The inconsistent people of Borno and their inherent unrepenting hypocrisy.

History:
February 2014: The Jihadist group raided the Nigerian village of Izghe in the north of the country and murdered dozens - before going door-to-door and killing anyone they came across.

April 2014: Nearly 300 schoolgirls are abducted from the town of Chibok, which Boko Haram burned to the ground.

August 2014: The terror group kidnapped at least 97 people during raids on villages in Borno State. They killed 28 boys and men.

November 2014: 120 people killed in a bomb attack on a central Mosque in Kano - the principal city of northern Nigeria.

January 4, 2015: Boko Haram kidnaps 40 boys and young men, believed to be aged ten to 23, from a village in the Nigerian state of Borno.
Above depicts the security situation in the general north east area which had led the introduction of military personnel to combat the deadly activities of the terrorist group since 2009.

Inconsistency:
It became bothersome when I read all sorts of utterances emanating from the 'peoples' of Borno state and I continue to wonder why this set of humans remain so inconsistent in agitations and hypocritical in attitudes.

Before:
As far back as 2011, they had been at loggerheads with the government on the issue of the Boko Haram group, at a period requesting that troops of the NA be withdrawn and a dialogue system pursued. Read below a report of a publication in 2011. This agitation probably led to the then government resorting to the use of mercenaries. Unfortunately, apart from the huge monies expended on the project, the situation worsened. Now, they are at it again.

'As the security situation in Borno State deteriorates, a Committee of Elders and Leaders of Thought has joined the various appeals on the Federal Government to immediately withdraw armed soldiers from the streets of Maiduguri and environs.

In the press statement, dated 12 July 2011, the Committee accused the soldiers of arson, murder, looting and raping of young girls.

It described as “grossly misplaced and shuttered,” the government’s calculation that the intervention of the military in the conflict might bring the situation under control.

The Committee said that the presence of thousands of weapon brandishing soldiers on the streets of Maiduguri has turned the situation into the worst nightmare Maiduguri has ever seen, with the soldiers shooting and killing hundreds of youth for no reason other than that they are young people.

The Committee also had a message for the Boko Haram militants. “We call on the members of the Ahlus Sunnah lid da’awati wal jihaad (Yaanaa) to please see the current human suffering of fellow Muslims and look for alternative ways of pursuing their demand.”

It also asked the government to go into “honest and positive dialogue” with the militants as they have already made their demands public' - BY SAHARAREPORTERS, NEW YORK, JUL 14, 2011

Now:
It is the same elders that called for the withdrawal of Soldiers due to unethical practices in 2011 that had accused the army in 2018 of check points malpractices; in 2019 alleged attack on the governor's convoy that are now shouting there are not enough Soldiers in the NE, thereby demanding for mercenaries. Was it mercenaries that liberated their towns from Boko Haram? Was it private military contractors that brought them home from IDP Camps or was it their local youths that protected them at the camps. This just goes to show how inconsistent and unappreciative people are.

The difference in the security situation between 2011 and now is crystal clear however during the period, these people had not stopped agitating for one thing or the other in their efforts not to appreciate the government. Of recent, they are known to have bellowed the insufficiency of the troops within their towns expecting soldiers to be deployed at everyone's backyard. Their grouses, thus associated, had always been targeted at the army rather than the civil authorities and security agencies constitutionally responsible for such civil duties. Rather than appreciating the military and government of PMB for creating a better environment for returning them home from their various IDP Camps, they portray an ungrateful nature, never repenting in their hypocrisy. In actual fact, it is the submission of a research that their attitude may be a tactical effort to demoralise the fighting troops while psychologically supporting the insurgents. It concluded that until a change in attitude is visibly displayed and noted by military authorities, the activities of the multinational terrorist groups may continue in this axis for a long time.

Banjo Daniel, a public and private security analyst writes from Maiduguri.[img][/img][img][/img]

Alh. Aminu Tukur Appreciates Buratai For Restoring Security Situation In Katsina


Alh. . Aminu Tukur Appreciates Buratai For Restoring Security Situation In Katsina.- Amidst criticism by people who doesn’t see anything good in his strides, the chief of Army Staff , Lt Gen TY Buratai has been commended for his sterling role in restoring security in Katsina state.

The District Head of Faskari, Katsina State, Alhaji Aminu Tukur Usman wrote a letter of appreciation Buratai on the restoration of security as well as the social responsibility projects undertaken by the Nigerian Army in his domain.
In a letter made available to us he extolled the sterling virtues of the chief of army staff in restoring Security situation in a once volatile Community:
"On behalf of the good people of Faskari Communities, I hereby write to extend our appreciation over your contribution with regard to the improvements of general Security situation in the entire District band the Local Government in particular. The timely intervention through establishment of the Nigerian Army Super Camp IV is indeed commendable and well appreciated by us .
Similarly, we also recognize and appreciate your approval in the payment of compensation to the farmers whose farmland /crops were affected by the work in the Nigerian Army Super Camp ( IV) and the ongoing rehabilitation of our health facility as an implementation of cooperate socal responsibility under your good office .
At this juncture, the people of Faskari within and outside Nigeria are indeed proud to be associated with you and your excellent officers and men especially the General Officer Commanding 8 Division Brigadier General A.Bande, the commander 17 Brigadier General W. Idris and the Camp Commander Col. Usman over the sacrifice they are making in safe guarding lives and properties of our people.

Stressing the Nigerian Army beyond limit -NAOSRE President

The death of farmers in Borno State over the weekend at a time the country is grappling with the humongous challenges in food sufficiency, to say the least, is rather unfortunate.

This is the remarks of Oyewale Femi, President National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, who, in a statement on Monday, lamented the death of the innocent and unsuspecting farmers in Borno State.

In the statement, Oyewale pointed out the recent unprecedented rainfalls that over flooded farm lands in some parts of the northern region, a development that would orchestrated food scarcity in the months ahead.

He however, takes serious exception to the calls, in certain quarters, for the sack of service chiefs.

He pointed out the Nigerian Army is currently over strected as it engages Boko Haram in north east, tackles bandits in kaduna, kastina, Adamawa, Sokoto, Niger as well as fights Biafra separatist, kidnappers, killer herdsmen, cow rostllers and cultists.

Said he: “The National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, has been working closely with operatives in the military and to the best of our understating, the military is not only underfunded but its personnel are over stretched.

“The call for the sack of service chiefs, therefore, is uncalled for. Rather, such efforts should be channeled at persuading the government to increase the funding of the military,” he solicited.

Above all, Oyewale stressed the need for additional enlistment of able young men and women into the military saying that “with a population of over 200 million, the numerical strength of our military personnel, in comparison to the population, is incongruous.”

He added that other military and paramilitary formations should be well equipped to live up to their responsibilities in providing internal security while the army concentrates on border and external intrusion.

Who is CNN running dirty errands in Nigeria for ?

By Thomas Uzah

The Cable Network News (CNN) is still existing in the past in today’s globalized satellite and digital Television world. Some 20 years back, CNN monopolized the awful digital news dissemination and it was the cynosure of every eye anywhere in the world, its signals perched.

An unfazed and comfortable, CNN fed the world with fake news, recycling same news items hourly up to 24 hours or beyond, but still flagging its screens, suspiciously as “CNN Live” broadcast of the news. Its gingered eagerness in listeners and viewers, who profusely eulogized the medium of reeling out news events on-the-spot.

Then, the world was at its dawn of digital broadcasting technology and CNN capitalized on it to spread its corporate falsehood to the world excited with odd news. But the world has transcended such insularity in digital broadcasting and the media generally.

There are too many competitors in the digital broadcasting industry today. I can conveniently guess; CNN now pleads to catch up the pace in the digital broadcasting industry and reportage globally.

In America, its place of domiciliary, I am told President Donald Trump hates CNN with a passion, including their reporters or correspondents covering the White House. Most times, Mr. President goes naught in near fisticuffs with its reporters for their mastery of churning out fake news.

President Trump is fatally a blunt person who does not conceal his feelings on anything he opposes. It doesn’t mean, I cherish the personage in Trump. He has his foibles as a leader. But at least, lets concede his brutal frankness on CNN as commercialized vendors of global fake news. They are like Nigeria’s Glo, one of the telecoms which has an attractive product advertising slogan, “Pay As You Go!” It’s fantastic, but that’s okay!

CNN’s dubious reportage and barefaced abuse of professional ethics in the past has caused tragic outcomes to the world. It has also diminished public believability in its news contents. Whilst there is a plethora of examples, let me dwell on the invasion of Iraq by American and allied forces in 2003, which CNN provided resourcefully concocted news on fictious existence of weapons of mass destruction that almost pushed the world into an unexpected third World War.

A report on CNN’s website dated September 4, 2002, showcased a lethal deceit of the then American President George W. Bush that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein secretly stockpiled chemical and biological weapons, he plans to use in the event the U.S unleashes a surprise military attack on the country.

Quoting various sources, the CNN campaigned that “Iraq has tons of chemical weapons." The presumptive report triggered U.S pre-emptive military strike on Iraq in March 2003 with allied forces. The intent was to destroy the concealed weapons of Mass Destruction by Iraqi’s Saddam Hussein to terminate his brutal and dictatorial leadership.

Nicely sad, after America’s destruction of Iraq and ruination of the obnoxious regime of Saddam Hussein, CNN’s claims turned out to be a ruse, much after the deed had been regretfully committed. It was the height of media treachery and abuse of professional public obligation as exhibited by CNN

The America’s Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) would later publish an official report which read in part; “The Bush administration concedes its pre-war arguments about extensive stockpiles of chemical, biological, and even nuclear weaponry in Saddam Hussein's Iraq appear to have been mistaken. In January 2004, David Kay, the former top U.S. weapons inspector, tells Congress: ‘We were almost wrong.”

History has a way of repeating itself. The CNN has officially shifted the battleground to Nigeria’s Lekki Toll Gate incident. In my estimation, the foreign cable network has replaced a weakened Amnesty International’s (AI) on promotion of odious lies and fabricated stories on Nigeria.

Therefore, on November 17, 2020, the CNN screamed that "...Soldiers killed youths in Lekki..., " in reference to the #EndSARS alleged shooting of defenceless protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate by soldiers of the Nigerian Army. Had CNN any trace of reputation or credibility, one would have been tempted to endorse what they have branded as “investigative report.”

CNN correspondents were nowhere near the scene of the incident at Lekki on October 20, 2020. Fortunately, BBC’s Lagos correspondent Damilola Banjo and her editor witnessed the encounter of the #EndSARS protester with soldiers at the Lekki Toll Gate live. And a previous verdict delivered by the BBC reporters have plainly contradicted and obliterated whatever lies, CNN, the obviously contracted news merchants have repackaged and peddled to the world.

BBC’s Lagos correspondent, Banjo, who covered the protests at that point, narrated the contentious aspect of the encounter between the protesters and soldiers in these words; “The sight of the Army got the protesters angry and agitated…I was there with my editor and we saw the Army open fire; of course, not on the protesters, but in the air.”

So, the rejigged CNN’s report on the Lekki Toll Gate shootings is weakened by its own facts. It is infused with a heavy dosage of local partisan contents, from same narrators who previously screamed, but could not advance any modicum of evidence. CNN claimed soldiers massacred people at Lekki, but the report, only identified one Victor Sunday Ibanga, 24, Wisdom Okon, 18, and probably, a third very vague person, in spite of the enormous energy invested in it, with a deluge of correspondents.

At different points in CNN’s narrations, it is difficult to ascertain whether the allegations of shooting and killings at Lekki were done by soldiers or the police. And despite the evident violence, killings, destructions and reports of rape of women by the protesters, CNN’s imaginations betrayed its evil motive;

“There were peaceful marches, candlelight vigils, multi-faith prayer sessions and DJ performances that attracted backing and solidarity from celebrities, the Nigerian diaspora and supporters around the world. The movement quickly widened beyond police brutality to other grievances -- capturing the frustrations of a young population demanding an end to bad governance in the oil-rich country.”

And I sensed the desperation of CNN and their paymasters to implicate the Army at all cost. The cable network, claimed an eyewitness, named Sarah, whose second name they withheld, informed CNN that “They pointed their guns at us and they started shooting…They were shooting in the air, they were shooting at us, they were shooting everywhere." Who else did the random shootings kill? Which account of the narrations is now authentic and believable?

CNN also propagated that “In several of the videos, reviewed and verified by CNN, some of the protesters can be seen carrying bodies… It is not known whether these were dead or injured protesters.” So, the dead bodied conveyed by the protesters too cannot be located in any mortuary or the protesters dumped them in the Lagoon?

Is that what CNN wants the whole world to believe? I am wondering what motivations could push a foreign news medium to deliberately contradict itself in such barbaric manner. CNN has reduced itself into an odious errand boy for whose interest in Nigeria?

Nigerians should patiently wait for truth on this too! CNN has sold its integrity and conscience decades back. It is now incontrovertible that the true motive of this medium is to trigger the kind of war its false report generated in Iraq and has continued to inflict pains on Iraqis till date. I am convinced, it is about western influence on Nigeria through foreign agents of destabilization. It is CNN’s revival of its historic missteps in Iraq, which is re-dramatized in Nigeria’s Lekki Toll Gate shootings.

Nigerians must be wise! CNN is suspiciously running destructive errands with the intention of assisting those who intends to destroy Nigeria by spinning falsehood to discredit the Military and the Federal Government. The plot is to cause large scale crises to destabilize the country. By my reckoning, CNN’s likely clients to benefit from the planned mess of Nigeria would probably be, the arms sellers, crisis-entrepreneurs and terrorists sponsors. But we shall defeat them.

Uzah PhD is head of mass communication department, Kwararafa University Wukari.

Ear Care Centre Medical Director Vows to Improve Training In 2021, Declares Workshop Open In Zaria

Medical Director National Ear Care Center Kaduna, Dr. Mustapha Abubakar Yaro has declared open a workshop for junior officers of the centre in Zaria, vowing to organise not less than three similar in 2021 to accommodate more staff.

Speaking while addressing the 40 participants at the workshop on Wednesday, he said the COVID-19 outbreak made the centre to be hosting its first training of staff for the year 2020.


"I will do my best by 2021 to have two or three of this workshops so others will also benefit," he said.

While welcoming participants to the workshop, he said that he believes the resource persons are equal to the task and hopes the workshop yields results.

The Medical Director while congratulating the participants for their selection.

He said that the criteria used for their selection include commitment to work and the need to give fair opportunities for everyone who has not enjoyed such training within the past two years.

Speaking further, he explained that even in the face of dwindling resources due to inadequate funding, management would continue to pay attention to human capacity building.

He urged the staff to take advantage of the training to learn new things and be reminded of what they might have forgotten, hoping that it would reflect in a renewed work ethics and efficiency

EndSARS: Two Lawyers Sue Lagos Govt, Ask Court To Disband Judicial Panel of Inquiry


The Lagos State government has been dragged before a Federal High Court by two lawyers asking that the Judicial Panel Of Inquiry and Restitution For Victims Of SARS Related Abuses be disbanded.

The Plaintiffs in the case, Adekunle Augustine and Semion Akogwu, prayed the court to disband the panel on the ground that the Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu being a party in the matter, did not exercise his power in the public interest by setting up the panel.

The plaintiffs are praying the court to make a declaration that the Lagos State Governor, being a party cannot set up a panel to investigate itself and the outcome of the panel will be in favour of the state.

The plaintiffs averred that he who pays the piper dictates the tune.

Apart from the judicial panel of inquiry, other defendants in the suit are, the Governor Of Lagos State, the Chairman of the panel and the Attorney-General of the state who are first, third and fourth defendants respectively.

The Chairman of the panel is listed as the second respondent in the case dated November 11, 2020 and filed at a Lagos Federal High court with suit number FHC/L/CS/1572/20.

The plaintiffs, Augustine and Akogwu, in the suit, filed through their counsel, Samuel Adama. see the determination of the following questions:

*WHETHER having regards to section 36(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Exhibits A and Exhibit B, the 2nd Defendant being an Agent/Appointee of the 1st Defendant can ensure fair hearing for the Plaintiffs under the auspices of the 3rd Defendant in a mater in which the 1st Defendant is a party?

WHETHER having regards to section 5(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Exhibits A and Exhibit B, the 1st Defendant validly exercised his powers in public interest by setting up the 3rd Defendant to investigate a matter in which the 1st Defendant himself is a party?

*WHETHER having regards to Exhibits A and Exhibit B, the 1st Defendant is a party to be investigated under the terms of reference for the 3rd Defendant in the discharge of its mandate?

*WHETHER the 4th Defendant being the Chief law officer of the State ought to act in public interest by advising the 1st Defendant against the setting up of the 3rd Defendant and ought to do all things legally possible to ensure fair hearing in the matter?

Upon the determination of the questions, the plaintiffs also prayed the court for the following reliefs:

*A DECLARATION that having regards to section 36(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) together with Exhibits A and Exhibit B, the 2nd Defendant being an Agent/Appointee of the 1st Defendant cannot ensure fair hearing for the Plaintiffs under the auspices of the 3rd Defendant in a matter in which the 1st Defendant is a party.

*A DECLARATION that having regards to section 36(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Fepublic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) together with Exhibits A and Exhibit B, the 1st Defendant, being a party in the matter, did not exercise his power in public interest by setting up the 3rd Defendant.

*A DECLARATION that the appointment of the 2nd Defendant and the setting up of the 3rd Defendant by the 1st Defendant is tantamount to making the 1st Defendant a Judge in his own cause and ipso facto breaches the Plaintiffs rights to fair hearing.



AN ORDER of this Honourable Court disbanding the 3rd Defendant and nullifying its proceedings and whatsoever actions taken thereby so far to give way for a credible and independent commission of inquiry to be set up by the Federal Government to take over the mandate of the 3rd Defendant as contemplated by its establishment abi nitio.

No date has yet been fixed by the court for hearing of the case.

Live streaming of the Chief of Army Staff Eid-el Kabir Sallah Luncheon with Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole at Army Super Camp 14 Damasak Borno State on 1Aaugust 2020. Chief of Army Staff was ably represented by the Chief of Training and Operations of the Nigerian Army Major Gen EO Udoh. In attendance include Commander Multi National Joint Task Njamena Chad Maj Gen IM Yusuf and Theatre Commander Operation LAFIYA DOLE Maj Gen F Yahaya among other Senior Officers.
https://www.facebook.com/thegamjireporters/videos/302034371114889/

DELIBERATE MISREPRESENTATION OF A PATRIOT

Capt. Jauro Musa Liya (Rtd)

A soldier is trained to defend his country. This noble cause is a sacrifice that may lead to paying the ultimate price. The training of a soldier never envisaged a backlash from the fourth estate of the realm or a deliberate meddling and abuse of this sacrifice by some elements with intent to explore negative objectives. In a civilized clime, the media and civil populace hold its military in high esteem, defends its image and proudly props it as a symbol of strength and unity.

In Nigeria however, the military is callously being dragged into the mud slinging - all targeted at earning political scores.

From the professional formation of military officers or service men and women, - the rigorous regimental training of the military does not give room for learning the arts or tricks of verbal onslaughts and grandstanding.

However, current realities in Nigeria entails that the military must consider deliberate training on how best to defend it's image and reputation in the face of a hostile operating media environment and political jobbers.

People like Mahadi Shehu who sadly made spurious and malicious allegation against the Army Chief and then turned around to deny it, are just an example of how low the people can go in smearing others' hard earned reputation.

This terrible kind of attitude or behavior of some irresponsible members of the civil populace has become one too many to deal with. And the danger is that insurgents and other criminal elements find this misrepresentation of facts and a misinformed public a fertile ground for their activities.

I, sometimes wondered how and why should the media misrepresents credible and patriotic members of the society? Hence, the occasional media backlash against the Army Chief and the activities of all those who are bent on portraying this government as a failure, is indeed a serious crime against Nigeria of our dream and the sacrifice of our heroes. It is also an act of sabotage on the war against insecurity, which by the way exposes our moral weakness as a nation.

It really does not augur well when people that are supposed to be part of nation building divert attention to politically motivated criticisms, quoting and insinuating the military leadership out of context at will, condemning the high achievements and successes, denigrating the institution of the military, and specifically targeting the Army Chief as a subject of jaundiced media narrative just to drive home their point for political gains and other ephemeral benefits. This kind of behavior is a serious security threat which must be addressed.

A typical example played out recently when the Army Chief addressed the press after briefing the President and Commander- in- Chief on his return from Katsina where he flagged off Exercise SAHEL SANITY. The Chief of Army Staff does not just speak like an outsider who has no authoritative information. He said "99%" or even "100%" of the bandits are Nigerians. He based his claim as someone from the field, and as an officer with enough intelligence at his disposal. Many sit in the comfort of their rooms far away from where these operations are taking place and wrongly or mischievously say or project false information to counter the statement of the Army Chief. On whose reports are such kind of people relying to condemn the efforts of the security agencies or the points raised by the army chief?

The politically motivated media or self acclaimed security analysts in their bid to distort facts and incite or misinformed the people, have jettisoned decorum, civility, reliable data and objective analysis which are the hallmark of information dissemination.
It should be noted that it is always easier to criticize than to proffer solutions. Ironically, those who are acting to proffer solutions are ridiculed while those criticizing make headlines in the newspapers. Sometimes, the headlines are clear misrepresentations and are maliciously propagated to misinformed and set fear amongst the people. Such conducts is like setting the cat among the pigeons, as the insurgents and other criminal elements find this squabbles a fertile ground for their survival and exploits.

It is my candid opinion that it is high time to end the spate of insecurity in Nigeria through collective efforts, harmonious cooperation and regular communication/interactions between the civil populace and the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Giving and sharing of credible information is key to ending the insurgency and other criminal activities. The difficulty being experienced now by the military and other security agencies in combating insecurity can be resolved if the civil populace cooperate and avail information about the criminal elements who live amongst them. The appeal by the Army Chief has again been deliberately misunderstood and blown out of context rather than getting us to act. Nigerians must spare some time to consider the bold and frank plea of the Army Chief to the effect that all Nigerians should contribute meaningfully and sincerely to collectively defeat the myriad of security threats facing the country.

*Tinubu Support Organization welcomes Yakubu Dogara to APC.*

https://gamjireporters.com/2020/07/25/tinubu-support-organization-welcomes-yakubu-dogara-to-apc/

Boko Haram Terrorism: Many Boko Haram Terrorists Meet their Waterloo in Damasak

Nigerian Army stationed in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State have on Thursday repelled attack by Boko Haram insurgents who swarmed the area at about 2:30 pm but they were overpowered by the army.

The battle which lasted for over two hours left a five-year-old, who was hit by stray bullet dead, while a young man also reportedly hit by a bullet is currently receiving treatment at the hospital in
Mobbar.

Residents of the town also confirmed that the insurgents arrived in about 13 gun trucks and one gulf car and attempted to attack the military location from different angles there by trying to envelope their camp, but soldiers reportedly beat them to it as the blood thirsty insurgents were seen by residents fleeing in disarray.

"As the criminals were overwhelmed, they were seen retreating and shooting recklessly in all directions and also shot at two residents killing a child and injuring a young man in the process who is now receiving treatment in the hospital. The child who was hit also died in the hospital”, he said.

Speaking on whether or not there are casualties on either side, a military source in Damasak told our reporter that there was no casualty on the side of the military, but that the soldiers killed a number of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.

Some locals have stated that they have seen seven dead bodies of the terrorists littered on the ground in the area.

A military source Said 4 Ak 47 rifles and the gulf car were captured by the military.

NORTHERN NETWORK CALLS TIMI FRANK TO ORDER OVER RECKLESS REMARKS ON SECURITY MATTERS/NIGERIAN MILITARY

The Coalition of Northern Progressive Groups has called on well meaning Nigerians to continue to objectively bare their minds on national issues especially on security which is the pillar upon which development and survival of the country is dependent upon.

The Chairman of the Coalition Alhaji Captain Jauro Musa Liya (rtd) said this in a press statement he issued to journalists in kaduna on monday June 29, 2020. He however caution that those delving into security matters to exercise self restraint inorder to avoid unnecessary politicisation of security and distracting the security agencies.

The group frowned at the reckless comments made by the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressive Congress, Mr Timi Frank over his misguided, uninformed, pedestrian and reckless remarks on one of the most valuable and treasured national security asset in Nigeria which is no doubt the Nigerian Army.

In his careless desperation and quest for vengeance against his perceived political detractors, Mr Frank resorted to reckless and spurious attacks against highly revered individuals and the Armed forces of Nigeria.

Nigerians would not likely forget in a hurry that the embattled former APC member falsely accused the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo of diversion of 9 billion naira through the federal inland revenue service.

The false accusation against nigeria's vice president could have led to a legal action if not because of the noble intervention of well meaning Nigerians.

Timi further made wrong allegation against the Christian Association of Nigeria to the effect that the group, according to him - is aiding and abating corruption. He also made several damning remarks against his former political allies for obvious reasons and as such no right thinking Nigerian will consider Timi Frank as worthy of making any positive contribution to national discourse. But it is important to call him to order for venting and dabbling into national security issues without the necessary credentials or even the moral standing to pass a judgment.
He should rather remains within the confine of political parties where he has been gallivanting from one political party to another without positive impact.

In normal climes, such conduct against an institution that is responsible for the protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country will be considered a treason. In Nigeria however, the former politician and self acclaimed activist has taken his activism too far and is capable of creating discontent and unnecessary acrimony.

The Nigerian Military and other security agencies, at this critical time, require the support of the people to positively engage and provide the necessary information to aid their operations. So all hands must be on deck to enable security organizations to defeat the numerous security threats affecting our nation.

Northwest Banditry: Gov. Masari Commends Milatry, Urges them to do more for to Combat the challenges.



Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State has called on the military and other security agencies to be holistic in dealing with banditry in order to end the menace once and for all.



Masari made the call when he received the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai at the Government House, Katsina on Monday.

The governor stressed that the only thing the bandits required was superior fire power, adding that they must be dealt with once and for all without giving them opportunity to come back.

He said that bandits and their collaborators in communities, such as informants and suppliers, should be monitored, identified and dealt with accordingly.

The governor, however, said that defeating banditry in the state and other parts of the country required collective action by government, the people and security agencies.

According to him, operations of the military will not be successful without the support of the people.

“There are those in the communities that supply the bandits with information and supplies. They are equally guilty and are our enemies.

“It is not enough to continue to accuse government and the military, but the people have a role to play because security is a collective responsibility.

“The blame game must end in order to be able to defeat these bandits once and for all,” he said.

Masari commended Buratai for his presence in the state, adding that being in Katsina at this time was a morale booster to the people of the state.

He also commended the effort of the military and other security agencies in dislodging bandits in the last one month from their enclaves in forest areas in parts of Katsina and Zamfara States.

Masari pledged continuous government support for the army and other security agencies towards addressing the security challenges in the state.

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, who is on operational tour of Army units and formations in the state, commended the governor for his support to military operations in the state.

Buratai said that the deteriorating security situation in the state in recent times was of serious concern to President Muhammadu Buhari, who he said had directed that appropriate steps be taken to curtail the situation.

He said that the Nigerian army had developed new strategies to deal with the current security challenges in the state and the country as a whole.

Buratai explained that the new Operation Sahel Sanity was introduced as part of the new efforts toward addressing the challenges.

He added that the 2020 Nigerian Army Day Celebration had been rescheduled to take place in the state. Also exercise Sahel Sanity has since started with the aim to deal with banditry once and for all.

According to him, the Nigerian army will remain focused to ensure that the security of the state and the nation is guaranteed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buratai also proceeded to the Palace of the Emir of Katsina, where he solicited the support and prayers of the Emir, Alhaji Abdulmunini Kabir, in the effort to combat insecurity in the state.

He said that the recent killing of innocent citizens by bandits in parts of the state was unacceptable, adding that there was renewed effort to bring an end to the situation.

(NAN)

2023: Tinubu Support Organization Blasts Arewa Group Over Comments On Not Ceding Power To South


Three years ahead of the 2023 presidency, tantrums are flying around which region should produce the number one citizen, with the latest coming from a group, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), insisting the North would not cede power.



In a swift reaction, Tinubu Support Organization (TSO) has blasted AYCF, advising the group to stop heating up the polity.


In a statement signed by its Director General, Comrade Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, the Tinubu Support Organization observed that what Nigeria needs now is a patriotic leader that will take it to greater heights.



"We are surprised that AYCF would at this point be making inflammatory statements without substance.



"A statement credited to President of the AYCF, Shettima Yerima, in an interview on Tuesday, said that, "that it irritated the entire North for some southern politicians to think Northerners will leave power for them in 2023" we find that as irresponsible and capable of further dividing the country along regional lines," the statement said.



Tinubu Support Organization therefore, appealed to Nigerians to come out and condemn AYCF in strong terms.



"Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu is a patriotic Nigerian and is qualified to run for the office of the president. Nigeria needs such a leader to turn its fortunes around, hence we will not only support him, but call on all to do same," it concluded.

DonFreshmoney:
This chief zombie of bourdillion is taking his campaign to a higher level.. El rufai wouldnt like this at all, a campaigner of his arch nemesis living in his state..

But Tinubu is deceiving himself, he can never be president of this country.

In What it's written that he cannot be president, or who are you Mr Decider

In what book it's written that he cannot be president , or who are you Mr. Decider ? If truely you are Decider why it's you are not the most richest man in the world

Tinubu Support  Organization Mourns Senator Osinowo


Following the tragic demise of Senator representing Lagos East, Senator Bayo Osinowo, the Tinubu Support Organization has described the occurrence as shocking and painful.


A statement signed by its Director General, Comrade Ibrahim DAHIRU Danfulani, made available to newsmen in Kaduna, said he would be greatly missed.


"We are shocked and sad by the shocking news of the demise of the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial Zone, Senator Bayo Osinowo.


"This was event is occurring at a time his Ingenuity and staunch support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is greatly needed," it stated.


The group condoled the people of Lagos State and his Constituency over the incidence, praying that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.


"Our hearts also go out to his family, friends, colleagues at the Senate and the National Assembly," it added.


Tinubu Support Organization prayed for God to Grant him eternal rest, while calling for the Lagos State to immortalize him, in view of tremendous contributions made by the late humanitarian.



It would be recalled that Senator Osinowo died on Monday June 15, 2020 after a brief illness.

THERE HAS BEEN NOTICEABLE TERRORISTS’ INACTIVITY SINCE THE RELOCATION OF GEN BURATAI-MUSA.

From all indications since the relocation of Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai to the frontlines of the war on terror (Boko Haram\ ISWAP) is as good as won. Available records show that the Nigerian troops are winning the war back to back having killed about 150 terrorists in the first week of the reinforced assaults on terror. This, of course, is attributed to the uncommon selfless commitment of Buratai. The relocation of the audacious, fearless and courageous COAS is recording tremendous successes. Nevertheless, there still exist some mind boggling questions on the operational engagement of the troops in the northeast in particular. In this exclusive interview with the Acting Director of Public Relations, Nigerian Army, Col. Sagir Musa, these issues are addressed. The intelligent and eloquent spokesman of the army, Musa who exudes confidence speaking on the accomplishments of the army under Gen Buratai, sheds light on sundry issues.

Excerpts of the interview by JOHN NWOKOCHA, MANAGING EDITOR, Abuja



What can you say has been the impact of COAS’ relocation to frontlines of the war on terror?



Musa:



On the impact of Gen Buratai’s relocation to the Frontline, I will say that as at today, over 1500 BokoHaram/ISWAP terrorists have been killed. Gen TY Buratai relocated temporarily to the Northeast Theatre of Operation on 4 April 2020, where he personally and passionately oversees and directs the operations. In some cases, he led the operations with resounding successes. Many BH terrorists’ gun trucks, assorted arms and thousands of ammunition, several motorcycles and bicycles have been captured from the BH/ISWAP terrorists.

We should be able to recall the high losses suffered by the insurgents during Buni Gari encounter (where 105 BHTs where eliminated) and also their failed attack on Geidam town (where 13 terrorists were deleted).

In addition to that feat, as we speak there is abundant evidence that hundreds of kidnapped victims have been rescued by the troops from April till date.

As a result of the overpowering assault launch on the terrorists by our troops I will say indeed, there has been noticeable terrorists’ inactivity since the relocation of Gen Buratai to the Battlefield/Theatre of Operation.

In fact, on arrival at the Theatre of Operation, Gen Buratai interacted with alI the key field Commanders, Sector Commanders and Commanding Officers at the Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE in Maiduguri. Same day, he moved on a tour of all the major troops’ locations in the North east covering some parts of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, where he interacted with officers and soldiers and strongly sensitized them for the impending task to destroy BH/ISWAP terrorists.

Driven by his uncommon zeal, he moved to the Army Super Camp 1 at Molai and the Special Super Camp 12 in Chabbol near Maiduguri. In the same spirit the COAS took a bold step and toured other places/infrastructures such as troops’ location at Alau Dam at the outskirts of Maiduguri and also personally led troops on reconnaissance around Mairimari Forest located southeast of Tamsu Ngamdua in Mafa LGA of Borno State. The brave Gen Buratai also entered the dreaded Maigilari forest in the east of Tamsu Ngamdua south east of the same Mafa LGA. These areas are generally seen as the routes and directions of approach into Maiduguri by BH/ISWAP terrorists.

He was also at Headquarters Sector 2 in Yobe state, Special Forces School Buni Yadi, 130 Battalion Goniri all in Yobe state among others. In all the places he toured, he inspected/assessed the equipment disposition/ serviceability of the equipment and Platforms and interacted with officers and soldiers as well as gingered them to brace up to end the terrorism soon.

What is your assessment of his relocation on the morale of the soldiers?

Musa: With his presence, concurrent activities have been taking place across the operational arena. There has been injection of new fighting equipment and platforms, gun trucks, additional special forces personnel have also been deployed. We also witnessed reinvigorated troops patrols, ambushes, attacks on terrorists’ camps, hideouts and crossing points. Generally, BH/ISWAP terrorists were effectively blockaded or quarantined and therefore had no freedom of action or movement. The battle was obviously taken to their door steps with remarkable successes as already reported by the media.(including your platform, Laughter…)

How about soldiers’ welfare, does the leadership give the welfare of soldiers particularly those in the war front the priority it deserves?

Musa: On top of the accomplishments of Gen Buratai Troops’ Welfare in the areas of feeding, medicals, military stores/kits, uniforms, boots, fragment jackets, still helmets have been supplied to the troops on a regular basis occupies number 1. Above all, troops’ welfare has always been paramount to Chief of Army Staff’s permutations. Consequently, his presence further mobilized and raised the morale and fighting spirit of the soldiers. You need to hear the applause, the commendations, the cheering from the troops on the mere sighting the Chief of Army Staff. His presence alone is inspiring.

Equally, through enhanced intelligence gathering capacity, periodic, guided military offensive actions like Artillery and air force bombardments as well as ambushes – terrorists’ high profile war Commanders and fighters have been successfully eliminated during this period. This has also been reported by the media.

Many BH terrorists’ key informants, suppliers and collaborators have also been identified and neutralized. Their logistic supply chain has to a greater extent been paralysed.

At the moment, BH terrorists have suffered monumental losses in both human and material resources enough to cause disruption in their offensive actions. Thus, no wonder, we are witnessing glaring absence of terrorists activities in the Northeast.

It was reported that Gen Buratai said he won’t return to Abuja until Boko Haram is defeated. Can you clarify this?

Musa: This is a wrong insinuation and malicious and cannot be substantiated. What he said was – “I’m here with you in the trenches, overseeing/ leading the operations and we will remain with you until substantial progress has been made”. You will agree that as at today substantial progress has been made in the war against terrorism in Nigeria. Everybody can see that there has been a significant change the relocation of the Chief of Army Staff, let us be truthful to ourselves.

When is Chief of Army Staff returning to Abuja?

Musa: Bearing his statement above that he will not leave the operational arena until substantial progress has been made, I can say that you should not be surprised to see him in Abuja anytime he chooses because remarkable achievements have been made in the war on terror. What remains is for the relevant field Commanders to maintain the standards and achieve the final defeat of the terrorists.

How are the troops coping with Covid – 19 Pandemic during the operations?

Musa: This is a very important question. Thank you for asking me this question. Let me state that by the grace of God, we have not recorded any case of Corona Virus in the Theatre of Operation. Despite that, the Nigerian Army has complied fully with governments’ guidelines and directives on Covid – 19 pandemic. Army has strictly enforced on all her personnel irrespective of their deployment to observe self- isolation, wearing of face marks, use of hand sanitizers, body temperature measurements and regular hygiene including hands washing. These are fully applied where applicable or necessary. As you might be aware, we in the Nigerian Army are somehow monolithic, regimental, we are closed, we fight as a unit, we know ourselves and so it is easy to know if anyone of us is sick at any given time particularly during operations. Again, we feel more secured in the bush.

What have to say about the allegation by Amnesty International on Rights Abuses by the troops?

Musa: Typical of Amnesty International (AI), – the allegation is again baseless and lacking in objectivity there is no fool proof evidence. Ordinarily, we would not dignify Amnesty International by joining issues with it. However, it is necessary to put the records straight and clean. We have not deviated from our mission to end terrorism in the country and we are doing it from the point of constitutional duty. We wouldn’t abuse rights of individuals. We therefore dismiss the allegations of Amnesty International as uncomfortable conversations. It is a faux pas and the Nigerian army debunks it in its entirety. There are yet no established cases of torture by the Nigerian Army in her operational engagements in the North East. The Military Detention Facility in Giwa Barracks which is one of the reference points by AI has since been modernized in tune with international best practices. The Nigerian Army(NA) which is at the center of the report has been transparent enough to have allowed human rights groups, NGOs and CSOs like the Red Cross, Human Rights Watch and some media organisations to visit the detention centre (DC) in Maiduguri. (We would be glad to also take you to the Centre to see things for yourself. Laughter…)

Major observations arising from such visits have been addressed or implemented by the military. The Giwa Barracks and Kainji holding facilities have been structurally renovated and expanded to provide basic requirements for a decent living accommodation for Boko Haram terrorists’ detainees. The quality and quantity of food given to detainees is satisfactory.

Accordingly, the sanitary condition and the medical needs and provisions have been substantially improved to keep pace with the requirements of modern DC comparable to expected basic international standards.

On the allegation of Child abuse by the Nigerian Army in the Northeast what is the position of the army?

Musa: Again, let us tell ourselves the truth. It is on record that the Nigerian Army has progressively addressed the human rights concerns of national and international publics. This process is dynamic and is ongoing. Available record which is verifiable on the ground has proved beyond reasonable doubts that Nigerian Army under Lt Gen TY Buratai has remarkably done a lot to improve the human rights disposition or record of the NA. Some of the tangible efforts are:

Establishment of Human Rights Desk

NA has established human rights desk across formations and Units of the NA. These desks are where human rights violations, claims and petitions are received and investigations are conducted by qualified legal and public affairs personnel of the NA on whose professional advice or suggestions the NA appropriate authority will upon confirmation take decision/necessary disciplinary action/s on erring personnel. Members of the public have since been sensitized on this; the effort is continuing and is yielding good results.

Strengthening the Department of Civil-Military Affairs of the NA

It could be recalled that one of the earlier measures taken by the current Army Chief to checkmate rights infractions by army personnel was to rejig and empower the Directorates of Civil-Military Affairs (DCMA) and public relations. Under the DCMA, regular engagement with the Civil populace including human rights groups like NGOs, CSOs and professional associations like the Nigerian Bar Association, NUJ, NIPR, youth groups among others, are being conducted with the view to creating necessary harmonious relationship between the Army and members of the public as well as to create the required support/ understanding of the nature and operations of the NA. Sensitization campaigns, lectures and workshops at NA schools and other training institutions on the professional, constitutional/legal requirements to respect human rights have been organized regularly for the troops to enrich their knowledge and reap the obvious benefits of excellent civil military relationship particularly to those on operations. Thus, the necessity to respect human rights and the consequences of failure to respect the rights of others is being pressed in the skulls of NA personnel on a periodic basis. Instructively, the Army under Lt Gen TY Buratai never downplayed on matters of rights abuses, professionalism and discipline. This process is dynamic and is ongoing.

Prompt Application of Sanctions Once Rights Abuses are Established

Through the enforcement roles of the military police and respective Commanders rights violations have been seriously checkmated. Prompt decisive punishment of rights violators by the NA has overtime increasingly checkmated abuse of human rights by Army personnel. The NA is very strict on this.

Establishment of Information and Reception Centres During Operations and Exercises

Establishment of Info Centre especially during operations and exercises among other reasons is aimed to checkmate rights abuses by NA personnel. The centre is where low scale briefing for important VIPs who may not be conversant with the military matters is conducted. It serves as a press Centre, at the same time, a complain centre where the locals can easily access and lay complains or any issue of public concern to the public relations/information officers at the Centre whose major task are to hear/receive, collate and forward such complains to appropriate officer for urgent action. Issues of collateral damage are also looked into and addressed at the centre level where feasible.

What is the most urgent thing for Gen Buratai Since his relocation?

Musa: I would tell emphatically is to end BH/ISWAP’s terrorism. One could see sheer will, uncommon commitment and determination to achieve that. You could clearly see selfless daring actions undertaken by the Chief of Army Staff in the battle field, – clearly leading the operations to outstanding success. As at today 1, 504 (one thousand five hundred and four terrorists) were eliminated in the Northeast Theatre of Operation. This was largely because the battle has been taken to their camps, enclaves and hideouts with remarkable successes recorded so far.

By Subomi Adejare

No less than 30 top Boko Haram commanders have sent words to their leader, Abubakar Shekau, that they will drop their arms and surrender to the Nigerian Armed Forces soon.

The verbal message sent through one of Shekau’s close contacts by the Boko Haram top fighters is said to have devastated the BH leader who has been experiencing terrible outings in recent times and has been hard put trying to convince the top commanders to stay.

The top commanders are said to have moved ahead and begun a process that would see them surrendering to the Nigerian armed forces soon by fortifying their bunkers in case Shekau sends his men after them.

Feedbacks from sources who have had dealings with the Boko Haram terrorists in recent times have it that most of the operational commanders of the sect are not happy with their leader for not honouring his promise to surrender to the Nigerian military.

Shekau had in March, following the near annihilation of his fighting men given an indication that he will be willing to surrender to the Nigerian military if only to save his life and that of his men only for him to dilly dally on the matter which has incurred the wrath of his top commanders.

More than 40 of the Boko Haram top commanders including including Manzar Halid, Amir Abu Fatima and Nicap, among others were killed last week in a counter attack by the operation Lafiya Dole in what is now a clear indication that the terrorists have been overwhelmed.

High profile commanders and fighters of the Boko Haram namely, Abu Jamratu AL-Naweer, Kaka Bana and Tareta Babakari were also fatally wounded in that operation when Boko Haram terrorists attempted to overrun Banki and other communities in Borno State.

A large number of their equipments , including gun trucks, motorcycles and bicycles were destroyed also by troops.

The top commanders are the strategists and notorious kingpins of the group who mastermind or lead deadly operations for the group.

Our correspondents report that the terrorists experienced their worst outings in the last three months.

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

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

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

The Boko Haram commanders according to sources, had wanted Shekau to follow up on the notice of surrender he had earlier given and his recent cry for mercy and surrender so that they could together plead for leniency from the Nigerian government.

Shekau in a recent audio tape, was heard ululating about how he has been losing his fighters in the renewed onslaught against insurgency by the military since the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai relocated to the Northeast.

Sources say the commanders, angered by the recent mass killing of their colleagues no longer murmur in secret about their intentions to leave but have been bold enough to challenge their leader on why he has failed to do as he promised.

“You know their leader is holed up somewhere in the Cameroon mountains and there is a line of communication between them.

“Normally their fighters are not allowed to complain as that could attract execution but lately, the commanders are united in their grudges and have dared Shekau to execute them if that would make him win the war.

“But Shekau cannot take any negative action on them because he has lost so many of his top men recently and killing these ones would render him highly vulnerable,” the source said.

Sources say the Boko Haram commanders and their men are encouraged to take that line of action seeing that the Nigerian government had kept its word not to take any negative action on any of them that surrenders as all their former colleagues that had taken that line of action were well received and rehabilitated.

They said as far as they are concerned, that Shekau is fighting a lost war as there is no way he can continue the fight with the heavy loss in human and material resources in recent times.

Though most of the commanders are said to be suicidal, sources say many of them are no longer convinced about the doctrine of sacrificing their lives as they have noticed that their leader himself is not ready to die but is being driven by pecuniary motives and not religious or righteous purposes.

There are also allegations that the greed to continue to benefit from the war is responsible for why he has refused to surrender.

The commanders are angry that whilst Shekau is currently hiding in the Cameroonian mountain, far from the reach of the Nigerian military, his commanders are being killed ‘like chicken everyday by the Nigerian military especially with the presence of the COAS at the battlefield.’

They made it clear that the message is the final one they would be sending to him before they leave saying they are only communicating with him to see if he would live up to his promise and join them.

Sais the source: “It is not as if they are asking for his permission, they are just informing him to see if he will be willing to join them.”

Our correspondents confirmed that the Boko Haram/ISWAP camps have been in disarray lately following the heavy casualty they have suffered.

http://gamjireporters.com/2020/06/08/revealed-30-top-boko-haram-commanders-set-to-surrender-shekau-confused/

The Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai who is in the North East Theatre of Operation since early April this year leading the fight against terrorism has inspected ongoing manufacture and repairs/overhaul of combat vehicles including Armoured Personnel Carriers and mine resistant anti Ambush Protected Vehicles at the 107 Div Equipment Support in Maimalari Barracks, Maiduguri on Saturday the 30th of May 2020.

Gen Buratai was accompanied by the Chief of Training and Operations (Army), Theatre Commander Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Chief of Logistics (Army), chief of military intelligence and the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division among others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahps9jPyodI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPddLre0lmg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KYhM5xKJjA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhd1_0Emwoo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsgdp9qF-n8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnQtms4n1Dc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn46UY5D-yA

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-t7TN_MTL9s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2fprf_gquw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2fprf_gquw

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

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

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

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

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

“The death of the commander indeed shook Abubakar Shekau who is battling to avert a revolt from his members over his insensitivity to their plight and also the death of one of their top commanders who has advocated for a ceasefire in recent times.”
The source also added that the situation in the camp of the Boko Haram group is that that of despair and lamentations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It would be recalled that the Nigerian troops have carried out sustained operations against the Boko Haram group in recent weeks led by the Chief of Army Staff that has seen to the death of hundreds of Boko Haram fighters.
Exclusive: We are finished, Boko Haram Commanders cry out over sustained onslaught by Army

https://gamjireporters.com/2020/05/05/exclusive-we-are-finished-boko-haram-commanders-cry-out-over-sustained-onslaught-by-army/