Banditry: Operation Sahel Sanity, others successful in northwest – CESJET

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has hailed the Nigerian Army’s Operation Sahel Sanity as a success already in countering bandits and restoring peace to the northwest. 

CESJET made this known in its quarterly interim report on the war against banditry and other forms of criminalities after an assessment tour of the region. 

Launched in July, the operation was aimed to dislodge armed bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers in the northwest.

And less than two months after, CESJET says the operation has recorded tremendous gains with the people now enjoying a new lease of life. 

“It was observed that since the establishment of Operation Sahel Sanity in the states in North West, there has been a near halt of the activities of armed bandits and other criminal elements hitherto operating in the states,” CESJET revealed as part of its findings in the report signed by Executive Secretary, Comrade Isaac Ikpa. 

“It was also observed that the North-West Zone has indeed felt the immediate impact of Operation Sahel Sanity with the tremendous successes achieved within the short period. 

“These operations have led to the rescue of kidnapped victims, recovery of rustled cattle, the arrest of suspected armed bandits, arrest of bandits informants and collaborators.

“It was also observed that there has been a resumption of farming, social and other economic activities in most communities in North West Nigeria with people going about their normal activities without fear of harassment or attacks from armed bandits and other criminal elements. 

“The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency also observed a high level of cooperation between troops of Operation Sahel Sanity and the members of the host communities who are more than appreciative of the activities of the troops in its various clearance operations as well as rescue mission that has seen to the recuse of those held in captivity by criminal elements”. 

After a careful study of the activities of Operation Sahel Sanity and its impact on the affected communities, CESJET, however, concluded that:

“There is a need to sustain the current tempo to ensure that those armed bandits and criminal gangs that have been displaced do not regroup in other parts of the states from where they would carry on with their nefarious activities.

“There is a need to expand the area of coverage of Operation Sahel Sanity to include other states in North West as well as North Central in a bid to effectively address the threats posed by armed bandits and other criminal gangs. 

“That there is also a need for well-spirited individuals, groups and NGOs to support families of those displaced as a result of the activities of bandits and other criminal elements before the formation of Operation Sahel Sanity. 

“NGOs and other humanitarian organizations should identify ways with which they can render essential services in these communities that were earlier affected by the activities of bandits. 

“That the government in these states must continue to extend their support to the troops of Operation Sahel Sanity in a bid to fully address the activities of armed banditry and other forms of criminalities”. 

Africans in Asia task Adesina on agricultural technology

A group of African youths based in Asia under the aegis of African Youths in Asia (AYA) has lauded the re-election of Akinwumi Adesina as the President if Africa Development Bank (AfDB).

The group’s coordinator, Oladotun Toye, in a congratulatory message signed made available to newsmen Sunday in Abuja, urged Adesina to use his re-election to improve science and technology to help African countries on agricultural technology.

While quoting Charles Kettering, who said “High achievements always take place in the framework of high expectation” the group said Adesina’s re-election at just concluded virtual annual general meeting of African Development Bank (AfDB) did not come to them as a shock.

“You won the heart of many with your revolutionary agricultural agenda and developmental programs.

“Your smallholder farmer scheme is a testimony of commitment to improves food production and food sufficient for millions of Africans experiencing an acute food shortage in the continent.

“As a son of a farmer who understands farmers’ problems, you introduce a mechanize that gives increment on credit facilities for the millions of small-scale African farmers.

“The impact was felt across Africa. You led the bank to secure US$115 billion in the pledges fund agreement, in a direction to doubled its capital and bonded its triple-A rating.

“We urge you to do more as African youths who reside in Asian; we want to use your re-election to improve science and technology to help African countries on agricultural technology like what is applicable in most Asia countries like Japan, China, Taiwan among others.”

Toye urged the Adesina to use the same opportunities to increase the bank partnership with said countries in Asia to secure more funds to improve and assist organizations and institutions in revolutionized agriculture in Africa.

“Lastly, we urge you to create a sustainable platform where all African youths who have a genuine interest in agriculture entrepreneurship and industrialization will have access to the global development fund with adequate monitoring mechanisms. We congratulate you and be rest assured of our support as we are convinced that your leadership will set another limestone achievement on your second five years in office.”

NAUB: Buhari’s reward to an uncommon community

By Sunday Attah

The establishment of the Nigerian Army University in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State by the federal government somewhat came as a surprise to many of us. We wondered why there was a need for a Nigerian Army University as a first and what informed the choice of Biu as a second. All of these contributed a great deal to speculations and insinuations anchored on lack of information and the likes. This article is intended to shed light of the resourcefulness of the Nigerian Army University and the choice of Biu, in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The first question is what necessitated the establishment of the Nigerian Army University? According to information gathered, the university was conceived as a unique university that would be different from conventional universities in Nigeria. The concept is to make it a solution provider and a centre of excellence for a variety of technologically related ventures such as generation and armament production as well as the development of counter-insurgency manuals for use by the Nigerian Military.

The Nigerian Army University is also aimed at promoting research and other means of advancement of knowledge and its practical application to military hardware and software, social, cultural, economic, scientific and technological situations. A brilliant concept we must admit.
In my opinion, the choice of Biu is not only strategic; it goes a long way in bringing to the fore the uniqueness of the community with regards to location and commitment in the prosecution of the war against Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria.
As a first, Biu is a historic town and one replete with historical acts. The story of Biu people is that of resilience, heroism and collectivism and replete with indefatigable leaders, great warriors and heroic personalities. Biu is a fortress town that sits majestically south of Borno on a plateau replete with precipitous cliffs.
Biu is the first city of the Babur/Bura ethnic group and the second most significant urban center and largest local council in Borno State. It is also a provincial hub of commerce and cultural renaissance, and has played a premier role since 1918 when the British colonialists created Biu Division. Currently, it serves as the headquarters of Biu Emirate, comprising of three other local governments: Bayo, Hawul, and Kwaya-Kusar.
Just as in the olden days when warring neighbors found it difficult to penetrate Biu, the town has remained impregnable till date, having defied attempts by the Boko Haram insurgents to seize it. One of the major reasons that accounts for this is the town’s topography. Biu is a 766-metre elevation above sea level. Its altitude is heightened by the fact that no other city around it is so loftily positioned. This vantage visibility has enhances its security such that, whichever route an intruder is coming from, the security agents will be viewing him from the hilltop and repel attacks in devastating fashion.
This suffices to add that all through the insurgency, Biu was never deserted, unlike other communities. The people remained to assist the Nigerian military operations in ways too numerous to mention. It is also instructive to add that the concept of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) originated from Biu. The Civilian-JTF consisted of youths from Biu who allied with the Nigerian Army in dealing deadly blows on the Boko Haram insurgents in the peak of the crisis.
The Biu people displayed resilience as true warriors and never gave a chance to the Boko Haram terrorists. They took the bull by the horn in the early stages of the Boko Haram conflict by ensuring that youths from Biu were not brainwashed into joining ranks with the Boko Haram group. Those that defied were identified and banished from the community. This indeed brought about the desired results and mostly responsible for why Biu remained an albatross for the Boko Haram group whenever they attempt to attack the community and other neighbouring communities. That is the secret of Biu people who remained resilient, firm and peaceful.
So it came as no surprise when the government decided to locate the Nigerian Army University in Biu, which in my opinion is a function of two things; one as a reward for their steadfastness over the years in safeguarding humanity from death and destruction from Boko Haram and two; for the enhancement of the resilience that Biu is reputed for as far as counter-insurgency operations are concerned.
As an aside, I am of the view that all Nigerian communities experiencing security challenges must take a cue from the Biu example in realizing that the task does not rest on the shoulders of the military alone, as all hands must be on deck in ensuring that the activities of belligerent groups are curtailed.
The Biu example is very noteworthy because it indeed brought to the fore the fact that in some instances, the traditional justice is also an effective antidote to insecurity, especially when virtues such as honesty, fairness and discipline are inculcated in the youths at a very early stage. Folktales, widely used in Biu as instrument of education and platform for entertainment, long before the arrival of the British colonizers, had, in no small way, inculcated morals in Biu children, instilled virtues, loyalty, hard work, and honesty, to mention a few, in their parents. It is also my view that the Biu community should be a focus of extensive research by scholars in the development and formulation of counter-insurgency strategies.
I must, at this point, commend the Army authorities for this insight that would, in the long run, yield tremendous results in our counter-insurgency operations. I am sure that if other communities in North-East Nigeria had followed the Biu example, the Boko Haram crisis would have been long over.
That Biu is now benefiting from the fruits of its labour should ordinarily not raise an eyebrow. Instead, it should elicit interest from other communities on ways to contribute its quota to the efforts of the government in tackling security challenges in the country. This is my take. The establishment of Nigerian Army University in Biu is just a way by President Muhammadu Buhari to tell this community that it is good to be good.
The presence of the Nigerian Army University would also go a long way in bringing out the economic potentials as well as the tourist attractions in Biu There is no doubt that Biu is now on the radar and might be the beginning of good things to come. This is also noble in all ramifications.

Attah is a public affairs commentator and could be reached at Sunnybrightattah@gmail.com

DSS/IPOB Clash: Group condemns call by Kanu to attack security operatives

The Good Conscience Forum (GCF) says the call by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu for his members to attack security operatives is a “significant threat to the peace and tranquillity in Nigeria”. 

The group, in a statement signed by its National President, Dr Edwin Ogbu, on Friday urged relevant authorities to take proactive action to avoid a breakdown in law and order.  

Recall that the Department of State Services (DSS) had said that two of its operatives were killed on Sunday in a clash with IPOB members in Enugu State. 

While condemning IPOB for the attack, the group reasoned that the proscribed sect may just be carrying a plot by its paymasters.  

“The Good Conscience Forum is in receipt of the call by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for its members to attack security operatives and other innocent Nigerians going about their lawful businesses in South-East Nigeria,” Ogbu said. 

“This call by Nnamdi Kanu is indeed a significant threat to the peace and tranquillity in Nigeria because of the implication of such on the social fabric in the country and a reason why the government should not treat it with kids gloves in all ramification. 

“The Good Conscience Forum as a critical stakeholder in the Nigerian project condemns the actions of Nnamdi Kanu and wishes to put it on record that should there be a breakdown of law and order in any part of Nigeria; the government must do all within legal means to serve justice to serve as a deterrent to other militant groups threatening the peace and tranquillity in Nigeria through their nefarious activities.  

“We consequently condemn the call by Nnamdi Kanu in very strong terms as Nigeria is a sovereign country governed by extant laws in the conduct of its affairs. We also condemn in totality the recent clash between security operatives and IPOB members in Enugu State that led to the death of two security operatives and life threatening injuries to scores of other innocent people. 

“It would indeed not be farfetched if IPOB is carrying out the script of some individuals and organizations that are bent of instigating conflict in Nigeria that would lead to a total breakdown of law and order. 

The GCF, however, called on southeast governors, stakeholders and parents to call their children and wards to order, not to allow anyone to be recruited by IPOB for its nefarious activities.

It said, “As it stands, the activities of IPOB stands proscribed by a court of competent jurisdiction and as such members that engage in any form of criminality must be identified and made to face the full wrath of the law.

“We wish to advise members of the general public to assist the security agencies in Nigeria by continually providing credible information that would lead to the arrest and subsequent prosecution of IPOB members for the threat to human lives and the unity of the country”. 

The Good Conscience Forum further called on the government to probe the clash between IPOB members and security agents in Enugu state that led to the loss of lives of two security operatives in the line of duty. 

It added that IPOB is a danger to the peace and unity in Nigeria and threats by Kanu should be taken seriously before it escalates to other parts of the country.  

Save our nation from disgrace, call Adebanjo to order – Afenifere youths urge Yoruba elders

The Coalition of Afenifere Youth Groups (CAYG) has urged Yoruba elders to call a chieftain of its apex socio-political group, Ayo Adebanjo, to order over comments bordering on national security. 

The Afenifere youths, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Otunba  Ibukunke Daniel, on Friday, said some enemies of the Yoruba nation is using Adebanjo and others ahead of the 2023 elections. 

In response to the move to place southwest security network, Amotekun under the control of the Inspector-General of Police, Adebanjo had alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari is insincere in addressing insecurity in the country.

But CAYG said it is “disappointed that someone who parades the titles of an elder could make utterances that directly jeopardizes the future of the youth since the insecurity he seeks to precipitate will cause of hardship and perhaps rob us of our dear country”. 

It added that, “We have sought reasons to understand why someone of Chief Adebanjo’s standing could stoop low to running a ruinous errand for nefarious interest but can only come to the conclusion that he has lost it as an elder and that all he has become is a political hitman, who is contracted by enemies of the Federal Government to do damages. 

“It is for this reason that we conclude that recent statements credited to this supposed elder statesman to the effect that President Muhammadu Buhari is not sincere with the fight against insurgency must have emanated from somewhere beyond the borders of Nigeria and not from the sterling mental acuity for our people are known”. 

The Afenifere youths reasoned that Adebanjo is being manipulated by agents of destabilization, only interested in causing chaos. 

It, however, warned those ” exploiting the fragility imposed by Chief Adebanjo’s old age to cease and desist from using him as an errand runner and a prop for their fledging agenda. They should stop doing this to this elder as they will not be happy if anyone does same to their fathers in their old age”. 

The statement added, ” It is tragic that those using Chief Adebanjo in Abuja for promoting their agenda of spreading insecurity are merely exploiting the semblance of the name he has built over the decade. Responsible people should not exploit the needy in the manner in which they are exploiting this old man. Or how else does one explain that they made him claim that states have the right to set up security outfits when this is something that is on the exclusive list?

“We are unimpressed that, even if being edged on by certain people, Chief Adebanjo, failed to deploy the experience of his old age to appreciate that the security situation in Nigeria has improved to the extent that the cities that were once the hotbed of terrorist activities have become stable to the point where foreign entities are now willing to stake their money as investment in these areas. 

“Since we do not want to appear rude to an elder, we are constrained to appeal to our fathers, Yoruba elders, to save the Yoruba nation from disgrace by calling Chief Ayo Adebanjo to order. It is the next logical thing to do. We do not want his transactional intervention in national matters to be misconstrued as the position of the Yoruba race hence the need for getting him to stick to his personal business of raising desperate funds for his sustenance and stop presenting same as a Yoruba position.”

NAUB: A confirmation of Buhari’s commitment to peace, development – Group

The North-East Peace Ambassadors (NEPA) say the establishment of the Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) is a confirmation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s genuine commitment to peace and development in the region. 

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Yusuf Bala, on Friday, the NEPA said the president has kept his promise, not only stamping out insurgency but bringing development to the North-East. 

Established in 2018, the institution is already famed as a centre of excellence spearheading scientific and technological breakthroughs, comprising of both military and civilian population.  

According to the group, the siting of the university in Biu, one of the communities that resisted Boko Haram wholesale despite Borno State being a stronghold of the insurgency is a clear indication that peace and normalcy have returned. 

“One remarkable thing the government of President Buhari has done is the establishment of the Nigeria Army University Biu (NAUB). For those who may choose to forget history very quickly. Bui is one of the first communities where it’s warriors came out courageously to defend the Nigerian State.

” It is, therefore, heart-warming that not only has peace returned to the community but, development is now coming to Bui. You can only imagine the excitement, relief and joy in the hearts of residents of Bui when the announcement of the establishment of the university was made.

“The university has turned out in this very short time a pride to behold. The level of infrastructural development is simply amazing. A visit to the university will confuse anyone that is told that this university is barely 2 years old.

“It is one thing to promise development, it is yet another thing to deliver quality developmental projects. We the North-East Peace Ambassadors consider the establishment of this university in Biu at this time as a great show of commitment by Mr President to the true development of the North East”. 

The North-East Peace Ambassadors say the impact of the institution would transcend academics.

“The immediate and larger community are going to immensely benefit from the university location. Already there are private hostel projects springing up in the town already. Food vendors, clothing, service provider etc are all going to be beneficiaries of this project,” the statement added. 

“Many youth of the area are going to be employed directly and indirectly. This is very critical for the rebuilding of the area. People are getting a sense of livelihood again. We are talking about people who perhaps had spent several months or years in IDP camps feeding on hand to mouth, same people now gainfully employed. That is what we call a turn around the development.

“We are indeed elated at projects like this and we believe this is just the beginning of good things to come as promised by the Chief of Army Staff during the commissioning of new faculty buildings that were commissioned recently. At the pace the university is commissioning projects, we can only imagine the level of development that will be on the ground in another 3 years.

“Beyond physical development and socio-economic activities in communities around the university. This university will also help to address the educational gap between the northeast region and the rest of the country. Education is a very important ingredient in human development plus a very important component in the fight against terrorism. The war against terrorism is an ideological war and therefore education is very crucial in the development of the mind of the people of the northeast region.”

The group, however, thanked President Buhari for what it described as a “legacy project”, adding that “history and posterity will definitely be kind to him”.

The Campaign Against Nigeria

By Joshua Jang

Something is cooking in Nigeria, and if utmost care is not taken, the country might seize to exist in the nearest future. There is an ongoing campaign to paint a picture of genocide against the Christian community. I recall that in recent times there has been a series of campaigns targeted at undermining the efforts of the government in addressing the various security challenges in the country.

Of course, I had always waved the insinuations off for lacking in merit in all ramification. However, I was alarmed when I stumbled on a news report by CBN News titled “Terror Target: Nigeria, one Nigeria for where? Southern Nigeria are sleeping”. The story indeed confirmed my fears about the grand plot by some foreign interest to cause the disintegration of Nigeria. The news report was very ineffectual, so much so that one could easily see the mischief intended.

It’s instructive to state that no doubt that Nigeria is experiencing some security challenges due to the activities of the Boko Haram group and as well as the actions of other militant groups in the country, but twisting the narrative to a religious one now is most insensitive and callous on the part of the promoters of such disturbing actions.

I am also disturbed that the bulk of the accusations have been coming from outside the shores of Nigeria. First, it was the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and now the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) where it alleged that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted for execution by “Fulani Terrorist” in an attempt to convert Nigeria to an Islamic country.

The news by the CBN was very despicable and unprofessional. One could easily decipher that it was indeed intended for mischief purposes with the wild allegations that ordinarily defeats common sense. I took time to watch the almost five minutes video, and I almost puked out of disgust for the way and manner the report was packaged.

One of the areas I found very worrisome is the nonsensical conclusion that the bulk of Nigeria’s security personnel are Muslims hence their refusal to protect Christians. I am not sure those behind this unwholesome campaign against Nigeria are human beings because you can only get confused and lost with the allegations in the news report that is not a fraction near what is happening Nigeria.

The truth is that the news report made all of us Nigerians look like foreigners in our own country because what they were trying to promote is the fact that Nigerians are not aware of the mass killing of Christians in the country because probably we have been hypnotized by the same Fulani terrorist not to be able to speak out, so much so that it is now the foreigners that may have never stepped their foot on Nigerian soil are the ones informing the whole world of the plan to commit genocidal acts against Christians and also force the conversion of Nigeria to a Muslim country.

This sounds like an old rhyme. Yes, it does because we heard it over and over many years ago on how there is an Islamic agenda in the country and whatnot. The interesting thing is that this always happens whenever Nigeria has a Muslim president which, in my opinion, is the handiwork of mischief makers that do not wish that Nigeria experiences peace and unity.

Back to the CBN news report, it is indeed sad that what the promoters of the campaign against Nigeria attempted to do is to send frenzy to the Southern part of Nigeria where you have most Christian communities to believe that their lives are in danger and the need for them to take the laws into their hands and carry out attacks on non-Christians within their communities.

I guess we are all seeing the objectives? And we must indeed admit that Nigeria is in trouble and the drum of a sectarian war is beating. The beats are resounding in North Central, South West, South East and South-South Nigeria. Even though I still one or two reservations about the voice of Major General Dagvin Anderson, commander of the U.S. military’s special forces in Africa in the news report, I would, however, give the benefit of the doubt. Though unconvincingly.

This is not a funny situation because I am beginning to slap my face to see if I am still in Nigeria and if it was ever possible that genocidal acts against Christians were ongoing and the majority of Nigerians are not aware.

We must ask critical questions in this regard else we might wake up one day and see a wave of religious killings across the country motivated by the fact that people have been misled into believing what it is not and taking laws into their hands. If indeed we come to terms with the realization that this campaign against Nigeria is real and it would be worse than the Boko Haram crisis if we don’t begin the urgent process of countering the plans of those against the interest of Nigeria.

And it must be expressly stated that farmers-herders conflict which was used as the background for the acts of genocide against Christians has no religious undertone but rather the struggle over grazing land, and scarce resources over the years resulted in perennial and growing violent conflicts in terms of frequency, intensity and geographic scope.

Expectedly, with the depletion of arable land for subsistence farming largely as a result of increasing urbanization and the adverse effect of climate change, there is increased struggle between herdsmen and farmers – leading to violent confrontations and conflicts, deaths and forced displacement, as well as the destruction of agriculture and livestock. This is indeed the case and not any acts of genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

I would at this point strongly suggest to the promoters of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) to desist from this despicable plot to ignite a sectarian crisis in Nigeria because it is inexcusable to put in the public space information that are false and highly misleading. For example, the insinuation that the President of Nigeria has refused to act because he is a Muslim is very insulting to our collective sensibilities as Nigerians regardless of our ethnic or religious affiliations as a first. And to also boldly assume that the bulk of the Army and the Police are Muslims is funny, but calls for concerns as regards the level of desperation of the promoters of this campaign against Nigeria.

This threat is real, and the government must act and in quick time as Nigeria cannot survive a sectarian crisis, and not with the wounds of the Boko Haram crisis still fresh. Our religious leaders, as well as our community leaders, must come together and protect the relative peace in their various domains. I always wonder what our offence is in Nigeria that some foreign vested interest would not rest until the country disintegrates. It is just a shame.

Jang, a Peace Ambassador wrote from Jos.

NAUB: President Buhari’s model of a new North- East after Insurgency

By Bukola Olasanmi

In 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari had two obsessions about the Northeast. He was concerned on how to end Boko Haram insurgency ravaging the region and how to restore the region devastated by insurgency to its former status. As a leader, he knew, it was costly to compromise on this.

In pursuit of this agenda, The President made an instructive public declaration and immediately embarked on actions to back it up. The President commissioned the newly anointed Service Chiefs and charged them to end Boko Haram terrorism and all forms of criminalities which assailed the Northeast region in record time. Thereafter, he promised Nigerians that he would commission a sociological study to ascertain the causes of insurgency in the region and take steps to ensure it does not recur in the future.

Many Nigerians heard the President, but could hardly decode what he intended precisely. But his intentions became clear by the day. It was touchy to think that Boko Haram has done years of incalculable damages in the Northeast. Its horrendous atrocities reflected in mass killings, abductions, destructions and the dislocation of social and economic life of the people. People were enslaved in their own country and ancestral lands.

The foresighted President Buhari thought that it was necessary to document the history of a people who suffered this sad fate in the hands of religious extremists and armed gangs for posterity. Mr. President also thought it wise to record the various measures adopted by government to battle the scourge. The President knew that aggressive rebuilding and reconstruction of the devastated Northeast after the end of Boko Haram was inevitable; but a task too herculean to be tackled from one angle alone.

Therefore, he conscripted the Nigerian Army to provide back-up support to civilian authorities by leading the war against insurgency and also, thereafter, crusade the evangelism on development of the Northeast. The President had to use a front to achieve his mission in the region. He needed a man who mastered the matrix of anti-terrorism combats, with an innovative mind and an unquenchable knack for development to lead his development efforts from this plank.

President Buhari therefore, anointed Lt. Gen. TY Buratai as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and leader of the counter-insurgency operations as the punch man to insidiously drive his development agenda for the Northeast on a different level. This is in addition to other rebuilding and reconstructions initiatives of the federal government.

Quite exemplary, it has just dawned on most Nigerians that President Buhari from outset intended to use the Nigerian Army to railroad some of his development initiatives in the Northeast, ruined and devastated by insurgency. All over the world, the military as a matter of fact has been a veritable instrument for development. This history is as old as civilization itself.

Even in Nigeria, good students of history can still remember the several emergency infrastructures built by the Military during the civil strife of 1967 -70 in parts of the Southeast. Roads were constructed and bridges built. These amenities outlived the war and served communities for years. Some have served to this moment as positive relics of the war and still in usable state.

President Buhari has excitingly revived this culture of the Military as agents of development. The Chief of Army Staff has queued into the vision of Mr. President by helping to deliver a world class university to one of the insurgency most ravaged rural communities in the Northeast. Consequently therefore, the initiative of the first-ever Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB), Borno state has progressively berthed in Borno state.

The idea of the varsity, which was conceived in 2017 and commenced operations in 2018 is gradually becoming a centre of excellence both in academics and infrastructural development in the region. While the vision of President Buhari in rebuilding the Northeast has manifested in other areas such as the North East Development Commission (NEDC), but NAUB also stands out distinctively as a strong catalyst and instrument of development of the region in the post-insurgency years.

It is indisputable that education attracts development to a place in multiple ways. It brings both intellectual and physical development. And NAUB is structured and programmed to serve as a potent tool for healing of minds after war. Nigerians are aware that the Boko Haram ideology needs to be tackled ruthlessly to uproot it from the psyche of the people. NAUB is providing the platform for people of the Northeast and indeed, all Nigerians to learn and understand the nuances of the obnoxious Boko Haram ideology; how to destroy or resist it.

The varsity is not a mere potent tool for rehabilitation of the mind and the region; but above all, it is one of the surest ways to tell Boko Haram that its ideology has been defeated. NAUB by its symbolism and functionality will bring closer to the people both western and Islamic education that are of global standards; dismantle the artificial chasms or barriers some religious extremists have placed between the two forms of progressive education.

And NAUB has taken off on a sound-footing and designed to operate with 14 faculties, 113 departments and 493 programmes in both humanities and sciences to train both military personnel and civilians. It is living its dreams. It has matriculated students and kick-started its operations with five faculties and 39 programmes; while aggressively expanding its structures every day to compete with the best varsities in the world.

The NAUB is also attracting ancillary development to the region as investors are also willing to partner and invest in the institution. Soon, the drumbeats of war in the Northeast region would vanish completely and, in its place,, a serene atmosphere of peace and tranquility will descend on the Northeast, radiating in people’s quest for learning and excellence in NAUB.

Lyndon B. Johnsonbelieves that “The noblest search is the search for excellence.” Therefore, Gen Buratai through his actions has not only continued to prove Mr. President right on his chief as Army Chief and leader of the counter-insurgency operations. Gen. Buratai’s usefulness to the country is under-utilized.

NAUB is an asset to Nigeria and a treasure to the people of the Northeast. The Nigerian Army under Buratai has done much for the development of the country as attested by its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects even in the Northeast.

An academic, Terry Eagleton says, “The humanities should constitute the core of any university worth the name.” NAUB embodies all of it plus military science and technology which is the first in Africa. The Nigerian Army University Biu is an institution to watch; as attested by the level of infrastructures that are being put in place, the quality of both academic and administrative staff, who are the best brains in their areas of specialties. #

Olasanmi is a journalist and wrote this piece from Biu, Borno State.

PRRI commends Nigeria Army’s successes in North-West

….solicits assistance for IDPs to return home for farming

The Peace, Reconciliation and Rehabilitation Initiative (PRRI) has hailed the Nigerian Army for recording massive successes in its operations acrosss the Northwest. 

The PRRI, in a statement through its Director, Mary Odoma, on Thursday, said the establishment of the Army Super Camp IV as well as as the launch of “Operation Sahel Sanity” in Faskari, Katsina State in July marked the dawn of a new era. 

According to the group, the troops have been ruthless in its operations  in Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara States, quelling the activities of bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers. 

” The establishment of the Army super camp IV in Faskari, Kastina State on the 6th of July 2020, marked a new dawn in the fight against banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other similar criminal activities in the North West region of the country,” Odoma said. 

“When ‘Operation Sahel Sanity’ was launched the residents of these areas welcomed the operation with open hands and minds. By the first month of operation, Sahel Sanity was already yielding desired results.

“The gallant troops of operation Sahel Sanity had conducted several operations, including aggressive clearance operation and ambush operation in Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara States. These operations according to information from the defense Headquarters website, indicated that within the first month of the operation about 80 armed bandits were neutralized another 33 suspected bandits arrested. Also several arms and ammunition were recovered from the bandits.

“During the many operations, the notorious Dangote triangle and their logistic bases, plus many other bandit camps were equally destroyed. This has denied the criminals the much needed cover for regrouping. Several other hideouts of these criminals have been cleared and the criminals either neutralized or dislodged”. 

With normalcy restored, the PRRA said it is time for social works to begin, to rehabilitate Internally Displaced Persons. 

It, however, called on governments at state and local levels, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), traditional and religious leaders to unite to fashion out the way forward.

“It is time for NGOs and indeed well spirited individuals to aid the various communities that have been cleared of bandits by the security agencies. It is time to help the locals resettle back into their communities. This process is very critical for the stabilization of these areas,” the statement added. 

“This is a clarion call on all. Let us work together with the government to resettle all the victims of insecurity that have been displaced. It is a doable project, but only if we are committed. Once normal economic activities return to these areas , it will be very difficult for a regrouping of criminal elements like bandits and kidnappers.

“The security agencies have shown their own commitment to this project by clearing off the bandits, the government at all levels are doing their bit, it is time that we the citizens and all well-meaning people do our own bit too.”

Pro-democracy group commends Buratai, troops on war against insurgency

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has expressed satisfaction with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai and the troops of the Nigerian Army in the ongoing war against insurgency and terrorism. 

In a statement signed by Secretary-General, Dr Bolaji Abdulkadir, on Wednesday, the pro-democracy group hailed the successes of various clearance operations, adding that the COAS and troops have proven their commitment to defending the territorial integrity of the country. 

Among others, the NDF said the decimation of Boko Haram/ ISWAP leaders in Wulgo and Sabon Tumbun in Borno and capture of bandits and kidnappers in Ottu Forest along the Abuja-Lokoja expressway is a sign of more to come. 

“Nigeria’s military chiefs and their troops have proven that their institutions remain committed to defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria while providing security to ensure that citizens are able to carry on with their lives without fear of harm as expected in a democracy,” Abdulkadir said. 

“These recent successes are a befitting response to those that have been peddling pro-terrorist propaganda that the government of Nigeria and its military were not doing enough to protect the civilian population. With the routing of these terrorists and bandits, the naysayers have again been proven wrong.

“The National Democratic Front, therefore, lauds these recent outings of the Nigerian military in tackling the insurgents, bandits and kidnappers head-on despite all distractions. It is on this basis that we urge the leadership of the various military services to continue to rise above these distractions so that they are able to meet the expectations of Nigerians like they are currently doing”. 

The NDF, however, advised those secretly sponsoring and supporting terrorism to quit as an end is already in sight. 

While calling on patriotic citizens to continue to rally round the COAS and troops, the group charged the army to intensify its onslaught on terrorists, bandits and kidnappers. 

“We challenge those that have been covertly strengthening the terrorists to turn a new leave, do the right thing, and withdraw support for these killers now that it is apparent that their end has come. It will be most irresponsible for anyone or group, local or international, to continue supporting the terrorists knowing the danger they pose to everyone and the long-term corporate integrity of Nigeria,” the statement added. 

“NDF appeals to Nigerians to rally round the military, especially in the area of volunteering information and intelligence that will speed up the operation to end terrorism in Nigeria. Citizens should also help move the war against terrorism to the next level by exposing closet terrorists’ supporters and sympathizers since it has now been proven that they are the ones that help the terrorists to regroup each time they are decimated to the point of annihilation. 

“We urge the Federal Government to strengthen the position of the military and those of the service chiefs by ignoring the distractions of those that are unrepentantly critical of the security architecture of the country without recourse to the positives that have been recorded. 

“NDF appeals to the military to intensify its onslaught on terrorists, bandits and kidnappers in a way that they are not able to recover again”.