Buhari’s administration has demonstrated will, capacity to end Boko Haram – Prof Danfulani

The President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has demonstrated the will and capacity to end terrorism and all forms of violent crimes in Nigeria.

A former Director General of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic studies, NIPSS, Prof. Ahmed Danfulani who is the current Chancellor, Chartered Institute of Strategic Studies (CISS) said this while appraising the performance of the current administration in the last five years.

He said one area where it has indisputably done tremendously well and saved the lives of citizens is security.

The Professor, speaking in Abuja said the administration, though, has surpassed expectations in other areas like economy and fight against corruption, but said security is considered as central to the overall performance of an administration because it provides the base for other things like the formulation of policies and for planning as well as citizens wellbeing and infrastructural development.

He said an administration that knits it onions first and foremost sets out to secure the citizenry before any other thing as much cannot be achieved in an atmosphere of chaos and brigandage.

The former DG of NIPSS said the Buhari administration which came a time that the country was facing security challenges, did well to identify security as one of the cardinal challenges facing the country and quickly moved ahead to take drastic actions which has earned Nigeria respect and admiration from across the globe.

Said the Prof: “From day one, Buhari gave the service and other security chiefs in the country his agenda for the nation and gave them a marching order to move to the theatres of war.

“From that moment, the war on terrorism and insurgency in the country took a new dimension with Nigerian troops leading joint operations in the Lake Chad region as well ridding the home front of the activities of the terrorists.”

Danfulani said it is within this period that Boko Haram was technically defeated and their operations bases weakened to the extent that they no longer were able to carry out operations in the country but fled to other countries to sometimes attack soft targets.

He said many have tried to unravel the magic that Nigeria brought to bear to achieve this turnaround and pointed out that a lot has to do with the right leadership in the country and in the armed forces.

The Prof. explained that to have a clearer picture of what was brought to bear on the operations of the Nigeria military that is earning it positive results lately, the commitment of the country’s leadership to security had to be x-rayed.

The professor said the commitment of President Buhari to security can be categorised into three different phases to arrive at the conclusion that Nigeria is achieving results due to the right kind of leadership.

He said the three phases are, Buhari’s attitude to security while in the military, his efforts as a private citizen and his tactics as a president.

“Buhari, said the Prof, “while serving in the military, brought pride to Nigeria with the way he carried out assignments especially with the way he gave Chadian soldiers who were reported to have killed some Nigerian soldiers a bloody nose when he was serving in Maiduguri under the Shagari administration.”

The Professor said even as a private citizen, the President involved himself in processes to secure the nation and was constantly reminding the then government to be more committed to securing the country untill an attempt was made on his life while driving in Kaduna.

Danfulani said it was the culmination of these efforts that came to bear when Buhari took over the mantle of leadership as president and provided the support and impetus for Nigerian troops to defeat the insurgents, recapture many seized Nigerian territories and set many communities free.

“Who would have thought that a time would come in Nigeria when we will spend a whole week, then later months and now years without a bomb going off in any part of the country.

“Who would have thought that schools, hospitals and markets in Bama, Monguno, Gwoza and many other terrorised towns would reopen?” he asked.

Prof. Danfulani maintained that those that doubted Boko Haram was defeated were shocked to hear that the success of the military has even gone beyond making the terrorists flee but that the Boko Haram leader is even looking for ways to surrender.

The academic added that the sucker punch came when the Boko Haram leader in an audio was heard weeping like a baby and pleading to Allah to intercede for them over what he called the wickedness of the Nigerian military.

“President Buhari, the chief of army staff and the troops in the field deserve a standing ovation for making the Boko Haram leader who is wont to talk tough all the time swallow his pride to cry for mercy.

“That is the height of the assurance needed by the citizens that the President through the armed forces has given priority to secure the lives of citizens and has succeeded in doing so,” he stated.

Prof. Danfulani said the President deserves commendation for appointing highly professional and well disciplined officers like Lt. Gen TY Buratai to lead the war against insurgency and terrorism.

He noted that the war against insurgency and terrorism took a different dimension since March this year when the Chief of army staff moved to the theater of operation and vowed not to return untill the terrorists are defeated.

“You can see that within a month, more than 500 of the insurgents have been killed, their weapons seized and their informants arrested.

“They have been reduced to a rag tag army clutching at straws in the most pitiable and uncoordinated manner.

“The Nigerian military is serious about bringing Boko Haram activities to an end and very soon people would see that some of the things achieved can only through a dedicated leadership with purpose that we currently have,” he stated.

Nigeria’s 5 years of a turnaround under Buhari

By Abe Kolawole

It was then military president, Ibrahim Babangida after several failed attempts to revamp the Nigerian economy while in office, let out in exasperation that, “ the Nigerian economy has defied all solutions.”

Babangida it was who introduced the Structural Adjustment Programme, SAP, devalued the naira, introduced the Second Tier Foreign Exchange Market and privatized many sectors of the economy.

But when all these did not post the desired result on the economy, he threw his arms up in surrender in that statement that portrayed his helplessness.

Fast forward to 27 years later, the country’s economy, which seemingly defied five administrations after Babangida and countless policies and strategies betrayed its rigidity, as they say in medical parlance, began to respond to treatment.

Two things, according to experts have made the difference in the approach the current administration has adopted which are impacting positively on the economy.

The first is the integrity of the man on the saddle, President Muhammadu Buhari and the second is his well known zero tolerance for corruption.

Whereas past Nigerian leaders have been able to come up with beautiful economic policies and programmes, such have failed to yield positive results due to the lack of discipline and moral rectitude required on the part of the leadership to see them through.

However, unlike others, Buhari came tailored-made for the job. Since his days in the military where he served in many credible positions including the federal commissioner for petroleum and natural resources to when he left office and served as the chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), the president has shown that he cannot be enticed with material things to shift focus from doing his job creditably well and can go to any length to ensure he protects the people’s interest.

With that sense of commitment, he has been able to churn out results in any assignment. It was for instance during his time at the petroleum ministry that many projects including federal government’s investment in pipelines and petroleum storage infrastructures and the building of about 21 petroleum storage depots all over the country from Lagos to Maiduguri and from Calabar to Gusau were done and when he became chairman of the PTF, it is on record that the project executed by the fund far surpassed the expectations of even the administration that established it.

Nigerians became nostalgic for a repeat of the Buhari leadership when they recounted that after he left office as Head of State, no administration has rivalled his commitment towards developing the country.

Since he was swoon into office in May 29 2015, the story of Nigeria has changed. The economy which was in doldrums began to show signs of recovery; states which could not pay salaries were helped to do so through the provision of bailout funds; small and medium scale enterprises began to boom and the agricultural sector was opened up through investment-friendly policies.

The power sector which had drained huge resources in the past without reciprocal improvement, quickly picked up as thousands of megawatts of power were not only added to the national grid but transmitted and distributed to consumers. That’s not all, though.

The petroleum sector recovered from its convulsion with just a push as queues at the filling stations completely disappeared and availability of petroleum products became the new order.

Corruption which defied many administrations was forced to take the back seat when the Treasury Single Account, TSA, was introduced and those who stole from the public till in the previous administrations were made to face the wrath of the law.

Not less than 8,000 ghost workers were uncovered in the public service and many public servants who were benefitting from corrupt practices of the past, living large at the expense of others, discerning that a new sheriff was in town, repented and adjusted their ways.

But perhaps the greatest legacy for which the current administration would be remembered for both now and in many years to come is on the aspect of security.

Prior to 2015, the security situation in the country was so embarrassing that Nigeria became a laughing stock the world over.

Its soldiers were the butt of jokes in other nations including even smaller African countries due to lack of motivation, poor welfare, inadequate equipment and training as well as corruption. Troops battling terrorists in the country and in the Lake Chad region were forced to abandon the fight to flee into other countries for safety.

Several communities in the North eastern part of the country were taken over by insurgents who boasted with glee that they are on the verge of carving out another country out of Nigeria as the then administration looked on helplessly.

The terrorists not assuaged by their takeover of communities on the fringes of the Lake Chad penetrated further into the country spreading the bloodletting activities to many states in the Northwest and Northcentral parts of the country and capped it all with their heavy presence and operations right in the heart of the federal capital in Abuja.

It was an all-time low for Nigeria as many infrastructure like roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and communication facilities were destroyed by the insurgents in addition to the many killed and the thousands abducted, raped and terrorized.

President Buhari, well aware of the crisis when he resumed made the issue of security part of his inaugural speech, promising to deal with the situation and promised to relocate the military command to the theatres of war.

He also searched hard to fish out those who would help him attain the goal of freeing Nigeria from terrorism that was making life so difficult for a vast majority of the populace and he appointed Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai among other service chiefs, as the Chief of Army Staff. Jackpot

That was the watershed. The narrative on the war on terrorism, insurgency and sundry other crimes suddenly took a different twist.

The terrorists that were making videos of their exploits including bombing of significant edifices like the United Nations’ office, the police headquarters both in Abuja and attempt at attacking the office of the DSS began to flee as the heat turned on them.

They were in no time forced to evacuate from the FCT as the heat became unbearable. Their weekly rit/ual of blowing up worship centers in an average of one per week vanished and their threats to bring down the country fizzled out as the military took the war to their base and entered their fortresses in Sambisa Forest and the Mandara Hills.

The so called capital of their caliphate in Gwoza was overrun to the extent that the leader of the Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau abandoned his location with his tails between his legs leaving behind his cherished flag and Quran which were retrieved and presented to the President by the Chief of Army Staff.

All the 20 local government spread between Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States which were under Boko Haram control were recaptured by Nigerian troops and all the communities liberated. This saw to the drop on the population of people at the Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camps as many returned to their homes and communities.

The Buhari administration through support to the military and other security agencies also saved Nigeria from the threat of secession from some disgruntled elements in the Southeast and put a permanent stop to their criminal activities while the head of the outfit, Nnamdi Kanu fled.

Between 2015 and 2020, the military also launched several operational codes to take care of certain security issues affecting the country ranging from cattle rustling, kidnapping, highway robbery, ritual killings and banditry.

Each time the terrorists made futile attempts to bounce back through surprise attacks on certain towns and communities, the military showed resistance and resilience, turning around attacks on Biu, Damboa, Garkida, Michika and other places.

People in these communities have seen more than an actionable assurance that their security is now guaranteed and never have failed to thank the Buhari administration for that.

As the heat became too much on the terrorists, they resorted into harassing villages on the fringes of Nigerien borders in Katsina, seeing that they are losing their grip on all fronts. President Buhari, unrelenting, equally ordered for operations in that area that would took care of that problem permanently.

Indeed even residents of places far away from the North east like Abuja, Kaduna and Kano have also had a cause to remember what transpired in the years gone by and to thank the Buhari administration for the wonderful job it is doing which has made life more meaningful and secured for them.

Kolawole is former PRO, National Association of Nigerian Student and wrote from Ondo State.

Boko Haram: Understanding the wailing wailers

By Philip Agbese

Somewhat ironically, I would never have believed in the hyped paradox of belonging to a nation called Nigeria, whose citizens are very religious, but rather prefer to celebrate its oddities than progression or golly. But of course, I live in this nation and through the years, I have incredibly realized that most Nigerians are repulsed to any good about their country.

Evil has been elevated to prime heights. We can organize generous fanfares in feting a national tragedy which touches on agony, blood and massive deaths. Trust us! We can even go extra miles to invite the remotest of friends and associates to partake with us, in this somehow, Luciferic feast to wine and dine. I have grudgingly come to accept this sad, but unassailable truth.

Ask for the reasons why some of us delight in carnivals of evil, but nothing worthy would be muttered. I mean, nothing tangible would be exposited as the reason for such a stab on their conscience and the soul of a nation. It will only take you some level of innately gifted ingenuity to decode that the celebrations are organized because a tragedy has befallen their nation. It’s difficult to rescue a nation populated by people with such psychological fixations.

And the organizers and partakers in evil against their country think, whoever is the leader of Nigeria, and in the instant case, President Muhammadu Buhari would be ridiculed, defamed and demeaned by it. They invoke so much of retributive justice on they’re wretched souls because a Nigerian leader is outside their political camp.

Much as we are learned and exposed, this idiosyncrasy has co-habited with us and it is thriving in our souls and spirits. Almost all of us behave as if, after we wittingly destroy Nigeria, there is another country reserved for us to inhabit.

Nigerians with such mindsets are recognized with multiple names and identities, depending on the sane mind observing their resentful games against our beloved country. We know them as operating under separate nomenclatures. They are opposers, wailers, detractors, haters, sabs, praise singers, sycophants, destroyers, heritage usurpers, ancestors of the nation, godfathers of Nigeria, politicians, or perpetual power monks. It all depends on the angle of anybody’s perception of these compatriots.

But the common denominator among them all is very shameful and disgraceful reality that once “A Government -In-Power” (AGIP) is outside their political bloc, the rest of us should be deprived of peace. So, it must be pulled down through grandeur conspiracies of evil.

And in their infantile minds, narrowed mindsets, malicious outings and completely nonsensical mouthing, they think, whoever leads the country must be dwarfed with frivolous criticisms. His efforts must be rubbished with meaningless pukes to fill an egoistic void.

I heard the celebrative moods of some Nigerians of the same regressive ilk, I earlier mentioned. Their very active agents posted and acolytates’ delightedly syndicated on traditional and social media platforms, videos of our gallant troops caught up in the web of fleeing terrorists at Buni Yadi – Buni Gari axis of Yobe State, in the Northeast a few days back.

Of course, no one is denying that troops of Combat Team 1, Operation Kantana Jimlan never encountered and fought terrorists while on routine patrol of vicinities within their jurisdiction. And in that outing, again Nigerian troops triumphed over the combined forces of Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorists. Casualties were recorded on both sides mainly because it was an ambush on Nigerian troops.

But our troops did not disappoint me. Soldiers stood gallantly very firm and never allowed the terrorists to have a field day, despite the multiple Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the cursed bloodsuckers planted on their path. Some soldiers (two) died in the process (may their souls rest in perfect peace) and others sustained injuries. Its also normal in the warfront. In war situations, the combatants expect anything and the worse can even happen.

Give and take, I think the performance of Nigerian troops at this specific incident deserves recommendation from all of us because insurgents of whatever hue were neutralized. It implies that they could not cause the large-scale damage as planned.

What I can’t discern are the stories and videos circulating on social media platforms. The cooked videos in that particular encounter, had images of soldiers’ blaming the COAS and leader of the counter-insurgency operations Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for failing to deploy airstrikes early enough, until the Boko Haram had dealt a severe blow on troops. Gen. Buratai is also in the same trenches with troops. From the skewed narrations by detractors, it’s easy to know, the fake news, hyped is all about destroying Gen. Buratai.

Its curious for a soldier in the battlefront and in the heat of war; I mean, a soldier who is under the “pressure” of enemy attacks, to have time to use his cellphone to record gory scenes of his defeat from attacks to circulate on social media platforms. It looks very unreal! But the wailing wailers spare no antics in this rough game.

Incredibly, the wailers and haters of the administration of President Buhari are gleefully circulating what in all nuance drapes with fakeness. We must not drag the hate on our country to such extents. It’s extremely uncharitable and unpatriotic.

But being the very peculiar human beings, we are famed, some disgruntled elements in their usual gyrations, passed the verdict that the war against terrorism and Nigeria’s final push against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists will be extended. No concrete reason is given by these detractors on why they think the last clearance operations against terrorists’ and their defeat would be stretched further. However, what I did not miss in the narrations was both the faint and strong voices of vilification or condemnation of Gen. Buratai.

Let me emphasize that those who took a satanic advantage of a video clip by some soldiers who suffered an ambush in an encounter with fleeing elements of Boko Haram as the basis of their celebration and generous conclusion about the extension of the counter-insurgency operations have goofed. Gen. Buratai is someone I know, who cannot be taken for granted. He is a soldier’s soldier any day you encounter him.

The wailers and haters of the Buhari Presidency are unexcited and indeed, melancholic that barely one month the troops led by Gen Buratai in the trenches of the Northeast have killed over 500 terrorists in quick succession. The sexed and publicized lamentation videos of soldiers is just the latest trick of the wailers to hit Gen. Buratai, blur the reality and confuse Nigerians.

Some of us have not lost focus of the actual reasons. The saboteurs’, Boko Haram sponsors, agents and sympathizers are angry that their business enterprise is facing a dire threat and coming to an end. The wailers are angry that money will stop silently snaking into their wallets in the business of promoting terrorism for a fee from external sponsors. They are burning with indignation within.

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to change destiny. Gen. Buratai is destined to end Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism and no amount of malicious propaganda can frustrate him.

Useful advice now!It’ss early enough and the signals are visible that Boko Haram is on its way out of existence. So, the terrorprinterss should begin to scout for new busineuses to occupy their conscienceless souls. But as far as the blues from the theatre of war in the Northeast conveys, terrorism is no longer fashionable in Nigeria. It is merely struggling with its last and faint shadows of survival.

The terrorism entrepreneurs and wailing wailers will keep wailin like hapless armed robbers caught pants down in a cage during a sting operation by security forces. But the message must be clearly sounded that Nigeria has no space for Luciferic souls like them. Certainly, not under the Government of President Buhari.

Agbese is a publisher and human rights lawyer based in the UK.

Over 1000 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists killed in six weeks – Buratai

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has revealed that over 1,000 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists were killed in the last six weeks.

The COAS made this known during a luncheon organized for the troops of “Operations Lafiya Dole” in Maiduguri on Sunday.

Nigeria has recorded tremendous gains in the war against insurgency since Lt. Gen. Buratai relocated to the Theatre of Operations.

Scores of the terrorists have been killed and several injured, with factional leader Abubakar Shekau reportedly on the brink of surrender.

In his address, the COAS assured that the troops are edging closer towards victory, especially with the insurgents suffering numerous casualties.

He added that a total of 84 high ranking members of Boko Haram logistics and informants have been arrested within the same time frame.

“We have put concerted efforts against BHTs and ISWAP,” he said, adding that: “We have severely dealt with the BH terrorists and ISWAP.

“We have successful displaced major camps of the BHTs. We have killed 1015 terrorists and ISWAP in the ongoing operation in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa state respectively.

“We have also arrested 84 BHTs logistics and information suppliers in the ongoing operation which started 12 April, 2020,” COAS said.

He appreciated the efforts of the Nigeria Air Force, Navy, Police Force, Department of State Services, Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and hunters for the resounding success against the terrorists. Earlier in the day, the Military had said it killed a total of 35 Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) and ISWAP criminals at several attacks encountered in Borno State between 11th and 22nd May this year.

Boko Haram: Buhari, Army global security role models – Tsav

A former commissioner of police, Lagos State, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav has described the five years of President Muhammadu Buhari in the saddle of leadership in Nigeria as phenomenal in the annals of the country with regards to the prosecution of the war against terrorism.
Abubakar Tsav stated this in an exclusive interview he granted on the state of the nation recently. According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari came on board at a time when the country was grappling with myriads of challenges, and despite all of that he was able to stir the ship of Nigeria out of turbulence.
“For those who know me know that I am very objective when it comes to issues of national interest. What was happening in Nigeria before Buhari came on board was not a joke. We were on the verge. But he was able to stabilize the polity and Nigeria is better off today. This is indeed phenomenal, and I must extend my utmost commendation to him.”
He also stated that what assisted the Muhammadu Buhari administration in the past five years was his commitment to the war against Boko Haram terrorism and other acts of economic sabotage that became the order of the day in previous administrations.
“President Muhammadu Buhari is a man of unquestionable integrity, and this has been the hallmark of his administration. I think its common sense for all those in his team to understand the body language of their principal and this is what we need in this country as we march forward.”
“This administration has carried out a near-impossible task in just five years, which is a rare feat that would make other world leaders green with envy. Virtually all sectors of the economy have been affected positively, and this is what you get when you have a leader that is upright and committed to the Nigerian cause.”
When asked about the commitment of the government in the fight against terrorism and other militant groups in the country, Abubakar Tsav stated that the hallmark of the Buhari government is the feat recorded by the Nigerian Army in turning the tide against the Boko Haram terrorist group.
“The Nigerian Army has been excellent since the coming of President Muhammadu Buhari. One of the first pointers that he meant well was the composition of the Service Chiefs. Mind you I am of that constituency, and when I saw the caliber of those appointed, I was convinced that it was just a matter of time before we turn the tides against those insurgents.”
“So I was not surprised that in less than a year, the insurgents were dislodged from their operational headquarters in Sambisa forest, and all the local government areas that were under their control were recaptured.”
“Make no mistakes; this is a rare feat for those of us that understand asymmetric warfare and in terrain like North-East Nigeria. The Nigerian Military indeed rose to the occasion, and they must be commended regardless of the propaganda campaign against it by some unscrupulous elements.”
He further averred that the Nigerian Military has rapidly transformed into a professional force that abides by the rules of engagement in the prosecution of the war against terrorism in Nigeria.
“There is something called professionalism. This is the perfect description of the Nigerian Military of today. When I hear things like Directorate of Army-Civil relations I marvel. Also looking at the creation of Human rights desk in the Nigerian Army is novel in the security architecture in Nigeria.”
“Sorry to say this, during our years, there was never going to be a mention of such, let alone talk about the establishment. But here we have a military that is responsive and as well committed to the preservation of human rights in its operations. This is very commendable.”
Abubakar Tsav also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for repositioning and leading the Nigerian Army in the battle against the Boko Haram insurgent group.
“I salute the doggedness of the Chief of Army Staff, Buratai. He is such a brilliant officer who understands what it means to be a leader. He has indeed led by worthy examples, and I am sure that posterity would be kind to him for his numerous sacrifices in the war against terrorism in Nigeria.”
He advised that the government should be alert to the possibility of the resurgence of the Boko Haram group due to external support it receives.
“The government must be careful not to celebrate too early because terrorism is dynamic and also with the fact that the Boko Haram group has assumed a regional dimension and that is to say there are eternal sources that support its operations. We must be careful in this regards and continue to monitor things closely.”

Inter- Faith group declares spiritual victory over Covid-19, Boko Haram

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace (NIFROP) has declared spiritual victory over COVID-19 and Boko Haram insurgency in the country.

National Coordinator, Bishop Sunday Garuba, made this declaration on Saturday during the grand finale of the 30-day fast and prayer for divine intervention on coronavirus and the end of Boko Haram/ capture of Abubakar Shekau.

The rampaging COVID-19 has taken a grip on the entire universe with over five million persons infected and almost 350,000 dead according to John Hopkins University.

In Nigeria alone, more than 7,000 persons have tested positive while above 200 persons succumbed to the contagion.

Unfortunately, though, the pandemic comes at a time the Nigerian military is making giant strides in its final clearance operation against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the northeast.

However, Bishop Garuba believes both would soon come to an end in the country as revealed to him and his group during their 30 days intensive prayer and fast.

According to the cleric, “ Nigeria is indeed victorious and we shall suffer no affliction for God is our refuge and strength”.

He added that due to NIFROP’s composition of both Christians and Muslims, their strong faith in one supreme God would see the country overcome coronavirus and Boko Haram.

While affirming that COVID-19 shall fade away in a matter of time, the clergyman, however, urged Nigerians not to be afraid rather remain steadfast and resolute.

Read full address below:

“No one can battle with the lord!”
I bring warm greetings to us all from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whose mercies endures forever.

Today is indeed a significant one in the annals of our great country. Today marks the grand finale of the 30-day fasting and prayer session organized for Gods intervention on COVID-19 and threats posed by the Boko Haram terrorist group in Nigeria.

My dear brothers and sisters, I have joy in my heart because of the wonders of God in the life and times of Nigeria. It is indeed a statement of the fact that Nigeria is a great nation hence the myriads of challenges confronting the nation. And we did not despair nor question the promises of God as regards our dear country.

In the book of Psalm 91: 7-12, the Bible states that “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling for He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”

My brothers and sisters, it is a statement of fact that with the revelations from God during this prayer and fasting programme Nigeria is indeed victorious and we shall suffer no affliction for God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. There is a river; the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.

Our prayers and fastings have reached the Host of heaven. The numbers that turned up for this prayer and fasting programme is indeed outstanding despite the challenge of the Coronavirus pandemic. The devil meant it for evil, but God turned it to good.

The composition of our gathering is unprecedented in the annals of our country, where Muslims and Christians gathered in one voice in prayers to God for divine intervention in Nigeria in the holy month of Ramadan.

Our Muslim brothers and sisters have displayed a significant commitment towards the peace and progress of Nigeria. The Holy Koran in Quran, 2:18 states “Oh, you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness”

“Indeed we have revealed it (Qur’an) in the Night of Power. And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is? The night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein descends the Angels and the Spirit (Jibreel) by Allah’s permission, on every errand: (they say) “Peace” (continuously) till the rise of Morning!” (Q 97:1-5).”

The peace promised in the Holy Koran has indeed come to Nigeria in the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, and the Most Merciful. All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (humankind, jinns and all that exists).

My brothers and sisters, the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace, have provided us with that platform for us to see our similarities and belief in the supremacy of God almighty.

If we have such strong faith, neither Coronavirus nor Boko Haram shall overcome Nigeria for we are a blessed nation under the care of God. His promises towards Nigeria are yes and amen, and we shout a big halleluiah to the Host of Heaven for the great and wondrous works.

I say to you all under the authority of God that no harm or evil shall overcome Nigeria. For COVID-19 and Boko Haram, we shall see them no more. Our prayers have been heard by the Host of Heaven, and He has indeed taken charge over the affairs of Nigeria. I tell you all today that the end of Boko Haram has come and we shall indeed come together in fellowship to return our thanks and appreciation to God.

My brothers and sisters, COVID-19 shall fade away in a matter of time. God is not a man that He should lie. The Bible informs us about the protection of God. As humans, we want to see God’s protection as a magic force field that keeps us from all harm. Yes, God can prevent any evil or destruction, but we must remember that we live in a fallen world where we have free will. Many times, God works in ways that we do not understand. Sometimes God’s protection comes in the form of peace and strength in the middle of despair. Other times God’s protection comes as an ending because he sees something more on the horizon that we cannot see.

As believers in Jesus, we are promised a new life covered under the protection of God in which nothing can separate us from His love. My brothers and sisters, rest knowing that no matter what hardship we face, God is our provider and protector.

The book of Deuteronomy 31:6 states that “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

We must rest our hopes on the promises of God in these critical times with the absolute belief that victory over our adversaries is ours in Jesus Name.

My brothers and sisters do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. Boko Haram and Abubakar Shekau we shall see no more. COVID-19, we shall see no more. Armed banditry we shall see no more. Militant groups, we shall see no more.

I remain confident of this: we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living because He has promised and He will never fail because his goodness and mercies endure forever.

I want to use this medium to thank all our members that made this programme a huge success. That we are also able to distribute food and other relief materials to the less privilege in the society. The outreach saw to the provision of food to over 5000 families that are in dire need during the Ramadan period.

Our reward is seen in the Holy Koran (2:110) “Be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity. Whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah. For Allah sees well all that you do”.

Our reward is also seen in the book of Proverbs 19:17 “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”

My brothers and sisters, God will reward our various sacrifices towards helping the needy in society. We shall reap a bountiful harvest in Jesus name.

As we go back to our families, we must go with the consciousness that the worst is indeed over. My appreciation goes to all of us, and I pray that Gods mercies and favors continue to be with Nigeria. Victory is here at last.

Thank you all, and God bless.

Amnesty International: Security Experts expresses worry

Some security experts in the country have continued to express worry over the activities of Amnesty International in Nigeria. According to multiple sources interviewed by this newspaper, they stated that if the relevant authorities do not take urgent steps, the country might go up in flames due to the desperation of Amnesty International and their international collaborators in seeing to the disintegration of Nigeria.

According to Prof. Stanly Onyia an expert in peace and conflict studies at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) in Abuja, he stated that a cursory look at the recent posturing of Amnesty International is an indication that they are out for a mission that is not in the best interest of Nigeria.

“AI is not a credible organization; their mission, especially in Nigeria, is tied around the innate desire to perpetuate mischief and cause a conflict of immeasurable proportion. Their reports are often lacking in objectivity and somewhat an insult to some of us that are in the field of conflict resolution.”

He further stated that Amnesty International gained traction in their activities under a questionable international cover and backing that covered their intent and purposes in Nigeria.

“At numerous peace and conflict forums, we have had reasons to dissect the various reports of Amnesty International and the consensus is that Amnesty International is not acting in the overall interest of the entrenchment of peace but that of fanning the embers of war. This is sad, and I hope that the relevant authorities in Nigeria would take the bull by the horns and stop them in their tracks before it gets too late.”

In a similar vein, an associate professor of defense and strategic studies at the Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna stated that AI is a product of terrorist organizations that have devised means to escape the radar in the perpetuation of their nefarious activities.

“There is a long-standing history of how Amnesty International was compromised by some of the world deadliest terrorist organizations. If you look at their reports, you will find a trajectory that promotes acts of terrorism. The case of Nigeria is very evident in the support it has been rendering organizations such as Boko Haram and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria. Their presence in Nigeria is a serious threat to our nascent democracy, and the government must, as a matter of urgency act if it’s serious about the unity of the country.”

This newspaper also gathered from reliable sources that Amnesty International has resulted in recruitment for militant groups in Nigeria. A security source who pleaded anonymity stated that Amnesty International has recently devised means to assist the Boko Haram group in ensuring that it fills its ranks that have been depleted by the renewed onslaught by the Nigerian Army.

“Amnesty International is carrying out espionage activities for Boko Haram. They are using their clout to lure unsuspecting youths to join the Boko Haram group. You know they have so much resource at their disposal, and they have been spending lots of money to lure these youths.”

“The good thing is that the security agencies are aware of this plot and they are doing everything possible to nip it in the bud. But I can tell you that Nigeria would be in trouble if Amnesty International succeeds in their endeavor”.

According to Dr Ibrahim Suleiman, a lecturer in the Department of History at Kaduna State University, he stated that Amnesty International had been covertly recruiting gullible youths from Northern Nigeria into Boko Haram and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria.

“The threat posed by Amnesty International is real. We have had instances where some of our students disappeared from the classrooms. Upon enquiries, we realized that they were invited for workshops organized by Amnesty International and since they haven’t returned.”

“It’s unfortunate that the security agencies are treating the threat posed by Amnesty International with kid gloves. If only they know the number of youths that have been deceived into joining the Boko Haram group by Amnesty International.”

A top retired director of the secret police, who was interviewed by this newspaper, stated that Amnesty International is the new intellectual wing of the Boko Haram dedicated to providing discreet support to the Boko Haram group.

“There is no difference between Amnesty International and Boko Haram. It is just a function of different nomenclatures. What is Boko Haram doing that Amnesty International is not doing? The only difference is that they don’t carry arms but what they do is worse than carrying arms.”

“While I was in service, I presided over a report where multiple pieces of evidence on the nefarious activities of Amnesty International were presented. We escalated to the appropriate authorities, but nothing was done. You can see what is happening today. This is just despicable. I hope those in authority act in the best interest of Nigeria else the consequences might be severe.”

It would be recalled that in times past, there were calls for the expulsion of Amnesty International from Nigeria for acts against the interest of the country. A top source in the presidency who confided in this newspaper stated that the presidency took the call lightly and didn’t act.

“I recall that when there were street protests for the expulsion of Amnesty International from Nigeria, the presidency waved it off. They gave Amnesty International the benefit of the doubt. However, I think that was a grave mistake as the presidency is in a dilemma on how to address the threat posed by Amnesty International in light of the recent revelations.”

“The solution now is for the government to devise means to halt the recruitment drive of Amnesty International as the efforts of our military would be in vain. This is indeed a serious situation.”

“The government must blacklist Amnesty International as a first step. If this is not done, then we might be faced with a resurgence of the Boko Haram group and Nigeria would suffer untold consequences.”

This same position was echoed by a former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America, who does not want his name in print. He stated that the option left for Nigeria because of the revelations that Amnesty International is promoting terrorism in Nigeria is a complete blacklisting.

“There are no two ways about it. Amnesty International must be blacklisted. This is not borne out of malice but on substantiated facts. In my opinion, this should have been done a long time ago, especially when it became obvious that Amnesty International has something up their sleeves with the constant attack on the government and the military.”

“If this is not done, I wonder what would become of Nigeria as countries where Amnesty International has succeeded started like this. I am not sure we have such luxury of time. “

Nigerian troops have killed, fatally injured 762 Boko Haram terrorists, centre says in report

A report by the Institute for Peace and Counter-Terrorism Studies (IPCTS) has revealed how the Nigerian military killed and injured over 762 Boko Haram terrorists in the last one month.

According to the report signed by Executive Director, Dr. Samson Bello, the institute attributed the military’s all-new operational strategy for this feat, which is the brainchild of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. T.Y Buratai.

The Army Chief’s relocation to the northeast to lead the final clearance operation has rubbed off on the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.

The atmosphere has drastically changed with the troops highly motivated ever than before in the quest to flush out the fleeing terrorists.

After its extensive research work in the northeast, the Institute for Peace and Counter-Terrorism Studies hailed the COAS for being the catalyst propelling his troops from the front in the last one month.

It disclosed that no fewer than 350 Boko terrorists have lost their lives and nearly 500 suffered life-threatening injuries in the said period.

This situation, IPCTS reckoned, has heightened the tension in the Boko Haram camp and further given the Nigerian troops the edge with sustained military offensives.

With the troops on the cusp of victory, the institute, however, urged that the tempo is sustained as the jihadist might eventually surrender as the odds are well against them.

Read full report below.

Introduction:

The Institute for Peace and Counter-Terrorism Studies is a Think-Tank that coordinates intellectual activities for the promotion of global peace and prevention of terrorism across the globe. The Institute for Peace and Counter-Terrorism Studies has been at the vanguard of identifying the operational methods of the Nigerian Military in operation in North East Nigeria since 2009 when the Boko Haram group began a violent campaign in Nigeria.

Consequently, the Institute for Peace and Counter-Terrorism Studies commissioned a research into the operations of the Nigerian Military in North-East Nigeria for January to April, 2020 and presents the following report.

The Nigerian Military as a State Actor and efforts to keep the peace:

RESCUE OPERATION FOR INNOCENT CITIZENS BEING HELD HOSTAGE:

The Institute for Peace and Counter-Terrorism Studies identified that the Nigerian Military had been actively involved in rescue operations across the North East involving the rescue of women and children, as well as older people that have been held hostage and used as human shields by the Boko Haram group.

A critical survey revealed that between 2018, 2019, and 2020 the Nigerian Military rescued a total number of 12,500 people from the captivity of Boko Haram in parts of Yobe and Borno State. From the figure, 80% were women and children, and 20% were aged people that needed urgent medical attention.

It was also observed that the Nigerian Military rescue operations were carried out in a fashion that has resulted in minimal casualties. The Nigerian Military also had a medical team that attended to those rescued from captivity before they are released to their various families.

NEUTRALIZATION OF TERRORISTS AND CRIMINAL ELEMENTS:

The Nigerian Military have been actively involved in the war against Boko Haram in North-East Nigeria, and that has seen several casualties from both sides. However, it was observed that the Boko Haram fighters have been at the receiving end of a continuous military onslaught that has led to the neutralization of Boko Haram terrorists, as well as other criminal elements.

The sustained military operations against the Boko Haram group also led to the death of scores of Boko Haram fighters. The Institute for Peace and Counter-Terrorism Studies identified that over 350 Boko Haram fighters were killed in the past month in North-East Nigeria, and over 500 sustaining life-threatening injuries.

COUNTER-OFFENSIVE CAMPAIGN:

It was observed that the counteroffensives by the Nigerian Military had yielded positive results. The casualty figures recorded so far has been on the low compared to previous years where the Nigerian Military recorded heavy casualties from their operations.

The Nigerian troops have been able to sustain the tempo with the introduction of additional counter-terrorism methods, as well as a boost in their military hardware that gave them the edge and with superior firepower over the Boko Haram group.

It was also observed that the operational strategy of the Nigerian Military have indeed placed the Boko Haram fighters on the brink of defeat baring all unforeseen circumstances. As at concluding the research work, it was established that 762 Boko Haram fighters lost their lives in battle with the Nigerian troops led by the Military Chief in Nigeria, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

MOTIVATION:

In the course of the research work, it was observed that the military chief, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has been leading the battle against Boko Haram. The military chief coordinates the day-to-day operations and offensives against the Boko Haram terrorists.

It was also observed that the presence of the military chief, Tukur Buratai has served as a source of motivation to the troops and this has been responsible for the gains recorded by the Nigerian Military in the war against Boko Haram in North-East Nigeria.

The presence of the military chief has continued to serve the purpose of motivation in the operations of the Nigerian Military in North-East, Nigeria.

The Non- State Actors (Boko Haram/ISWAP)

Loss of confidence by Shekau and his commanders:

In the course of extensive research in the operations of the Boko Haram/ISWAP, it was identified that the camp of the Boko Haram/ISWAP has been polarized along various lines. There are those opposed to the continued stance of Abubakar Shekau and want a truce with the Nigerian Military. There are also those who see the casualties as a sign that Abubakar Shekau has misled them so far, and there is a need for him to step down from his responsibilities as their supreme leader.

This situation has heightened the tension in the Boko Haram camp and further given the Nigerian troops the edge with sustained military offensives.

FATIGUE IN BATTLE AND LACK OF COHESION:

It was observed that the Boko Haram/ISWAP camp is experiencing fatigue which was occasioned by long hours of battle with the Nigerian Military. The fact that the Nigerian Military boast of more modern and advanced military hardware and tanks puts the Boko Haram fighters in terrible strain and the consequent result has been fatigue in battle and lack of cohesion.

It was gathered that this situation has led to the Boko Haram/ISWAP group splitting into many factions with most of the commanders that hitherto held sway no longer ready to continue.

POOR MANAGEMENT OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES AND GREED

Our team of researchers was able to gather that the Boko Haram/ISWAP group is having difficulties assessing funds and logistics. The group is struggling with the availability of limited resources at their disposal, and this has put a strain on their operational effectiveness.

There is also uproar amongst Boko Haram members that Abubakar Shekau is mismanaging funds meant for the execution of their offensive against the Nigerian Military as well as their allowances that have remained unpaid for a long time.

It was also gathered that Abubakar Shekau has been soliciting to his fighters not to down their arms in these critical times. However, the various pleas seem not to have been able to pacify the bulk of the fighters that have remained delusional zed daily.

REGIONAL COOPERATION

The Boko Haram crisis has assumed a regional dimension and this lead to the revamping of the Multinational Joint Task Force comprising of troops from Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon. This regional collaboration has put the Boko Haram group in a dire situation as most of their routes for receiving logistic supplies have been taken over by troops from the Multinational Joint Task Force.

Nigeria:

The Nigerian government, by all indices the most significant contributor to the operations of the Multinational Joint Task Force in terms of funding and troops. This commitment from the Nigerian government has enabled the operational effectiveness of the Multinational Joint Task Force.

Chad:

The contribution of Chad has been felt in recent times. The Chadian authorities on their part were able to secure the borders between Nigeria and Chad as well as the Lake Chad basin region. This action has deprived the Boko Haram group the luxury of launching attacks in Nigeria and retreating to the Islands on the Lake Chad Basin region from where they hitherto regroup and receive logistics supplies from external sources.

Niger:

The Nigerien authorities have shown commitment by deploying thousands of fighting troops to the operations of the Multinational Joint Task Force. Nigerien troops have also fortified the borders between Niger and Nigeria from the Lake Chad Basin region.

Cameroon:

The Cameroonian government has also contributed troops and resources towards the success of the operations of the Multinational Joint Task Force. Tremendous efforts have been made to secure Boko Haram cells located in the Mandara Mountains where they recruit and train their fighters.

Conclusion:

The Institute for Peace and Counter-Terrorism Studies after extensive scrutiny of the issues in the war against the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists concludes that the operational strategies of the Nigerian Military have proven to be effective in neutralizing the threats posed by the Boko Haram/ISWAP group.

We wish to state that if this tempo is sustained, the Boko Haram/ISWAP group might eventually surrender as the odds are against it.

NPA Board seeks proper utilisation of Eastern seaports

The Board of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has made a case for the optimal functioning of the Eastern corridor seaports which are currently being underutilized.

Chairman of the Board, Chief Akin Anderson Ricketts made this call during the inauguration Thursday of the Board by the Minister of Transportation, Mr, Rotimi Amaechi in a controlled and brief ceremony.

Other board members include; Mohammed Koko, Onari Brown, Sen. Binki Garba, Sen. John Udoidighe, Abdullwahab Adeshina, Ghazali Mohammed, Mustapha Aminu Dutse and Prof. Idris Abubakar.

The minister told the new board not to run a parallel management. “It is important you work with the management. It is important you realize you are not the management, you are a board.

He also tasks the new board to ensure smooth operations at the ports. “We are in unusual times but we cannot afford to shut our seaports. Activities must continue” he said.

Chief Ricketts who spoke on behalf of the newly inaugurated board also indicated that the intractable congestion at the Lagos ports must be dealt with as a priority challenge thus pledged the board’s full cooperation to enable the NPA deal with the challenges.

“The major issues confronting our ports today are capacity utilisation and evacuation corridors. While the ports in the East are being grossly underutilized due to many factors, the efficiency of the ports in Lagos is hampered by inadequate evacuation corridors that lead to congestion on the road, which ultimately affects prompt service delivery. This is a challenge that we intend to confront head-on in conjunction with other stakeholders, with a view to ameliorating the sufferings of port users and ease business in the port, as envisaged by the Federal Government” he promised.

“We are sure that NPA wouldn’t have its share of challenges and issues that need to be resolved or need immediate attention. We will do that in conjunction with the Management and all relevant stakeholders. We will ensure that we give every issue and matter that comes to our attention the consideration it deserves and deal with it fairly and objectively, without favour or ill will” the Chairman assured.

Chief Rickets also promised synergy and effective oversight of the NPA without constituting itself into an alternative management.

“We will create an atmosphere where employees would be given the opportunity to air their views and express dissent on any policy or action they feel strong about. And we will ensure that measures are emplaced so that this process is not unduly abused. We will ensure that feedback mechanisms are in place from our major stakeholders and port users so that we improve on service delivery, efficiency and capacity” he promised further.

Amnesty International, Sahara reporters and the war within

By Anthony Kolawole

The war against terrorism in Nigeria has been a front-burner issue for a while. Social commentators have made postulations with regards to the success recorded so far. At the same time, some have also faulted the modus operandi of the Nigerian Military in the prosecution of the war.

These are indeed interesting times. Nigerians have not seen the worst of the war against terrorism. A critical contributor to the war has been neglected and with the whole emphasis placed on Boko Haram/ISWAP.

Nigerians have also failed to understand that there are various components of warfare and that the physical manifestation is just as an aspect of the overarching strategy just as it is evident in the raging battle between the Nigerian Military and the Boko Haram insurgent group in North-East Nigeria.

In Nigeria today, two things stand out with regard to the war against terrorism: the war and the war within. And this brings me to the activities of Amnesty International and Sahara Reporters and how they have wittingly sustained the perpetuation of terrorism in Nigeria.

Amnesty International is an embodiment of mendacious propaganda against the unity, peace, and progress of Nigeria. Its attacks on Nigeria have been phenomenal. For Amnesty International, nothing good should be heard about Nigeria. As such it’s scathing annual reports on the country follow the same pattern and trajectory year in year out.

The Nigerian Military has been worse hit by the fangs of the self-acclaimed human rights organization in the sense that they have constituted themselves as a distraction in the prosecution of the war against terrorism in North-East Nigeria, as well as other parts of the country where the activities of militant groups are prevalent.

It is also a statement of the fact that Amnesty International has been providing that intellectual support to the Boko Haram group in Nigeria. Just when substantial gains are recorded, they accuse the Nigerian Military of human rights violations against Boko Haram. But they turn the other way when the same radical jihadists ransack communities killing unarmed citizens, as well as kidnapping women and children.

For Amnesty International, these are no crimes against humanity, as well as human rights violations because of the strategic partnership it entered to provide that intellectual support to the Boko Haram group. If this is not the case, have we wondered why it is that the group is in the habit of acting as the mouthpiece of terrorist and militant groups in Nigeria?

Have we also wondered why is it that Amnesty International issues statements and press releases in tactic support for the activities of militant groups in Nigeria at the slightest especially when our troops are making gains in the war against terrorism?

I stand to be corrected, the activities of Amnesty International are the real war in Nigeria because its mandate revolves around ensuring that Nigeria is destabilized and disintegrated by all means possible including propagating outright falsehoods and arriving at illogical conclusions. That is not all; it has also been stated that Amnesty International has been recruiting fighters for the depleted ranks of the Boko Haram/ISWAP group.

While this information has not been verified, it is not something I would doubt given the tendencies of Amnesty International and their avid hatred for Nigeria. In my opinion, it is not beyond what Amnesty International can do since for them it’s a business every other thing can go to blazes.

Sahara Reporters, on the other hand, has been despicable in promoting the interest of terrorist groups in Nigeria. As a statement of fact, they have been in cahoots with Amnesty International little wonder why they echo the same sentiments in the public space. The Sahara Reporters platform has provided Amnesty International and other unscrupulous organizations masquerading as human rights advocates a medium to unleash derogatory remarks on the efforts of the Nigerian Military in the war against terrorism as well as the commitment of the Muhammadu Buhari administration to the rule of law.

For Sahara Reporters, though, I’m not surprised because its brand of journalism defeats the entire known creed. They concoct stories in return for pecuniary gains not minding the implication of their actions. Sahara Reporters also allied with some despicable groups to heat the polity with false information to set the country up in flames.

It is quite a sad tale that Sahara Reporters has reduced itself to this despicable level where it can conspire with those against the interest of Nigeria. I think it’s time for Nigerians to begin to scrutinize the likes of Amnesty International and Sahara Reporters as it is now evident that their overarching objective is to ensure that Nigeria disintegrates.

This is also of the heels that their support for the Boko Haram group, as well as other militant organizations, is indeed sad. So much so that I wonder the amount of money involved that some organizations and individuals would want to jeopardize the future of over 180 million people. And to think that these individuals are also Nigerians is emotionally drenching.

For how long Amnesty International and Sahara Reporters intend to sustain this tempo is left to be imagined. However, one thing is sure: Nigerians are now aware that Amnesty International and their counterpart in Sahara Reporters have indeed waged war against the soul of Nigeria.

Theirs is more deadly than the Boko Haram because the lives of over 180 million Nigerians are at risk. I think the government should do well to protect Nigeria and Nigerians from the evil plot of Amnesty International and Sahara Reporters.

The exigencies of time require proactive action else we might have ourselves to blame because, at the rate with which these organizations are going, Nigeria would be indeed lucky if they do not achieve their objectives at the end of the day. This piece should serve as a wakeup call to the relevant authorities, as well as to educate members of the unsuspecting general public on the plot by Amnesty International and Sahara Reporters against Nigeria.

Kolawole Ph.D. wrote this piece from Keffi, Nasarawa State