Headlines

Dark Clouds Over Boko Haram Defeat

Published

9 years ago

January 11, 2017

Our Reporter

By Yahaya WAKILI, Maidugur

Sect Attacks From Mystery Positions, Behead 15 Hunters, Kill 6 Soldiers In Renewed Ambus

They Are Signs Of Desperation In Defeat – Army

The one biggest wish of Nigerians is perhaps the end to Boko Haram terrorism. And so, when the President, Muhammadu Buhari announced the total conquest of the terrorists, and
the Nigerian Army corroborated with the takeover of Sambisa forest, most Nigerians were in a celebration mood. But while the story of the takeover of Sambisa seems to stick, the claims of the defeat of the terrorist has some dark clouds of doubt. Hardly had the euphoria of the dual news of defeat and takeover
died, Nigerians were jolted to news of the resurgence of the group in a new location outside Sambisa. Apparently to prove a point, they took the battle to soldiers in their operational base at Rann, and recently killed fifteen hunters. The nation is once more at a labyrinth, Nigerians do not know whether to believe the Federal Government or the Boko Haram terrorists over the defeat or otherwise of Islamic sect. Like a scene from the theatre of the absurd, the Federal Government, vide the Nigerian Army insists that Boko Haram has been conquered and their strong hold in Sambisa taken over, while the insurgents in a recent video claim to still be around and even threatening to unleash more terror on Nigerians. Many Nigerians believe that, the Army was in a rash to celebrate their conquest, even though Boko Haram may have been seriously weakened. Analysts believe that it was rather presumptuous for the Federal Government to declare victory, even when the insurgents were still carrying out attacks on some soft targets, especially in Borno state. The Army may have dismissed the video in which Boko Haram leader, Ahmed Shekau faulted their claims of victory as a mere propaganda, but recent event point to the fact that it is not yet Uhuru, as far as the Boko Haram menace is concerned. So far, there have been four incidents since that declaration, with very heavy casualties. In one of the incidents, fifteen hunters were reportedly beheaded by the insurgents in Borno State, while six soldiers, including a Captain were killed in Buni, Yadi, Yobe state, as Boko Haram stages attacks from yet unknown locations.
Soldiers, in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital, northeast, Nigerian state on Sunday confirmed that they lost an officer of the rank of Captain and five Soldiers to Boko Haram militants, who attacked the 27 Task Force Brigade located in Buni Yadi, one of the Boko Haram strong hold in that part of the state. While confirming the attack, Saturday, on military location in Buni Yadi, in Yobe state, the spokesman of 27 Task Force Brigade, Lt. George Okupe in a text message to newsmen said the attack was successfully repelled by the troops. According to Lt. Okupe “Buni Yadi came under attack at about 6:15 pm, but troops has successfully repel the attack. We cannot confirm casualty figure now but things are under control. Details will be made available to you as soon as we are done with all necessary clearance”. In the face of Shekau’s grandstanding and the attendant resurgence by Boko Haram, many Nigerians from the North East had to shelve the ideas of traversing for the yuletide. Others who managed to go home had to beat a hurried exit immediately after Christmas on the resurgence of attacks on the military in Rann and in Maiduguri. Although for the first time in several years, the yuletide was marked without the usual restriction of movements in the entire North East, the yuletide according to reports were devoid of the usual fanfare, no thanks to few
incidents that truncated the New Year mood in Maiduguri, which caused panic and sent people out rather unceremoniously. The Military has reassured of the safety of citizens even with the isolated incidents. And in the last few days, since the advent of the New year, the guns have remained silent and the bombs no longer exploding, but fear and anxiety still hangs in the air, knowing that in their usual manner, the terrorists may spring surprises from their new operational base. nationalTRAIL findings reveal that, the Military has taken full control of the hinterland, including the Sambisa forest, and a road is even being constructed in the heart of the forest to ease Military movement, but seem to have relaxed their cordons on major cities like Maiduguri, which gave many of the fleeing terrorists to penetrate. Many of the commanders of the sect are believed to have filtered into Maiduguri and are hibernating with accomplices; most have who have soft spots for them. As it is the Military has launched an internal search for those believed to be hiding within. Our correspondent reports that, the guns may be silent in the hinterland, but there are palpable fears within the towns that thousands of the insurgents may be the brains behind some recent incidents in Maiduguri in particular.

Headlines

“Nigeria Is in a Hurry to Celebrate Victory Over Enemies of the State,” Says Tinubu as He Decorates New Service Chiefs

Published

1 month ago

October 30, 2025

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the newly appointed service chiefs to discharge their duties with utmost dedication and renewed commitment, declaring that “Nigeria is in a hurry to celebrate victory over enemies of the state.”

The President made this statement on Thursday during the decoration ceremony of the new service chiefs with their ranks at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Those decorated were General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Wahidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the spouses of the newly promoted officers, who joined the President in performing the decorations.

In his address, Tinubu underscored the central role of security in fostering national development and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians.

“Security is an essential element without which everything else becomes meaningless,” the President stated. “There can be no sustainable development if this fundamental need is not met. Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the dividends of governance.”

The elevation and decoration of the new military chiefs followed their confirmation by the National Assembly on Wednesday, after a closed-door screening session with lawmakers.

It will be recalled that, in a recent overhaul of the nation’s military hierarchy, President Tinubu appointed:

Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff,
Major General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff,
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff,
Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and
Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye retained as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

The new appointments mark a strategic restructuring of Nigeria’s security leadership aimed at strengthening the fight against insurgency, banditry, and other threats to national stability.

Headlines

FG Dismisses Coup Rumour, Reaffirms Confidence in Nigerian Military

Published

1 month ago

October 20, 2025

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

The Federal Government has dismissed widespread rumours of an alleged military coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, declaring its full confidence in the loyalty and professionalism of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known in an interview with The Punch on Sunday, insisting that the administration has “no reason whatsoever” to doubt the assurances given by the Defence Headquarters, which had earlier denied reports linking the detention of 16 military officers to a coup attempt.

“The Federal Government has no reason to doubt the military on what it has said,” Idris stated.
“We believe the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to protecting the nation’s territorial integrity and strengthening the fight against insecurity. The government commends their sacrifice and will continue to support them in safeguarding the country.”

The minister’s remarks came a day after the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, firmly debunked a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that the detention of 16 officers was connected to a failed coup plot and the cancellation of the 65th Independence Day parade.

Gusau described the publication as “false, mischievous, and deliberately aimed at creating unnecessary tension and public distrust.”

He clarified that the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade was a purely administrative decision — taken to allow President Tinubu attend a key bilateral meeting abroad and to enable military units sustain ongoing counterinsurgency operations nationwide.

On the issue of the detained officers, Gusau said their case was “an internal disciplinary process” and not related to any political matter.

“The investigation involving the 16 officers is routine, aimed at upholding discipline and professionalism within the ranks,” he explained. “An investigative panel has been constituted, and its findings will be made public in due course.”

Reaffirming the military’s constitutional role and unwavering commitment to civilian rule, Gusau stressed emphatically:

“Democracy is forever.”

Headlines

FG Moves to Reform Civil Service Disciplinary System for Greater Efficiency

Published

2 months ago

October 14, 2025

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

The Federal Government is set to overhaul the disciplinary control system in the civil service to promote efficiency, accountability, and timely resolution of cases.

The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, made this known during a one-day joint retreat between the FCSC and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Taiwo Hassan, Olaopa emphasized that the review would drive culture change, value reorientation, and improve the overall disciplinary framework in the public sector.

He likened the relationship between the FCSC and OHCSF to that of “Siamese twins,” noting that both bodies share crucial responsibilities in policy implementation, regulatory enforcement, and leadership across the service.

Olaopa also underscored the need for stronger collaboration and communication between the two institutions to avoid misunderstandings, build trust, and enhance service delivery.

The FCSC chairman further advocated for an integrated system that links merit-based recruitment, competency-driven human resource management, and performance evaluation with the civil service wage structure, saying such reforms would help reposition government as an “employer of choice.”

Speaking on behalf of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, Esther Walson-Jack praised Olaopa’s reform initiatives, describing the retreat as a renewed commitment to strengthening collaboration and efficiency within the civil service.

The renewed push for reform follows rising concerns about bureaucratic bottlenecks, delayed disciplinary actions, and weak accountability mechanisms in Nigeria’s public administration.