Featured

Anti-Terrorism Campaigns: From Battlefields To Sponsors of Terrorism

Published

9 years ago

January 13, 2017

By: Charles Ibekwe

The indulgence into criminality by some Nigerians is really strange and awful. The rapidity and magnitude Boko Haram Terrorisms expanded its viciousness in Nigeria stunned infinitely.

The existence of caves in some forests in Kogi state and other parts of Nigeria, which served as factories for the manufacture of terrorists lethal weapons or Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), which were freely circulated melted the heart. It became business for some criminal-minded Nigerians, as it blossomed incredibly, until security agents were able to discover and dislodged the evil factories.

A few days ago, the Nigerian Army reported the arrest of a Local Government Council chairman and suspects of BHTs, in Nigeria’s Northeastern state of Borno. Against all good conscience, the embattled council boss harboured, fed and nourished fleeing insurgents, who could no longer withstand the superior fire power of the Nigerian military in the jungles and forests. And the reason was simple! It was to re-energize them to again begin to unleash terror on Nigerians.

Therefore, anti-terrorism campaigns are not easy wars to fight anywhere it erupts. The tactics of terrorists in engaging an innocent humanity is scary and comes in dozens. Terrorists operate on the fields; boast of a dozen sponsors or financiers and have thousands of veiled agents and sympathisers, who act in various ways to sustain the evil. The Nigerian Army is not oblivious of these colours and manifestations of terrorists.

To this end, even though troops have eventually conquered terrorists in the Northeast and Nigeria, with the final demolition and demystification of the Sambisa forest, a Boko Haram Terrorist’s enclave in Borno state, where scores were killed; security experts know, it is just the beginning of the final end.

And since the collapse of Sambisa forest, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai has churned out series of warnings to the public, alerting them of the fusion of some fleeing remnants of Boko Haram terrorists into Nigerian cities and communities.

But most importantly, Buratai knows that despite the defeat of terrorists in Nigeria, terrorists do not dissipate in a jiffy, as insurgents contrive more insidious ways to fight back. And the fusion of the residues of fleeing terrorists into the wider society is one of the several strategies insurgents have devised to occasionally hit back to an unsuspecting society that has suffocated its survival. In the past weeks, scores of bolting insurgents have been arrested in Lagos, Abuja, towns and villages around Nigeria.

The Army Chief has also placed soldiers on red alert in order to rise to the occasion when the need arises. Consequently, the arrest of a council boss in Borno, who housed terrorists, is the effect of this vigilance by Nigerian soldiers, which is variously symbolic to the essence of the counter-terrorism war.

Before now, Nigerians were inundated with campaigns of the existence of several wings of Boko Haram terrorists operating in the country. But many never considered it a point to ponder. But indisputably, there is the business wing, political wing, Cyber Space wing and the religious wing of Boko Haram terrorists, who were domiciled in the caves and forests of the Northeast.

The Nigerian Army has meticulously trailed, assailed, battled and defeated the religious, business and cyber space wings of Boko Haram terrorists. The present terrorism torment of Nigerians is rooted in the political wing, which is cleverly and neatly concealed in some dubious Nigerians, who are unfortunately in the corridors of power. The arrest of the council chairman in Borno state, who shielded fleeing terrorists, is proof of this bludgeoning mess within the political class, who are determined to ensure Nigeria is never freed, but manacled under insurgency.

The incident has opened a fresh vista in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaigns. It means, Nigeria’s intelligence community must necessarily expand its dragnet and pulsates its searchlight to fish out actors and sponsors of terrorism within the political class. The actors are in multitude, and they also, secretly exhibits sympathy and sponsorship of terrorism multifariously. The anti-terrorism campaigns became prolonged and difficult because of their involvements at different layers.

Therefore, the political promoters, supporters or those who covertly connive with terrorists to destabilize Nigeria, must not be allowed to go scot-free, but identified and made to pay for their sins against the nation state.

The Nigerian Army has a daunting task to perform in this regard, by finally purging Nigeria of the virus of political terrorism, now prevalent in government circles. They provide the essential nourishment by funding and preserving insurgency to thrive.

The initiative of the Nigerian Army to now scout for sponsors and promoters of terrorism cannot be extricated from holistic anti-terrorism campaigns in Nigeria. The approach is extremely timely and rewarding. And all Nigerians should rise up in support of this cause. It will not only practically eliminate terrorism in all forms, but also obliterate its shadows in government circles and the political life of Nigeria.

It is therefore germane to advocate that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies should be encouraged and given the necessary support, especially in intelligence gathering in the onerous task of fishing out these hideous, unpatriotic and devilish terrorists elements. It is imperative now before they summon courage and energy to regroup to begin another round of mindless orgy of violence on innocent Nigerians.

International human rights organizations’ must have to give Nigeria a breathing space. The Nigerian Army under Buratai is professionally oriented and records indicate that its interface with the civilian population in Nigeria has so far not shown any evidence of human rights abuses or violations. So, there is no cause to be afraid by allowing them defend public interest to whatever extent.

Therefore, when the military intensify the haunt of suspected sponsors of Boko Haram terrorists in the country to face trial in court, the first outcry of the suspects to the international community would be unfounded allegations of political persecution. No one is in doubt of the tricks.

Years back, some political bigwigs in the country were fingered in sponsorship of terrorism in the country, but the matter silenced after a few months of media hype. It is the deliberate refusal of Nigerians to tackle such issues frontally that festered terrorism in the country.

So, Nigerians would be angered if these international human rights groups rise in defence of such criminals, by preferring to forget their criminality to drum human rights violations against the Nigerian Army and the administration of President Muhammedu Buhari.

Nigerians have suffered enough in the claws of terrorists and it is time terrorism is uprooted in all its forms and ramifications. Certainly, time has come for soldiers’ blisters on terrorists to go beyond the frontiers of field battles, by confronting the last segment and vestigesk of terrorism as concealed in the personality and offices of some dubious politicians.

Ibekwe, a public affairs commentator writes from Enugu State.

Featured

El-Rufai Prays for Late Audu Ogbeh, Says He Deserves Al-Jannah Firdaus Despite Being Catholic

Published

2 weeks ago

September 24, 2025

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has described the late Chief Audu Ogbeh as a selfless leader who dedicated his life to the service of others, praying that God grants him eternal rest in paradise.

Speaking in a video shared by Symfoni TV, El-Rufai acknowledged that Ogbeh was a Catholic, not a Muslim, but said he would continue to pray that Allah admits him into Al-Jannah Firdaus because “he is deserving of it.”

Holding back tears, the former governor praised Ogbeh as “a good man” who touched many lives and left behind a legacy of service. He also recalled Ogbeh’s achievements as Minister of Agriculture, noting that under his leadership Nigeria ended its heavy reliance on rice imports.

“Before his reforms, Nigeria was spending five million dollars monthly on rice imports, but that figure dropped to zero during his tenure,” El-Rufai said.

He prayed for comfort for Ogbeh’s family and loved ones, adding: “I will keep praying for Audu Ogbeh, a Catholic and not a Muslim, so that Allah would grant him entrance to Al-Jannah Firdaus. What a great man he was.”

Do you want me to make this more emotional and tribute-like (focusing on Ogbeh’s character and legacy), or keep it strictly factual and political?

Featured

Facilitation

Published

2 weeks ago

September 24, 2025

Our Reporter

I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating a man whose life continues to illuminate the path of honour, courage, and patriotism: Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (Rtd.), on the occasion of his 76th birthday. It is not only a moment of personal reflection but a national milestone, as we honour a soldier, statesman, pro-democracy icon, and moral conscience of our nation.

Colonel Umar stands tall among Nigeria’s most principled voices; his name evoking an unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and democratic ideals. In the tumultuous days following the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, when many chose silence or self-preservation, he chose the difficult path of truth. He risked his career, comfort, and personal safety by speaking out in defence of Chief MKO Abiola’s stolen mandate, despite being a senior member of the ruling military council. It was a singular act of bravery that not only inspired a generation but redefined the meaning of loyalty to country over convenience.

As a young civil rights activist in those difficult days, I found in Colonel Umar not just a role model, but a moral compass. He demonstrated to us that true leadership is not merely about wielding power, but standing firm in defence of what is right, even at great personal cost. His resignation from the Nigerian Army at a time when he stood poised for further elevation is perhaps one of the most courageous acts in our political history.

As Governor of Kaduna State today, I draw deep inspiration from his sterling example of inclusive leadership. His tenure as military governor of this great state remains a reference point for fairness, balance, and peacebuilding. In a deeply diverse and, at times, fractured society, he governed with wisdom, compassion, and an unshakeable belief in our shared humanity.

Colonel Umar’s transcendence of ethnic and religious divides has never required a denial of his own identity. Rather, he has drawn strength from it: his noble Fulani lineage, his deep Islamic faith, and his enduring belief that justice is the foundation of peace.

I am proud to stand among those who celebrate him, not only for his past heroism, but for his continued voice of conscience in our national life. I also warmly commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for honouring him with the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), a richly deserved recognition.

Happy 76th birthday, our highly revered Colonel Dangiwa Umar. May your legacy continue to inspire generations to come.

Senator Uba Sani, CON
Governor, Kaduna State

Featured

Natasha; Defamations Charges On Akpabio, Yahaya Bello Suffers Adjournment

Published

2 weeks ago

September 23, 2025

Our Reporter

By Hassan Taiye

For the second time in 24 hours, the trial of the suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan for allegedly defaming the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Adosa Bello suffered an adjournment.

The trial scheduled to kick-start on Tuesday was put off by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja following objections raised by the suspended senator against the competence of the charges.

Natasha predicated her objections on the alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation AGF by filing charges against her at the Federal High Court and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on the same subject matter and same complaints.

When the matter was called, David Kaswe, a lawyer from the Ministry of Justice informed the court of his readiness to open the case against the defendant.

He claimed to have his first witness, a Superintendent of Police, Abdulhafeez Garba in court to testify against the senator.

He requested for permission of the court to call the witness into the witness box.

The request was however opposed by lead counsel to the defendant Mr Ehighioge West-Idahosa SAN on the ground that his client has filed a motion on notice, challenging the competence of the charges and the jurisdiction of the court.

West-Idahosa said that the motion has been served on the Attorney General of the Federation AGF as required by law but that the AGF had not responded.

In the drama that ensued, the federal government lawyer who announced appearance for the AGF Office argued that he ought to have been served personally or be informed on phone on the filing of the motion and requested that Natasha’s claim be rejected.

However, the trial Judge, Justice Chizoba Orji found in the case file that the AGF office was served with the motion but had not responded as required by law.

At this point, the federal government lawyer admitted that the AGF had been out of the country and as such, has not made the motion available to him.

After taking arguments for and against adjournment, Justice Chizoba Orji held that the proper thing was to shift trial to enable AGF respond to the motion in the interest of fair hearing.

The Judge subsequently fixed October 27 for Natasha’s motion to be heard along with the response of the AGF.

About two thousand sympathizers escorted the senator to court thereby giving security agents hectic job to control crowd and ward off security breaches.

Natasha’ was on Thursday, June 19, 2025 docked at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja for allegedly defaming the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Adosa Bello.

She was put on trial by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF) on three-count criminal charges bordering on harmful imputations during a television interview.

When the charges were read, she pleaded not guilty to all of them.

Justice Chizoba admitted her to bail in the sum of N50 million and one surety in the like sum in the charge marked CR/297/25 filed on May 15, 2025.

The judge had held that the surety must be an owner of landed property within the jurisdiction of the court.

Natasha was, in count one, accused of making harmful imputation which she knew would harm the reputation of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, by claiming he plotted, with former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello, to kill her.

In count two, she was accused of making a similar harmful imputation knowing that it will harm the reputation of ex-governor Yahaya Bello.

In count three, she was accused of making another imputation, which she knew would harm the reputation of Akpabio by associating him with the death of one Miss Imoren Iniobong.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly has unsealed the office of Senator Natasha, granting her access to the the National Assembly six months after her suspension.