APC Denies protest at Justice Odili’s residence, says PDP responsible

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has exonerated itself from Tuesday’s protest at the Abuja residence of Mary Odili, a justice of the Supreme Court, even as the ruling party accused the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the sponsors.

The APC’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary Mr. Yekini Nabena told newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday that the public should not be hoodwinked by the PDP.

The Bayelsa-born APC chieftain while cautioning the general public against what he described as PDP’s antics said the opposition party sponsored protesters who identified themselves as “APC supporters” was a smokescreen to portray the APC Governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon and his APC supporters in bad light.

He also called on the judiciary to ignore the PDP’s antics and always side with the will of the people and rule of law in all matters.

According to Nabena, in recent time PDP is used to protesting from one Embassy to another just to blackmail the Judiciary.

“Nobody should be fooled by the usual antics of the PDP. Resort to extra-judicial tactics such as maligning the Judiciary and its officials is the PDP’s stock-in-trade. The same hired urchins the PDP Chairman, Uche Secondus has used for his senseless protests to the embassies of the UK, US and the European Union were used for Tuesday’s protests at Justice Odili’s residence.

“The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike aside being the main financier of the PDP must explain his inexplicable interest in the Governorship of Bayelsa state. The people of Rivers state must begin to ask their governor how and what he uses their money for.

“The APC National leadership is already pursuing all legal avenues to contest the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare Duoye Diri as Bayelsa Governor, having failed to meet the mandatory constitutional requirement to become the governor.

“Also, our leaders have already told our supporters to avoid violent confrontations while legal avenues are sort to review INEC’s unconstitutional decision. Our people have listened and are confident our judicial system will ensure that the people’s will and justice is done.” Nabena said.

CORONA VIRUS: Health, Information, Humanitarian Aviation Ministers collaborate to halt entry into Nigeria

Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika Tuesday revealed that the nation’s international airports have been collaborating effectively with relevant agencies to ensure the dreaded Covid-19 does not find it’s way into the country.

Sirika made this known with the Ministers of Health, Information and Humanitarian Services after inspecting facilities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja to check it’s preparedness to forestall a spread of the virus in the country.

In a statement by Director Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu, Sirika said FAAN is working closely with Port Health, Agriculture Quarantine, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Immigration Services and other stakeholders including ground handlers.

He said that the Port Health Emergency Contingency Plan ( PHECP) which was designed to detect, prevent and respond to any infectious diseases and outbreak has been effected.

It’s successful implementation, according to Sirika, depends on strategies and activities based on the collaboration of relevant agencies and resolve of individuals to mitigate the entry and spread of the disease into the country.

“We have entry screening for arriving passed for all flights by Port Health Services using the temperature scanners, we are also collecting travel history information and carrying out physical observation of all incoming passengers,” Sirika said

” we are also focusing on early recognition and isolation of suspected passengers with facilities to transport then to designated hospitals and trace those that have had contact with them.”

“We also have a designated conducive holding area for Port Health Services in case of suspected cases on any aircraft”, Sirika said.

Service Chiefs: PRONECO describes legislative forum position as selfish

The Pro-Nigeria Elders Council (PRONECO) has described the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) as an extension of selfish political merchants chasing their personal interests.

PRONECO’s position trails the group’s call for the removal of the nation’s Service Chiefs over alleged widespread insecurity.

Inaugurated by Senate President Ahmad Lawan in October, the YPF objective was to secure the inclusion and participation of youths in the process of deepening Nigeria’s democracy.

However, the Pro-Nigeria Elders Council believe the group has been hijacked by the opposition to carry out its dirty work.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, Publicity Secretary, Hon. Bala Kuta, PRONECO disclosed that the YPF is merely acting a script with its call for overhaul of the security architecture.

According to the elders, this desperation is to pave way for loyalists and sympathizers to ascend and illegally overthrow the government.

PRONECO, therefore, urged law enforcement agencies to be on red alert as these disgruntled politicians could move a step further to connive with junior officers in the military to attempt the coup they had always wanted.

The elders, however, commended Mr. President for keeping faith in the Security Chiefs “in view of the war situation that our country has found herself in with both internal and external aggressors”.

Read full statement below:

Gentlemen of the press, you must have noted the upsurge in the number of persons and organizations calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the military service chiefs. This has been a long-time development with a recent twist. The recent twist to this call, which we consider criminal, is that the call has become systematic, which has prompted us to see a pattern and aggregation.

In essence, the demands from some quarters and individuals for the service chiefs to be fired from their posts is being teleguided by those that have vested interests that require that the nation’s security architecture be dismantled. Their objectives cannot be achieved as so long as the current crop of service chiefs are in office hence the desperation to force them out of office even when it is not in the interest on the country.

We have not lost sight of the fact that one Senator Eyinaya Abaribe recently demanded the resignation of President Buhari on account of these same service chiefs. It was not surprising that this same Senator is the one that has been propping up the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a terrorist group that has been outlawed by the courts of the land.

It is no surprise that the position canvassed by Senator Abaribe has now been taken up by other federal lawmakers from other zones, particularly the north-east, which confirms the suspicion that such lawmakers have been at the root of the Boko Haram insurgency and can no longer take the heat directed at their foot soldiers under the leadership of the able service chiefs. Their demand for these fine officers and commanders to be sacked therefore becomes understandable even though unacceptable.

Even when sporting the branding of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is a mere disguise, the fact that the bulk of these lawmakers, like the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) are members of the opposition. The same opposition that threatened the country with the threat of more killings should President Buhari be re-elected. His victory at the polls became the basis on which they unleashed their killers on the rest of us. Also recall that the opposition has been desperate to have a change of guards in the entire military services so that their loyalists and sympathizers can ascend and illegally overthrow the government to pave way for a transition government that will hand over power to the opposition.

Unfortunately, these coup plotters have something hidden behind their sleeves which to all discerning minds must be viewed with a microscopic lens as people that do not mean well for the Nigerian state.

These are ploys that are well known and for which the service chiefs have made robust responses to ensure that the country remains safe hence the angst against them by the same people that want to turn the country upside down. We understand their anger in this regard although we have no sympathies for people that want to destroy our country for us.

It is most uncharitable that even when their plots have been repeatedly thwarted by the Armed Forces, these unpatriotic people have decided to carry on with the demand for the sack of Nigeria’s service chiefs but have nonetheless resorted to unleashing distractions on the nation at large and the military in particular. Only persons that are interested in derailing the focus of the military would engage in such irresponsible approach of wearing down the energy of persons tasked with providing security to citizens.

Considering the extent of damage they have done to our body polity through support to terrorists in the past, we are urging law enforcement agencies to note that It is high time these persons are watched closely as their failure to bastardize the military might push them into conniving with junior officers in the military to attempt the coup they had always wanted. This of course will jeopardize our democracy and is something that must not be allowed to happen.

We also want a professional and clinical probe of the security breaches across the country. Clearly, if the growing spate of insecurity was the concern these persons, they would have by now made a fair assessment of the situation and come up with nationalistic solutions. But because the reason informed them to demand that Mr. President and the Service Chiefs should leave office are selfish in nature, they have not been able to make useful input to advance the great work being done. They are too obsessed to know that Mr President and his team are working day and night to restore peace and normalcy to the land.

PRONECO therefore wishes to commend the wise decision of Mr. President to keep the Security Chiefs in view of the war situation that our country has found herself in with both internal and external aggressors.

Gen. Buratai and a Rebranded Nigerian Army

By DAN AMOR

This year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day took place on January 15, about a month ago. It is usually an annual event during which the country and her citizens remember our fallen heroes -those who paid the supreme price to protect the territorial integrity of our beloved country. Nigerians use the date to celebrate not only members of our armed forces who died during the Nigerian Civil War (1967 – 1970), but also Nigerian soldiers who died during the Second World War or World War 2, a global war that lasted between 1939 and 1945 when the principal belligerents also known as the Axis powers – Germany, Italy and Japan – and the Allies – France, Great Britain, the United States of America, the Soviet Union, and to a lesser extent, China, fought themselves with modern weapons. It is also an event used to remember Nigerian soldiers who died during the United Nations peace-keeping operations since 1945 and peace-keeping operations in Africa like the Congo crisis of the 1960s, the Liberian and Serra Leonian civil wars in which ECOMOG soldiers led by Nigeria played a very significant role. This year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day was also used to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Nigerian Civil War. As a Nigerian child whose father also fought in the World War 2, I chose to use this piece to celebrate the Nigerian Army and its leadership, especially in these trying times. It is heartwarming to note that the Army, under the able leadership of Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has been rebranded beyond words.

Leadership is about using people and resources to achieve maximum results. A leader’s history of successes and failures makes a big difference in his credibility. To build trust, a leader must exemplify these qualities: competence, connection and character. People will forgive occasional mistakes based on ability, especially if they can see that you’re still growing as a leader. But they won’t trust someone who has slips in character. In that area, even occasional lapses are lethal. No leader can break trust with his people and expect to keep influencing them. Trust makes leadership possible. This is what the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai NAM GSS psc (+) ndc (BD) BA (Hons), MA, MPhil, exemplifies. At the emergence of the Muhammadu Buhari administration on May 29, 2015, the fear of Boko Haram, the Islamist terrorist organization which had crippled economic and social activities in the North East geopolitical zone of the the country was the beginning of wisdom. To stem the tide of this menace, President Buhari announced the relocation of Army Headquarters from Abuja to Maiduguri, the theatre of war. This was indubitably based on the necessity to intensify the fight against the terrorists. In fact, through alleged official negligence, conspiracy or collusion of previous leadership of the military, Boko Haram became a terrifying force taking tens of thousands of lives, destroying property worth billions of naira and capturing several towns and villages and even local government areas thereby rendering hundreds of thousands of Nigerians homeless.

Consequently, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, the 26th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) who was appointed on July 13, 2015, galvanized himself and swung into action. Launching his campaign on an enduring philosophy and vision of an army which could inculcate the ideals of discipline, professionalism, esprit de corps and hardwork, Buratai told his officers, rank and file that his administration would instill and imbibe the ideals of a professionally responsive army which must have respect for and be loyal to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Under him and in just four years, renewed vigour and a rare sense of direction have been introduced to the Nigerian Army. Aside from a potent manifestation of professionalism amongst the rank and file and the officers Corp, there is a high degree of human rights observance in the army. Also, there is a monumental degree of infrastructural development across all the formations of the Nigerian Army. There is, indeed, a remarkable increase in the Army equipment holdings and improved maintenance culture. The army is no more on the defensive, as the organization now defines the territory of combat and the battle taken to the doorsteps of the aggressors. Under Buratai the Nigerian Army is a consummate praetorian guard of the nation’s inviolability.

As a practical leader, Buratai travels to war fronts in the North East to pray and felicitate with his highly motivated troops during Eid-el-Fitr. During Christmas, he visits several units and formations, and personally assesses their operations. Through specific directives, he proactively addresses some of the identified challenges of the troops. This is how it should be. Using the template tagged Operation “Lafiya dole”, the Nigerian Army, under his command, has identified the challenges in the dynamics of modern warfare which requires constant innovation, research, intelligence gathering mechanism, advancement of technology and the building of local capacity. In consequence, therefore, the COAS has set in motion a deliberate programme for the immediate repair and refitting of all the abandoned and unserviceable weapons and equipment in the Army inventory. In fact, about 178 armored fighting vehicles of various types are completely refurbished by the Army electrical and mechanical engineers at various workshops across the country. This has put paid to the over-reliance on foreign equipment and spares which was a huge setback in the immediate past. In fact, what the Army could not achieve in thirty years has been achieved within just four years of Gen. Buratai in the saddle as Chief of Army Staff.

Expectedly, this feat has attracted odium from his detractors who have repeatedly tried to haul mud on him. But he has refused to be distracted by such invidious campaign of calumny and media trials. Rather, he has kept his head above waters culminating in the recent victory of our gallant troops over the Boko Haram insurgents. Indeed, fifth columnists can go to town with their verbiage and vituperation that the insurgents are still not totally defeated given their occasional strikes at targeted objects and ambush attacks. But they fail to understand that this is a nonconventional war in which the terrorists do not wear uniforms. How many times have the insurgents infiltrated Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory as was the case in the past when detonation of bombs in Abuja was almost predictable? A man of few words, Buratai blended words with actions, and by December 2015, barely five months into his appointment, Boko Haram was technically decimated leading to their total defeat in December 2016. Unarguably, the last vestiges of the Boko Haram insurgency were displaced from the Sambisa Forests at “Camp Zero”.

The gallant Nigerian troops also dismantled the official flag of the terrorists and have liberated nearly 20 local government areas hitherto seized by the anarchists. An accomplished senior infantry officer who was commissioned in 1983 and has had multiple command, administrative and institutional appointments in his illustrious military career, Buratai gained admission into the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna as a member of the 29 Regular Combatant Course on January 3, 1981. A highly decorated senior military officer with several local and international awards, Gen. Buratai has a barrage of both military and academic qualifications and has served in various military formations in Nigeria. Under him, all information regarding the activities of the Army is known to the Nigerian public as against the past in which everything was shrouded in secrecy and cover ups leading to massive frauds. Nigerian troops are now properly motivated, all thanks to his eclectic leadership.

Amor is on the Editorial Board of TheNigerian Tabloid.

Gen. Buratai, still focused on victory over Boko Haram

By Ifure Ataifure

While the Boko Haram insurgents hit soft targets, the Nigerian military has continued to push to stop the terrorists. Recently Nigeria’s Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, optimistically declared that the military has won the war against insurgency as the Boko Haram militants do not control any territory in Nigeria again.

Gen. Buratai had attributed what is happening in the North east currently as vengeance and criminality. Hear him: “What is happening now is just criminality. Since last year, we have not given them any respite. They are now blocked.

“They no longer have access to foods; their movements are constrained; they no longer get the fuel they needed easily because we have strangulated them. They are now in depressed state; so, they go out with vengeance to attack commuters to abduct individuals and targeting certain religious persons just for their propaganda.”

That is the present reality of the story of Boko Haram in Nigeria today. But those not placated with such assurances or have not even bothered to look at the reality on counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria are excited to dismiss it. But it is normal in the character of homo sapiens. Odd news spread faster and with the speed of a tornado. But good news does not fly. It does not fascinate people. It is unenthusiastic to many ears in spite of its visibility. It’s a universal innate human problem which does not bow to race or creed.

That is even evident in media reportage of the Nigerian Military’s counter operations to quell the several insurgencies and insurrections in the country. Each time news of Nigerian troops resounding and victorious exploits against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists is played in the media, its usually from official military sources. The media is uninterested about the good tidings of troops or their country’s triumph against terrorists. But the same media eagerly scoops and publishes the odd news about Boko Haram terrorists successful attacks on troops or annexation of territories. They reel out fantastic figures or unverified facts and rush to the press, quoting unconfirmed sources. Without named attributions, the news stories still make headlines. But ironically, they hardly devout this energy in reporting the positives of the counter-insurgency operations.

It is obvious that insecurity has heightened in Nigeria in the past months. A tamed, decimated and defeated Boko Haram insurgents were suddenly enlivened by ISIL’s Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists from Iran. Generally, Nigeria’s experience is replete with accentuated insecurities in the year preceding and during every general election year. Political hawks and politicians with overzealous political ambitions infiltrate and pollute the serenity of the country with terrifying quantum or proliferation of illicit arms and ammunitions. And 2019 had its fair share of such incendiary actors.

And on the terrorism front, similar changes were noticed in confounding resurgence of terrorism. The battles between these terrorists’ sects and the Nigerian troops have been tough and engaging. Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorists have been insistently desirous to erode the gains the Nigerian Army has recorded over the last four years by their embarrassing repression. Insurgents desperation to retake reclaimed territories of Nigeria’s sovereignty is high. But the resistance of Nigerian troops has equally been stiff, unbreakable and sustained.

Terrorists have been unable to discharge their mandate of annihilating liberated Local Government Areas in the Northeast. Both sides in the counter-terrorism warfare have incurred human and material losses in magnitudes that cannot be ignored. The struggle is consistently fierce and tough. But Boko Haram/ISWAP have longer hours of wailing in defeats and debilitating crushes of their might by soldiers.

But hence the sense of humanity tends to tilt towards the odd and grotesque, the flashes of obscene news from the counter-insurgency operations seem to resonate louder. The news carriers embellish it so excitedly and, in a manner, you would think the Nigerian troops have been perpetual crying babies before terrorists in the battlefront. But its far from the truth.

Except that many Nigerians have no opportunity to visit the theatre of war in the Northeastern part of the country. The COAS and the ombudsman of the counter-terrorism operations, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai relocated to the Northeast to direct action at the frontlines when the battle became tougher. And he sometimes, personally led onslaughts on marauding terrorists. He is not a sit-come Army leader.

And the courageous and gallant actions of Nigerian troops in these turbulent months have also yielded amazing victories for Nigeria. The victories are serial and multiple. Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists have had longer hours of nightmare and groaned more than Nigerian troops ever did. It is fair to admit that in war both sides incur bruises.

In the month of December alone, the Nigerian military campaigns against insurgents and the numerous strategic expeditions of the “Operation Deep Punch” have recorded in clearance operations, praiseworthy exploits. That some Nigerians have refused to hail outstanding performances on the battlefront does not dispute these naked facts.

The month of December 2019 presented the most intense of such operations on terrorists and the successes. Yuletide season is particularly sensitive and an enticing period which hungrily galvanize or inspire terrorists to commit more heinous atrocities.

However, in the same period soldiers have neutralized scores of terrorists, rescued hostages including women and children and also seized large caches of arms and ammunitions from terrorists. Dozens of terrorists and their agents have also been arrested; while many others surrendered to the Army.

Soldiers recorded a retinue of defeats and decapitations of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in series of encounters in the week of Christmas day. On Christmas eve in December 2019, the troops of 151 Bn, Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole humbled a clan of Boko Haram militant insurgents in clearance operation conducted into the hinter Sambisa forest. A Boko Haram suicide bomber who attempted to force himself into the troops’ base was neutralized.

The gunfire the act generated from troops also consumed terrorists cahoots in the game. Vigilante troops averted a calamity on a Military base as the improvised explosive Device strapped to the insurgents body got detonated in the process. In the aftermath soldiers recovered arms and ammunitions like 81 mm mortar muzzle cover, 2 rounds of anti-aircraft ammunition, one AK 47 magazine and one passport photo of the suicide bombers.

Again, troops crushed insurgents on the eve of Christmas too in Adamawa state. On December 24, 2019, troops of 192 Battalion, Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole in clearance operations from Madagali through Waga Lawan, Jaje to Fadama all in Madagali LGA of the state engaged terrorists in a firefight. Terrorists were shattered and all the structures of the armed criminals like farmland, harvested grains stored in underground bunkers and one Lister grinding machine were destroyed.

Another heavy success was recorded by the troops of Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole in alliance with the Air Task Force Operation attached to Operation Lafiya Dole. They foiled an attempt by ISWAP terrorists to infiltrate Damaturu, the Yobe state capital on December 22, 2019. Soldiers harvested terrorists in numbers after a ferocious gun battle. The episode led to the death of a top ISWAP Commander, Abu Muqhtar, who reportedly has coordinated several terror attacks along the fringes of Lake Chad. At least, 30 other insurgents perished in the encounter.

An official statement from the Nigerian Army stated that; “In the aftermath of the encounter, troops captured 1 Gun Truck and destroyed 2 others. Troops equally captured 561 Rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 1420 Rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 1850 Rounds of 7.62mmX51 ammunition and 2 Rocket Propelled Gun bombs. Other items captured by the gallant troops include, one Hand Held Communication Radio, 27 sachets of Meal Ready to Eat wraps and 350 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol).”

But much earlier, in the same month, troops clearance operations rescued 31 persons comprising 14 women and 17 children at Mantari, Malam Masari and Gabchari Villages in Bama LGA of Borno state in an ambush they laid for terrorists. The feat was made possible by the troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade at Darel Jamel, Bama LGA of Borno. The bloody operation also consumed a number of Boko Haram terrorists.

The winning streaks of troops against ISWAP’s armed criminals also manifested positively as the 242 Battalion deployed at Charlie 6 Check Point in Monguno LGA in same Borno arrested suspected Boko Haram criminals’ logistics suppliers identified as Abubakar Aisami and Modu Baba. They were caught with food stuff and drugs concealed in a bag of smashed corn powder headed for delivery to Boko Haram insurgents in their hideouts.

Additionally, the day of glory for the Army and misfortune for Boko Haram agents registered another good result at a different location, as troops of 25 Task Force Brigade deployed at Nigerian Army Super Camp 2 Damboa in Damboa LGA of Borno state, on December 25, 2019 arrested an insurgents informant. In a sting operation by troops, a high profile Boko Haram informant/logistics supplier, Ibrahim Bulama Buba and 2 others suspected to be his couriers at Shuwari village in Damboa district, while they were insidiously coordinating terrorists attacks.

In the heat of terrorists intensified onslaughts, on December 14, troops dealt several Daesh/ISIS-affiliated terrorists in the restive Northeast in conjunction with Nigerian Air Force who launched air bombardment strikes. Scores of terrorists were killed when troops promptly responded to credible intelligence reports indicating that some ISWAP leaders had assembled for a meeting in one of the two buildings at the centre of Ankara settlement.

And Nigerians, too busy with Christmas preparations, did not notice that the combined troops of 68 and 94 Battalions of Operation Lafiya Dole uncovered a Boko Haram enclave and slammed it with devastating gunfire at Malam Fatori in Abadam LGA. And the repression of terrorists was extended by troops of 144 Battalion. They also gallantly neutralized three insurgents at Limankara in Gwoza on December 3, as troops foiled their attempt to infiltrate and invade the troops location to cause fresh atrocity.

Among the things harvested by troops in the encounter was the arrest of Boko Haram terrorist, Abba Modu, who was conscripted into the sect since 2015, but willingly surrendered to the troops of 3 Battalion at Gamboru in Ngala LGA on December 3. He was a member of Mamman Nur sect and rustled cattle for the welfare of terrorists in their hideous camps.

The post-Christmas blues from the Northeast were also exciting. On December 27, 2019, the troops of Nigerian Army Super Camp 7 in Bama, Bama LGA of Borno state during offensive clearance operations against Boko Haram criminals at Tafana 1, Tafana 2 and Tafana 3 Villages all in Bama LGA, decisively tackled terrorists. In the ensuing encounter, troops munched a Boko Haram terrorist, captured one alive. The troops also destroyed the criminals’ hideouts, seized their Jihadi flags, recovered16 arrows and 32 refilled rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, an indication of acute shortage of ammunition and related resources, which aid terrorists operations. And the operation led to the rescue of eight women and six children. The rescued children were immediately administered with Polio Vaccines.

The fact file of December 2019 also revealed that the troops of Sector 3 Mobile Team in conjunction with elements of Sector 2 Multi National Joint task Force conducted Operation Life Line. It was in the general area of Monguno, Gasarwa, Wamiri, Badu, Gudumbali and Kukawa in Monguno, Guzamala and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State, where they mercilessly neutralized marauding Boko Haram terrorists in fierce battles. The superior gunfire of troops forced the terrorists to bid a speedy retreat towards Garere Village, a gateway in Guzamala LGA leading into the Lake Chad Tumbuns.

Unrelenting, the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole also gave a hot chase of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists who laid ambush along Jakana-Mainok road. In this instance too, there was exchange of gunfire leading to the death of several terrorists, while others escaped with gunshots wounds. Troops recovered two-gun trucks and other weapons from the escapee terrorists. The efforts were consolidated in January 2020 at Pulka in Gwoza LGA as troops of the 121 Task Force Battalion launched a successful ambush against terrorists on motorcycles at Sabon Garin Kirawa.

Stretching further within the same ambit, troops of 159 Task Force Battalion operating at Gubio, complemented by Civilian JTF neutralized two terrorists, compelling others to abort their plan to unleash another attack on the locality. And four AK 47 rifles and magazines and 46 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition were seized. The Army also arrested another high-profile Boko Haram spy and logistics supplier, named Modu Gana at Bulunkutu Ngomari in Jere LGA. Surprisingly, investigation divulged that the suspect had series of communication with ISWAP Commander, named Bukar Fatumani who hired him to conduct discreet surveillance on troops location at Benishiek, Jakana, Auno and Njimtilo vicinities. It has been the source of surprise attacks on Military Bases.

And it was a sad day for Boko Haram insurgents who hibernated in some communities in Adamawa state. Soldiers of the Operation Fufe Kofe of the Operation Lafiya Dole in relentless clearance operations offensives, dislodged them and their hoisted flag destroyed.

Also at Fadama village, the criminals’ flag hoisted on a tree was captured and immediately lowered after the troops had effectively subdued the insurgents with superior fire power forcing them to flee in disarray. Two 2 bicycles, copies of Quran and several other personal effects were recovered from the insurgents.

Precisely on January 2, 2020 was another dooms day for Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists. Troops descended on Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorists hideouts in parts of Borno state and rescued 165 women and children from hostage. The troops of Sector 3 Mobile Team in conjunction with Sector 2 Multinational Joint task Force also recovered and destroyed 15 vehicles belonging to the Boko Haram terrorists; arrested 75 suspected Boko Haram agents in Northern Borno. The rescued civilians were transited to a humanitarian facility in Monguno and later to officials of Borno State Emergency Management Agency.

Therefore, despite the difficult and engaging times coupled with the rough operational terrains in the Northeast, Gen. Buratai provided nourishing and strategic leadership which anchored serial victories for Nigeria against terrorists. It is his utmost desire to live his pledge of ending terrorism in Nigeria in accordance with the directive of President Buhari. Buratai has remained undaunted by temporary setbacks.

Leader of the counter-insurgency operations, Gen. Buratai and the Nigerian troops in the frontlines have not done badly even in the face of instigated renewed terrorists attacks in the Northeast during the last sensitive festivities of Christmas and New Year celebrations. It explains why in a crucial security meeting with Security Chiefs, January 2020, Mr. President expressed satisfaction with security heads in confronting the resurgent and daunting challenges of insecurities around parts of the country.

It was a tacit and a bolstering vote of confidence on the Service and Security Chiefs by their Commander-In-Chief. Therefore, campaigners for their sack in the face of these stark evidence of excellence may have a long road to walk. It is the main reason, President Buhari emphasized a few days back that, “I followed records and thought I picked the best then, of course, their performance may be disappointing but I accept responsibility for not changing them. My reason is based on my experience.”

Mr. President was resolute that; “My understanding of security is that, when you have a case of emergency, you have to be careful with tampering with the heads of services. This is again one of my personal experiences.”

“I am weighing the options critically, when you have a case of emergency, if you don’t wait for an appropriate time to do it, then you create competition within the service; there are so many ambitious people waiting and only one man can be chief of army staff in the army, only one person can be the inspector-general of police. Don’t forget that it was this administration that appointed all the three,” The President intoned.

Certainly, no Commander-In-Chief like President Buhari would flush out his rara caliber of Service and Security Chiefs in emergency times as presently obtained in Nigeria. Its impossible, if weighed on the strength of their palpably daring exploits geared towards finally blighting Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism in Nigeria.

Ataifure is Secretary, Centre for International and Strategic Studies (CISS), Abuja.

Bayelsa: APC insists on fresh governorship election

…Says PDP fraudulent, two-faced party
The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr. Yekini Nabena has said the volte face commendation of the Supreme Court and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the Bayelsa Governorship has exposed the opposition party as a fraudulent and a two-faced party.

The deputy APC spokesman specifically asked the PDP’s National Chairman whether democracy is no longer under threat as he has claimed?

According to him, APC has formally demanded a fresh election in Bayelsa state.

“The party’s National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole while affirming the supremacy of the Apex Court, forwarded a letter to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu titled: Judgement in Appeal No: SC.1/2020 between Peoples Democratic; Party Request for conduct of fresh governorship election in Bayelsa state.”

Nabena, however, urged Nigerians to be wary of “motor park politicians majorly in the opposition PDP.”

Speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, the Baylesa born APC chieftain demanded that the rule of law must be adhered to in the case of the Bayelsa governorship.

“When the Supreme Court decided against the PDP on the Imo governorship, the PDP led in protest by its National Chairman, Uche Secondus went around the European Union, UK and US embassies wailing that ‘Nigeria’s democracy is under threat’. What has suddenly changed in the case of the Bayelsa Governorship?

“This only goes to show that these foriegn concerns and all Nigerians must be wary of the motor park politics and insincere antics of the PDP.

“The contentions on the Bayelsa Governorship is far from over. We are all aware of the NYSC certificate forgery case of the Bayelsa deputy governor,
Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo as well as the decision of the APC National leadership to continue to pursue all legal avenues to contest INEC’s decision to declare Duoye Diri as Bayelsa Governor, having failed to meet the mandatory constitutional requirement to become the governor.

“I urge all lovers of democracy to continue to press that the rule of law is adhered to not only in the case of Bayelsa state, but in all matters. Democracy is a game of numbers and the majority must have their way.” Nabena stated.

Boko Haram: Defend Service Chiefs, military from disgruntled politicians, group urges Nigerians

The Coalition for Democracy and Development (CDD) has charged Nigerians to support the country’s Service Chiefs in the fight against terrorism amidst conspiracy by disgruntled politicians.

The Coalition made this known at a press conference on Sunday in Abuja, raising an alarm plot by these individuals and groups to disintegrate Nigeria through the sponsoring of acts of terrorism.

In a statement signed by Director Enlightenment, Dr. Grace Ojukwu, CDD revealed that this group is happy with the gains made by the military in the fight against terrorism since the advent of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Coalition added that there is a grand plot by some politicians and sponsors of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group to mobilize over 2000 youths to stage a protest against the Service Chiefs in the country on Monday 17th February.

With that in mind, CDD, therefore, implored Nigerians to come out in number to challenge anyone acting on the gimmicks of Boko Haram and their sponsors to carry out any protests to destabilize the country.

While pledging support for President Buhari and the Service Chiefs, the group, however, vowed to reveal the identities of the Boko Haram sponsors should they proceed with the protest.

Read full statement below:

The Coalition for Democracy and Development wishes to inform the members of the general public of the despicable plot by some disgruntled individuals and organizations that are determined to see to the disintegration of Nigeria through the sponsoring of acts of terrorism in Nigeria.

These individuals and organizations are not happy with the gains made by the Nigerian Military in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria since the advent of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and as such they have been in the vanguard of sponsoring acts against National Interest all aimed at causing disaffection in the polity.

This is on the heels that credible information at the disposal of the CDD indicates that there is a grand plot by some politicians and sponsors of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group to mobilize over 2000 youths to stage a protest against the Service Chiefs in the country on Monday 17th February 2020.

These Boko Haram sponsors have been distributing vast sums of monies to see to the actualization of their evil agenda against Nigeria, which is ultimately aimed at embarrassing the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for his stance on the unity of Nigeria.

The CDD wishes to state that all well-meaning Nigerians must condemn this despicable plot by those that have vowed to instigate the people against the leadership of the country in the interest of peace and tranquility.

That Nigeria is on the path of greatness is as a result of the sincerity of the heart and purpose of President Muhammadu Buhari since he assumed leadership of the country, and this stance has not gone down well with those that have been depriving the people of their commonwealth.

Therefore the planned protest by Boko Haram sponsors against President Muhammadu Buhari, and Nigeria’s Service Chiefs is considered as wicked, evil and a malicious attempt targeted at returning Nigeria to the dark era when these agents of darkness could freely detonate bombs in Abuja and other parts of the country with so much recklessness.

This is unacceptable and an indication that those that have been rejected by the people in the 2019 general elections would stop at nothing in their quest to see to the destruction of Nigeria in fulfillment of their desire.

The CDD is appalled that the opposition politicians in the country would condescend so low to the point of setting the country on fire to satisfy their selfish motives that is against the interest of over 180 million Nigerians.

In light of the above, the CDD wishes to call on well-meaning Nigerians to rise in defense of those that have been protecting them from the clutches of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

Nigerians must realize that, but for the commitment and sincerity of heart and purpose of the Service Chiefs in Nigeria, the Boko Haram terrorist group would have carved a large part of Nigeria as their caliphate.

Nigerians are therefore implored to come out enmasse to challenge anyone acting on the gimmicks of Boko Haram and their sponsors to carry out any protests to destabilize the administration of President Muhammdu Buhari.

Nigerians are aware of this despicable plot, and the CDD is stating in unequivocal terms that should the planned protest go on, we shall not hesitate to make public names of those that have elected to make Nigeria uninhabitable and ungovernable.

The members of the opposition in Nigeria should not take Nigerians for fools as Nigerians decided to take their destinies into their own hands by choosing a leader in President Muhammadu Buhari to pilot the affairs of Nigeria.

The destinies of over 180 million Nigerians cannot be truncated by a select few that have sold their souls to the devil in return for a plate of porridge. That Nigeria is no longer their cash cow is not by accident, and this much they must come to terms with and allow peace to reign.

The CDD wishes to state that the Service Chiefs in Nigeria have been at their best and this much has seen to the gains made in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria as no local government area is under the control of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

The CDD lends its support to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari as well as the Service Chiefs in the country for the great and patriotic effort at entrenching peace and tranquility in the country.

We also call on the security agencies to arrest and question the organizers of the protest and probe the source of the over two billion naira that is distributed by those funding the planned protest against the Service Chiefs slated for 17th February 2020.

Nigerians deserve the right to choose those they want as leaders, and the era of imposing their whims and caprices on us is gone for good. Nigeria would never return to that dark era, and it is our considered opinion that should the security agencies not act now, the consequences might be severe.

Thank you all for attending this press conference, and it is our wish that Nigeria shall continue to defeat the evil forces manifest in members of the opposition politicians gnashing their teeth because it is no longer business as usual.

Nigerians must support the Leadership of the Nigerian Military in their quest to defeat Terrorism in Nigeria.

Avoid Hate, Bitterness, Embrace National Unity, NIFROP Urges Religious Leaders

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace, NIFROP has called on religious leaders leaders in the country to ignore the politics of hate and bitterness and embrace peace and unity of the country.

The interfaith group led by religious leaders from the Muslim and Christian communities in the country, at the grand finale of of a 21-day fasting and prayer session over the weekend assured that insurgency will not lead Nigeria into war.

Bishop Sunday Garuba, National Coordinator of the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace, in his address said the coming on board of President Muhammadu Buhari was indeed an act of God because Nigeria was indeed on the brink of imminent collapse with the activities of those that have ganged up against the destinies of over 180 million Nigerians. 

According to him, Nigeria was bleeding at the time, so much that there was an urgent need for a heavenly intervention by the most high God. 

He said the group prayed and fasted for God’s intervention and he indeed intervened by giving the country a trustworthy and reliable leader like President Muhammadu Buhari. 

He said, ”It did not end there. There were indeed revelations that the forces of darkness would rise against him in his quest to make Nigeria better and true to the revelations they indeed rose against him. And since then, we have been praying and fasting on his behalf for God to continue to protect him and give him the wisdom to lead with the fear of God and the interest of the people at heart”. 

He also warned that the attempt by political agents of darkness to bring back another round of killings in the North East, especially Borno State, necessitated the need for us to come together as brethren to pray and call on God. 

”The killing of the CAN President of Michika and other brethren, students and innocent souls that were instigated by some criminal elements have prompted us not to only pray in the spirit but to rise with our loud voices to heaven and call on God to rise for the sake of President Buhari to put these agents of darkness to shame. 

”Brethren, on this grand finale, we can say that God is indeed on the throne with the avalanche of revelations that have reached us. We are glad we undertook this task on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria at large. The composition of this gathering alone is an indication that God loves Nigeria and that indeed Christians and Muslims can come together under one roof for the common good of Nigeria. 

”For over 20 days, we have been praying and fasting. This period has seen countless revelations from God. By the authority of God that I represent, I announce that God is indeed rebuilding Nigeria. 

”God is about descending heavily on those that have conspired in times past against Nigeria, and those plotting against President Muhammadu Buhari. God has sent destruction to their households. He has promised to bring shame to every one of them in the business of the soliciting for the destruction of Nigeria. God has promised to go after them one after the other wherever they are on this planet for the earth is the lord and its fullness thereof. 

”I make bold to make the pronouncement that should those that have gathered against our President and country not repent from their sins, there is no way they would escape the wrath of God for God is with President Muhammadu Buhari, and He is going to defeat all the enemies of Nigeria before the end of the year. 

”I also wish to use this medium to call on the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and other religious organizations to ignore the politics of hate and bitterness and embrace the unity of Nigeria so that God will help us to defeat the evil ones”, Garuba said. 

Also at the event, a Muslim cleric, Sheik Abubakar Sadiq, who led other clerics called on Nigerians to 

embrace one another and live in peace if we are desirous of experiencing peace and unity in Nigeria, adding that no human society can thrive in the absence of peace and tranquility. 

He said the prayers and fasting programme came at the time when Nigeria has witnessed unprecedented politically sponsored violence across the country. 

”Some religious organizations have also taken advantage of the situation to pitch Muslims and Christians against themselves. 

”We are glad that this programme has indeed revealed that Christian and Muslims are the same, and this much has been exhibited throughout the duration of this programme. 

”I am also using this medium to apologize to President Muhammadu Buhari on behalf of the good people of Borno State for the show of shame that was politically motivated by those whose hands have been soiled with the blood of innocent people that have lost their lives in the Boko Haram/ISWAP conflict in North-East Nigeria.

”I am standing in front of all of you here to ask President Muhammadu Buhari to forgive those that booed him as well as those that mobilized those that booed him because Allah is all merciful and he is quick to forgive”, he said.

Boko Haram: Group accuses Fortune, AI of sponsored blackmail against Nigerian military

The Coalition for Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria (CHRMGN) has fingered British journalist, Conor Fortune and Amnesty International to be behind “a new sponsored plot to blackmail the Nigerian military in the war against terrorism.”

According to the group, Fortune, a human rights and conflict resolution writer who is also AI’s Deputy Director of Communications, External Affairs and Crisis Response, has in recent times propagated falsehood against the Nigerian troops.

At a press conference on Friday in Abuja, the human rights group raised an alarm to the global community about what it described as the latest gimmick deployed by Amnesty International.

According to the convener Gabriel Agibi, Fortune is the new tool deployed to promote fallacy with his misleading report which appears to act as a bait for luring marks for recruitment of terrorists.

Like time past, the group revealed that Amnesty International only indicts the hardworking military on non-existent allegations while staying mute on the atrocities committed by the terrorists.

With reference to the fictitious report, the Coalition for Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria, therefore, condemned in its entirety as irresponsible advocacy that places the interest of terrorists above the safety of law-abiding citizens and defenceless civilians who are being protected by a patriotic military in Nigeria.

It further urged the international community to step in and order a stop to this harassment of the Nigerian state and its institutions.

Read full statement below:

Gentlemen of the press, many of you must have reported on the recent frantic efforts by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) to regain relevance through sickening attacks that shock even the most depraved of sociopaths. The Coalition for Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria had wondered what could be responsible for the seeming boldness that the terrorists appeared to have acquired.

Things have however come to light at it is now glaring that the terrorists went on their human life wasting spree as part of an elaborate script that is targeted realizing the singular agenda of the enemies of Nigeria. At the core of this horror show is Amnesty International, backed up by a section of the international media circuit and so called social-media influencers with a disgruntled opposition political parties thrown into the mix.

Following its well-known modus operandi, Amnesty International has again concocted fiction that it has packaged as a report about incidents of human rights abuses committed by the Nigerian military. Recall that the blockade of arms sales to Nigeria under the Obama regime in the United States was based on the series of the moonlight tales told by Amnesty International that then turned around to use a compilation of its lies as a basis for demonizing Nigeria and preventing the military from getting much needed equipment that would have made the eradication of Boko Haram faster.

The record is there for all to see that by blocking arms sales to Nigeria, Amnesty International effectively put entire communities in harm’s way by giving terrorists the upper hand. It is not possible for this so called international human right NGO to feign ignorance about the negative impact of its activities. Enlightened Nigerians that are familiar with its activities were provoked enough that they occupied its premises to demand that it shuts down its deep state operation in the country.

But history is again repeating itself. Amnesty International is back from the drawing board with more deadly consequences. The terrorists are maiming and killing people on a scale that could only have been ordered by Amnesty International. Also, consistent with what has been observed in the past, the sudden re-mobilization of the terrorists followed a pattern that those keenly monitoring the situation have become all too familiar with: the military severely degrades terrorists, the remnants of the terrorists flee into neighboring countries, the terrorists get international support in hiding, they regroup and resume attacks in Nigeria and Amnesty International attempts to frustrate the military from tackling the resurgence by alleging phantom right abuses and the terrorists use the lull to carry out attacks.

Conor Fortune, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director of Communications, External Affairs and Crisis Response, has been marketing and promoting the latest work of fiction from the NGO and has been presenting this a Holy Grail when in reality nothing has changed in the capacity of the NGO to provoke human suffering. Please, note that Conor Fortune is a friend of Hamad Salkida, disgraced journalist turned Boko Haram/ISWAP mouthpiece. The only thing can unite these two-nasty pieces of work is the irrational desire to have Nigeria destroyed.

We find it worrisome that Amnesty International has ramped up its strategy as it is using its latest report as a tool for terrorist recruitment. We observe that Conor Fortune is using the impending report as a bait for luring marks for recruitment. He is using his Twitter handle, @WritesRights, to request people to inbox him for the report. We understand that those that inbox Conor are being propositioned and groomed as potential sympathizers for Boko Haram and Amnesty International’s causes. This shows that Amnesty International is in desperate need of new propaganda footmen and is trying to get exceptional mileage out of its latest pack of lies.

We are aware that in a bid to deflect attention and circumvent previous observations that Amnesty International only indicts a hard working military while staying mute on the atrocities committed by the terrorists, the NGO will this time around offer a mild reprimand of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists while still continuing the tradition of maligning the military to cause reputational damage that will block the prospect of international support to end the terrorists’ bloodbath in the northeast of Nigeria. The report, not minding its inaccuracies and glaring failings, will again join the long list of other works of fiction already in the archives.

Amnesty International has equally opened another front against the military with its interference in the peacekeeping efforts in Afara-Ukwu, Abia state where they are cautioning the Army against doing its work of managing the terrorist activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This is not minding that the terrorist members of IPOB are back to making the entire area unsafe for citizens of Nigeria.

This constant attempt to demonize the military in order to favour terrorists is one that the world must prevail upon Amnesty International to stop. It is immoral to promote terrorists against the interest of a sovereign nation. We have seen this strategy repeated too many times by Amnesty international with damaging outcomes hence our decision to raise the alarm and alert the world to this criminality that is being made to appear like advocacy.

Therefore, without prejudice to the explanations contained in the full version of the fictitious report to be published by Amnesty International, the Coalition for Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria condemns it in its entirety as irresponsible advocacy that places the interest of terrorists above the safety of law-abiding citizens.

We urge the international community to step in and order a stop to this harassment of Nigeria and its institutions. It is a culture of impunity that should not be allowed to continue because it exposes other nations to being treated the same way.

Our charge to Nigerians is not allow this slight and threat to the stability of Nigeria to go unchallenged. Nigerians must rise up and disown Amnesty International and all it stands for. They must take their future into their hands and send this demonic NGO out of their country in order to have peace.

There have been previous efforts at making Amnesty International realize the errors of its ways, but which were discontinued after interventions from well-meaning respectable persons. This time, the action we propose against the NGO is final and must not be discontinued until it is verified that it has ceased operations in Nigeria. We therefore urge all groups that have been picketing or demonstrating at Amnesty International office in Abuja or any other part of Nigeria to coalesce into one persistent mass of protesters so that the displeasure being registered about the criminal enterprise will be more effective.

We call on Nigerians on Twitter to report the handle, @WritesRights, for glorifying violence and inciting hatred against an entire country. Nigerians should also take the patriotic step of identifying all social media accounts associated to Amnesty International and their staffers and report such accounts for violation of acceptable standards.

We strongly advise Amnesty International and its staffers in Nigeria to treat this as a timely and friendly warning. The organization and those who implement its evil plans in Nigeria will now be treated in the same measure they have treated our dear country. They cannot expect to enjoy peace and tranquility where they have sponsored terrorists to flood parts of the country with human blood.

Gabriel Agibi
Convener

Group thanks President Buhari over visit to Maiduguri

…. expresses confidence in military’s commitment to peace in Borno state

The North-East Network for Peace has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his prompt and compassionate visit to Maiduguri, Borno State on Tuesday.

According to the group, it is a testament of the president’s focus and unwavering commitment towards restoring lasting peace to the state and the entire region.

Speaking on behalf of the peace network at a press conference on Friday, President, Rev. Josiah Bitrus said they are impressed with the efforts so far in dislodging the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists from the various hideouts in North-East.

Although the group believes resurgence of attacks in Borno has coloration of insider influence, it expressed optimism that the military will eventually come out tops.

In the meantime, however, the North-East Network, called on President Buhari to declare a state of emergency in Borno State.

Read full address below:

We welcome you all to the press conference put together by the North East Network for Peace, a non-governmental organization dedicated to the return of lasting peace in the North East region of Nigeria.

The importance of this press conference cannot be overemphasized given the efforts of the Nigerian Military in the theatre of operations in North-East Nigeria who have exhibited an unimaginable level of commitment to ending the Boko Haram menace.

The North East Network for Peace as worthy partners in the war against terrorism in North-East Nigeria is indeed impressed with the efforts so far in dislodging the Boko Haram insurgents from the various hideouts in North-East Nigeria.

This is cognizant of the commitment of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that has indeed displayed an infectious commitment towards ending the Boko Haram insurgency in North-East Nigeria.

His recent visit to Maiduguri has shown once again that Mr. President has not reneged on his promise to free the entire country of terrorism but will continue to show the people of Borno State and the rest of the country the love and affection to pull through these difficult and challenging moments in the annals of the country.

The North East Network for Peace also wishes to applaud President Muhammadu Buhari for his courageous and fearless posture in speaking the truth no matter the situation. His commitment is unwavering and an indication that, in a matter of time, the menace of Boko Haram would come to an end.

The North East Network for Peace wishes to state that Boko Haram is still operating in Borno state is as a result of the connivance of the local authorities that are benefiting from the crisis. So, therefore, they must do everything to ensure that the activities of Boko Haram activities fester.

These groups of individuals are the very ones under whose care the commonwealth of the people have been vested upon, and they have abused it with careless abandon. They would continue to do everything possible to ensure that the war against terrorism continues so that they can continue to cover their tracks and perpetuate more evil.

The North East Network for Peace consequently wishes to state that the government must take drastic measures in Borno State if it’s desirous of entrenching peace and tranquility as the strategic importance of Borno state in the fight against Boko Haram terrorism cannot be overemphasized.

The North East Network for Peace also states that the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in Borno State has every coloration of insider influence, just like the recent attack in Auno where scores of vehicles were burnt and scores of individuals killed by thugs suspected to be sponsored in an attempt to discredit the efforts of the Nigerian Military.

It is thus our considered opinion that the imposition of a State of Emergency in Borno State would indeed provide the needed tonic for the enforcement of peace and tranquility. It must be noted that the declaration of a State of Emergency in Borno State would put an end to the political support the Boko Haram enjoys at the moment. It would also give room for full Presidential directives and action to sweep the entire north-east of the Boko Haram elements.

The North East Network for Peace is using this medium to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to once again exercise his unflinching love for the people of North East by declaring a State of Emergency in Borno State. This action would go a long way in restoring the peace and tranquility that has evaded Borno State, once regarded as the Home of Peace.

The North East Network for Peace pledges its support to the activities of the Nigerian Military and also appreciates the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

We thank you all for attending this press conference, and we desire that very soon we shall come together again to celebrate the final decimation of the Boko Haram Terrorist group.