldiers of these criminal sects were apprehended; while many of them kissed death in battle encounters with troops.

Southern Kaduna has known peace from ethno-religious conflagrations now because Gen. Buratai refused to shirk. He doused the restiveness, imposed peace and security in the warring areas. At this instance too, Gen. Buratai discharged his stewardship to Nigeria with enviable patriotism and dedication.

Furthermore, violent campaigners for secession also attempted several times to disrupt the public peace by breaching security. They were essentially an assembled band of criminals, who operated as armed robbers, kidnappers, and indulged into other repulsive acts of criminalities. The COAS again sauntered unto the stage and never allowed the armed criminals perpetrate any form of evil against Nigeria. He rescued an entrapped people of the Southeast.

Therefore, Gen. Buratai deserves the medal of African Steward Man of the Year 2020. He has proved faithful military service to his country. He has always intervened in the darkest hours in the history of Nigeria with the candle of illumination.

Nigerians who never believed that it is possible to exist in Nigeria and insulated from lethal insecurities are loudly testifying to Gen. Buratai’s exceptional prowess and unique military competence in tackling Internal Insecurity (IS) threats. Whether these security threats manifested the character of resurgence or freshly created, the Army boss descended on the criminals. The ombudsman of the counter-insurgency operations is incontestably the winner of the African Steward Man of the Year 2020. Congratulations, sir and may you soar higher in bringing peace and security to Nigeria and Africa.

Uzah PhD is the Head of Department, Mass Communication, Kwararafa University Wukari.

OPERATION TURA TAKAIBANGO: AGAIN TROOPS AMBUSH TERRORISTS, DESTROY 7 GUN TRUCKS, SEVERAL TERRORISTS KILLED, ARMS RECOVERED


Troops of Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO in conjunction with the Air Task Force Operation LAFIYA DOLE have effectively destroyed 7 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists' gun trucks and decimated several unconfirmed number of the terrorists when they attempted to attack their location at the outskirts of Marte in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

This was contained in a statement signed by Brigadier General Bernard OnyeukoActing Director Defence Media Operations and made available to the press on 16 January 2021

The gallant troops, based on reliable information about the attack, had positioned themselves in an ambush site where they tactically withdrew to, and awaited the arrival of the terrorists before they opened fire which led to fierce battle that resulted in the successes recorded as indicated above.

The troops are still engaged in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists for further exploitation. Further details of interest to members of the public will be communicated later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZ6DnciVUnk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0S-t2ccthU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhIAtyWCisc

Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, a security analyst and a counter-terrorism expert is the Convener of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups Against Terrorism in Nigeria. In this interview with OLADIPUPO AWOJOBI, he speaks on the recent editorial of UK-based Financial Times on Nigeria, the efforts of the Nigerian Army in the north to curtail insurgency, banditry, among others. Excerpts…


Question:: Financial Times of London in a recent editorial described Nigeria as a country plagued by terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping and risks becoming a failed state. The UK-based newspaper also said contrary to the government’s claim, Boko Haram remained an everpresent threat. Did you see the report and what is your reaction?

Odeyemi : First, I saw and read the editorial from Financial Times on what they referred to be  state of Nigeria, and they touched on almost every sector but I will talk about the security aspect. With all due respect, I think there is a script being acted and some international media agencies have already been conscripted to play it out, amazingly, they push out the scripts without any recourse to rules of engagement in the media which includes verification of all indices to be addressed to ensure credence of the report.

Odeyemi: From my little knowledge, I am aware that the editorial of any news medium is the heart of that media organisation because that is the position of that newspaper on the topic of consideration.


Odeyemi: if FT could churn out such editorial as their position on this same Nigeria that we are currently living in, then there is much to be desired. Beyond that, I think the editorial veered off some of the key happenings in Nigeria and that has been the bane of many foreign media reports on the country, lately. The truth is that you cant rely on resources from the internet to form either a news or editorial reportage.



Odeyemi : we still have pockets of security challenges, but the reality on ground is that the level of security in Nigeria has over time improved, especially in the north east and this is due to the pragmatic approach of President Muhammadu Buhari and his service chiefs.

Odeyemi: Except we want to lie and deceive ourselves, is the north not better, especially north east than it was before 2015 when Boko Haram had over 14 local governments in its custody? I think Nigerians should ignore the poorly thought-out editorial as well as the groups who are gleefully hailing it. It was a wasted effort.


Question :The successful rescue of the abducted Kankara school boys generated drama as different security agencies, sociocultural organization and even state governments lay claim to the rescue. Does this suggest that the Nigerian Army played little or no roles in the rescue effort?


Odeyemi: I think we must first of all thank God and commend President Buhari for providing the leadership that led to the rescue of the boys. However, I want to applaud the Nigerian army over the release of the abducted students. The saying that success has many relatives is trite here but we must give honour to whom it is due. The army showcased a high level of human rights compliance, professionalism and proactiveness in carrying out its responsibility of securing the lives of the abducted schoolboys.

I really don’t want to get into the politics of the issue but the Nigerian Army was responsible for the release of the boys. The Nigerian Army was able to track the abductors with the boys, they were pinned down and surrounded

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, says the Nigerian army will shame and disgrace the Boko Haram and Islamic States for West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists in 2021.
Buratai gave the assurance at a sit-out night to usher in the 2021 New Year  at the TY Buratai Institute for War and Peace, Buratai in Biu Local Government Area of Borno.

He said the troops of Nigerian army had done a lot in the fight against insurgency in the North East and banditry in the North west in 2020, adding that they were committed to decisively deal with all forms of insecurity in the country.

Buratai urged the troops to dedicate themselves to the task of eradicating terrorism by maintaining the tempo in 2021 with more determination and action to end the insurgency in the country.
He also urged the troops to work with more discipline, commitment and courage, adding that the military had the responsibility to solve the nation’s problem of insecurity.
According to him, they must work extra hard to win the confidence of Nigerians. The nation trusted and believed in us to deal with the security challenges, - issues of insurgency, terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other forms of insecurity. We must not fail, we should see it as a challenge and a task that must be done to resolve it once and for all".

“I am very optimistic that 2021 will be different, totally different with remarkable difference from 2020.
“I want you to see it as a challenge and a task that must be done because we are the one that can do it because Nigerians believe in us and believe that we can do it.
“You should go into the year with full conviction that we can do better to address the insecurity in our country,” he said.
Buratai also promised that officers and men of Nigerian army would enjoy a lot welfare packages in 2021.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his support and confidence in the Nigerian army during the preceding years.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has informed the public about plans by some criminal elements to carry out violent attacks on public places including key and vulnerable points during the Yuletide season.

According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer,
Department of State Services,
National Headquarters,
Abuja, Peter Afunanya, dated December.22, 2020 the planned dastardly acts are to be executed through the use of explosives, suicide bombing and other dangerous weapons.

"The objective is to create a general sense of fear among the people and subsequently undermine the Government.

"Against this backdrop, citizens are called upon to be extra vigilant and report strange movements and indeed, all suspicions around them to security and law enforcement agencies," it said.

On its part, the Service said that it is collaborating with other sister agencies to ensure that adequate measures are put in place for protection of lives and property.

"To further achieve this purpose, the Service has provided these emergency response numbers 08132222105 and 09030002189 for urgent contacts.

"It is also using this opportunity to unveil its interactive website www.dss.gov.ng for public communication support.

"Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of these platforms and similar ones provided by related agencies to timely reach and avail them (security agencies) of required information," it advised.

However, the Service further advised those planning to cause chaos and damage to public peace to desist from such as it will stop at nothing to apprehend and bring them to justice.

"While assuring citizens and residents of their safety during and after the festive periods, the DGSS, Alhaji YM. Bichi fwc, with his Management and Staff, wishes all, Happy Celebrations and a Prosperous 2021," it concluded.

Revealed: Nigerian activists lose $10m deal with Amnesty International over Buhari’s rescue of Kankara boys- Nigpilot


A circuit of prominent Nigerian activists appears to have missed out on as much as a $10 million bumper deal meant to come their way from global rights monitoring group, Amnesty International following the prompt rescue of the 314 schoolboys, who were abducted by gunmen from their school in Kankara, Katsina State.
The abduction of the schoolboys gunmen initially thought to be bandits, and at some later point, Boko Haram terrorists had drawn international concerns sparking fears that a repeat of a similar but more unfortunate incident in Chibok, Borno state, in which 112 schoolgirls abducted from their school by Boko Haram terrorists are yet to be reunited with their families was in the making.

The Nigerian government, however, turned things around for good by orchestrating the freedom and release of the children unharmed. The Nigerian Army’s Operation Sahel Sanity cordoned off the gunmen holding the schoolboys and effectively ended what could have potentially turned out to be a harrowing experience for the teenage boys as they were all freed unhurt in that operation.
Our correspondent reliable gathered that Amnesty International had positioned to exploit the recent Kankara incident the same way it did with Chibok Girls, using prominent anti-government activists to discredit the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari by highlighting how the abductions happened on his watch. The fallout from the abduction of the Chibok Girls was widely believed to have contributed to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s loss at the 2015 polls.
A source familiar with the plot disclosed that Amnesty, which has been accused of pursuing an agenda to destabilize Nigeria, had warehoused $10 million to mobilize local activists to design and implement “series of engagement on the Kankara Boys incident” which is reportedly a code phrase for widespread protests and campaign of propaganda directed against the government.

Activists reportedly on the list to benefit from the $10 million “sweetener” are Femi Falana, Aisha Yesufu, Ahmad Salkida, Deji Adeyanju, Oby Ezekwesili, Shehu Sani amongst others while they were in turn expected to draw in newly identified names from the #EndSARS protests to give the ensuing protests “an organic feel”.
According to the source, who crave anonymity over fear of a backlash, “Amnesty International was to pay the money to a company outside Nigeria on Friday. Unfortunately, the Federal Government successfully achieved the release of the boys after the military stepped in and made it impossible for the bandits to move out of the area where they were keeping the boys.

“They (activists) may not be directly connected to it but the video in which the boys were told to say they were abducted by Boko Haram was meant to give the activists more leverage to harass the government by claiming that the military has further lost grip of the country to Boko Haram, which would, in turn, enable Amnesty International to attribute series of events in the north-west of Nigeria to the military. Things could have gotten really ugly,” the source who claimed to have brokered the similar deal for a female among the activists stated.
Hints of the $10 million budget for advancing the anti-Nigeria agenda had triggered a flurry of activities among the activists as they jostled to set the narrative for what was nationally feared would end up a tragedy. They had created hashtags that were meant to make trend the abductions on social media similar to what they did with #BringBackOurGirls. #KankaraBoys #KankaraStudents and #BringBackOurBoys were thrown up and were already trending before the boys were rescued by the military.

Senator Shehu Sani, @ShehuSani, wrote, “The Friday night attacks in Kankara town Katsina state and the reported kidnappings of students of the Government Secondary School by bandits is another tragedy in the season of woes. Until the (sic) these bandits are tackled and crushed, the problem will not fizzle out.”
Oby Ezekwesili, @obydzeks, said “What exactly is the grossly incompetent and coldly indifferent @NGRPresident @MBuhari really doing in Katsina State while disconsolate parents of 333 #KankaraBoys cry their eyes out? Does the President know more than we are being told about the whereabouts of those students?”
Even after the students were freed from captivity, there was a last-minute push on the part of some of the activists who reportedly told Amnesty International that they can still use the incident to do some damage. It was however unclear if the organization bought this argument or if it went ahead to disburse part of the funds since the basis on which it was to be spent has been overtaken by events.

The activists nonetheless continued their attacks on the government while twisting preventive steps being taken to keep other students safe out of context. Aisha Yesufu @AishaYesufu for instance jubilantly said “The reasons Boko Haram gave us for abducting #KankaraStudents was so western education should be stopped. Schools are being closed. They won! When will Nigeria government go after Boko Haram terrorists?”
Her assertion is consistent with what Amnesty International had declared a clear four days before. The international NGO had rushed to credit Boko Haram for the abduction of the schoolboys, which further cement claims by some organizations that the rights group was running propaganda to present the terrorist group as stronger than it actually is. Its statement, titled “Nigeria: Education under attack in the north” went as far as validating an erroneous claim that more than 500 students were abducted when in reality the 314 that were rescued were the only ones abducted in the ugly incident.

Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, had said “These children are abducted in serious risk of being harmed and being forced to become child soldiers. Nigerian authorities must take all measures to return them to safety, along with all children currently under the custody of Boko Haram.”
The activists have now reportedly raised a team to pressure Ojigho into persuading Amnesty International’s London headquarters that the funds can be channeled into executing projects that will deliver results and would be similar in impact too if the abducted schoolboys had not regained their freedom.

BANDITRY: GENERAL BURATAI CHARGES ARMY TO REMAIN IN WAR MOOD, EXTENDS OP SAHEL SANITY TO MARCH 2021

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Yusuf Tukur Buratai has urged the Nigerian Army to remain in war mood in order to rid the North Western Zone of Banditry activities.

General Buratai who was on operational visit to Nigerian Army Special Super Camp 4 Faskari in katsina state on Monday said, although the Army have performed creditably well, there was the need for them to put more efforts so as to completely wipe out banditry in the zone.

In order to ensure that the remnants of bandits are completely flush out of the north west Gen. Buratai extended operation sahel sanity which is supposed to end by December 2020 to March 2021.

He also said troops must cultivate the habit of intelligence gathering so as to gather credible information in order to continue to conduct successful operations to be able to deny the bandits freedom of action.

“You must remain in war mood, increase your intelligence gathering capabilities and redouble your operational activities particularly during the yulitide and new year periods and beyond”.

He charged the troops the remain committed and continue the onslaught on the bandits until normalcy is restored.

He commended the troops for the timely rescue of students of Government Secondary school kankara and their prompt and bold response which resulted in the rescue of 84 Hizburamiyya Islamiyya students in Dandume Local area of katsina state recently.

He was briefed on the operational activities, successes and achievements of the troops on Operation Sahel Sanity and Operation Hadarin Daji in the North western part of nigeria especially in Zamfara, katsina, sokoto and kaduna states by the Brigade Commander 17 Brigade Brig Gen W Idris.

These included neutralization of 210 bandits, the arrest of 326 suspected bandits, 46 logistics suppliers and 11 rustled cattle Buyers.

Also during the period, 70 AK 47 rifles, 191 dane guns, 4,987 of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered.
Similarly, 619 kidnapped victims including the recently rescued 344 students of Government Science Secinfary School Kankara in conjunction with other security agencies were rescued.

Also during the period, 7,668 Cows and 1,842 Sheep were recovered and handed over to their owners.

General Buratai extended the period of the Operation Sahel Sanity to March 2021 to enable the Army to completely wipe out banditry within the zone.

According to him, the operation was supposed to be terminated at the end of this month, but considering some insecurity challenges within the North Western Zone it would continue until March next year.

League of Nigeria Youth Groups
has called on the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) to henceforth, cease attacking President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria's military and other security agencies.

The group expressed this in a statement signed by 17 independently affiliated groups.


"That we use this medium to call on the Coalition of Northern Groups to stop any further plot to blackmail and undermine our President; Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigeria's military and other security agencies," the statement said.


They further called the attention of the CNG leadership that out of the 18 Northern Youth Groups of the Coalition, 9 Groups have withdrawn their involvement in any further move of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) for obvious reasons such as:

"(a) CNG's continual broadcast and clandestine meetings aimed at inciting northern youths for tribal war which ultimately could lead to unnecessary rivalry and acrimony between the northern part of Nigeria and other parts of the country.

"(b) CNG leadership's link to suspected sponsors of banditry in Nigeria who are the top financiers of CNG thereby fuelling crisis against the government of President Buhari.

"(c) CNG's inability to come up with any meaningful strategy on how to help government win the war against Insurgency and Banditry, instead CNG is more interested in fueling crises through false alarms and incitive commentaries."

According to the statement titled, "Time To Stop Unnecessary Political Machinations Against The Federal Government Of Nigeria On Matters Of National Security" the group said their position was in the best interest of the country.

"We the Leaders of the various ethnic and social cultural youth organisations in Nigeria today, Thursday; 17th day of December, 2020 under the aegis of League of Nigeria Youth Groups after our emergency meeting on issues bordering on the state of our Nation Nigeria while acknowledging security challenges confronting our Nation have resolved as follows:



"We call on all wicked Politicians who are into sponsoring misguided youth to take up arms against their country and partake in unnecessary protest against the government and her agencies.


"We are aware of some members of the Nigerian Senate who have been recruiting youths in the Northern Region of the country to begin another round of #EndSars in Northern Nigeria in the name of #ENDINSECURITYNOW just to Blackmail the government and her security agencies," the statement said.


They said that, "instead of these clueless senators to better the lots of their constituencies they are busy causing crisis and unnecessary apprehension.

"Their failure to develop their constituencies is part of the reasons fuelling the insurgency and Armed banditry respectfully.

"While security agencies are up and doing to clear the insecurity created by some of these crooked politicians, the latter are busy calling for the resignation of service chiefs and heads of other security agencies at the same time lobbying for their stooges. We tend to wonder who will call for the resignation of who in Nigeria?

"The likes of Kashim Shettima, former governor of Borno State for example shouldn't have a place to live in a sane, organized and law enforcing and abiding society.

"Thus, the deliberate negligence of some of these wicked so called leaders to better the lots of their own people is one of the key factors exacerbating insecurity in Nigeria.

"Borno State for example, where Shettima was a governor for eight years is one of the most backward and under developed states in Nigeria in all human indices for development.

"Members of the Senate representing most of the crisis states of the North inability to positively engage the youths of their various constituencies has made the youths willing hands in the way of banditry and terrorism, they seem to be more comfortable using ignorant youths as political thugs and hired killers against formidable political opponents to perpetrate their selfish political gains.

"Most of our country's political leaders should be ashamed of themselves knowing that 73% of bandits terrorizing nigeria are not outsiders but people in the same senatorial villages - senatorial districts - speaking the same language, and the same culture with them.

"Our so called political leaders in the north especially in areas under serious terrorism and banditry attacks have the following questions to answer:
(a) what efforts did you make to ensure youths in your districts or constituencies doesn't go astray in the way of insurgency and banditry?
(b) what laws have you been able to enact to cushion idleness of youths in your senatorial districts and the nation at large?
(C) what is the impact of your constituency projects in uplifting the living standards of your people?
(d) How many times have you called for town hall meetings in your senatorial districts to sensitize traditional, religious, women and youths leaders about lawlessness insurgency and banditry?
(e) How many youths in your locality did you spur to violent acts in the course of your campaigns or the struggles for your political objectives?

"It is high time issues of security is not to be used to play politics.

"We believe the political class is the cause of the lingering pace of insecurity in our country, and the moment you want an end to various security challenges facing Nigeria, that same time insecurity will seize to exist in our country.

"The solution lies in your collective hands. You have created the ugly situation we are as a nation and it is you - not the security agencies or military that will clear the mess.

"As far as our organisations are concerned, the military have since done what they are supposed to do, the rest is for the political leaders to take champion the final stage for the enthronement of peace, security and development in Nigeria.

"This is the time to stop the blame game and accusations as well as politicization and bastardisation of security matters in Nigeria.

"It is the time for collective, concerted and harmonious actions by both political leaders, military leaders and heads of other relevant agencies to secure our country. We the nigerian youths are very much determined and committed to support you with our lives as shown by the civilian joint task forces in Borno, zamfara, Adamawa, Bauchi, katsina and many other states in Nigeria."


They therefore, called on the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari to look into local government administration, strengthen it by making sure that only duly elected council officials are allowed to be in charge of the local councils for effective response to issues of peace, security and development in their areas.


"We want to use this medium to salute all the security agencies especially the Nigerian police Force and the Armed forces of the federal republic of Nigeria for remaining steadfast in fighting all major security challenges 8n our country. We urge all security organisations in Nigeria not to allow any form of blackmail in any guise to dampen the morale of their personnel under any guise whatsoever," they .


Groups that signed: the statement include, Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria, Arewa Youth Council, Youth Assembly of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Students, National Youth Council of Nigeria and Nigerian Students' Parliament.


Others are Northern Youth Council, Oduduwa Youth Assembly, Niger Delta Youth Council, Muslim-Christian Youths Movement, National Association of Polytechnic students and Northern Youth Elders Congress.

Also appending their signatures, were the Arewa Youths Movement
and Southern Youths Assembly.

Buratai Inducts New Artillery Guns, Inaugurates New Army School of Artillery Headquarters Complex

Kachia (Kaduna State), Dec. 19, 2020 (NAN) The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, on Saturday in Kachia, Kaduna State, inspected and inducted new set of artillery guns and equipments to be deployed for operations in the North East.

Buratai also inaugurated the new Headquarters complex for the Nigerian Army School of Artillery (NASA) and also inspected several ongoing projects in the school and the barracks community.


The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Federal Government through the ministry of defence procured the brand new artillery guns and equipments.

The guns are field artillery pieces and some of the equipment are vehicle ultra-light carriage for artillery and self propelled light gun series whose identity and specification is not to be published for security reasons.

Speaking to journalists after the commissioning ceremony, spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Brig- Gen. Sagir Musa explained why the chief of army staff was in the NASA which is to inspect and test fire the guns.

He said that one of the COAS main priorities included, "ensuring a conducive working environment for officers and soldiers of Nigeria Army.

"It was in this vein the COAS commissioned the ulta modern Nigerian Army school of artillery Headquarters here in Kachia today which you just witnessed", he said.

"Giving the quality of works done, that singular act is commendable and will help in enhancing productivity of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army School of Artillery".

"The new artillery guns inspected by the Chief of Army Staff will be inducted into the Northeast Theater of Operation Lafiya Dole in the North East", Musa said. (NAN)