Voice22: Bandits, terrorists may seize Super Tucano fighter jets from Nigerian military: John Campbell Source:gazettengr.com
A former United States Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell has warned of a possible takeover the recently acquired Super Tucano fighter jets by bandits and terrorists.
Mr Campbell gave the prediction in the light of the fall of the Afghanistan government and the takeover of similar high-grade military jet fighter by the Talibans.
The U.S. had also sold 23 Super Tucanos to the Afghan government to combat the Talibans but the Talibans are now in control of at least one the assault jets following the collapse of Ashraf Ghani’s government.
“Though it seems unlikely at present, there is also the potential that a Super Tucano could fall into the hands of a jihadi terrorist group,” Mr Campbell wrote for CFR, citing instances of how terrorist groups seized other military equipment in Nigeria.
In August, a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet returning to base from a mission on the Zamfara-Kaduna border crashed under intense gunfire from bandits.
The pilot escaped by the whiskers, leaving the wrecked aircraft behind.
NAF officially inducted the six A-29 Super Tucano fighter jets on Tuesday, to aid its fight against insecurity in the country. Nigeria was said to have purchased the A-29s at about $500 million through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme. The American embassy in Abuja had described it as the largest sale in sub-Saharan Africa.
During the induction ceremony of the Super Tucano jets, U.S. Department of Defence leaders who were also present said that the “aircraft will assist the Nigerian Air Force in their fight against violent extremist organisations including the Islamic State West Africa Province.”
A statement by the embassy also disclosed that the U.S. is providing $36.1 million in infrastructure as support at the Kanji Air Base, where the Super Tucanos will be housed.
Additionally, 64 Nigerian pilots have been trained at an American air force base on how to handle the aircraft.
Mr Campbell also expressed worries on whether the aircraft will be used to combat terrorism or used against other targets such as “the Biafran agitators or Delta militants.
“Now that the Super Tucanos are part of the Nigerian Air Force, an issue will be how they are used. Will they be used only against jihadi terrorists in the North, or will there be the temptation to use them against other targets, such as Biafran separatists, Delta militants, or even cattle rustlers? Broader use increases the potential for civilian casualties.
“A Biafran separatist movement, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is suing to block the sale in a Washington, D.C. court,” he added.
The Nigerian government has over time relied on U.S. arms and military equipment sales to help combat insecurity. While the country battles a myriad of security challenges, critics and rights organisations oppose the sales of the aircraft to Nigeria, citing the Buhari regime’s constant abuse of human rights. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ywq6SXkycIQ
Commentor: Bruce Fein has no locus standi in Nigeria.
He's not a member of the NBA so he's not qualified to represent Kanu in Nigeria.
A Nigerian cannot waltz his way into a detention centre in the US claiming to be the representative of a detainee.
As if you even understand what locus standi means At what age will you stop disgracing yourself in public on matters that are beyond your comprehension���
MyopicMods: Ikonso, Gana And Other Notorious Criminals That Died While Exchanging Bullets With Higher Powers.
The story of many criminals who troubled Nigerians but later died unfortunately while exchanging bullets with higher powers might intrigue you to hear. Their unfortunate ending reminded me of an Igbo adage that says, "He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword". These well-known notorious criminals started from the street causing pain to many people within their vicinity. With time, the majority of them ventured into higher crimes before they were eventually gunned down by security operatives and rival groups.
1. Nwaokike Kanyinayo Andy.
This young man terrorized the South-East region especially residents of Orlu in Imo State. Andy who is popularly known as "Ikonso" carried out several attacks with IPOB members after he was reportedly elevated to the post of Commander in the armed wing of IPOB group, Eastern Security Network (ESN). Although Ikonso had his days, he was however killed while exchanging bullets with the Police in Imo State.
2. Abubakar Shekau.
Abubakar Shekau at a time was one of the most wanted criminals in the world. This young man caused pain to those in the North-East especially residents of Borno state. Shekau was however reported to have killed himself by detonating an explosion after a heated exchange of bullets with the ISWAP terrorist group.
3. Terwase Akwaza Agbada.
Terwese aka "Gana" was the most wanted criminal in Benue state at a time. He committed numerous atrocities that made the Police, army, and Benue state government declare him wanted. At a time, a bounty was placed on his head by the Benue State government. Terwese was however killed at a roadblock mounted by the Army along Gbese Gboko Makurdi Road in September 2020. At the time he was killed, the young man was heading to surrender to Benue State government before he was shot and killed by the military.
4. Nasiru Kachalla.
Kachalla made life difficult for residents of Kaduna state. At a point, people stopped plying the Kaduna-Abuja road because of this man. Kachallla masterminded the 9th January 2020 kidnapping of Seminarians of Good Shepherd Major Seminary, Kaduna. He was also responsible for the kidnapping of Mrs. Bola Ataga and her two children. Although Kachalla inflicted pain on innocent Nigerians, he was however killed while exchanging bullets with a rival group of bandits.
You are as stupid as this piece of shit you post here. Next time try and get your facts correct before rushing to post trash on social media. How was Gana killed? I will ask you again In any case, I can't blame you any further because your Monika has says it all
This fool of a governor. One would have thought that by leaving his former party to apc everything was going to be made fine. I was also thinking that why he could not provide security to his people is because he was in pdp but how come he's now even more confused than he has ever been
Walex124: The Senior Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Drainage and Water Resources, Joe Igbokwe, stormed Nnewi town in Anambra State for his mother-in-law's burial ceremony.
Igbokwe, who hails from Nnewi, resides in Lagos State. He is also a member of the All Progressives Congress and a strong supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari's administration.
The APC Chieftain is a staunch critic of the Indigenous People of Biafra and other secessionist groups.
A few weeks ago, IPOB reportedly banned Igbokwe from entering Igboland for condemning the activities of the group.
Igbokwe shared some pictures on his Facebook page on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, saying he was in Nnewi for his mother-in-law's burial between the 25th and 29th of August.
The politician thanked the Governor of Lagos State and his deputy as well as security agencies in Anambra State for the success of the burial ceremony. He also said no one could stop him from entering Igboland because he is a bonafide son of the land.
thebosstrevor1: I have come to realise that it is only Christians and Christian nations that always provoke muslims.
Many Christians know that muslims have their own rules and way of life, their is the sharia law, sharia education and sharia banking, infact Islam is a way of life for muslims, many Christians know that but they will always find a way to promote choas and cause conflict by interfering with Islamic traditions and way of life.
I have never met any muslim that will talk bad about Jesus christ or even try to burn the bible but it is Christians that will try to draw Mohammed picture in a scandalous way to provoke the muslims, burn the bible or talk bad about Mohammed wives, when muslims called them out, they will hide their bigotry and hate under freedom of speech to protect their provoking attitude. Even here on nairaland, you will see anti islam moniker all over the place but gou will never see a muslim deface christian dieties, Some of them do it purposely to cause chaos and see the reaction of muslim because they know that muslims are emotional and devoted to their religion.
Another instance is, it is the Christian nation that will invade muslim countries and start preaching democracy to them, when they know, democracy has no relation with the principles of leadership in Islam. As a guise, the Christian nation will steal their oil, put tribes against each other and then kill their children, sisters, brothers , mothers and fathers with bombs, when the muslims organize and decides to fight back, they are called Terrorists.
Many Christians know that Saudi Arabia is the holy land of Muslims and that there are certain way which they behave with their women, men and society at large but the Christians will find a way to provoke the people by fighting for so called women right, human right and trying to cause choas even when the muslim society is at peace with it.
The truth is that you will never see a muslim country trying to influence western way of life but anyway the wars created by the Christian countries in muslim countries is already bringing about subtle muslim influences in western culture. immigration of muslim people from war torned muslim countries to western countries is already culturally and politically changing the west.
May God punish you a million times for spewing this smelling trash
Kosiso12: BREAKING!!! Residents On The Run As Boko Haram Terrorists Overrun RANN
Some residents are currently on the run after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked RANN, headquarters of Kala Balge, Borno state, Igbere TV has learnt.
According to our source, "a big fightback involving the Airforce is on to reclaim the army base."
Meanwhile, community leaders in Borno State, on Sunday, agreed to the return of repentant Boko Haram terrorists into their communities.
The decision was taken at a stakeholders meeting to discuss the prevailing security situation in the state.
The meeting was organised by the government of Borno State.
The Borno government confirmed that at least 3,000 persons who were members of the armed opposition group have laid down their arms and surrendered to the Nigerian military.
Governor Babagana Zulum, who presided over the meeting, disclosed that apart from the 3,000 ex-terrorists currently in the custody of the government, another 900 confirmed members of Boko Haram have surrendered to the Cameroonian forces.
Governor Zulum said the stakeholders meeting became necessary following the mixed reactions that recently trailed the mass surrender of former Boko Haram fighters.
Zulum said the government needed to involve all stakeholders in Borno in the decision-making process on how to deal with the repentant insurgents.
Various stakeholders at the meeting which lasted five hours presented their views on how the former terrorists should be accepted and treated in society.
At the end of the meeting, which was attended by many government functionaries, religious and traditional rulers, security operatives and members of the civil society, the gathering issued a communique detailing their resolve to accept the repentant insurgents. They, however, gave conditions that must be met before the remorseful terrorists are accepted into various communities.
EBONYI STATE MAINTAINS ITS STANCE THAT THERE IS NO LAND FOR RANCHING IN THE STATE
We have received the news making the rounds that Ebonyi State is among the States in the Federation that has received the sum of 6 billion naira each for ranching as attributed to the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu while responding to questions on Channels Television on Wednesday night and we wish to clarify as follows:
That Ebonyi State Government never at any time received any money for ranching in the State and will not receive any money for the same purpose as there is no available land for ranching in the state.
That should any Ebonyian opt to engage in personal ranching, Ebonyians should see such venture as a personal decision of such person who must use his/her land for the purpose.
This is because Ebonyi State Government has continued to maintain that there is no land for ranching in the state and it is not about reneging from the decision.
Francis Nwaze Special Assistant to the Governor (Media and Publicity) Thursday, August 26, 2021
After collecting 6billion Naira for it Umahi who are you lying to Do you think you are making any sense � If you didn't get the said amount, as mentioned by Garbar shehu, one would have expected that, you'll be in Court by now & against Garbar shehu who made the disclosure, but no, you are here trying to cover your treacherous ass.
Successionist: IPOB and Cameroon secessionists planning to team up to destabilize both countries' - FG
The Federal Government of Nigeria has said that the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, plan to form alliances with secessionist groups in Cameroon in order to destabilize both countries.
The National Security Adviser; Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd) made this known while speaking yesterday, August 24, at the opening ceremony of the 8th session of Nigeria – Cameroon Trans-Border Security Committee meeting at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
Monguno reiterated that Nigeria’s territory will never be used as a "haven or staging area" by any group of secessionists to destabilize another friendly sovereign country.
He pledged that Nigeria will work closely together to ensure that any real or perceived attempts to form any alliances between secessionist groups in Nigeria and Cameroon are decisively dealt with.
Monguno said: "We will continue to support the efforts of the Cameroonian authorities by engaging all aggrieved parties to de-escalate the security concerns in the North West and southwest regions of the country
"An emerging concern is the attempt by secessionist groups in Nigeria to form alliances with secessionist groups in Cameroon in order to destabilize both countries. Let me re-emphasize what I mentioned in my opening remarks during the 6th Session in 2019; President Muhammadu Buhari reassures you that Nigeria’s territory will never be used as a haven or staging area by any group of secessionists to destabilize another friendly sovereign country.
"In addition, we will work closely together to ensure that any real or perceived attempts to form any alliances between secessionist groups in Nigeria and Cameroon are decisively dealt with. Furthermore, we will continue to support the efforts of the Cameroonian authorities by engaging all aggrieved parties to de-escalate the security concerns in the North West and southwest regions of the country.
"The most dominant transnational security issue remains the threat of terrorism perpetrated by the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs). These terrorist groups continue to exploit the porous border areas to disrupt the livelihoods of innocent citizens in their communities.
"At this point, I am glad to acknowledge that the close counter-terrorism collaboration between our two countries has significantly curtailed the activities of these terrorists as well as other forms of criminality. In this regard, you have consistently demonstrated your courage, resilience, commitment, and steadfastness towards ensuring peace and stability along with the border areas of Cameroon and Nigeria.
"It is however necessary to strongly reiterate that the work of securing our territorial borders is a collective responsibility and therefore we need to emphasize the importance of the sideline meetings of the Governors of contiguous border States/Regions. Their collaboration would no doubt assist in cross-border security and development initiatives.
"It is equally imperative to engage the border communities and the traditional/local authorities at the grassroot levels in translating the decisions of the Governors’ forum into concrete actions. This can be done through the activation of the Local Bilateral Committees which can also serve as platforms for integration and revival of our historical and socio-cultural ties.
"Our collective efforts under the auspices of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to significantly degrade terrorist activities in the Lake Chad Basin are yielding positive outcomes. This multilateral platform in collaboration with our international partners needs to be further enhanced as we are witnessing the gradual movement of some terrorist groups from the Maghreb to the Sahel in order to form alliances.
"Nonetheless, we are also promoting series of developmental efforts in the North-Eastern part of the country to rehabilitate most of the isolated communities affected by the wanton destruction committed by terrorists."
Reiterating the importance of expanding trade and investment in order to create a more viable and stable economy for "our people", Monguno said: "Nigeria is one of Cameroon’s largest trading partners despite the security concerns along some of the trading routes such as from Maiduguri to Kousseri or Maroua; Jabbi Lamba to Garoua; as well as from Enugu to Bamenda amongst others. Our two Presidents have earlier called for the development of these trans-boundary trade corridors which would no doubt serve as veritable platforms for the integration of ECOWAS and ECCAS sub-regions.
"However, to effectively achieve this feat, we must collectively address smuggling of prohibited items and irregular migration amongst other transnational organized crimes. Meanwhile, it is necessary to state that this trade relationship is further reinforced by the recent conferment on Aliko Dangote, a Nigerian businessman with Cameroon’s top civilian award – Commander of the National Order of Valour for his outstanding contribution to the infrastructural development of Cameroon through his cement plants.
"In addition, the newly constructed 1.5km, a two-lane bridge between Nigeria and Cameroon in Ekot-Mfum border area of Cross River State is designed to ease movement, facilitate trade, improve cross border security as well as strengthen relations between both countries.
"We must therefore consolidate our joint efforts to address all the current and emerging security threats affecting both countries. This is due to the grave and unintended consequences of allowing such threats to thrive in our environment. Clearly, this underscores the collective resolve of our Presidents to continue to promote peace and stability in our respective countries. I strongly believe that both countries will surmount the similar and varied security challenges and even emerge stronger and more united."
In his remarks, Minister of the Territorial Administration, Republic of Cameroon, Mr. Atanga Nji Paul, declared the readiness of Cameroon to continue to work with Nigeria to intensify trans-border security along the two country’s borders citing a resurgence of attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorist groups and secessionists agitations as well as kidnapping and banditry.
No go face bandits that have successfully overran the North including army formations, come here and be spewing trash over none existent threat. Zombie zombie life no be virtue
deltaboyo1: A former Navy Commodore, Kunle Olawunmi, has said that Boko Haram terrorists mentioned names of current governors, senators and Aso Rock officials as sponsors during interrogation but the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has demonstrated unwillingness to go after the high-profile politicians for reasons best known to it.
Olawunmi spoke on Wednesday when he featured on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’ breakfast programme monitored by The PUNCH.
He described as an “aberration”, Tuesday attack by bloodthirsty bandits on the Kaduna campus of Nigeria’s foremost military university, the Nigerian Defence Academy, where two military officers were killed and another kidnapped.
“It is an aberration; you don’t attack the Nigerian Defence Academy and get away with it,” he lamented, adding that the NDA, like other military environments in the country, carelessly opens its doors to everyone on Friday for Jumat prayer.
‘Terrorists profile security environments during Muslim prayer on Friday’ Olawunmi said terrorists and criminals profile military environments during Muslim prayers on Fridays.
He said, “In 2017, I carried out an investigation by the minister of defence that wanted me to check what was going on with the training and the security there (NDA). I remember I spent about a week in the NDA with the commandant and the staff but something struck me: every Friday, the gate of NDA is thrown open and everybody has access to pray in the mosque.
“On Fridays, you are going to see same thing happening across all military formations in the country…If you go to Defence Headquarters, I served at the Defence Headquarters as the Deputy Director, Defence Administration between 2015 and 2017, throughout my two years at the Defence Headquarters, I received visitors twice because of the strict security architecture there but every Friday, the gate of the Defence Headquarters is thrown wide open for everybody to come in and observe Jumat.
“That is the time the terrorists have the time to profile our security environment. It has always been the case. I have served the military intelligence for the past 35 years. Our problem is religion and socio-cultural.”
Furthermore, Olawunmi, a Professor of Global Security Studies, said he was a member of the Intelligence Brief at the Defence Headquarters during the leadership of the then Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin (retd.).
The intelligence expert said he told the then CDS that the centre of gravity of the Boko Haram insurgency ravaging the North-East and spreading to other parts of Nigeria was the sponsors.
“I told General Olonisakin then that the centre of this problem cannot be solved the same way we solved the problem of the Niger Delta. The Niger Delta problem was solved during (Ex-President Umaru) Yar’adua basically by me and I told them that we can’t use that same template for Boko Haram.
“I told General Olonisakin to look at the centre of gravity of the problem. I was made a member of the committee in 2016-2017 including (Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahi) Attahiru that died.
“I told them that the centre of gravity of Boko Haram in Nigeria is the sponsors of the programme. It was beyond us because the job we needed to do was kinetic but we cannot resolve issues of sponsors of Boko Haram that were in Buhari’s government that we know them. That was why we couldn’t pursue that aspect that could have resolved the issue because we need to arrest people.”
‘Why Buhari refused to prosecute 400 Boko Haram sponsors’ Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, had earlier in the year said the Nigerian Government arrested some Bureau De Change operators who were facilitating the transfer of money to Boko Haram terrorists.
Olawunmi said the government has not been able to prosecute the sponsors because it is allegedly partisan.
He said, “Recently, 400 people were gathered as sponsors of Boko Haram, why is it that the Buhari government has refused to try them? Why can’t this government bring them to trial if not that they are partisan and part of the charade that is going on?
“You remember this Boko Haram issue started in 2012 and I was in the military intelligence at that time. We arrested those people. My organisation actually conducted interrogation and they (suspects) mentioned names. I can’t come on air and start mentioning names of people that are presently in government that I know that the boys that we arrested mentioned. Some of them are governors now, some of them are in the Senate, some of them are in Aso Rock.
“Why should a government decide to cause this kind of embarrassment and insecurity to the sense of what happened yesterday (Tuesday at the NDA)?” he queried, adding that terrorist financiers want to turn Nigeria to Taliban type of country.
‘DSS has information on terrorism sponsors but can’t act without Buhari’s order’ Olawunmi also said that the Department of State Services has tremendous information on terrorists but they can’t do anything except the body language of the Commander-In-Chief.
He, however, expressed hope that the next Nigerian President in 2023 might have the willpower to bring the high-profile sponsors of Boko Haram to book.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Obadiah Mailafia, said in August 2020 that repentant terrorists revealed that a serving northern governor is a Boko Haram leader.
Racoon: Gush! What a senseless stupid & idiotic statement What is wrong with the brain of most officials under this evil govt self sef? Same police that have long become an instrument of state terror hence the #EndSARS protests?
Even the highly fortified Aso Rock, military bases and NDA have been attacked with casualities let alone defenseless citizens. So until non-regime protected persons are completely annihilated before una go agree say Nigeria is a failed state under this evil government?
Even as minister, this fool goes about with armed-to-the-teeth security details but here is he hoodwinking the beleaguered downtrodden masses to keep hope alive with a highly compromised security agencies under a failed govt? Idiot! God punish all of una.Go and tell them this shit in Jos now.
All the indeces of a fail state is fast playing out before our very eyes and some people are still wallowing in abject foolhardiness like the idiotic man of a minister. Tueh!
notoriousbabe: 1) I constructed 22 roads in Alimosho and refused to award any of the contracts to Aregbesola and co.
2) I insisted that contracts that had been awarded to party leaders under Fashola must be executed before they can be awarded new contracts under my regime.
3) I wanted to phase out Danfos and Area boys from the streets of Lagos and introduce smarter means of transportation without Area boys and Agberos.
4) I refused to pad the budget with 10% for the house of assembly members led by Bayo Osinowo and Mudashir Obasa.
5) I refused to grant the concession of 4th mainland bridge to Tinubu’s Hitech
6) I refused to increase the amount of money being paid from the state revenue to Tinubu through Alpha Beta from 10% to 20%
7) I developed Epe. Epe was never in their master plan.
I refused to support Aregbesola and Bayo Osinowo’s senatorial ambitions because they are not Lagosians.
9) I refused to use Lagos state funds to finance Osun elections.
I wish you could have the balls to tag a name categorically, to your fruitless rants Mr. Coward
[quote author=Kriss216 post=104899904]Ishaq Akintola made me realized not all Professors are sensible. [/quo
Professor in what field?, you should ask The guy is no different from any stack illiterate you would probably find in the street of this god damn forsaken country.
Politics › Re: Femi Fani-Kayode: God Told Me To Join APC by Minime10(m): 7:36pm On Sep 16, 2021
Gush! What a senseless stupid & idiotic statement What is wrong with the brain of most officials under this evil govt self sef? Same police that have long become an instrument of state terror hence the #EndSARS protests?