NBC asked to reverse revocation of 52 TV, radio licenses

NBC asked to reverse revocation of 52 TV, radio licenses

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to reverse its revocation of the broadcast licenses of 52 broadcast stations in Nigeria.

Our Nigeria News reports that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) took the action on Friday following the publication of a list of stations yet to renew their licenses.

The NBC, it was gathered, said a two-week waiver was given to the stations in May to do so after which they risked the revocation of their licences.

Some of the affected stations include Silverbird TV, Rhythm FM, AIT/RayPower FM, and MITV.

According to the broadcasting regulatory body, three months after the publication, some stations are yet to pay their outstanding debts, in contravention of the 2004 National Broadcasting Commission Act CAP N11.

Read Also: NAFDAC confiscates herbal aphrodisiacs, others




“Therefore, after due consideration, NBC hereby announces the revocation of the licences of the stations and gives them 24 hours to shut down their operations’, the NBC said in a statement.

‘Our offices nationwide are hereby directed to collaborate with security agencies to ensure immediate compliance”.

However, in its reaction to this development, the MRA said the NBC was prioritizing its desire to make money off the broadcasters over the interest of citizens.

It urged the NBC to reverse its decision in the public interest to avoid creating a society of predominantly ignorant citizens, advising that the need to ensure that Nigerians are adequately informed through the media should supersede any other consideration by the NBC.

“We are shocked by this naked display by the NBC of a lack of appreciation of its principal role which is to contribute to the emergence of a knowledge society’, the MRA said in a statement on Friday. ‘Rather, it has chosen to create an environment in which millions of Nigerians will wallow in ignorance, deprived of access to crucial information that they need to make critical decisions in their lives or to enhance their livelihoods”.

The nonprofit, in the statement issued by its Head of Legal Department, Obioma Okonkwo, noted that the broadcasting stations are also negatively impacted by the inability of the government to create a conducive environment for them to operate.

“The fact that so many broadcasting stations have been unable to pay the license fees raises serious questions about the fairness and appropriateness of the fees being imposed on broadcasters by the NBC in such a challenging economic environment’, the statement added.

“As the NBC, which imposes the fees and collects them for its own use, there needs to be an independent inquiry into this apparent conflict of interest where the motivation of the commission is apparently to make as much money for itself as possible”.

The MRA argued that the action of the NBC has only worsened the prevailing lopsidedness in the broadcasting landscape in Nigeria.

NBC asked to reverse revocation of 52 TV, radio licenses
https://ournigerianews.com/nbc-asked-to-reverse-revocation-of-52-tv-radio-licenses/

Amid Insecurity, Nigerian Military Still Dazzles

Amid Insecurity, Nigerian Military Still Dazzles


Chronicles in gallantry


Nigeria, as a nation, is presently battling to exterminate the malady of insecurity and other developmental challenges posing as existential threats to its corporate existence. There are, indeed, pervasive security challenges in the country, at the moment.


 


But if the gospel truth must be told, the gruesome attacks by criminal elements such as terrorists, bandits, ritualists, and kidnappers, among others, have always been there.





Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen Faruk Yahaya



 


At the risk of being tagged an apologist for the Buhari administration, it is harmless to say that terror groups and criminals had laid a siege on the Nigerian State, long before the historic 2015.


 


For instance, on 7 September 2010, five people were killed and 721 inmates freed during a jail attack in Bauchi by suspected Boko Haram gunmen. In December 2010, again, a bomb attack outside a military barrack in Abuja killed four civilians.


 


Then, on May 29, 2011, 15 people were killed in Abuja and Bauchi by bomb explosions during Goodluck Jonathan's swearing-in as President. On June 16, 2011, at least two people; the perpetrator and a traffic policeman were killed in a failed bombing of Abuja's police headquarters.





We also cannot forget August 26, 2011. That was the day 21 people died in a bomb attack on the United Nations building in Abuja. And then, on November 4, 2011, between 100 and 150 people were killed in a series of coordinated assaults on Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.


 


Later in December of the same year, 41 people were killed in attacks and shootings on churches, by Boko Haram fighters.


 


In January 2012, no fewer than 792 people were killed as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency. Then, on 20 January 2012, about 183 people, of whom at least 150 are civilians and 32 are police officers, were also killed in Kano State by terrorist elements.


 




At a church in Kaduna State, on 8 April 2012, about 38 people were murdered by a bomb explosion.


 


At a worship program, in a Kogi State Deeper Life Church, 19 people were tragically killed when Boko Haram invaded the religious centre in August 2012.


 


Four months later, on December 25, 2012, about 27 Christians were also gunned down in Maiduguri and Potiskum by suspected Boko Haram militants.


 


Then, in January 2014, about 35 Nigerians were killed in a bombing by Boko Haram militants in Maiduguri, Borno State. In February of the same year, no fewer than 121 Christian villagers were killed by Boko Haram militants in Konduga, Borno State.


On April 14, 2014, almost 300 female students of the Government Secondary School Chibok in Borno State were kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists. In fact, prior to 2015, about 20 local government areas in Borno State, and some in Adamawa and Yobe States, were Boko Haram caliphates.





A doomsday prophecy by an American legislator, which never came to pass, that Nigeria would break up before 2015, was apparently a result of the socio-political chaos in Africa's Giant.


The issue of Nigeria's insecurity may be far from being tackled, as persistent killings and other violent crimes have overshadowed some remarkable strides recorded by security agencies.


But the efforts of the Nigerian military, in particular, and since the advent of President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, have not gone unnoticed.


 


The most significant achievement which many know, and even Mr President and Nigerian military detractors cannot deny is the liberation of the entire North East's local governments, hitherto controlled by insurgents, prior to 2015.


Outstandingly, Nigerian military troops, in February 2018, would then conduct Exercise Ayem Akpatuma covering Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kaduna and the Niger States, in order to tackle the cases of kidnappings, herdsmen/farmers’ clashes, among others.





In the same February 2018, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) inducted its first indigenous operational Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Tsaigumi. The newly-inducted UAV had day and night capability, an operational endurance in excess of 10 hours, a service ceiling of 15,000 feet and a mission radius of 100km, and was capable of being used for policing operations, disaster management, convoy protection, maritime patrol, pipeline, power line monitoring, as well as mapping and border patrol duties.


 


The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), also in February 2018, established a total of 10 new Units as NAF (then) had concluded plans to set up Quick Response Wings (QRWs) across Nasarawa State, in a bid to tackle the herders/farmers clashes plaguing some states within the axis.





Troops



Two months later, specifically in April, the Nigerian Air Force took delivery of the second batch of 2 brand new Mi-35N helicopter gunships to boost internal security.


 


And in May, four years ago, the Nigerian Air Force established 3 new Quick Response Wings (QRW) in Taraba, Nasarawa and Benue States respectively, and also deployed Special Forces personnel to these new bases.


 


While reeling out some achievements of the Buhari administration and the Nigerian military in the fight against insecurity, Femi Adesina, presidential spokesperson, in a statement, then said: "President Buhari approved the establishment of a new Battalion of the Nigerian Army, as well as a new Police Area Command, in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State, as part of measures to scale up the security response to the banditry affecting the area.





COAS VISITS OPERATION HADIN KAI… CONDUCTS ASSESSMENT, COMMISSIONS SERIES OF PROJECTS



"Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai, has since flagged off the new Battalion (2 Battalion Forward Operating Base, FOB) in Kanfanin Doka Village, Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna State.


 


"The Defence Headquarters assembled a Special Military Intervention Force comprising more than 1,000 personnel, drawn from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, DSS and NSCDC, to respond to the security challenges in the North Central and North West.


 


"On May 8, 2018, the Force launched Operation WHIRL STROKE, as a full-scale military operation to completely restore law, order and stability in the affected communities. The Whirl Stroke Operational Force Commander is Major General Adeyemi Yekini.





Chief of Army Staff



"Chief of Army Staff inducted a mix of 49 Toyota Land Cruisers and Innoson gun trucks, at the HQ of the 133 Special Forces Battalion of the Nigerian Army at Azare, to support the ongoing OPERATION LAST HOLD in Northern Borno.


 


"NAF launched newly-constructed accommodation for the 205 Combat Search and Rescue Group (CSARG) — established in 2017 to provide aid and operational assistance to wounded and distressed troops serving in combat units — in Kerang, Plateau State.


 


"The Air Task Force of NAF commenced Operation THUNDER STRIKE to attack selected locations of Boko Haram Terrorists in the North-East.


 


"The Nigerian Army commissioned its new Forward Operating Base in Epe, Lagos State. President Buhari approved the establishment of Operation WHIRL STROKE II, for deployment in Zamfara and Kaduna States.


 


"Securing the length and breadth of the country is a continuing commitment. It is one of the key pledges of the Buhari administration, which it is carrying out night and day".


 


Verifiable checks have further shown clearly that no administration in Nigeria’s recent history has provided the security agencies with the hardware needed to tackle insecurity as that of President Buhari, in addition to raising the morale of our security men and women.


 


In the latest effort to enhance our nation’s maritime security, Mr President, last year in Lagos, commissioned an armada of naval boats and ships. The Nigerian Army, and Air Force, have also been receiving modern hardware to strengthen their arsenal.





Buratai with some soldiers in Sambisa forest-



Small wonder, an uncommon, yet celebrated Service Chief like Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, immediate-past Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, COAS, was able to perform brilliantly in leading Nigeria's counter-insurgency war, between 2015 and 2021.


 


Gen. Buratai, who hails from Biu Emirate, Borno state, had served the Nigerian Army, meritoriously. He is the longest serving COAS, according to available records. He held sway as Nigerian Army’s generalissimo for about 66 months.


 


Aside from the feats recorded in the realm of warfare, the Nigerian Army under Buratai also witnessed humongous policy and infrastructural transformation. For example, the Nigerian Army established a university in Biu, Borno state. This is with a view to developing a highly-skilled military and civilian workforce with distinctive competence capable of providing technological solutions to the problems of the Army, the military as an institution and the nation, at large.





The Nigerian Army also established a vehicle manufacturing company for the production of the prototype of both light and heavy infantry vehicles. This is in line with the federal government’s local content policy, where the Army has been working to meet basic requirements in the areas of light weapons, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) and infantry equipment to reduce reliance on foreign countries to address its security challenges.


 


Another feat recorded, which needs to be highlighted, was the establishment of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC). NARC serves as a national ‘Think-Tank’ to further the interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the Defence Services. Again, it is saddled with the responsibility of proffering solutions to defence and security issues confronting the Nigerian Army in particular and the nation in general.


 


Furthermore, the Nigerian Army also established a 200-bed capacity reference hospital in Maiduguri, which is already providing healthcare for soldiers injured in the war against the Boko Haram insurgency. This is aside from the reequipping of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospitals across the country. It thus remains a sheer fact that underBuratai, the Nigerian Army, now professionally responsive, was at its peak and lived up to its sobriquet as the “Pride of the Nation”.


 


Under Buratai, the Army greatly assumed a pivotal role in internal security operations. There has never been a time in the annals of the Nigerian Army where it was simultaneously involved in over 30 internal security operations across the country. The above listed can only be brought about by courageous leadership. And indeed, these and others were the hallmarks of the Tukur Buratai era in the Nigerian Army.


 


The media also celebrated Buratai as one Army Chief who carved a niche for himself as a strategist, tactician and goal-getter. Sequel to his leadership of counter-insurgency operations, Buratai had carved a niche for himself as commander of various military operations in the dreadful days of the Niger Delta militants and elsewhere. He also, and credibly too, piloted affairs of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF).


 


Buratai, then as leader of the counter-insurgency operations, was an embodiment of innumerable war strategies and tactics. The nightmare of insurgents was further compounded with Buratai’s launch of the Special Strike Teams. He sometimes, joined his subordinate Commanders to train them personally. The then Army Chief again unleashed the Special Strike Teams in different parts of the Northeast, who were under strict orders to proactively assail insurgents.


 


Unrelenting, the immediate-past COAS, started expanding military presence in the troubled Northeast region. He established a dozen Army Battalions and Forward Bases to make it easier for troops to respond to distress calls or emergencies in a flash.


 


And determined to make insurgents uncomfortable and protect the most vulnerable communities, the Army boss expediently established the 8 Division, Nigerian Army at Monguno to make coordination of smaller operational units of the “Operation Lafia Dole” more convenient and effective.


 


For Gen. Buratai, the zeal to win the war on terror was unwavering; the determination was evergreen, and as for the courage? It was undaunting! And there is no prize for guessing that TY Buratai, truly and indeed, engraved his name on the sands of time as Africa’s most courageous COAS, and prodigious soldier.


 


Incumbent COAS, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya's strides as far as tackling insecurity has been awe-inspiring. This may be the reason why troops of the Nigerian Army were recently commended by Sen. Ali Ndume for the successes so far recorded in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the country.


 


Ndume, the Chairman of, the Senate Committee on the Army, gave the commendation when he led members of the Committee on a working visit to Gen. Yahaya, at the Army Headquarters, in Abuja.


While expressing appreciation to the NA for the feat achieved in recent times against security threats and other criminalities, he said the NA under the current leadership has shown commitment and determination to end security challenges bedevilling the country.


 


Ndume added that the NA has recorded tremendous success in all its operations which according to him has led to total disarray among bandits in North West and North East Nigeria.


 


A strong believer in training, Gen. Yahaya, has always opined that training is key for soldiers and officers. Therefore, he has continuously ensured that under his command, the army reviews its curriculum in tandem with the existing security challenges.


 


The COAS is also of the school of thought that discipline and regimentation are pivotal to professionalism in the Nigerian Army, thus his continuous effort to ensure personnel toe that line.


Also, as one who places a premium on the welfare of officers and soldiers, Gen. Yahaya, upon assuming office, embarked on several projects such as the renovation of some barracks and offices, construction of new barracks, upgrade of medical facilities, and even schools.


 


Summarily, the last year under his command has seen the return of Nigerians in the northeast to their homes, mass surrender of terrorists and reopening of all schools in the geopolitical zone, including the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State.


 


Meanwhile, the military generally has always promptly risen to the occasion of defending the sovereignty of the country. Thus, it deserves nothing, but commendations from teeming Nigerians, for the dedication, sacrifice and professionalism its troops display while discharging their duties, especially in dealing with the rising wave of insecurity which has taken a toll on the nation, for over a decade now.
https://ournigerianews.com/amid-insecurity-nigerian-military-still-dazzles/

You shouldn’t sleep well over Peter Obi, Wike meetings, Ohuabunwa tells Atiku

You shouldn’t sleep well over Peter Obi, Wike meetings, Ohuabunwa tells Atiku

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Sam Ohuabunwa, has said that he would not be sleeping well if he were in the shoes of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the main opposition party.

Ohuabunwa said that different meetings being held in Port Harcourt between Governor Nyesom Wike and other opposition candidates and camps, would have given him some sleepless nights.

Ever since his defeat at the PDP presidential primaries by Atiku Abubakar, the Rivers State Governor has been in romance with some candidates of different political parties.

The latest of such meetings was between the Governor and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

Ohuabunwa accused the PDP leadership of taking competitors such as Peter Obi for granted, warning that such an act was dangerous.

He said that if he was on Atiku’s side, he would take all those ovatures and meetings in Port Harcourt seriously, insisting that in Nigeria there’s no political meeting that is for nothing.

“One of the greatest failures of people is to underrate competitors. As the CEO for a multi-national company for many years, I do not underrate competition no matter how small they are.

“And every move the competitor makes in the marketplace causes an alarm for me and I deploy forces to counter those quickly because you don’t have a second chance.

“The problem of the party may not be as bad as it is looking but the media say perception is everything and we need to pour water on this and put it off.

Read Also: Accreditation: Gombe govt re-opens seven health colleges




“Certainly, all those political meetings everybody is coming to, if I’m the Chairman of the political party or the presidential candidate I don’t think I’ll sleep well or maybe because I don’t have the kind of heart or spirit that they have. I won’t sleep well.

“The next morning I’ll ensure that I fly down to Port Harcourt or wherever I need to fly and pour water on it and close this chapter so that we can move forward.

“That’s my candid advice and I’ve offered this advice through proxies to the party leadership that we need to harness our resources. This party is bleeding right now…the party has had enough time to sort out this problem.

“The problem is that this is not the only one. Just that this is the most visible one. And if we’re taking so much time to finish this, how are we going to deal with the others?… I think that the party leadership has a call, they should be humble, dynamic and strategic with the party.”

You shouldn’t sleep well over Peter Obi, Wike meetings, Ohuabunwa tells Atiku
https://ournigerianews.com/you-shouldnt-sleep-well-over-peter-obi-wike-meetings-ohuabunwa-tells-atiku/

You shouldn’t sleep well over Peter Obi, Wike meetings, Ohuabunwa tells Atiku

You shouldn’t sleep well over Peter Obi, Wike meetings, Ohuabunwa tells Atiku

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Sam Ohuabunwa, has said that he would not be sleeping well if he were in the shoes of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the main opposition party.

Ohuabunwa said that different meetings being held in Port Harcourt between Governor Nyesom Wike and other opposition candidates and camps, would have given him some sleepless nights.

Ever since his defeat at the PDP presidential primaries by Atiku Abubakar, the Rivers State Governor has been in romance with some candidates of different political parties.

The latest of such meetings was between the Governor and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

Ohuabunwa accused the PDP leadership of taking competitors such as Peter Obi for granted, warning that such an act was dangerous.

He said that if he was on Atiku’s side, he would take all those ovatures and meetings in Port Harcourt seriously, insisting that in Nigeria there’s no political meeting that is for nothing.

“One of the greatest failures of people is to underrate competitors. As the CEO for a multi-national company for many years, I do not underrate competition no matter how small they are.

“And every move the competitor makes in the marketplace causes an alarm for me and I deploy forces to counter those quickly because you don’t have a second chance.

“The problem of the party may not be as bad as it is looking but the media say perception is everything and we need to pour water on this and put it off.

Read Also: Accreditation: Gombe govt re-opens seven health colleges




“Certainly, all those political meetings everybody is coming to, if I’m the Chairman of the political party or the presidential candidate I don’t think I’ll sleep well or maybe because I don’t have the kind of heart or spirit that they have. I won’t sleep well.

“The next morning I’ll ensure that I fly down to Port Harcourt or wherever I need to fly and pour water on it and close this chapter so that we can move forward.

“That’s my candid advice and I’ve offered this advice through proxies to the party leadership that we need to harness our resources. This party is bleeding right now…the party has had enough time to sort out this problem.

“The problem is that this is not the only one. Just that this is the most visible one. And if we’re taking so much time to finish this, how are we going to deal with the others?… I think that the party leadership has a call, they should be humble, dynamic and strategic with the party.”

You shouldn’t sleep well over Peter Obi, Wike meetings, Ohuabunwa tells Atiku
https://ournigerianews.com/you-shouldnt-sleep-well-over-peter-obi-wike-meetings-ohuabunwa-tells-atiku/

NBS, UNICEF launch 2021 multiple indicator cluster survey

NBS, UNICEF launch 2021 multiple indicator cluster survey

The Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has launched Nigeria’s 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) and National Immunization Coverage Survey (NICS) report, providing reliable nationwide and internationally comparable data to monitor the situation of children and women in Nigeria.

The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey is a household survey developed by UNICEF to assist countries in filling data gaps for monitoring human development indicators in general and the situation of children and women, in particular.

It has evolved over the years to respond to changing data needs, expanding from 28 indicators in the first round in 1999 to 200 in its current sixth.

In a joint statement issued by Ichedi Sunday Joel of the National Bureau of Statistics and Geoffery Njoku, Director, Communication & Public Relation, UNICEF Nigeria, “Study finds that exclusive breastfeeding rate increased from 24 per cent to 34 per cent, while nearly 60 per cent of Nigerian children are now registered at birth with civil authorities.”

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) implemented MICS which provides data on child mortality, health, nutrition, education, child and social protection, women’s health care and empowerment, water, sanitation and hygiene, while NICS assesses vaccination coverage provided through the health systems.

Indicators produced for the first time include social transfer, household energy use, child functioning and foundational learning skills, and the survey measures the government’s progress towards national commitments and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Read Also: You shouldn’t sleep well over Peter Obi, Wike meetings, Ohuabunwa tells Atiku




The MICS results reveal that Nigeria has made progress in some sectors. Child mortality decreased from one in eight children dying before their fifth birthday (MICS 2016) to 1 in 10 children (MICS 2021).

Speaking on the report, the Statistician-General of the Federation/CEO National Bureau of Statistics Prince Adeyemi Adeniran said: “The 2021 Nigeria MICS-NICS report provides evidence-based data for all key stakeholders to prioritise quality services for children and women with higher efficiency and effectiveness.

Adeniran said as the country builds back better from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the MICS-NICS survey provides evidence to shape interventions and focus resources in a way that helps children and their families reach their full potential.

Speaking, UNICEF Representative, Peter Hawkins noted that data was critical for effective budgeting, and decision-making; the data from these surveys together paint a picture of the situation for children and families in Nigeria.

NBS, UNICEF launch 2021 multiple indicator cluster survey
https://ournigerianews.com/nbs-unicef-launch-2021-multiple-indicator-cluster-survey/

Gutter journalism: Sahara Reporters to pay N10b for lying against Buratai

Gutter journalism: Sahara Reporters to pay N10b for lying against Amb Buratai

Ambassador Tukur Yusufu Buratai has filed a suit against an online newspaper over a report linking him to a N1.85 billion recovered .loot.

In the suit with number FCT/HC/CV/252/2022 filed by his lawyer, Dr Reuben Atabo (SAN), Buratai asked the FCT High Court to declare that Sahara Reporters’ publication captioned “Exclusive: Anti-graft agency, ICPC uncovers billions in cash meant for arms, ammunition to fight Boko Haram in Abuja home of Amb Buratai” of June 23, 2022 amounts to defamation of character.

Read Also: You May Lose In 2023, Wike Tells Atiku




The Ambassador wants the court to award him the sum of N10 billion in general and aggravated damages over the use of libelous words in the publication of the online platform.

He further demands an order of the court compelling the newspaper to publish a retraction and an apology in two national dailies and its online platform “where the defamatory publication was made.”

Amb. Buratai, who was appointed Nigeria’s ambassador to the Benin Republic after he retired from the army, averred that the publication damaged his reputation after he diligently honors Nigeria in various capacities and was awarded various meritorious honours for his distinguished service.

No date has been fixed for the hearing.

Gutter journalism: Sahara Reporters to pay N10b for lying against Buratai
https://ournigerianews.com/gutter-journalism-sahara-reporters-to-pay-n10b-for-lying-against-buratai/

Unknown gunmen abduct Police DCO in Abia

Unknown gunmen abduct Police DCO in Abia

Some unknown gunmen have abducted the Divisional Crime Officer, DCO, Isuochi Police station in Umunneochi council area of Abia State, simply identified as DSP Dickson.

The policeman was said to have been abducted in broad daylight on Thursday, August 10, in the area while other policemen escaped by whiskers in the attack.

Some policemen who pleaded anonymity told newsmen that the morale of officers in the area has gone down since the kidnap of the DCO who is described as a ‘tough cop.’

It was gathered that the Police authorities in the state had deployed all the tactical Squads of the State Police Command to rescue the victim and his abductors, all to no avail.

The unsuccessful search by the tactical team is said to have fueled speculation about the safety of the top policeman.

The policemen urged Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu to put more effort to check the rising kidnapping incidents in the Umunneochi/ Isuikwuato area and liaise with the police hierarchy to reorganize the police in the state.

It was further gathered that the family of the kidnapped DCO has paid an undisclosed amount of ransom demanded by his abductors, yet the DCO is still held captive.

The policemen said; “DSP Dickson hails from Enugu State. He has a health challenge and barely has just a few months to retire from the Nigeria Police. The police authorities deployed the tactical team who went and combed the area, to no avail. They have also sent some of us, but we are aware that they have not done enough to rescue him.

“The People of the state have complained about the rising rate of insecurity in the state and demanding the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police in the state. Every day they say Abia is peaceful and secure, but kidnappers are having a field day abducting and killing people."


Unknown gunmen abduct Police DCO in Abia
https://ournigerianews.com/unknown-gunmen-abduct-police-dco-in-abia/

Former IGP Tafa Balogun dies at 74

Former IGP Tafa Balogun dies at 74  

Former Nigeria Inspector-General of Police, Mustapha Balogun, is dead Family sources confirmed. 

Tafa Balogun, was appointed as Nigeria Inspector-General of Police in March 2002 Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. 

 Tafa was born on August 8, 1947 at Ila-Orangun in Osun State, Tafa Balogun, was the 21st Inspector-General of Police. He was a member of cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Course 3. Having worked in various Police commands throughout the federation, and earning his promotions as at when due, Tafa, was at a time, the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to former Inspector-General of Police, Muhammadu Gambo, Deputy Commission of Police Edo State, the pioneer Commissioner of Police in Delta State. He was also CP in Rivers and Abia states. 

Tafa, a fellow of the premier highest military institution in Nigeria, the National War College, later became the Assistant Inspector General of Police A.I.G Zone One, Kano, from where he was named the 21st IGP of Police on March 6, 2002. 

His infamous trial drew global attention in 2005. On April 4, 2005, Tafa Balogun was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Abuja for stealing and laundering of over $100 million in his three years as Inspector General of Police from the Police treasury. 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under Nuhu Ribadu brought 70 charges against him, covering the period from 2002 to 2004 when he was the Inspector General of Police. He made a plea bargain with the court in exchange for returning much of the property and money. He was sentenced to six months in jail. 

Judge Binta Nyako said her sentence reflected that Balogun was a first offender and had shown remorse. He was directed by the court to pay N500, 000 on each of eight counts charges totaling N4 million. 

His trial was full of drama. One of such was when he collapsed on his seat on June 29, 2005, at the Abuja High Court. 

The former police boss, who pleaded guilty to eight of the 56 count-charges directly affecting him, was convicted and sentenced to six months in each of the charges, which is however to run concurrently. 

He was released on February 9, 2006 after serving his sentence, part of it at Abuja’s National Hospital. 

 
https://ournigerianews.com/former-igp-tafa-balogun-dies-at-74/

Gen. Yahaya: Building a Responsive Nigerian Army Amid Insecurity

Gen. Yahaya: Building a Responsive Nigerian Army Amid Insecurity

So far, he has proved to be the perfect and fitting replacement for the celebrated, revered and iconic Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), Nigeria's Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.


But what are the things that make Lt. Gen. Faruq Yahaya tick? They are numerous. Some persons will readily point to his being the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, as the cardinal reason.


As for those who truly, and indeed, know the Sokoto State-born Army Chief, his cheaquered military career, that has spanned over 37 memorable and glowing years, and still counting, is.


Born on January 5, 1966, Lt. Gen Yahaya, became Nigeria's 22nd COAS following his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari on 27 May, 2021.


He succeeded the then COAS, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru. Attahiru, had died in a Beechcraft King Air 350i plane crash near Kaduna International Airport.


Justifying why he went for Gen. Faruq Yahaya as the new COAS, President Buhari, maintained that soldiers in the frontlines know him and that he is used to them.


Buhari said, "Do you know you can't be the Chief of Army Staff because of seniority? You have somebody who has been on the frontlines. He fought there. They know him".

At his first meeting with the army leadership after taking over in June last year, Lt. Gen. Yahaya, unveiled his vision for the Nigerian Army, which is building "A PROFESSIONAL NIGERIAN ARMY READY TO ACCOMPLISH ASSIGNED MISSIONS WITHIN A JOINT ENVIRONMENT IN DEFENCE OF NIGERIA”.




The Army Boss, (then) said his vision is channeled towards defeating all security challenges presently confronting the Nigerian Nation in collaboration with sister services and other security agencies.


On his mission, the COAS said he will command the NA to win all land battles in defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria, protect her national interests and accomplish assigned tasks in aid of civil authority among other responsibilities.


Yahaya, further pledged the unalloyed commitment and loyalty of the NA to the President Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces while assuring all officers and men of exemplary and professional leadership that would serve as a rallying point for all.


Upon assumption of office, Gen. Faruk Yahaya, swiftly and brilliantly effected internal reorganization of the Army.


He awesomely and fascinatingly repositioned the best hands in strategic positions to make the CTCI operations smoother and much more effective.


Thus, another crack soldier, Major General Christoper Musa emerged the new Theatre Commander of “Operation Hadin Kai”.


Musa, it must be said, has been professionally and diligently leading and coordinating numerous military units in the counter insurgency operation in the Northeast region.


Gen. Faruk Yahaya, no sooner than he assumed office, expediently conducted familiarization visits of Nigerian Army units and formations round the country.


The visits, among several other things, raised platforms where he obtained firsthand information on the challenges and constraints of soldiers in the performance of assigned duties.


Thereafter, the leader of CTCI operations proceeded on operational tours, to military formations.


At every point of his operational tour, the Army Chief’s overriding concern and frank message to troops centered on ending the prolonged terrorism and banditry wars in the country.


Yahaya is one COAS that is angered within, singularly because the Boko Haram war over prolonged.


So, while on an operational visit to troops in the frontline from Sector 2, Joint Taskforce under “Operation Hadin Kai,” Damaturu, Yobe State, for instance; Gen. Faruk Yahaya reiterated; “We want to conclude this operation in the Northeast; so that we can do other things; and that is the drive now.”


Conspicuously leading from the trenches, the COAS is a roving warmonger like his troops. He knows, very well, that his physical presence in the warfront is an elixir, tonic and morale booster on troops.

Therefore, he has devoted all his time and energy to terminate these the incendiary wars on Nigerians in every part of the country.

It is apt to aver that Nigerian troops have been consistently reminded of this inviolable obligation to their fatherland by Gen. Yahaya, and are also supported in all feasible ways to accomplish this task.


Fighting insurgency, without gainsaying, is a collective agenda of all Nigerians. The Army Chief, right from the onset, has defined a role for every Nigerian of godly conscience.





So, interestingly, apart from courting the support of military units, formations, battalions, Forward Operational Bases, Gen. Faruk Yahaya has enlisted the cooperation and support of host communities, sister agencies, traditional rulers and various categories of professionals, including the individual on the street, with a view to ending the reign of insurgencies and insurrections.


So, it is not surprising that Nigerians are experiencing the gains being recorded by the Nigerian Army and other sister agencies in CTCI operations, in recent times.


Again with Gen. Faruk Yahaya as captain of the army ship, our crestfallen Nigerian troops have regained their lost high morale.


And the amazing results have started manifesting abundantly, with the renewed resilience of troops in the frontlines.


“We have been recording some modest success in all areas, and we intend to sustain that drive,” the Army boss was quoted to have declared to some troops in the Northeast, while on operational tour.


In many beautiful ways, the command style of Lt. Gen. Yahaya, has upscaled Nigerian Army operations and enhanced its operational successes, since he came on board as the 22nd COAS.


The Army Chief upon assuming office on May 28, 2021 encapsulated his command philosophy anchored on four cardinal pillars: Professionalism, Readiness, Administration And Cooperation.


Again, Gen. Yahaya, barely few days after his appointment, immediately swung into action, as he undertook his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters Operation Hadin Kai.


During the inaugural visit, he charged army troops to sustain the onslaught against Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists.


The motivation elicited by Yahaya's maiden visit, it must be noted, upscaled the operational disposition of troops in battle with tremendous exploits, that resulted in the neutralisation of high profile terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers.


Additionally, and immediately after the COAS' inaugural trip to the North East, kinetic and non kinetic activities in the theatre have led to mass surrender of fighters and recovery of combat equipment, which has substantially degraded the terrorists fighting capability.

This spelt doom for the terrorists who lost some of their notable commanders, such as Abubakar Shekau and Musab Al-Banarwi, among other operational commanders.





COAS VISITS OPERATION HADIN KAI… CONDUCTS ASSESSMENT, COMMISSIONS SERIES OF PROJECTS



Although, Nigerians have been witnessing the surrender of quite a number of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the past, the current surrendering posture in droves signposts the leadership direction Lt. Gen. Yahaya has provided to the Nigerian Army, with the cooperation of other Services.


The above-highlighted operational feat clearly attests to the pragmatic leadership of the COAS, who has at various times traversed the theatre landscape shoring up troops’ fighting will and motivation to subdue the adversary.


No doubt, the recent successes the dynamic and charismatic Army Chief has recorded, have led to increasing public confidence on the counter insurgency operations, culminating in the mass return of Internally Displaced Persons to their ancestral homes.


Gen. Yahaya's feats as COAS have also, and significantly restored, in Borno State, socio economic activities, particularly farming and commerce, which hitherto were the mainstay of the economy of the North East region.


The Army Chief is remarkably doing well, equally, in terms of providing robust welfare packages provided for troops in the theatre.


For those who may not know, Yahaya has been in all fronts, leading with remarkable strides in the area of massive infrastructural developments across Nigerian army formations and units.


In less than a year in office, the COAS has so far attended to welfare needs of troops, ranging from housing to logistics as well as operational requirements.


In an opinion editorial published on Vanguard newspaper of August 14, 2021, David Onmeje, affirmed strongly that Gen. Yahaya has patriotically chosen the path of honour to end the reign of Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, armed bandits and other twilled insurgencies across the country.

  Gen. Faruk’s three months shadows on the theatre of insurgency wars and insurrectional violence have demonstrated another strong avowal to the termination of all insecurities in Nigeria.

According to Onmeje, a United Kingdom-based Nigerian social commentator, the COAS' soldier- persona, his career records, experiences and mastery of the art of war clearly betray his multiple unknown ingenuities, as an outstanding soldier of his generation.


He said: "When he served as the commander of “Operation Lafiya Dole, the renamed headquarters of the theatre of operation, Maiduguri by March 2021, members of ISWAP terrorists ambushed his convoy.





ARMED FORCES OF LIBERIA TO IMMORTALISE NIGERIAN ARMY OFFICERS, SOLDIERS WHO SACRIFICED FOR PEACE IN LIBERIA



"The unfortunate incident occurred at Garin Kuturu village between Auno and Jakana towns along the Maiduguri—Damaturu highway. But Gen. Faruk Yahaya courageously fought back gallantly and assumed the terrorists merely bruised the lion’s tail.


"It emboldened him ferociously in the next few days, and the terrorists experienced serial exterminations by Nigerian troops.


"The COAS is a soldier of a few words; but his real worth abundantly reflects in sustained actions on any assignment until he achieves rewarding results. He is a brilliant and calculative military combatant, who is never distracted by any force, once his mindset is fixated on anything.


"He is another rare breed soldier, who leads by example and infinitely humane, but brutal on the battle turf like his recent predecessors."


Continuing, Onmeje, added: "It is this mien in Gen. Faruk Yahaya that spurred spontaneous jubilations in the Nigerian Army, especially from troops in the theatre of war, when news of his appointment as the COAS and leader of the CTCI operations in the country by President Muhammadu Buhari broke out.


"For instance, in Maiduguri, the now main base of “Operation Hadin Kai,” soldiers immediately erupted in pulsating jubilations because of Gen. Faruk’s famed reputation of having welfare of troops at heart.


"Soldiers generously confessed that Gen. Faruk’s ignores gossips or backbiting on matters of welfare of his troops, and remits all legitimate earnings of any soldier to the beneficiary and demands reciprocity of the gesture by actions in the frontlines.


"And three months down the lane, Gen. Faruk Yahaya has delightfully and pleasurably proved his mettle as a soldier and leader worth his onions in the counter-terrorism combats.


"Nigeria can widely attest to the eternally inordinate ambitions of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists to extract and appropriate to their indiscernible caliphate, the territories of Nigeria.


"But these terrorists and bandits have met a cul-de-sac in Gen. Faruk Yahaya, who is more determined, sweltering and fiercer on the battlefield.


"He is noted for his warfare intensity, which analysts say, dwarfs the prime efforts of his predecessors. He is a finer replica of his ex-bosses."


In Onmeje's words, also: "A factcheck on his leadership of the counter-terrorism operations absolutely displays confounding winning streaks against the armed gangs and enemies of Nigeria.


"From terrorists, to bandits, armed secessionists, ethnic and religious militias, extremists and militants, Nigeria is cruising on the crucible of total and irrevocable victory under the leadership of COAS Yahaya. The songs of victory resonate in the South, and louder in the North.


"If its possible to recount episodic chants of victories against the conspiratorial armed gangs, terrorizing Nigeria, these past years, one only hears of neutralization of terrorists and bandits by the Nigerian Military; hundreds surrendering together with their families to the Nigerian Army or we hear of bandits and terrorists camps ransacked by Nigerian troops in different parts of the country.


"News such as soldiers freeing Boko Haram hostages previously held captive; Army arrests of amazing number of Boko Haram terrorists; bandits abandoning kidnapped victims scurrying for safety only to meet their waterloo from either ground or air forces or Nigerian troops and troops repelling planned terrorists attacks on villages or towns.


"In these three months, both national and international media seldomly scream with news headlines of the killings, gores, pains, sorrows and agonies of victims of terrorism and banditry.


"Ostensibly, the new Army Chief is living up to his calling, by leading from the front in the trenches. He knows the path to success and he is following the standards set by his predecessors, by proving himself as a dependable officer.


And expectedly, the most sensitive favour Nigerians expect from Gen. Faruk Yahaya is to to sustain the winning tempo until the final whistle is blown. All Nigerians are bound by a patriotic obligation to their country to support the new COAS as he leads the troops to the final victory for Nigeria."


On his part, Uba Sanni, a public affairs analyst, the Nigeria Army is lucky at this particular time in the history of the country to have a head that don’t just believe in the unity of the country, but is doing everything to preach it.


In piece titled, "Faruq Yahaya (COAS): Preaching unity, showing love," Sanni noted that since his appointment as COAS, General Yahaya has continued to preach need for Nigerians to unite to restore peace and security in the country.

The COAS recently described Nigerian civil war as an unfortunate tragedy that shook the foundation of national unity.

"He (Yahaya) however noted that the reconciliation afterwards was a healing balm as well as instrumental to strengthening national unity," he said.


According to Sanni, the Nigerian Army Chief is taking his message of peace and unity to different segments of the country, irrespective of tribe and religion.


He said: "As part of the activities to commemorate Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2021, the COAS took his message of unity, peace and love to Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.


"It was the first time a Chief of Army Staff who is a Muslim joined the Christian counterparts at the interdenominational service as part of activities to mark the 2021 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.


"The visit to the Church demonstrates the COAS determination to carry all along. It further demonstrates what Nigerian Army represents, a symbol of unity in diversity and purpose.





HUMANITARIAN SERVICES: NEDC DONATES HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT TO 7 DIVISION NIGERIAN ARMY



"The COAS pointed out that the message he is passing with his presence at the Inter-denominational service is that the military operates as a single unit.


"As he is preaching unity, love and peace, the COAS is also making sure several communities across the country benefit from the Nigeria Army humanitarian services.


"As part of activities marking the 2021 NADCEL, the Nigerian Army (NA) conducted medical outreaches across the country.


"It was conducted in Mpape community, Bwari Area Council in Abuja, Eti Osa (Lagos), Borno, Enugu etc. According to the COAS, the Army also finds time to carry out Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) at intervals.


"The message is that the Nigeria Army is in safe hands with Farouq Yahaya at the helm of affairs. Nigerians must support the NA and the entire military to continue to uphold the unity of the country."


Similarly, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Lantech Solutions Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Husseini Bokane, the nation will forever remain greatful to President Buhari for appointing not just a professional of gun battle and field battle, but for placing competency ahead of all other considerations to replaced late Gen. Attahiru with another thoroughbred military officer that is currently keeping the mindless groups to their knees.


He said: "Alexander the Great is regarded the best Army General in his own time and to us here in Nigeria, it is Lt. Gen. Faruk that is defined by this virtues having giving his all for his country to survive. He (Alexander the Great) once said that, He is not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep but he is afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.


"Nigeria has been battling with insecurity challenges for quite sometime, ranging from the Boko Haram insurgency, bandits and kidnapping for ransom, farmers and herders conflicts and secessionist agitations, but there is a significant reduction in the carnages since COAS Yahaya took over."


According to Bokane, the most unique factor that makes Gen. Yahaya most exceptional is his ability to blend the kinetic prowess of the nation military with the ability of winning the hearts and minds of the people.


"Sun Tzu the Chinese General, military strategist and philosopher who described a successful commander as that who is ruthless in the field of operation yet meek at heart with members of the community where he was deployed.


"The Chief of Army Staff having served as a theatre Commander in the North East has mastered that military leadership skill and today more successes are recorded in the nation's counter fight against insurgency and banditry in Northern Nigeria.


"In the North East region, Yahaya has streaks of conquests over Boko Haram terrorists, whose greatest wish had always been to bring down the entire North East done to its knees.


"His distinguished career in the military is very much known to the Nigerian people particularly communities that were under security sieged prior to his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff.


"Time and pages of newspapers will not be enough to accommodate Yahaya’s pragmatism , achievements and formidable leadership traits.
https://ournigerianews.com/gen-yahaya-building-a-responsive-nigerian-army-amid-insecurity/

Lt-Gen. Farouk Yahaya: Epitome of Professionalism

Lt-Gen. Farouk Yahaya: Epitome of Professionalism

By Gabriel Ikese

Call to serve.


The clarion call came in May 2021 at a time Nigeria was grappling with widespread insecurity including the long-running Boko Haram insurgency.


Following the unfortunate military plane crash that killed the then Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Ibrahim Atahiru, alongside 10 other officers, and having carefully reviewed the military operations across the nation and the efforts of the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs in the counter-insurgency operations in the North East, President Muhammadu Buhari quickly began the search for a replacement and picked the best of the best. He appointed Farouk Yahaya as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS).


Lt-Gen. Farouk Yahaya possessed an uncanny understanding of the geopolitical upheavals which calibrated a tri-services military doctrine to make Nigeria face the myriad security challenges. This valuable knowledge deeply influenced the bringing down of the insurgency to a large extent in the Northeast.

We know that soldering shouldn’t be just about the salary or the privilege that comes with wearing the uniform.

It may include those things, but I believe that Gen Yahaya's appointment as COAS is about a calling - a calling to serve, nothing more and nothing less.

Yahaya is a perfect gentleman, an excellent and brave soldier. His humble and unpretentious disposition notwithstanding, his true nature comes to the fore at critical moments. And one veritable quality that distinguished him among contemporaries is his untainted integrity. Dwight Eisenhower rightly said, "the supreme quality for leadership is unquestionable integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, especially in the military." Integrity is a luxury Gen. Yahaya has in abundance.

Making of a General

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Faruk Yahaya, a Lieutenant General, was born on January 5, 1966, in Sifawa, Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Yahaya's devotion to the military started at a young age when he joined the prestigious Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of the 37 Regular Course. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Master's degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy.


Faruk Yahaya started his cadet training at the NDA on 27 September 1985 at the age of 19. He was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps on 22 September 1990.


Gen. Yahaya has held several appointments including Staff, Instructional, and Command. Notable among the appointments is Garrison Commander Headquarters Guards Brigade, Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Deputy Director Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary, Deputy Director Army Research and Development, and the Chief of Staff, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield.


He also served as the Principal General Staff Officer (PGSO) to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Commander, Headquarters 4 Brigade, and 29 Task Force Brigades (Operation Zaman Lafiya).

He was also Director Manpower at the Army Headquarters, Military Secretary, Army Headquarters, and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division of the Nigerian Army.


Until he was appointed the COAS, Gen. Yahaya was the Theatre Commander Operation HADIN KAI, responsible for Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Operations in North-East Nigeria.


Gen Yahaya's elite haul of epaulets includes Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, Grand Service Star, Passed staff course (Dagger), National Defence Course (Chile), Economic Community of West Africa State Monitoring Group Medal, Command Medal, Field Command Medal, General Operations Medal, Silver Jubilee Medal, and Golden Jubilee Medal.


Quintessential Strategist


Gen. Yahaya assumed the Command of the Army with a clear matching order from the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to tackle the most difficult and daunting task of winning the war against terrorism. Previous Commanders before him had battled, albeit unsuccessfully the Boko haram insurgents, adjudged as one of the deadliest, if not the deadliest in the world. Such was the enormity of the task confronting Lt-Gen Farouk Yahaya as Chief of Army Staff.


Barely a year of stewardship as Head of the Counterinsurgency (COIN), the Army Chief has exhibited outstanding leadership and patriotism in going out of his way to boost the self-esteem of officers and men of the Army. His level of professionalism and dedication to duty brought the numerous successes recorded in the prosecution of the ongoing war against insurgency in the northeast corridor.


Gen. Farouk Yahaya's experience as former Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East puts him on a better pedestal to formulate a workable counter-strategy to defeat the menace of terrorism in the country.

The indefatigable COAS knows that counterinsurgency operations cannot succeed without comprehensive retraining of officers and men of the military.

He consciously inculcates operational discipline to resurrect the deflating morale of soldiers and remold them into a formidable fighting force.


The Army Chief reintroduced the principles and values that distinguish the actions of a professional soldier such as discipline, integrity, honor, commitment, service, and sacrifice. These values help to reshape the troops of Operation Hadin Kai with a purposeful mission, clear lines of authority, and accountability.

The military tactician quickly plugged the synergy gap in the Armed forces that hitherto undermine the counterinsurgency operations in the northeast. Gen. Yahaya cultivated a culture of synergy, teamwork, and cohesion among the service trinity.


The Army Boss said the goal of the operation is to render the insurgents ineffective and non-influential. It requires an extremely capable intelligence infrastructure endowed with human sources and deep cultural knowledge. This can only be made possible through public diplomacy and having strong and secure relations with the civil populations.


He subsequently trained his lens on a robust information-gathering mechanism as a veritable strategy. The success of the war against terrorism and insurgency is often dependent on actionable intelligence.


Gen. Yahaya acquired, through his trust and goodwill, the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari (C-in-C) and the approval of the National Assembly to continually equip the army with modern weaponry and accouterments. The Army under Gen. Yahaya is boosted with relatively sufficient weapons and equipment needed for the COIN operations.

Crushing Terrorism


Gen Farouk Yahaya is not new to the fight against insurgency in the northeast. He was first moved from the 1st Mechanised Division in Kaduna state to oversee the COIN war as Theatre Commander and promised to ensure “total peace and sanity” in the troubled region. He may not have achieved that completely at the time, but from available records so far, he is on the brink of restoring total peace to the region.

Gen. Yahaya's sophistication in military strategy and public diplomacy influenced the changing narratives in the counterinsurgency operations in the northeast. He reorganized the internal structures in the army and commissioned the very best of his officers and men to strategic positions for operational efficiency.


The COAS's valuable experience and tactical operational instructions powered the army to achieve tremendous success in beating back Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

The military severely decimated the terrorists and pushed them out of the interior towns and cities that took over as enclaves.

The remnants of Boko haram and ISWAP fighters were expeditiously pursued to their forest hide-outs and are under intense pressure to disallow them of inordinate ambition to hold or control indiscernible caliphate in Nigeria territory.


Successes in the Northeast


Gen. Yahaya, on his initial visitation as COAS to military formations in Borno State, swiftly charged the Army to destroy all enclaves of terrorist groups in the northeast. And with military panache, he immediately sanctioned simultaneous operations including Operations Ayiso Tamunoma, Katana Jimlan, Fire Ball, and Takaibango among others in the Northeast region.


Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, under his watch, displayed commitment, sheer bravery, and doggedness which translated to monumental success against insurgent groups. The soldiers consolidated their operational push against Boko Haram and ISWAP in various areas including; Bama, Gwoza, Monguno, Kanduga, Damboa, Damasak, Gudumbali, and Nganzi Local Government Area. Others include Kukawa, Chibok as well as Sambisa Forest, and KirtaWulgo in Marte Local Government of Borno State.


The operational disposition of the army in battle resulted in the neutralization of high-profile terrorist commanders and hundreds of their foot soldiers. The mass surrender of fighters and recovery of combat equipment has substantially degraded the terrorist's fighting capability.

Defense headquarters reported that over 50,000 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families have surrendered to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the war theatre between September 2021 and April 2022.

And army records showed a comparative increase in numbers of terrorists killed within the timeframe of Gen. Yahaya's watch. On the side of the Islamist extremist group, well over 2,122 members were reportedly killed compared to the 1,449 that were killed within the previous timeframe.


These successes recorded in counterinsurgency operations are attributed to the pragmatic leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Farouk Yahaya has at various times traversed the theatre landscape shoring up troops’ fighting will and motivation to subdue the enemies.

In his over 30 years of engaging in the task of ‘keeping Nigeria one’ and defending the territorial integrity of fatherland, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), had made a good name for himself and a success of his vocation rising through the ranks to the position of a Three-Star General (and still counting), in the Nigeria Army.
https://ournigerianews.com/lt-gen-farouk-yahaya-epitome-of-professionalism/

Where is NSA Munguno?

Where is NSA Munguno?


Nigerians now unanimously agree on one thing-- that there is insecurity in the land. Insecurity occurs when a government, faced with conflict and violence ( be it political, social, economic, or generated by organized crime ), cannot or will not ensure the protection of its citizens, organisations and institutions against threats to their well-being and prosperity of their communities.


What Nigerians disagree with is the fallacious notion that President Muhammadu Buhari is aiding the bandits to maim, extort and kill, and tacitly supporting terrorists to Islamize Nigeria. The President in all honesty is not a happy man; there is no way he will be comfortable seeing his citizens petrified like the way they are being terrorized by criminal elements. My disappointment is with those lucky officials the President appointed to help him to govern this country. The President knows that the provision of security is the paramount responsibility of his government and that's why the National Security Adviser ( NSA) and the erstwhile Service Chiefs were among the first set of people he appointed in 2015. To be fair to President Buhari, the security situation of Nigeria was better in his first administration than his second coming. And because of this rise in attacks in his second term, a vocal minority pressurised him to sack the then Service Chiefs. He refused to do that despite the pressure mounted on him because he believed in their competence. However, the Service Chiefs voluntary resigned and new ones were appointed. Instead of things to get better, we have gone seven years backwards. The NSA, although not re- appointed ( his tenure ended on 28th May 2019) to the best of my knowledge is still the one advising the President and coordinating counter terrorism operations. What we are witnessing today is frequent prison breaks and escape of high profile terrorists, kidnap of women and school children and undergraduates, and a steady flow of money from innocent Nigerians to the coffers of terrorists and bandits in the name of ransom payments. It is because of this deplorable security situation that I am asking for the whereabouts of the NSA. Do we really have an NSA?

I heard that someone by the name Rear Admiral YEM Musa is the Coordinator of the so-called Counter Terrorism Centre domiciled in the ONSA. I do not need to tell the NSA that Nigerians do not know about this paper tiger called Counter Terrorism Centre or the Admiral in charge of it, and as far as I am concerned it is another prestige project to create job for the boys and waste tax payers money. The ONSA from all its indications have all the necessary apparatus and policy documents and laws to advice the government and coordinate matters of security in Nigeria but alas it either lacks the will or the requisite leadership to make any positive impact in Nigeria. Despite the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 and all the grandstanding that the NSA is fond of making on national television whenever the opportunity for him to talk arises, more Nigerians including women and children were abducted by terrorists and bandits under the watch of this government more than any other administration in the history of Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Under this NSA, Nigeria has broken the record of being the country with the highest rate of kidnappings and ransom payments. Between June 2019 and the end of March 2021, at least $10 million has been paid to kidnappers as ransom. Also, under this same NSA, youth unemployment which is a major factor responsible for the growth of kidnap cases rose from 8.22 percent in the third quarter of 2015 to 40 percent in the second quarter of 2022 according to Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina who aptly said that the youths are discouraged, angry and restless, as they look at a future that does not give them hope.


As far as the issues of terrorism and related matters are concerned, the Terrorism Prohibition and Prevention Act, 2022 said that the NSA shall, “ (a) formulate policies for the effective implementation of concerted counter-terrorism and terrorism financing efforts ; (b) ensure the effective formulation and implementation of a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy in Nigeria ; (c) provide support to all relevant security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies, and military services to prevent and combat acts of terrorism and terrorism financing in Nigeria ; (d) build capacity for the effective perform of functions under any law or regulation ; (e) subject to the approval of the President, establish a National Counter Terrorism Centre for effective coordination of relevant agencies under this Act ; and(f ) perform such other functions that the President may deem necessary or the effective implementation of counter-terrorism measures under this Act.” The NSA is also responsible for analyzing security issues, assessing expected trends and prioritizing activities; playing an advisory role, and making recommendations to the President. The Act designates the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) as the Coordinating Office for Nigeria’s Counter terrorism efforts. The Act also gives ONSA the mandates to “ensure the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive Counter Terrorism Strategy and build capacity for the effective discharge of the functions of relevant security, intelligence, law enforcement and military services.” In line with the foregoing, the Counter Terrorism Centre (CTC) was established in 2012, and is located in the Office of the National Security Adviser.


The NSA should be ashamed to call himself NSA and even address and portray himself as such. Nigerians are unhappy and unsatisfied with his style of leadership and performance. The average Nigerian who is conversant with the ONSA is now convinced that a lame duck retired General is occupying the exalted office. When comparison is made with the likes of Aliyu Gusau, Kayode Ore and even Sarki Muktar, Nigerians frowned with great disdain.

The NSA has failed to advice the President on strategies to curtail incessant jail brakes, Boko Haram insurgency, persistent banditry that sprung up under his watch. One of the major setback of the Buhari administration is the economy. Things are not going well with the economy. There is high inflation in the land and the cost of necessities has risen. This high cost of living amidst abject of poverty and lack of opportunities has pushed many Nigerians to the embrace of criminals and terrorists. There is an economic desk in the ONSA because those who created the ONSA knew that security is tied to the economy. Yet, ONSA is unable to help the government to formulate sound economic policies. Today the Dollar is exchanging at the rate of 1 Dollar= 650.

What baffles me is that despite the fact that ONSA is from Borno State, the man does not really see the challenge of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents as a personal issue that requires all his prowess and attention to tackle. The majority of those who suffer from the hands of these terrorists and insurgents are of the Kanuri ethnic stock of which the NSA belongs to. Yet the NSA has never cared to establish and nurture a close working relationship with community and youth leaders in Borno especially in places like Munguno, Dikwa, Baga, Damasak Gubio etc. They simply do not know him.

It is against this backdrop that I am now going to ask this pertinent question: what is the work or job specification of this NSA? Personally, I do not really know. Maybe it is to show us how to dress impeccably in the white man's attire and spew out loquacious verbiages in a futile attempt to impress Nigerians with his command of the English Language. Nigerians to the best of my knowledge no longer care about English Language; what they want is security, jobs, equity and justice.


This NSA has instead of advising the President on ways to mitigate issues of insecurity that is threatening our collective survival decided to be embroiled with revenge, vendetta, and alleged blackmail and smear campaign of people who are either members of the ruling party or appointees of the President. He did it with the late Abba Kyari and heaped all manners of accusations and blackmail on the gentleman, and made it to appear as if it was the late Chief of Staff that was constituting a stumbling block to carry out his duties. Now that the man is dead what has changed? Instead, things have gone bad. May God forgive us all. Nevertheless, one day, we all will go back to meet our Creator to give account of our stewardship.

I remember with nostalgia the story of Shimon Peres of Israel when he served as Defense minister under Yitshak Rabin in 1976. On June 27, two members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine - External Operations (PFLP-EO), led by Wadie Haddad (who had previously split from the PFLP of George Habash), and two members of the German Revolutionary Cells, hijacked an Air France Airbus A300 jet airliner carrying 248 passengers. The flight, which had left Tel Aviv for Paris, was rerouted after a stopover in Athens via Benghazi to Entebbe, the country of Uganda's principal airport. The dictator Idi Amin, who was aware of the hijacking from the start, personally welcomed them and the Ugandan government supported the hijackers. The hijackers forced all Israelis and a few non-Israeli Jews into a separate area after removing all hostages from the plane and transporting them to a deserted airport facility. One hundred and fourty-eight48 captives who were not Israelis were freed and flown to Paris over the course of the next two days. Along with the 12-person Air France crew, 94 passengers—mostly Israelis—remain as prisoners and face imminent execution. The leaders and organizers said that the Israelis must exchange or swap the Israelis with 13 detainees in four other countries and the release of 40 Palestinian terrorists and related prisoners who were detained in Israel. The Prime Minister, Rabin was considering the option of negotiating with the terrorists so that Israel can get the hostages back but the Defence minister, Peres stood his ground and said no. He advised the Prime minister against and instead preferred a different solution—Operation Thunderbolt or what is popularly known as Entebbe Rescue Operation.


To develop a rescue strategy, Peres established the covert Israel Crisis Committee. He met with Commander Netanyahu several times after a strategy was created. During one of their last private conversations, they both looked at maps and discussed specifics. Later, Peres remarked of Netanyahu's explanation, "My impression was one of exactitude and creativity," adding that Netanyahu had the air of assurance that the operation would be successful with minimal casualties. Peres assured Netanyahu that he would do everything in his power to ensure the operation occurred without a hitch before they parted ways. Peres then interrupted Moshe Dayan, the former minister of defense, as he was having dinner with friends in a restaurant to deliver the most recent proposal and solicit his feedback. The concerns voiced by Rabin and the Chief of Staff, Mordechai Gur, were mentioned by Peres to Dayan. After reading the written facts, Dayan rejected the concerns, telling Shimon, "This is a strategy that I support not one hundred percent but one hundred and fifty percent!" A military operation is required. Later, Gur gave his blessing to Peres, who gained his support. The idea was subsequently presented to Rabin, who was initially hesitant and did not like the risks, but after Peres provided detailed responses to several important issues and after learning that the cabinet had also supported it, Rabin reluctantly gave his approval.


Rabin recalled shortly after the mission's conclusion: "We summoned seven of our top commanders to my office. I explained to our military friends that the honor and future of the Jewish people are in jeopardy, and that the risk we are thinking about is not only one of calculated risk in the military sense, but also one of comparative risk, since there is a choice between capitulating to terror and risky rescue efforts resulting from independence."


Following the operation's success, Peres positioned himself to win some praise and admiration, in some ways competing with Rabin for attention.


How did Peres achieved that kind of success? He got it through meticulous planning and making use of the highly trained Israeli commandos, something that we also have in Nigeria. He organized a Task force that consisted of about one hundred personnel that comprised of ground command and control which was headed by Brigadier Dan Shomron; an assault unit led by Lt. Col. Yonatan Netanyahu– this force was composed entirely of commandos from Sayeret Matkal, and was given the primary task of assaulting the old terminal and rescuing the hostages. Then the Paratroopers force led by Col. Matan Vilnai – tasked with securing the civilian airport field, clearing and securing the runways, and protection and fueling of the Israeli aircraft in Entebbe.


The truth must be told no matter what; this government is losing its popularity at an alarming rate because unlike the 2015-2019 dispensation that we witnessed improvement in the security of the country but unimpressive economic management, the country is witnessing unimpressive performance in both security and economic life of its people. The bandits are becoming emboldened by the day because some people are encouraging, aiding, arming and covering them yet the entire security architecture of Nigeria is unable to identify these people to arrest them and their minions. Innocent Nigerians are now the very people that are financing terrorism and banditry through the payment of huge sums of money to the criminals to continue with their escapades. As I am writing this article, I watched a video clip of how the bandits were flogging the Kaduna –Abuja train hostages because the government stopped the families from paying ransom.


I understand the kind of difficult position that the government is in and I am not advocating for the use of force or encouraging the payment of ransom either. All I want to say is that this nonsense has to stop; the NSA must come with a winning solution for the President to nip this menace in the bud before his tenure ends or else this government will go down as one of the most unpopular government in the history of Nigeria. In any case, we are all witness to what happened in Sri Lanka a couple of days ago. I am scared for Nigeria because I can see similarities between what is happening in Nigeria and what transpired in Sri Lanka before the Prime Minister’s residence was set ablaze. Rising costs of supplies, epilectic power supply, high cost of fuel, sickening and monumental corruption, ostentatious lifestyle by the corrupt few and collapse of the educational sector. Ours is even worse because we have a serious case of insecurity in the land. Now is the time for NSA Munguno to wake and begin to act.
https://ournigerianews.com/where-is-nsa-munguno/

Amb. Buratai turbaned Garkuwan Keffi

Amb. Buratai turbaned Garkuwan Keffi

The immediate past Chief of Army Staff and Nigerian ambassador to Benin Republic, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai (rtd) has been turbaned "Garkuwan Keffi".

While turbaning the Lt-Gen Buratai on Saturday at his palace in Keffi town of  Nasarawa state, the Emir  Alhaji Shehu Chindo Yamusa, said the gesture became necessary due to Buratai's efforts in tackling security challenges ravaging Nigeria during his time as the Chief of Army Staff.

Describing Lt-Gen Buratai as an agent of development, Emir Yamusa charged many people in various key government positions to use their offices for the development of the entire Nigeria, urging them to emulate the qualities of the former army boss.

On his part, the chief celebrant, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd) expressed his gratitude for the honour given to him, stressing that it would spur him to do more for the development of Nigeria as to whom much is given, much is expected.

Pouring encomiums on the chief celebrant, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamu (SAN), said Lt-Gen Buratai (rtd) deserved the honour given to him by Emir Yamusa because he (Buratai) has paid his dues in contributing to the development of the nation, asking God to give him wisdom in his endeavors.


Amb. Buratai turbaned Garkuwan Keffi
https://ournigerianews.com/amb-buratai-turbaned-garkuwan-keffi/

Nigerians face hunger as bandits sack farming communities in Northwest Nigeria

Nigerians face hunger as bandits sack farming communities in Northwest Nigeria


By: Zagazola Makama


Kwata, a small farming settlement in Zurmi local government area of Zamfara state in Northwest Nigeria is one of the several farming communities sacked by bandits in recent years.

The bandits in series of coordinated attacks sacked communities with impunity, forcing peasant farmers to abandoned their homes and farmlands.


As the wet season sets in, thousands of farmers could not cultivate their farmlands for fear of attacks by the merciless bandits who killed, maimed, kidnapped and raped women in the troubled areas of Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna and Niger State in central Nigeria.


The banditry, which started as farmers, harders crises in 2011, has embolded into a full blown terrorism 2016, resulting to the death of over 4000 and displacement of atleast 309,000 persons at of 30 June 2022.


Zamfara state accommodates about 69,000 IDPs, Kaduna 71,000, Katsina 61,000, Sokoto 45,000, while atleast 3,000 have crossed the border through the axis of Maradi to take refuge in Niger Republic.


The large scale displacement of farmers across the region portends potential threats to food security and expose the most populous country in African continent to possible food shortage, hunger and starvation.


Apart from incessant attacks on farmers, the bandits demanded farmers in Kwata village to pay N1.2 million levy equivalent to about $2,500 US dollars, to allow them to access and cultivate their farmlands.


Farmers who broke the laws were trapped by the armed bandits, especially when they attempt to work on their farms, leaving their farmlands uncultivated.


Subsequently, the farmers resumed cultivating their farmlands to produce cereal crops as the only means of livelihood.


However, the bandits reneged on the agreement to allow the farmers work on their farms after payment made to the terrorist group.


Infuriated by resumption of farming activities by the farmers, the bandits ransacked the community, killed 50 persons, razed houses, destroyed farmlands, rustled cattle, abducted 12 women and two men.


Rabiu Musa, a farmer, said we paid N1.2m yet the bandits prevented us from access our farms to cultivate crops.


He said the bandits set animals to graze on the farmlands, and destroyed potato, beans and maize plantations.


Another farmer, Saidu Samaila, who hailed from Gidan Dodo village, said the bandits banned farmers from working in the farmlands after collecting N6 million equivalent to $7,000 US dollars from the farmers.


He said the farmers tasked every households in the community to contribute certain amount of money to enable them pay the levy imposed on them by the bandits.


"I and other farmers fled the village after bandits' attack and took refuge at Kaura Namoda town in the last three months.


"The bandits set three vehicles and nine silos ablaze, my wife and children are staying with relatives in another town. My village is now deserted.


"Presently, I scavenge for leftover produce in the nearby farms to survive," he said.


Narrating her ordeals in the hands of the bandits who abducted during one of the attack on the community, a widow, simply identified as Maryama, said the bandits invaded her village around 4:00 a.m. (GMT).


She said the attackers who engaged in sporadic shooting, gun down anyone on their sight except women.


She alleged that the bandits killed over 50 people mostly adult and male child.


"Women loss their love ones and left to raise children of the deceased, killed by the terrorists.


"Three months after, the bandits launched fresh attack on the village killed two persons 2, injured one and abducted 14 others including myself.


"I stayed for 15 days at the kidnappers den alongside Asiya, Halima and 12 others.


"We stayed with little or nothing to eat day and night.


"I eventually regained freedom after the community members who survived the attacks paid a ransom of N7.2 million equivalent to over $7,000 dollars demanded by the terrorists," she said.


Also, Mariya Aliyu, Aina'u Ali Ja'afar and Haulatu Isa, who lost their husbands in the attacks, said they now fend for the children orphaned by the bandits.


Aliyu, a mother of seven children, said she now took refuge at makeshift shelter in Kaura Namoda.


"I am now staying in Kaura Namoda with my kids , we hardly had one meal a day.


"I fled for my life without taking my personal belongings from my home. I have nowhere to go or what to eat," she said tearfully.


Jafa’ar and Isa, who shared similar experiences with Aliyu, said they now engaged in street begging to feed their children.


They urged the government at the federal and state level to assist them with food and shelter as well as secure the region to enable them to return to their ancestral homes.


On June 6, The Nigerian Red Cross Society has raised an alarm over food insecurity in the North West and North Central in Nigeria, saying "The situation is critical and is one that needs immediate attention.


The Secretary General of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Abubakar Kende was quoted in the statement issued by Chima Nwankwo and Aduratomi Bolade, of Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) respectively to have said: “Millions are being affected, particularly women, the elderly, and vulnerable children.


"A good number of them are now in a situation where they do not know where their next meal will come from, and this is something that concerns us greatly.”


"The current situation is making the Nigerian Red Cross Society to take action to fight hunger in North-West and North-Central Nigeria where United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO) has estimated that about 19.4 million people will be facing acute hunger between June and August 2022," said Bolade in the statement. End.


Zagazola Makama is a Security Analyst and a Counter Insurgency Expert in the Lake Chad.


Nigerians face Nigerians face hunger as bandits sack farming communities in Northwest Nigeria
https://ournigerianews.com/nigerians-face-hunger-as-bandits-sack-farming-communities-in-northwest-nigeria/

Nigerians face hunger as bandits sack farming communities in Northwest Nigeria

Nigerians face hunger as bandits sack farming communities in Northwest Nigeria


By: Zagazola Makama


Kwata, a small farming settlement in Zurmi local government area of Zamfara state in Northwest Nigeria is one of the several farming communities sacked by bandits in recent years.

The bandits in series of coordinated attacks sacked communities with impunity, forcing peasant farmers to abandoned their homes and farmlands.


As the wet season sets in, thousands of farmers could not cultivate their farmlands for fear of attacks by the merciless bandits who killed, maimed, kidnapped and raped women in the troubled areas of Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna and Niger State in central Nigeria.


The banditry, which started as farmers, harders crises in 2011, has embolded into a full blown terrorism 2016, resulting to the death of over 4000 and displacement of atleast 309,000 persons at of 30 June 2022.


Zamfara state accommodates about 69,000 IDPs, Kaduna 71,000, Katsina 61,000, Sokoto 45,000, while atleast 3,000 have crossed the border through the axis of Maradi to take refuge in Niger Republic.


The large scale displacement of farmers across the region portends potential threats to food security and expose the most populous country in African continent to possible food shortage, hunger and starvation.


Apart from incessant attacks on farmers, the bandits demanded farmers in Kwata village to pay N1.2 million levy equivalent to about $2,500 US dollars, to allow them to access and cultivate their farmlands.


Farmers who broke the laws were trapped by the armed bandits, especially when they attempt to work on their farms, leaving their farmlands uncultivated.


Subsequently, the farmers resumed cultivating their farmlands to produce cereal crops as the only means of livelihood.


However, the bandits reneged on the agreement to allow the farmers work on their farms after payment made to the terrorist group.


Infuriated by resumption of farming activities by the farmers, the bandits ransacked the community, killed 50 persons, razed houses, destroyed farmlands, rustled cattle, abducted 12 women and two men.


Rabiu Musa, a farmer, said we paid N1.2m yet the bandits prevented us from access our farms to cultivate crops.


He said the bandits set animals to graze on the farmlands, and destroyed potato, beans and maize plantations.


Another farmer, Saidu Samaila, who hailed from Gidan Dodo village, said the bandits banned farmers from working in the farmlands after collecting N6 million equivalent to $7,000 US dollars from the farmers.


He said the farmers tasked every households in the community to contribute certain amount of money to enable them pay the levy imposed on them by the bandits.


"I and other farmers fled the village after bandits' attack and took refuge at Kaura Namoda town in the last three months.


"The bandits set three vehicles and nine silos ablaze, my wife and children are staying with relatives in another town. My village is now deserted.


"Presently, I scavenge for leftover produce in the nearby farms to survive," he said.


Narrating her ordeals in the hands of the bandits who abducted during one of the attack on the community, a widow, simply identified as Maryama, said the bandits invaded her village around 4:00 a.m. (GMT).


She said the attackers who engaged in sporadic shooting, gun down anyone on their sight except women.


She alleged that the bandits killed over 50 people mostly adult and male child.


"Women loss their love ones and left to raise children of the deceased, killed by the terrorists.


"Three months after, the bandits launched fresh attack on the village killed two persons 2, injured one and abducted 14 others including myself.


"I stayed for 15 days at the kidnappers den alongside Asiya, Halima and 12 others.


"We stayed with little or nothing to eat day and night.


"I eventually regained freedom after the community members who survived the attacks paid a ransom of N7.2 million equivalent to over $7,000 dollars demanded by the terrorists," she said.


Also, Mariya Aliyu, Aina'u Ali Ja'afar and Haulatu Isa, who lost their husbands in the attacks, said they now fend for the children orphaned by the bandits.


Aliyu, a mother of seven children, said she now took refuge at makeshift shelter in Kaura Namoda.


"I am now staying in Kaura Namoda with my kids , we hardly had one meal a day.


"I fled for my life without taking my personal belongings from my home. I have nowhere to go or what to eat," she said tearfully.


Jafa’ar and Isa, who shared similar experiences with Aliyu, said they now engaged in street begging to feed their children.


They urged the government at the federal and state level to assist them with food and shelter as well as secure the region to enable them to return to their ancestral homes.


On June 6, The Nigerian Red Cross Society has raised an alarm over food insecurity in the North West and North Central in Nigeria, saying "The situation is critical and is one that needs immediate attention.


The Secretary General of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Abubakar Kende was quoted in the statement issued by Chima Nwankwo and Aduratomi Bolade, of Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) respectively to have said: “Millions are being affected, particularly women, the elderly, and vulnerable children.


"A good number of them are now in a situation where they do not know where their next meal will come from, and this is something that concerns us greatly.”


"The current situation is making the Nigerian Red Cross Society to take action to fight hunger in North-West and North-Central Nigeria where United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO) has estimated that about 19.4 million people will be facing acute hunger between June and August 2022," said Bolade in the statement. End.


Zagazola Makama is a Security Analyst and a Counter Insurgency Expert in the Lake Chad.


Nigerians face Nigerians face hunger as bandits sack farming communities in Northwest Nigeria
https://ournigerianews.com/nigerians-face-hunger-as-bandits-sack-farming-communities-in-northwest-nigeria/