Tag: Terrorism

  • Are security agencies doing their best?

    Are security agencies doing their best?

    In the course of fighting terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity in Nigeria, our security agencies (the military, the police, the Department of State Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the like) have been assessed in different ways by Nigerians. Viewing or listening to talk shows and analysis on television, radio, newspaper and social media, even in some interpersonal conversations on security situations in the country, it has become a pattern of appraising the agencies with the catchphrase, “Security agencies are doing their best.” But what exactly do the speakers mean by this refrain? Examining the different contexts in which the tag is deployed will help in making us understand some intentions of the speakers.

    For example, in 2019, while giving Nigerians assurance in response to a concern raised by a delegation of Zamfara Advocacy Group in Abuja on the capability of security agencies, former President Muhammadu Buhari assured “Nigerians that the security law enforcement agencies are doing their very best to safeguard the country.” Also, the former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, remarked in The Guardian on April 4, 2022, “Our military is doing their best and the government is by no means overwhelmed.” By this, we could see that the government used the tag to give the citizens assurance amid security challenges.

    Social commentators, public analysts and callers to programmes on radio and television used the catchphrase too in various ways, especially when Nigerians are encouraging or praying for the security agencies. In a radio programme (Invicta FM 98.9 Kaduna), Ground Zero, anchored by, Mr Ehis Agbon, in the first week of January 2022, he felt Nigerians rarely took time to celebrate the security agencies by extending hands of fellowship to them, unlike the way they regard politicians. According to the anchor, that particular day was specially dedicated to pray for “our gallant officers, men and women” giving the encouragement he received in the way his daughter waved some soldiers who looked very solemn in a patrol van in the street of Kaduna. The soldiers smiled back at the child.

    Different callers to the programme used the tag to praise, encourage and pray for the security agencies for protecting our territorial integrity, serving under harsh conditions day and night, while some have been killed and left children fatherless and women widowed. For example, a caller remarked, “Without a doubt, our men are doing their best in the challenges they face on a daily basis. May the Lord bless them.” Another caller said, “Seriously speaking, our security agencies are seriously doing their best. What they need is to supply them with weapons.” Almost all the callers were passionate about the assessment. But it could be noted in the programme that those who did not understand the effort of the security agencies were the ones that criticised their inability to quell the widespread violence. The blame for insecurity is heaped on the agencies as if they are the root cause of the problem.

    That is why some see it differently, though not unreasonable, given that violence persists and more officers and men are paying the supreme price. For instance, a security consultant and ex-DSS Assistant Director, Dennis Amachree, who was speaking on PlusTvAfrica a year ago, said, “The security agents are doing their best but the politicians are not helping issues.” Another caller into the Invicta FM described the security agencies like this, “They have quality. They remain the best, but only in politics. They are in the sun for our sake. I gave them kudos.”

    Some have adopted the catchphrase to cynically manipulate public opinion. For instance, I have heard a few persons who to a larger extent criticised the agencies for not successfully combating the criminals, but only to conclude their statements with, “But they are trying their best.” Perhaps, they did not want to offend or embarrass the officers and men. This could mean that the intractability of violence in some parts of the country led some to argue that security agencies are not giving their best. This perception may indicate that they would have done way better if they had been well supported with adequate personnel, equipment and other resources as well as better interagency coordination. This is because in the past, for example, we have heard the Boko Haram sect has been “badly degraded”, technically defeated” or “technically decimated.”

    Nevertheless, it is interesting to see Nigerians expressing their opinions at this moment of our national security experience. While people express their rights and interests, they should offer the Nigerian security agencies their moral support. An optimistic view and a more realistic outlook will boost the morale of security agencies. That is more likely to be a more effective path to winning cooperation on vital issues of security and peaceful coexistence, and to help Nigeria’s security agencies pursue their goals of securing and protecting this country. They have also exceptionally done well in peacekeeping operations in Africa and other parts of the world.

    Security agencies are held in high regard in most countries of the world. So when we hear they are doing their best in the Nigerian context, it means there are controversies over their assessment of security agencies’ performance. Though their perspectives may differ, I think I can understand their feelings. The citizens are still coping with violence and its effects. Ask them, they will tell you insecurity is one of their biggest concerns.

    While there are considerable debates over the performance of our security agencies, my take is that some commentators do not want to condemn, embarrass or blame the security agencies for the unrelenting violence. Since they are not only the national sector fighting the menace, other stakeholders including you and I should give our support. Though it is their constitutional responsibility to defend the country against external aggressors, and to maintain internal law and order, notwithstanding citizens’ cooperation and political support are needed to combat insecurity. As often touted, “security is everybody’s responsibility”, “see something say something” and so on, but they should do their best in the circumstances in which they operate.

    Yes, given the fact that we see things from different perspectives, the way we assess our security agencies may affect the morale of men and women fighting criminals. A condemnation of the security agencies itself threatens not only the security initiatives of the Forces but also the country. A good assessment will help them win the war on criminals. But if bad assessment is formed, it has the tendency to change our society, the foremost of which are changes in the behaviour and mindset of citizens. Assessing security agencies anywhere in the world comes down to increasing funding and equipment, and building trust between them and communities. A happy and encouraged security agency will be a much more desirable force in national security than an unhappy and dispirited agency unable to cope with security challenges. They deserve our prayers and support as they secure and protect this country. We wish them success as they try their best for the rest of us. We owe them so much.

  • Alleged Terrorism: Court Stops DSS From Arresting Emefiele

    Alleged Terrorism: Court Stops DSS From Arresting Emefiele

    The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has declined an application by the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest and detain the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

    Justice Tsoho, while declining the motion ex-parte filed by an applicant in the absence of the respondent, said the secret police did not provide any concrete evidence to substantiate its claims that Emefiele was involved in terrorism financing and economic crimes.

    At the proceeding, the Judge noted that the name of the respondent was given simply as ‘Godwin Emefiele’ without a material disclosure that he is the same person as the CBN Governor.

    Justice Tsoho, therefore, refused to entertain the suit until credible evidence is brought before the court as to the reason why the court should grant the request.

    The move by the DSS comes after the recent controversial decisions of the CBN to redesign the 200, 500 and 1000 naira notes, as part of the measure to reduce the quantity of cash outside of its control, and discourage certain criminal activities such as kidnapping for ransom.

    It also follows its announcement of a new policy limiting cash withdrawals for individuals and corporate bodies.

    Both decisions have been viewed by some segments of the society, especially politicians as detrimental to their activities in the run-up to the 2023 general elections.

  • Sahel Security: AU, ECOWAS rub minds on tackling Terrorism

    Sahel Security: AU, ECOWAS rub minds on tackling Terrorism

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    As ways of finding solution to the security situation in the Sahel Region of Africa, the High Representative of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray and his counterpart, the African Union Commission, AUC , Representative to Mali and the Sahel met yesterday in Abuja, Nigeria to discuss ways of tackling Terrorism and security issues in the region.

    The duo emphasized the need to work together to enhance a Regional Force to fight terrorism and the importance of treating the entire Sahel as part of the Region.

    Touray said, “Whatever the Sahel faces affects the entire Region. It is important to treat all the Sahel as part of our Region.”

    Also, Sidikou, stressed the need for AU and ECOWAS to work together to fight terrorism and appreciated the important role ECOWAS is playing in bringing peace to the Region.

    Daybreak reports that other issues discussed were situations in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso and the humanitarian situation in the Region.

  • Nigerian Air Force Kicks off ‘Operation Show No Mercy’ in Fight Against Terrorism

    Nigerian Air Force Kicks off ‘Operation Show No Mercy’ in Fight Against Terrorism

    As part of new plans to combat terrorism in Nigeria, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Wednesday, August 3, launched an offensive operation called ‘Operation Show no Mercy’.

    The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, while launching the operation at a meeting with NAF commanders, tasked the senior air troops to deal with the menace with reloaded efforts.

    In a statement issued by the spokesman of the airforce, Edward Gabkwet shortly after the meeting, Amao said the operation was to address the rising insecurity in the country.

    Amao also promised to train more combat pilots, imagery analysts and other necessary specialities for maximum delivery.

    The statement reads: “We have a responsibility to secure our nation and give our citizens a sense of hope, trust and belonging. Therefore, we must ensure that we stay ahead of the enemy and envisage his next line of action.

    “I, therefore, charge you to show no mercy against any terrorist and their accomplices while also denying them the freedom of movement and ease to cause mayhem against innocent Nigerians.”

  • Terrorism: Police beef security in A’Ibom Prisons

    Terrorism: Police beef security in A’Ibom Prisons

    In a renewed proactive security measure to prevent any untoward incident, Akwa Ibom Police Commissioner ,Olatoye Durosinmi has ordered for the deployment of more policemen in all Correctional Centres located in the state.

    Durosinmi who gave the order when he toured the Correctional Facilities in Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Eket and Ikot Abasi said this has become necessary in order to prevent a reoccurrence of jailbreaks that has increased in recent times across Correctional Centres nationwide.

    According to a release by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon in Uyo on Tuesday, the commissioner who was accompanied in the two days tour by Mr Julius Ezugwu, State Controller of Corrections,
    Nigerian Correctional Service, received first hand information of the security situation in each of the locations.

    “As a preventive measure, the CP ordered for the immediate deployment of more Police Personnel to boost the security situation in each of the facilities and warned the Officers to be vigilant and courageous.

    “While enjoining law abiding citizens to go about their lawful duties, he urged them to quickly report criminal and suspicious elements to Security Agencies or call any of the Command’s emergency hotlines.” The release said.

    It would be recalled that more than 800 inmates including some 60 terrorists were last week freed by terrorists who invaded the Kuje Medium Correctional Centre in Abuja after they overpowered security men guarding the facility.

  • Nigerians Fueling Terrorism by Paying Ransom – Garba Shehu

    Nigerians Fueling Terrorism by Paying Ransom – Garba Shehu

    Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, has said the payment of ransom by families of kidnapped victims is fuelling terrorism in Nigeria.

    Shehu, who spoke on Channels TV on Monday, said kidnapping would continue until Nigerians stop paying ransoms and allow the security agents to do their job.

    He said, “You are mentioning all of these about kidnappers and the people that have been taken and the President even in his Sallah message mentioned an appeal he was making to fellow citizens to expose them (the criminals), tell the security agencies where they are and sometimes you also can sympathise with the family members in that highly emotive situation.

    “The first priority for most of them is to get their family back and they are willing to pay, and they’ve paid and these payments, whether anybody likes it or not, will continue to fuel terrorism, we have to learn from experiences in other lands that when you pay, you are fuelling terrorism, you are fuelling the hijack and kidnapping of fellow citizens and it will go on and on until simply people call off the bluff and be prepared to allow law enforcement.”

    Shehu also spoke on the recent Kuje Prison attack by suspected Boko Haram members.

    He said, “I’m a Nigerian, I have family members that live in the society, I don’t come from the moon, I feel it and I have never in any way suggested that there’s no hardship in the country, I have never in any place or position indicated that there’s no criminality.”

  • Buhari Signs Money Laundering, Terrorism Bills Into Law

    Buhari Signs Money Laundering, Terrorism Bills Into Law

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja signed into law, three bills aimed at improving the anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing/proliferation financing framework in Nigeria.

    The bills are: the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2022, the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2022, and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Bill, 2022.

    Speaking at a signing ceremony at the Council Chamber, State House, the President described the bills as being in tandem with this administration’s commitment to fight corruption and illicit financing activities, as well as critical to the governance agenda and the development of Nigeria, a statement signed by presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina said.

    “The new laws have provided enough punitive measures and containment strategies against abuses and compromises,” he said, noting that the inadequacy of all the repealed Acts had impacted legal actions against offender.

    “We will not rest until we rid the nation of the menace of money laundering, terrorism, and other financial crimes,” he added.

    President Buhari commended the National Assembly for their tenacity, courage and commitment in ensuring that Nigeria has put in place effective measures to address the menace of money laundering, terrorism, and terrorism financing.

    The President noted that the 9th National Assembly has proven to be patriotic, responsive, resourceful and industrious in its legislative assignments, recalling that on 14th January, 2022, he had sought expeditious passage of the said Bills.

    He lauded the Assembly under Senate President Ahmed Lawan and the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila and their colleagues for responding to his request, saying they “have certainly carved out a worthy legacy for themselves.”

    On the importance of the legislations, the President said: “The signing of these Bills into law today not only strengthens the Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework in the Country, but addresses the deficiencies identified in Nigeria’s 2nd round of Mutual Evaluation as assessed by Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa on compliance with the Financial Action Task Force global standards.

    “Accordingly, the repeal of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and enactment of Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 provides comprehensive legal and Institutional Framework for the prevention and prohibition of money laundering in Nigeria and confers on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the legal status of the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering.

    “The repeal of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 as amended in 2013, and enactment of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 provides for the effective implementation of international instruments on the prevention and combating of terrorism and suppression of the financing of terrorism.

    “The enactment of the Proceeds of Crime (recovery and Management) Act, 2022 makes comprehensive provisions for the seizure, confiscation, forfeiture and management of properties derived from unlawful activity.”

    President Buhari told the ceremony attended by the Senate President and other Senators, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, Heads of anti-corruption agencies, including ICPC and EFCC, that the executive arm of government “carefully avoided creating another asset recovery and management agency with its cost implications in deference to government’s sensitivity to the rising cost of governance.”

    He explained that the new law mandates the creation of dedicated accounts for the proceeds of crime and other confiscated assets in order to enhance the accountability of the process: “I have therefore taken time to note the emphasis placed on collaboration, synergy and unification of strategies and measures to combat the scourge of Money Laundering and terrorism financing and proliferation financing in the Act.

    “The primary objectives of these measures are to ensure effective, unified and comprehensive legal, regulatory and institutional framework for the implementation of the Acts.

    “This is profound and calls for coordinated responses to the challenges posed by the menace. I therefore charge all relevant agencies to ensure effective implementation of these new laws.

    “The robust frameworks diligently enshrined in the Acts can only serve useful purposes when every bit of them is enforced.”

    Stressing that the fight against corruption requires an “All of Government, All of Nation approach’’, the President affirmed that every Nigerian had a role to play to rid the country of corrupt practices.

    He commended the members of the National Action Task Force comprising several Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government, noting that the bills are a clear demonstration of government functioning at its best with coordination, collaboration, and execution all towards a common goal.

    The President assured Nigerians that his administration will continue to do its best to secure the nation, adding that the bills signed into law represent not just legislative instruments but very significant governmental actions projecting courage, determination, and sincerity in tackling the menace of Money laundering, terrorism and other financial crimes.

  • Final Victory Against Terrorism Within Sight – Buhari

    Final Victory Against Terrorism Within Sight – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari says the battle against terrorists is approaching its end.

    The president, through his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, congratulated the Muslim faithful across the country on the end of the Ramadan month.

    He said with the designation of bandit groups in north-west and north-central as terrorists, “the challenges of banditry and kidnapping are being tackled differently”.

    “As the Holy month of Ramadan reaches its end and Muslims mark the Eid, President Muhammadu Buhari sends his best wishes to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world celebrating the occasion,” the president said on Sunday.

    “After a period of fasting and reflection, this year, we have cause to welcome the occasion in hope. The battle waged against terrorists who falsely masquerade under the name of Islam is approaching its conclusion.

    “The fight has been long and hard. Final victory is within sight. Boko Haram and its offshoots’ final embers are now fading. “Last month, the leader of ISWAP was killed in an airstrike. Since the New Year, thousands of fighters have surrendered to enter rehabilitation programmes.

    “The territories they used to occupy are now seeing the return of those who were forced to flee their barbarity. Normality is finally beginning to return to the Northeast. It is a long process. Yet it is one we are, together, now embarking upon.”

    The president said his administration is making progress in the cleansing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) militants who attack public facilities in the south-east.

    “While we are making progress cleaning the environment, some evil people are busy causing more pollution and destruction,” he said.

    “In response to the disturbing rise in criminal attacks targeting law enforcement and public facilities in the South East, concerted military operations to rid the region of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) elements have in recent weeks, led to the overrunning of IPOB/ESN bases, the seizure of weapons and the arrest of a large number of suspects.’’ The President approved the establishment of a Naval Base in Oguta, Imo State.

    “The reinvigoration of the war against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking is also showing positive results as shown by the arrest of over 12, 300 offenders including seven drug barons; the conviction of 1,400, counselling and rehabilitation of about 8,000 drug users.

    “The seizure of over 3.4 million kilograms of drugs and cash worth over N130 billion, all in 2021 has been recorded while the first Quarter of this year has seen the arrest of no fewer than 3,536 offenders including security personnel and a well-known billionaire drug baron.

    “The seizure of more than 65,000 tons of assorted drugs in this period sets a record for the nation.’’

  • We Will Bring In Foreign Mercenaries If FG Fails To End Terrorism – El-Rufai

    We Will Bring In Foreign Mercenaries If FG Fails To End Terrorism – El-Rufai

    The Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has threatened to bring in foreign mercenaries to fight terrorists hibernating in forests areas around Kaduna State if the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari fails to tackle the terrorism head-on.

    El-Rufai, who spoke with journalists shortly after briefing the president on the recent killings in Kaduna State including Monday’s bomb explosion on the Abuja-Kaduna rail line which claimed nine lives with a yet-to-be known number of people abducted, said state governors will have no choice but to take action to protect the lives and properties of their people.

    Speaking in Hausa, El-Rufai said: “I have complained to Mr president and I swear to God, if action is not taken, we as governors will take actions to protect the lives of our people.

    “If it means deploying foreign mercenaries to come and do the work, we will do it to address these challenges.”

    Governor Nasir El-Rufai who said the president has assured him that action will be taken to bring an end to terrorism in the next few months, explained that the best way to tackle terrorism once and for all was for the Nigerian Armed Forces to bomb forest enclaves where terrorists are hibernating.

    Speaking on Monday’s attack on the rail line, he said: “They came ready and they have been preparing for a long time and knew which coach to attack, abduct the VIP.

    “And I have been saying that the forests where these bandits are hiding, it is high time that we go there and bomb them all. Everyone in the forest should be killed.

    “Unless this is done, this problem will persist and it is capable of destroying Nigeria as a whole.”

    “These people (terrorists) are getting money. The way they are so emboldened; they fear no authority, no soldier and so why won’t security agents go to their enclaves and kill them all?

    “We know where they are, SSS gives reports on them every day, they have their numbers including that of Dogo Gide and what he is planning,” he said.

    The governor also made it clear that his administration will not pay ransom to secure the freedom of the abducted passengers even though he said the terrorists are yet to make specific demands.

    He said, “They have contacted some of the families but they have not made specific demands yet.

    “They are not the ordinary kidnappers, it’s Boko Haram members that connived with bandits to launch the attack and so our thought is, they may demand the government to pay the ransom.”

    He assured that security personnel were working tirelessly to locate the terrorists and rescue the passengers, adding that government will always give priority in protecting the lives of citizens over everything.

  • Terrorism: Obasanjo left behind capable, disciplined military, we are shocked – Kwankwaso

    Terrorism: Obasanjo left behind capable, disciplined military, we are shocked – Kwankwaso

    Former minister of defence, Rabiu Kwankwaso has said that the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, of which he was a part of, left behind a military that was capable, disciplined and ever ready to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

    Kwankwaso said he is very much shocked and surprised over what is happening in the country and for the fact that it is happening not too far away from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    Kwankwaso, who spoke in an interview with Channels Television, believes the military’s incapability is a reflection of leadership failure on the part of the current administration.

    “It is very unfortunate that all of us in this country have to find ourselves in this problem. The issue of security, not only in Nigeria but all over the world is key,” the former Governor of Kano State said.

    “And that is why our constitution and every other constitutions that I know put a lot of emphasis on the issue of security of lives and property.

    “I’m so happy that I have the opportunity to become the minister of defence during the second tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and in that office I had the opportunity to work together with the military. I believe that we left a military that was capable and disciplined and ever ready to defend the territorial integrity of this country.

    “I had the opportunity to visit them all over the world, especially here in Africa …and other parts of the world where they have reasons to be there for operations and they did it successfully and they all returned back. Now what we are seeing today, in my opinion, is a reflection of leadership. They [the military] are trying their best…

    “So, put all this together, what we are seeing today, my humble self and many other people who are associated with the military and other security agencies, are very much shocked and surprised that some of these things are happening, happening not too far away from here in Abuja.

    “Happening between here and Kaduna and many other parts of this country. I believe this is the time to advise the government to do whatever they can to get better improvements so that people can have confidence in this country.”

    Gunmen suspected to be terrorists had recently bombed the Abuja-Kaduna train between Katari and Rigina axis on Monday night.

    Many passengers were said to have been initially kidnapped, including Zamfara State former deputy Governor, Mallam Ibrahim Wakkala Liman, during the deadly attack.

    Others were shot dead and an unascertained number of the passengers also sustained various degrees of injuries as a result of gunshots.

    Since then, several other attacks have been successfully conducted by the daredevil terrorists in Zaria, Abuja-Kaduna highway and many other places where several Nigerians have either been kidnapped or killed.

    There were also reports of terrorists’ attack in the Kubwa axis of Abuja on Wednesday.