Police kill two Terrorists in Kaduna

The Police Command in Kaduna State says its operatives have killed two suspected bandits in Riheyi village within Fatika district of Giwa Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Mohammed Jalige, made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna.

Jalige said that on Monday, at about 4.30 pm, the operatives of the Command attached to 47 PMF Squadron, Zaria, intercepted some bandits around the village.

He said the incident happened while the operatives were on confidence-building patrol within the same district of Giwa LGA.

Jalige said that the encounter which resulted in a heavy gun duel saw the police operatives having the last laugh.

“Having applied gallantry that successfully neutralised two bandits, they recovered an AK47 rifle loaded with ten rounds of 7.62 X 39mm live ammunition and an operational motorcycle,’’ he said.

Jalige said the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mudassiru Abdullahi commended the officers for their display of professionalism and courage to achieve the desired result.

He tasked all operational and tactical commanders to imbibe the culture of rigorous patrols in their areas of jurisdiction.

The PPRO said the CP noted that with the festive season around the corner, men of the underworld expectedly would like to perpetrate criminal activities.

“According to the CP, with the Police as the lead agency in internal security, the need for vigilance and proactive policing cannot be overemphasized.

“He warned that under his watch, dereliction of duty by any officer will be penalized accordingly, “Jalige said.

(NAN) 

Tambuwal Meets PMB, Seeks Declaration of State of Emergency In Terrorists’ Enclaves

Pursuant to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and to further give effect to the process of proclaiming bandits as terrorists by the President, Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state a while ago called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a full scale state of emergency in all areas where criminals, so determined, are domiciled.

This, according to Gov. Tambuwal who met with President Buhari at the Presidential villa Monday evening for about thirty minutes, would be to enable the Armed Forces to carry out their operations without let or hindrance in all enclaves affected by the declaration.

These operations, once conceived and ready for execution, “should be carried out simultaneously in the states where the terrorists have strongholds, such as , Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger and Kebbi; as well as elsewhere, where the criminals have hideouts,” he said.

Gov. Tambuwal also called on the President to give premium to the deployment of more manpower to all beleaguered areas just as he advocated for the procurement of sophisticated equipment, particularly, modern technology- which use is now centered around the deployment of drones globally.

He also appealed to the President, to consider popular opinions suggesting the recall of retired personnel for engagement in the war against terrorists and the recruitment of more personnel in all the security services.

In view of the security situation in the Sahel, which has escalated tension in the sub-region, the need to ask the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to seek extensive cooperation with the United Kingdom, France and the United States of America on security issues was also suggested by the Governor.

Muhammad Bello
Special Adviser Media and Publicity to the Governor
Dec. 13, 2021
Sokoto

No Difference Between Nigerian Securities and Terrorists ― El-Zakzaky

The Leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, has accused the Nigerian securities of appearing like terrorists while on mission.

The Islamic Cleric who said this at the 6th Anniversary of Zaria Massacre accused the Nigerian Army of killing over one thousand of his followers in Zaria and took away their bodies.

“Men in uniform are sent to unleash terror on people–soldiers, policemen and secret police, who do not wear uniforms. In fact, nowadays, they even wear terrorist garments–meaning, they hide their own faces in the same way terrorists do.

“The state has become an instrument of terrorism, that it has taught the people to be violent! People have been forced, due to circumstances, to become violent, because the state has become violent.

“We are talking about rights. We have to understand that this society can never be in order unless those in authority respect the rights of other people.

“Those in authority think they are the law (or rather) above the law, that they can take the life of anybody at any moment. They care about no amount of talk, preaching or advice; they don’t simply care. They are indifferent to what happens to other people,” he said.

He said in Nigeria, the right to life which is a fundamental human right has been taken away from the citizens.

“This right to life, including other rights, is enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, which those in authority always swear to protect. They swear in holy books they believe in (the Holy Qur’an, and the Bible).

“Alas, we find in present society today right to life is actually taken away. Those in authority think that they have the right to take the life of anyone at any moment.

“Extrajudicial killings have become an order of the day. Instruments of law enforcement that are employed to protect the law are now being used (by those in authority) to violate the law.

“See what is happening now in this society in which everybody seems to be in a state of fear, including those in the authority of course because they would never have peace if other people are not in peace as well! So, the most important right which everybody must protect is the right to life.

You don’t have the right to take the lives of others; you don’t even have the right to take your own life–nobody has the right to commit suicide. You don’t have the right to commit abortion; because, if your mother had aborted you, you would not have been alive. Nobody has the right to take the life of anybody!

“Similarly, there is the right of environment, there is the right of all the living creatures, including animals; they have rights! The dead also have rights–the right to be honoured after their death with funeral that is in accordance with their own laws and cultures.

“But, nowadays, you can see, those in authority think that they can kill and even burn the bodies or take them to an unknown destination and bury them in mass grave.

“The Zaria Massacre which happened six years ago is a case in question, wherein three days the Nigerian Army cordoned the city of Zaria, including all the routes leading to the city, murdered over one thousand people and took all their bodies and bury them in different mass graves. On top of this, they arrested about five hundred people for the alleged ‘murder’ of one soldier. Of course, all the courts have discharged and acquitted all those they had arraigned before them,” the Shi’ites leader noted.

While accusing the government of trying to hide the evidence of the killings in Zaria, El-Zakzaky said the government had already murdered peace when it killed his followers in Zaria.

“See how those in authority want to wipe out even the evidence about the atrocity they have committed. This was the first step this administration took, and you can see, subsequently, how wanton killings become the order of the day.

“Now people are living in perpetual fear everywhere. You can not murder others and expect yourself to stay in peace. They have (by committing Zaria Massacre) already murdered peace!

“We need to rethink a future. Some people were asking me, is there any bright future for this country? I say, there is! We are not living in a hopeless society. Certainly, there is hope, but the hope has to lie in the people, not those in authority.

“We have no confidence in those in authority because they are indifferent to what happens to the society. But the people have to rise up and urge for a better future for our society. We hope in the near future things may change for the better–that is our hope,” he added.

(Tribune)

Ballason Slams N1Billion Suit Against El-rufai And Six Others For Shutdown of Telecommunication Networks

Kaduna based Human Rights Lawyer, Gloria Mabeiam Ballason Esq,  has sued the Kaduna State Governor, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and 5 telecommunications companies for shutdown of telephone services and the internet; an action she alleges was not backed by law, violated her rights and the rights of affected citizens resident in Kaduna State.

The lawyer who is also alleging that the action of the Kaduna State Governor and the government does not satisfy the constitutional exception of “…any law reasonably justifiable in a democratic society in the interest of defence, public safety and  public order…” said more lives who could not call for help from security agents perished while businesses and means of livelihood of  citizens in Kaduna State were grossly affected by the shutdown of telecommunication networks in the state.

The Suit also calls the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), an independent national regulatory body established by law, to answer the question whether it is answerable  to the Governor of Kaduna State or bound by the law that governs it.

The Suit  which was filed at the Federal High Court, sitting at Abuja- F.C.T.  is on behalf of the Applicant and affected citizens. She says her litigation work, online HOJRADIO/TV and annual House of Justice Summit & Banquet were greatly affected by the shutdown while Nigerian  citizens resident in Kaduna State whose rights have been, is been or likely to be violated due to the network shutdown, suffered astronomic loses without a commensurate improvement in the security situation in Kaduna State.

Others sued in the suit include the Attorney General of Kaduna State, Airtel Networks Limited, GlobalCom Limited, Emirates Telecommunication Group Company (Carrying out business in Nigeria under the name and style of Etisalat and now 9mobile) and MTN Group LTD.

Terrorists Kill Kaduna Pastor Abducted in His Farm Despite Ransom Payment

Terrorists operating in Kaduna state Northwest Nigeria have killed Rev Dauda Bature, the pastor in charge of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Church Hayin Nariya in Igabi local government area of Kaduna state after receiving ransom from his wife.

The clergyman who was abducted on November 8 while working in his at Ungwan Kanti was reportedly killed a few days ago despite ransom paid to the terrorists for his release.

Confirming the ugly but not so strange incident, the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria, Kaduna state chapter, Rev Joseph Hayab told Middle Belt Times that the terrorists called to inform Rev Bature’s wife a few days ago that he has been killed even though the news broke out on Friday.

Hayab said the wife of the slain clergy was also taken captive on November 18 when she took the ransom demanded to the terrorists.

“Ten days after the abduction of Rev Bature, his wife took the negotiated ransom to them but after collecting the money, they also abducted her in the guise that the money was not enough.

“They released her four days ago and most probably killed the Rev shortly after releasing his wife.” Hayab said.

Speaking further Rev Hayab said they believe that Rev Bature was killed by his abductors because he was a pastor and not because of money.

“If they really wanted more money, they could have waited for more money to be raised and not to kill him.

“We believe that Rev Bature was killed because he was a pastor and a preacher of the gospel.” He said.

Abductions and killings of clergymen is not new in Kaduna as pastors and their congregants have repeatedly been either abducted or killed by terrorists in the state.

Recall that in September, terrorists killed a pastor of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev Silas Yakubu, who was on his way back from Kafanchan in Zango-Kataf local government area of the state.

In October, 65 members of Emmanuel Baptist church Kakau were abducted by terrorists during a church service in Chikun local government area of the state. Two of them abductees were killed while three others were injured while in captivity. The remaining abductees were released after ransoms were paid lady week.

Sokoto State is in Dire Distress, Act Now Mr President: Gov Tambuwal Tells Buhari

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the current security challenges bedeviling the state, saying that Sokoto state is in dire distress(sic).

Tambuwal made this call in an ex-tempore address on Friday December 10 when a high powered federal government delegation led by the National Security Advicer to the President, General Babagana Monguno, visited the state to condole him and the people of the state over the barbaric killing of 23 passengers by terrorists group on December 6, 2021 at Gidan Bawa community in Sabon Birni local government area of the state.

“It is with gratitude to Almighty God that we receive this important high level delegation of the Federal Government under the leadership of Mr President, Presu Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) to Sokoto this very day, who are here to commiserate and condole the government and people of Sokoto state; in particular, the immediate families of those who lost their loved ones. It is indeed gratifying to receive you at this very hour of distress in which we are really emotionally touched.

“I am sure you are abreast of the development of that day, Monday, the 6th of December, when a commuter bus conveying about 43 passengers on their way to Kaduna was attacked by bandits. When the bus somersaulted, they continued with the firing until when they got to the fuel tank of the vehicle that went up in flames. Unfortunately, 23 of our beloved brothers and sisters lost their lives. We will continue to pray that Allah (SWT) will grant them Jannatul Firdaus; and, those of them who sustained injuries, be healed completely through His grace. May He continue to provide succor to the families of those affected. Mr NSA, we are consoled by this visit and concern shown to his citizens by Mr President. We are, indeed, very grateful for this show of love and concern.” He said.

The governor complained on the abrupt security operations embarked upon by the military in Zamfara state against the earlier plea of governors of the Northwestern states that a coordinated security operations be launched across the region simultaneously.

“As I have said some months ago, our situation in Sokoto state got worsened by the military operations in Zamfara state. The operations took us by surprise. I can tell you, Mr NSA, we the Governors of North-West have been appealing for this operations for the last four years. What we requested was that once the military is ready for the operations, it should be carried out simultaneously in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto and Niger states where we are having infiltration of these criminals. Unfortunately, Zamfara was isolated and this was what we got by Operation Hadarin Daji, which was carried out without any blocking force around the neighboring states, particularly speaking for Sokoto state. Also, the timing of the operation, whereby, unfortunately, our security agents do not have enough equipment to move to move and curtail and contain those that would pander towards Sokoto state, didn’t help. So, the timing and way the operation was carried out left Sokoto very vulnerable.

“We are, I must say, the NSA, in a very dire state of distress. Even this afternoon I got information that there was an attack in broad daylight in some parts of Isa local government. Yesterday evening, there were attacks in some parts of Sabon Birni. Kidnapping is still going on in some parts of Tangaza, Illela and several other local government areas of the state. It does appear as if those bandits pursued from Zamfara state have relocated to Sokoto state. This is a very serious call for concern.” He lamented.

A visibily disturbed Tambuwal, also called on President Buhari through the NSA to deploy more forces and resources to Sokoto to help curtail the activities of terrorists which has worsened in the last few weeks.

“I appeal, therefore, to you, and through you, to Mr President, Commander-Chief to deploy more resources to Sokoto state. There is need for more boots on the ground. I am familiar with the situation at the center, but I believe that something can be done, and, that should be done urgently and expeditiously because our situation is getting out of hand.

“We, Mr NSA, as I have said before, need to do more on the deployment of technology in this fight. This is not a normal fight. You know more than I do. So, we need more of technology than even the personnel, although we need both. But, we need more of technology deployment. So, NSA, we believe that it is time for Mr President, as he is being called upon, to consider recalling those retired personnel who are on the reserve list, because we know that the number of our personnel is very low; and, there is need for reinforcement. The first port of call should be those on the reserve list. We also need to recruit more personnel because we know our number in Nigeria, over 200 million people. Definitely, the Nigerian state is under-policed. We all know the situation.” He appealed.

The former House of Representatives Speaker, further stated that as governors of the country, they are with President Buhari, One hundred precent, saying that in Sokoto state, the state government has provided no fewer than 500 vehicles to security personnel to facilitate their operations in the state.

“We are with Mr President one hundred per cent as Governors of this country in taking every measure required to ensure that we nip this in the bud. Here in Sokoto state, you can verify this from the heads of security agencies. There is nothing they have asked of us that we have not done. Absolutely nothing. Since the commencement of this administration, we have given security personnel in Sokoto state not less than 500 vehicles. We are also doing whatever it takes in terms of funding from our own end despite the lean resources that we have as a state.

“I believe there is need for more synergy, personnel and equipment in Sokoto state. So, please, convey this our request to Mr President. We are in a very bad situation in Sokoto state and we need his intervention urgently.

Recall that daredevil terrorists on December 6 burnt some passenger vehicles conveying travelers, killing 23 people at Gidan Bawa community, an occurrence that sparked up protests across some cities in Northern Nigeria on Friday.

Youths in the region hit the streets on Friday, calling for an end to the incessant attacks and killings of innocent citizens in Northern Nigeria.

Nigerian Army Chief Laments That Some ‘Repentant’ Terrorists Have Ulterior Motives

The Nigerian Army has said though thousands of terrorists and their families have laid down arms in the North-East, some of them have ulterior motives. 

The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, disclosed that 20,000 insurgents and their families had laid down their weapons but some of the ‘repentant’ terrorists are not sincere. 

The commander, who spoke on the sidelines of the Chief of Army Staff Conference in Abuja, added that another challenge the military has is that the insurgents use civilians as cover, making it more difficult for soldiers to kill them, the Nation reports. 

He said: “We have over 20,000 combatants and their families surrendered. This tells you there is something we are doing right. What we do with them after surrendering is our next focus. The expectation is that after all have surrendered, then, everything will fizzle out. But, that is not the case.

“Frankly speaking, for us, this is a good development. A lot of people have been thinking and also expressing mixed feelings if at all the news is true. Of course, there are some insurgents who truly wish to surrender, but we cannot jettison the fact that some of them do have ulterior motives.

“Like I said, to us, this is good and if we follow it through in the right way, then, we may begin to see the end of this insurgency sooner than we actually think.”

According to Maj-Gen. Musa, the terror group has remained dangerous despite the death of its leader, Abubakar Shekau.

He said: “Before Shekau died, they (Boko Haram fighters) pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in the West African Province ISWAP and ISWAP gets its funding from foreign donors. It is the lust for these monies that have further emboldened them. This is why they overran Shekau. These people who are enemies of the nation, who do not want peace in Nigeria are the same people pushing ISWAP too. It has nothing to do with religion or any form of ideology, but is purely driven by the quest for money.

Dismissing public concerns that the Nigerian military has been outstretched by the security challenges in the country, he said, “No group can outstretch the Armed Forces of Nigeria. What people need to understand is, we in the military can easily be identified because we put on uniforms. These guys go on mufti and we cannot just go into a community and start killing everybody. If we have to do this, then, this fight would have ended since.

“But, what about the collateral damage on the part of innocent civilians? If we have to shoot, then, we must target the real trouble makers and not just anyone. This is the problem. They mingle among civilians. This is why it has become so dificult. If it is conventional warfare, we would have finished them a long time ago.”

[Saharareporters]

Many feared dead as gunmen attack Imo community again

Barely 48 hours after Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma cried to President Muhammadu Buhari for help, over the security situation in the state, gunmen have again attacked another community in the state, killing some  persons and injuring others.

Many  residents  at the attacked community, Etekwuru community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, yesterday, began to leave the community in their numbers as armed men in motorcycle convoy invaded the community and allegedly killed many and damaged houses.  Vanguard gathered from the Etekwuru community  that villagers have abandoned their homes and fled into the bush as a result of the attacks.

The traditional ruler of the Etekwuru community, Eze Kenneth Okereke, confirmed the attack and said he was at the Police station regarding the incident but promised he would give the details of the attack  later.

“Yes, my community was attacked by gunmen and I will speak on  it  later. I am at the police station for now,” he said.

An eyewitness who spoke to Vanguard said he  could not give the  reason for the attack but said the attackers were demanding that the villagers should vacate. 

He said: “They were shooting everywhere as they entered different sections of the village. We cannot have the exact number of people dead or injured or the number of houses damaged. 

“As you go  you  will see  some people lying down and many houses destroyed. Tomorrow,  we will know the extent of the damage and the number of deaths. 

“We will also know the number of the houses destroyed. As I am talking to you, many people have  fled  the village  into the bush and they sleep there. I don’t think they will come back for now.”

Another witness,Apostle Don Elem linked the incident to the level of insecurity in the community and called on the relevant government and security agencies to ensure that there is the security of lives and properties in the communities. 

It should be recalled Imo oil communities have been under attacks by unknown gunmen for the past few months causing tension and loss of lives. 

When the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, was contacted he confirmed the attack adding that the command has commenced investigation into what happened.

A source in Imo State government said:  “Top government officials are meeting in the Government House with security agencies to unravel the root cause of the continued insecurity situation especially in the oil communities of the state after the meeting decisions will be taken.”

[Vanguard]

BREAKING: UK Parliament To Debate Petition For Sanction Against Human Rights Abuses Of Buhari Administration

The United Kingdom Parliament will, on Wednesday, debate a petition submitted to it which called for sanctions against the Nigerian Government and its officials over cases of human rights abuse during the #EndSARS movement. 

Members of the Parliament will hold a debate on Magintsky sanctions and human rights abuses today (Wednesday) at the Westminster Hall. 

The debate which will start at 2:30 pm (1.30 pm Nigerian time) will be led by parliamentarian Chris Bryant.

In October 2020, a petition was filed which condemned the illegal activities of the now disbanded unit of the Nigeria Police force, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) which led to a protest and consequent shooting of peaceful protesters by members of Nigeria’s security force.

The petitioners argued that deploying sanctions against the government would serve as a deterrent to anyone involved in human rights abuses.

It reads, “Implement sanctions against the Nigerian Government and officials

The Government should explore using the new sanctions regime that allows individuals and entities that violate human rights around the world to be targeted, to impose sanctions on members of the Nigerian government and police force involved in any human rights abuses by the Nigerian police.

“There have been deeply concerning reports of a Nigerian police force unit (SARS) engaging in illegal activities and human rights abuses, and there have also been reports of police firing at protestors calling for SARS to be disbanded.

“Deploying sanctions would provide accountability for and be a deterrent to anyone involved in violations of human rights.”

All petitions run for six months and by the time the petition closed, it had gathered 221,258 signatures and the United Kingdom government responded on November 11, 2020.

Responding in a statement issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the government said it is concerned by violence during the protests and was waiting on the outcome of Nigerian investigations into reports of police brutality. 

The response stated, “The UK Government is deeply concerned by violence during recent protests in Nigeria, which tragically claimed lives. Our thoughts are with the families of all those affected.

“The Foreign Secretary issued a statement on 21 October calling for an end to the violence and for the Nigerian Government to urgently investigate reports of brutality by its security forces and hold those responsible to account. 

“The Minister for Africa tweeted on 16 October, noting that the Nigerian people’s democratic and peaceful calls for reforms, and again on 21 October, encouraging the Nigerian authorities to restore peace and address concerns over brutality towards civilians. 

“He reiterated these messages when he spoke to Foreign Minister (Geoffrey) Onyeama on 23 October. The British High Commissioner in Abuja has also raised the protests with representatives of the Nigerian Government and will continue to do so.

“We welcome President Buhari’s decision to disband the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) and the establishment of judicial panels of inquiry to investigate alleged incidents of brutality by the security services. 

“They must investigate all incidents, including in Lagos, fully. The Minister for Africa tweeted on 29 October stressing the importance of the police and military’s cooperation with the panels. He raised this, and the need for the panels to urgently start investigations, when he spoke to the Governor of Lagos on 11 November.

“The UK Government will continue to work with the Nigerian Government and international and civil society partners to support justice, accountability and a more responsive policing model in Nigeria. 

“We will continue to push for the Nigerian security services to uphold human rights and the rule of law, investigate all incidents of brutality, illegal detentions and use of excessive force, and hold those responsible to account.

“On 6 July, the Government established the Global Human Rights sanctions regime by laying regulations in Parliament under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018. 

“In a statement to Parliament, the Foreign Secretary set out in full the scope of the UK’s new Global Human Rights sanctions regime. He announced the first tranche of designations, as well as the Government’s approach to future designations.

“This sanctions regime will give the UK a powerful new tool to hold to account those involved in serious human rights violations or abuses. 

“The sanctions regime is not intended to target individual countries. It will allow for sanctions to be imposed on individuals and entities involved in serious human rights violations or abuses around the world.

“We will continue to consider potential designations under the Global Human Rights sanctions regime. It is longstanding practice not to speculate on future sanctions designations as to do so could reduce the impact of the designations.

“The UK Government will keep all evidence and potential listings under close review.”

[Saharareporters]

46 terrorists killed as NAF jets bombard Rijana hideout of Ali Kwaja, kidnap kingpin terrorising Kaduna-Abuja Highway

Following credible intelligence, fighter jets from the Nigerian Air Force, NAF,  have bombed key enclaves of kidnapping and banditry in the Rijana axis, along Kaduna-Abuja Highway in Kaduna State.

PRNigeria gathered that the airstrikes also destroyed an armoury and a building occupied by a kidnapping kingpin, Ali Kwaja, and eliminated scores of bandits in the vicinity.

Bandits often use the enclaves as their staging points to carry out attacks on travellers and commuters on the Abuja -Kaduna Expressway.

An intelligence source told PRNigeria that recent attacks on unsuspecting travellers along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway necessitated the increased surveillance and intelligence along the road and environs to uncover bandits’ activities and their modus operandi in the area.

The source said: “Most of the attacks along Kaduna-Abuja Expressway are orchestrated by bandits from Rijana-Kuzo axis.

“After confirming the location, the Air Component of Operation Thunder Strike scrambled fighter aircraft to take out the targets.

“Overhead the target area, armed bandits were seen gathered and were engaged. Some fleeing bandits after the initial strike were trailed to a location, about 4km Southeast of Kaduna State NYSC Orientation Camp and were subsequently neutralized.

“Furthermore, the Air Component destroyed a key bandits’ house at Kofita, after it was revealed that the building serves as a warehouse and staging location for most of the attacks in the area.”

Locals residing within a safe distance of the area also confirmed to our correspondent that over 45 bandits were neutralized at Rijana axis during the strike.

[Daily Nigerian]