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Shekau’s Capture and Implication for National Security

Published

9 years ago

July 28, 2017

If I had any doubt that it is end game for Boko Haram madman, Abubakar Shekau, it has disappeared with the vow of a 37-year-old Islamic cleric, Ali Ahmad to trek the whole 844 kilometers from Maiduguri to Abuja. Recent history teaches us that people make such declarations when they sense a definite outcome. Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai had a few days ago handed a 40-day deadline to the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, to capture Shekau.

The directive came at a time when remnant of the terror group made a renewed desperate push to revive their terror attacks. Only that previous claims of attacks on soft targets have now been proven beyond reasonable doubt. There is equally the desperation on the part of the group to claim or accept responsibility for any violence that they can lay claim to. If it were possible, Boko Haram will claim responsibility for the spate of flooding that has ravaged some cities.

Shekau’s capture, which is now certain, will have ramifications for national security. It must first be noted that the emphasis is on “capture” and not killed. There have been several instances of kills that were soon made doubtful once “another” Shekau make video appearances of releases audio messages. This has prompted speculations of the use of body-doubles by the evil terrorists or suggestions that “Shekau” has become like a title for Boko Haram, which a subsequent successor inherits once the previous occupant gets killed. There have also been talks that the Boko Haram leader trick fighters who bear physical resemblance with him into taking the fall each time the Army closes in.

The equally notorious leader of ISIS, Abū Bakr al-Baghdadi, left the world in similar uncertainty as it remains unclear if he died in a Russian airstrike as reported. It therefore becomes crucial that a terrorist as evil as Shekau is captured alive for humanity to get closure that the piece of thrash has been subtracted from circulation. It does not matter if it is another make-believe Shekau that is captured since, like the peeling of an onion to reveal another layer, the capture of any Shekau is one step closer to moving to another phase of the anti-terror operation in the north-east of Nigeria.

For a start, Shekau’s capture will signal an end to the brutal existence of his faction of Boko Haram, which has so far outdone even the repulsive ISIS in brutal barbarism. The Al-Barnawi faction is child’s play compared to the deranged criminality committed by Shekau and those that pledged loyalty to him. As have been seen with the Islamic State, taking its entrenched leader out of circulation would produce degree of infighting led by possible successors who would then undermine and decimate each other and consequently make the job of the military easier. There is however the outside chance that factions would simply break away and pursue a milder form of the madness they have learnt from Shekau, which means there would then be more groups to contend albeit less violent.

Secondly, capturing Shekau would provide a treasure throve of information that would be useful in dismantling his group’s various cells. He should be able to reveal cells that may not be sufficiently known to law enforcement and security. A bundled plus to this is that more of his straggling fighters should become more amenable to surrendering once the demagogue they look unto for inspiration to murder people is busy singing tunes in captivity. The military must put in place contingency plans for managing a possible uptick in the number of Boko Haram fighters that would rush to surrender once their supremo is nabbed.

This implies that the Americans might have made a mistake by killing al-Qaeda’s Osama bin Laden. Had the goal been taking him into custody as directed in Shekau’s case perhaps they would unravel other facts around his network and possibly get indications on how to tackle ISIS. What if Shekau is able to tell Nigerians the very neighbors that have allowed him free passage to enjoy his life outside Sambisa forest?

The military must prepare for an onslaught of propaganda. Shekau survived this long in the wild not because he is one deft military strategist but because he has allegedly been and is still the beneficiary of support and backing from persons that are highly placed politically, reportedly some of them are serving state officials. The strategy used for dispatching Muhammed Yusuf, Boko Haram’s founder while in police custody will not work under an Army that follows international best practices in its rules of engagement. It must therefore be expected that there will be spirited efforts to discredit not just the revelations Shekau would have to make but there will also be concerted propaganda to discredit the military so that those that would be indicted by the terrorist’s confessions would have excuses to exonerate themselves.

The alternative is for many Nigerian politicians to run away from the country if Shekau is eventually captured alive and made to call the names of his sponsors, partners and the many Boko Haram members that openly blend with government without the people knowing.
The military would therefore do well to begin building fact sheets at this point. Not just of the atrocities committed by Shekau and his Boko Haram killers but they should similarly build up details about persons that intelligence gathering has placed in the same circle as the terrorists, who for now cannot be held to account either for lack of overwhelming evidence or because of political sensitivity. Shekau’s capture will unravel whatever cover such persons had wrongly thought they had. The media must be brought in as partners for national interest in this regard since there is the danger that evil Abubakar Shekau would be reported into becoming a celebrity as experienced in the case of notorious kidnapper, Evans, who was nauseatingly referred to as “billionaire kidnapper”. If national interest matters to us, a captured Shekau must not be allowed to write this story.
Shekau may be the most virulent of the terrorists tormenting Nigeria and his capture requires that the authorities promptly channel attention to the other warlords that are either warring against the nation or are calling their followers to take up arms.

There is Al-Barnawi of the other equally toxic Boko Haram faction, there is the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) is waiting in the wings to replace Boko Haram, separatist groups like IPOB and MASSOB in the southeast and militants in the Niger-Delta. Neither the operation leading to Shekau’s capture nor the euphoria that will come with success should be allowed to distract from the danger that these other terrorists constitute to the land. Where possible simultaneous plans should be put in place for immediate implementation towards countering the threats posed by such.

Once these and other implications of Shekau’s capture for national security are appropriately assessed and addressed, more Nigerians would likely announce the distances they will trek to show appreciation that this blot on national life is finally being wiped off. The entire world has been quaking since Buratai gave that order and without any conspiracy the end of Shekau will reveal more than necessary in the days ahead.

Philip Agbese , a human rights researcher with the Global Amnesty Watch sent in this piece from the United Kingdom.

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SANKARA NIGERIA LIMITED PARTNERS LOVOL TO EMPOWER AFRICAN YOUTHS THROUGH MECHANIZATION TRAINING IN KADUNA

Published

1 day ago

April 17, 2026

Becky Hassan

In a bold step toward tackling youth unemployment and advancing agricultural mechanization in Nigeria and across Africa, Sankara Nigeria Limited, in partnership with LOVOL, has successfully launched an intensive training programme aimed at equipping young people with modern mechanical and technical skills.
The initiative, which focuses on contemporary mechanized systems and agricultural equipment maintenance, is designed to build a new generation of skilled technicians capable of driving Africa’s agricultural transformation. The programme provides hands-on training in modern mechanical practices, particularly in the operation, servicing, and maintenance of advanced farming machinery.
Speaking on the development, Dr. Nafiu Danladi Sankara described the opportunity as both impactful and timely, noting that the programme represents a strategic investment in human capital development. According to him, the collaboration between Sankara Nigeria Limited and LOVOL underscores a shared commitment to empowering African youths with practical knowledge that fosters self-reliance and reduces dependence on white-collar employment.
He emphasized that the training is not limited to Nigeria alone but extends across Africa, reflecting a broader vision to create a continent-wide network of competent technicians who can support the growing demand for mechanized farming solutions.
“This initiative is about more than training; it is about creating opportunities, restoring dignity to labour, and building a future where young people can stand on their own through acquired skills,” he stated.
The technical workshop, which drew participants from different parts of the region, was held in Kaduna State, specifically in Zaria, at Unguwa Kaya Junction, New Jos Road, KM 2.
Participants in the programme expressed appreciation for the quality of training and the exposure to modern equipment, noting that such initiatives are critical in bridging the skills gap in the agricultural and mechanical sectors.
The programme also received warm support from the host community in Zaria, located in the historic Zazzau Emirate, where participants were welcomed with remarkable hospitality. Organizers and trainees alike commended the people of Zaria for their generosity and encouraging reception, which contributed to the overall success of the exercise.
As Nigeria continues to seek sustainable solutions to unemployment and food security challenges, initiatives like this stand as a testament to the role of private sector collaboration in national development. By equipping young people with relevant, market-driven skills, Sankara Nigeria Limited and LOVOL are not only transforming lives but also laying a solid foundation for economic growth and agricultural modernization across the continent.

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NNPCL Must Account for N210trn by April 29 – Senate

Published

1 day ago

April 17, 2026

Our Reporter

…Orders Ojulari-led management to produce Kyari, others before committee

From Taiye Hassan
The Senate, on Wednesday, through its Committee on Public Accounts, fixed April 29, 2026, as the deadline for the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to appear before it and account for the alleged N210 trillion flagged in audit reports covering 2017 to 2023.
The committee directed the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, Engineer Bayo Ojulari, to appear alongside the immediate past GCEO, Mele Kyari; former Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajia; Dr. Bala Wunti; and the company’s external auditors on the scheduled date without fail.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North).
Chairman of the committee, Senator Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West), stressed that the N210 trillion in question, as contained in the audit reports, must be fully accounted for by the company’s management, particularly the immediate past leadership led by Kyari.
According to him, the responses so far provided by NNPCL to the 19 audit queries were unsatisfactory, noting that Nigerians deserve clear, detailed, and transparent explanations.
“This committee, and by extension the Senate, is not satisfied with the blanket explanation given by NNPCL on the N103 trillion it claimed represents liabilities. Liabilities comprise components such as retention fees, legal fees, and audit fees, and the specific amounts spent on each must be clearly stated and justified,” he said.
Wadada also demanded a detailed breakdown of the N107 trillion which the company claimed was expended on Joint Venture (JV) cash calls, as well as funds allegedly owed by some defunct banks whose identities were not disclosed.
“Consequently, it is hereby resolved that NNPCL is given an additional two weeks to appear before this committee unfailingly. The deadline for compliance is Wednesday, April 29, 2026,” he added.
Earlier, a member of the committee, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), called for the invocation of the National Assembly’s powers to compel the appearance of NNPCL management, citing repeated failures to honour invitations.
“We must treat this matter with the utmost seriousness. The essence of democracy rests significantly on the strength and authority of the legislature. Unfortunately, in recent times, there appears to be a growing reluctance by individuals to honour invitations from the National Assembly, leaving members feeling helpless in compelling appearances before committees,” he said.

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APC Group To Kwara Political Actors: Shun Violence, Hate Speech

Published

1 day ago

April 17, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A frontline political group in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State have charged political actors across the 16 local government areas of the State to shun violence, rancour and hate speech before, during and after the 2027 general elections.

The APC group, under the aegis of the Asa Progressive Movement (APM), has, therefore, sued for peaceful, issue-based campaigns, devoid of acrimony and name-calling, ahead of the elections.

The Movement made this call in Afon, headquarters of the Asa local government at the endorsement programme of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second term, as well as the governorship ambition of former Kwara State APC Chairman, Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa.

In a communique signed by the APM Coordinator and the Secretary, Engineer Daud Oladipupo Babatunde and Comrade Yusuf Mutiu Akorede respectively, the Movement said: “We are committed to a peaceful, issue-based campaign and we, therefore, urge all political actors to shun violence, hate speech, and any conduct capable of heating up the polity.

“We call on all well-meaning sons and daughters of Kwara State, regardless of party affiliation, to join this movement for the restoration and advancement of our dear State.

“The 2027 election is about the future of our children and we must rise above petty sentiments.

“We pass a vote of confidence in Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa and in the leadership of our great party, the APC, for presenting to the people a competent, credible, and compassionate candidate.

“All structures of the Movement, from the State to the polling unit levels, are hereby directed to commence immediate and intensive mobilisation for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the candidature of Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa. Every member is now an ambassador of these two projects.”

The communique reads further: “Our decision is predicated on Hon. Bolarinwa’s proven track record of service as former Councillor, former Council Chairman, former member of the Federal House of Representatives, former State Chairman of the party, who led the party to 100 percent victory in the 2019 elections, and former Board Chairman of the NBC; his desire to tackle the lingering problems of insecurity, youth unemployment, and agricultural revival; and his integrity, accessibility, and capacity to unite the diverse peoples of the State.

“The APM unanimously endorses Tinubu for second term and Bolarinwa as our preferred candidate for the office of Governor in the 2027 general elections under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”