Kabir Adamu, a national security policy and strategy specialist for Nigeria and the Sahel, credits a strengthened army-air force collaboration for progress in tackling banditry. He highlights how this partnership addresses root causes such as resource conflicts and weak governance, marking a shift in Nigeria’s approach to curbing insecurity in affected regions.
Showing posts with label security. Show all posts
Showing posts with label security. Show all posts
Friday, July 25, 2025
Video - Nigeria’s Army-Air Force partnership reshapes security landscape
Kabir Adamu, a national security policy and strategy specialist for Nigeria and the Sahel, credits a strengthened army-air force collaboration for progress in tackling banditry. He highlights how this partnership addresses root causes such as resource conflicts and weak governance, marking a shift in Nigeria’s approach to curbing insecurity in affected regions.
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Troops kill at least 95 'bandits' in northwest Nigeria
Armed gangs known as "bandits" have taken root across Nigeria's rural hinterlands amid poverty and government neglect. They raid, loot and burn villages, exact taxes, and conduct kidnappings for ransom.
On Tuesday, Nigerian air and ground troops "foiled an attempted bandit attack, launching air strikes and shootouts" in the northwestern state of Niger, according to the report, which was produced by a private conflict monitor.
It added that "at least 95 bandits" were killed in the clash, which occurred near the villages of Warari and Ragada in the Rijau local government area.
The Nigerian military put out a statement about the clash Wednesday, saying that forces "engaged terrorists in a firefight, neutralizing several."
One soldier was killed, it said.
Tuesday's attack follows a slew of battles where the Nigerian military -- which has in the past has been quick to publicise and sometimes exaggerate its gains -- has kept relatively mum on apparent victories where scores of bandits were killed.
An intelligence source told AFP the military was changing tack after realising publicising their gains was keeping jihadists and bandits abreast of their operations.
The army declined to comment.
Nigeria's myriad bandit gangs maintain camps in a huge forest straddling Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Niger states, in unrest that evolved from clashes between herders and farmers over land and resources into a broader conflict across the sparsely governed countryside.
Since 2011, as arms trafficking increased and the wider Sahel fell into turmoil, organised armed gangs formed, with cattle rustling and kidnapping becoming huge moneymakers in the largely impoverished northwest.
Groups also levy taxes on farmers and artisanal miners.
Violence has spread in recent years from its heartland in the northwest -- where analysts say some gains have been made by the military recently -- into north-central Nigeria, where observers say the situation is getting worse.
Increasing cooperation between the criminal gangs, who are primarily motivated by financial gains, and jihadists -- who are waging a separate, 16-year-old-armed insurrection in the northeast -- has seen attacks worsen.
Despite recent gains in the northwest, the military remains overstretched. While improved cooperation between the army and air force has aided the fight, analysts say, airstrikes have also killed hundreds of civilians.
Between 2018 and 2023, there were more deaths from bandits than there were from jihadist groups, according to figures from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), a US-based monitor.
Last week motorcycle-riding bandits rounded up a group of farmers working their fields outside Jangebe village in Zamfara state, killing nine and kidnapping around 15 others, local residents told AFP.
Earlier this month, Nigerian soldiers killed at least 150 bandits in an ambush in northwestern Kebbi state, a local official said.
On Tuesday, Nigerian air and ground troops "foiled an attempted bandit attack, launching air strikes and shootouts" in the northwestern state of Niger, according to the report, which was produced by a private conflict monitor.
It added that "at least 95 bandits" were killed in the clash, which occurred near the villages of Warari and Ragada in the Rijau local government area.
The Nigerian military put out a statement about the clash Wednesday, saying that forces "engaged terrorists in a firefight, neutralizing several."
One soldier was killed, it said.
Tuesday's attack follows a slew of battles where the Nigerian military -- which has in the past has been quick to publicise and sometimes exaggerate its gains -- has kept relatively mum on apparent victories where scores of bandits were killed.
An intelligence source told AFP the military was changing tack after realising publicising their gains was keeping jihadists and bandits abreast of their operations.
The army declined to comment.
Conflict spreading
Nigeria's myriad bandit gangs maintain camps in a huge forest straddling Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Niger states, in unrest that evolved from clashes between herders and farmers over land and resources into a broader conflict across the sparsely governed countryside.
Since 2011, as arms trafficking increased and the wider Sahel fell into turmoil, organised armed gangs formed, with cattle rustling and kidnapping becoming huge moneymakers in the largely impoverished northwest.
Groups also levy taxes on farmers and artisanal miners.
Violence has spread in recent years from its heartland in the northwest -- where analysts say some gains have been made by the military recently -- into north-central Nigeria, where observers say the situation is getting worse.
Increasing cooperation between the criminal gangs, who are primarily motivated by financial gains, and jihadists -- who are waging a separate, 16-year-old-armed insurrection in the northeast -- has seen attacks worsen.
Despite recent gains in the northwest, the military remains overstretched. While improved cooperation between the army and air force has aided the fight, analysts say, airstrikes have also killed hundreds of civilians.
Between 2018 and 2023, there were more deaths from bandits than there were from jihadist groups, according to figures from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), a US-based monitor.
Last week motorcycle-riding bandits rounded up a group of farmers working their fields outside Jangebe village in Zamfara state, killing nine and kidnapping around 15 others, local residents told AFP.
Earlier this month, Nigerian soldiers killed at least 150 bandits in an ambush in northwestern Kebbi state, a local official said.
Friday, July 11, 2025
Security forces kill 30 gunmen after armed attacks in northwest Nigeria
Nigerian security forces have killed at least 30 gunmen after armed attacks in the country’s troubled northwest, authorities said Thursday.
The joint police and military operation occurred Wednesday after hundreds of armed men attacked several villages, State Commissioner for Home Affairs Nasir Mua’zu said in a statement.
Mua’zu said three police officers and two soldiers died during the counter-attack which was launched against the gunmen who attacked the villages Tuesday evening.
“We are working tirelessly with federal security agencies to ensure the safety of all citizens,” he said.
In recent months, the northwestern and north-central regions of Nigeria have recorded an uptick in attacks by armed gangs on communities in these regions. Hundreds have been killed and injured in the attacks.
Bandit groups are known for mass killings and kidnappings for ransom in the country’s conflict-battered north. Most of the groups are made up of former herders in conflict with settled communities.
Dozens of armed groups take advantage of the limited security presence in Nigeria’s mineral-rich northwestern region, carrying out attacks on villages and along major roads. Kidnappings for ransom have become a lucrative way for bandit groups to fund other crimes and control villages.
Aside from the conflict in the country’s north-central and northwest, Nigeria is battling to contain an insurgency in the northeast where some 35,000 civilians have been killed and more than 2 million displaced, according to the U.N.
By, Dyepkazah Shibayan, AP
The joint police and military operation occurred Wednesday after hundreds of armed men attacked several villages, State Commissioner for Home Affairs Nasir Mua’zu said in a statement.
Mua’zu said three police officers and two soldiers died during the counter-attack which was launched against the gunmen who attacked the villages Tuesday evening.
“We are working tirelessly with federal security agencies to ensure the safety of all citizens,” he said.
In recent months, the northwestern and north-central regions of Nigeria have recorded an uptick in attacks by armed gangs on communities in these regions. Hundreds have been killed and injured in the attacks.
Bandit groups are known for mass killings and kidnappings for ransom in the country’s conflict-battered north. Most of the groups are made up of former herders in conflict with settled communities.
Dozens of armed groups take advantage of the limited security presence in Nigeria’s mineral-rich northwestern region, carrying out attacks on villages and along major roads. Kidnappings for ransom have become a lucrative way for bandit groups to fund other crimes and control villages.
Aside from the conflict in the country’s north-central and northwest, Nigeria is battling to contain an insurgency in the northeast where some 35,000 civilians have been killed and more than 2 million displaced, according to the U.N.
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Nigeria moves closer to acquiring 12 US-made AH-1Z viper attack helicopters
The meeting brought together senior U.S. government officials and representatives from Bell Textron, manufacturers of the helicopters, to assess progress and fine-tune the delivery timeline.
The visit marked a critical step in the procurement process, offering Nigerian defense officials direct engagement with their U.S. counterparts, including the United States Marine Corps—operators of the AH-1Z platform.
According to Air Marshal Abubakar, the meetings provided Nigeria with valuable insights into best practices for operating, sustaining, and supporting the AH-1Z, a platform known for its agility, precision strike capabilities, and battlefield survivability.
During the engagement, Air Marshal Abubakar expressed his deep appreciation to the U.S. Government, emphasizing the value of its longstanding strategic partnership with Nigeria.
“We are deeply grateful to the United States Government for its enduring strategic partnership with Nigeria.
“The acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters will significantly enhance the Nigerian Air Force’s combat effectiveness, operational efficiency, and mission readiness.”
The acquisition comes at a time when Nigeria is facing one of the most intense waves of terrorist violence in its history, with insurgent groups launching increasingly sophisticated attacks using advanced weaponry.
Deal closed after three years after initial request
This deal was first discussed in 2022, when Nigeria indicated interest in purchasing 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States.
After nearly three years of deliberation and diplomatic back-and-forth, the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed the sale, signaling a major milestone in Nigeria’s military modernization efforts.
Originally approved in April 2022, the full $997 million package includes engines, guided weapons, night vision systems, training, and logistics support as per Military Africa.
The delay was largely due to U.S. concerns over human rights issues, which had stalled similar arms sales in the past.
With regional security threats growing, the helicopters are expected to boost Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations and mark a new phase in U.S.-Nigeria military cooperation.
This deal was first discussed in 2022, when Nigeria indicated interest in purchasing 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States.
After nearly three years of deliberation and diplomatic back-and-forth, the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed the sale, signaling a major milestone in Nigeria’s military modernization efforts.
Originally approved in April 2022, the full $997 million package includes engines, guided weapons, night vision systems, training, and logistics support as per Military Africa.
The delay was largely due to U.S. concerns over human rights issues, which had stalled similar arms sales in the past.
With regional security threats growing, the helicopters are expected to boost Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations and mark a new phase in U.S.-Nigeria military cooperation.
The AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter
The AH-1Z Viper—also known as the "Zulu Cobra"—is one of the most advanced attack helicopters in the world, developed by Bell Helicopter for the United States Marine Corps. It is an upgraded variant of the AH-1W Super Cobra and is designed for precision strike missions, close air support, and battlefield reconnaissance
The platform features advanced avionics, weapons systems, and target acquisition technologies, making it one of the most capable attack helicopters in use today.
The AH-1Z Viper offers a multi-mission platform that combines lethal firepower, high survivability, and advanced situational awareness—making it a valuable asset in modern asymmetrical and conventional warfare.
The AH-1Z Viper features advanced targeting systems like FLIR and laser designation for precise day-and-night operations, along with radar and rangefinders for engaging ground and air threats.
Its weapons include a 20mm rotary cannon, Hellfire missiles, Hydra rockets, Sidewinder missiles, and other munitions, making it a versatile and lethal combat platform.
For Nigeria, it represents a significant leap in combat aviation capability, especially in counterinsurgency, anti-terrorism, and border security operations.
As Nigeria continues to modernize its armed forces, the AH-1Z deal symbolizes deepening military cooperation between Abuja and Washington and reflects growing U.S. support for Nigeria’s security and counterterrorism efforts in the West African region.
The AH-1Z Viper—also known as the "Zulu Cobra"—is one of the most advanced attack helicopters in the world, developed by Bell Helicopter for the United States Marine Corps. It is an upgraded variant of the AH-1W Super Cobra and is designed for precision strike missions, close air support, and battlefield reconnaissance
The platform features advanced avionics, weapons systems, and target acquisition technologies, making it one of the most capable attack helicopters in use today.
The AH-1Z Viper offers a multi-mission platform that combines lethal firepower, high survivability, and advanced situational awareness—making it a valuable asset in modern asymmetrical and conventional warfare.
The AH-1Z Viper features advanced targeting systems like FLIR and laser designation for precise day-and-night operations, along with radar and rangefinders for engaging ground and air threats.
Its weapons include a 20mm rotary cannon, Hellfire missiles, Hydra rockets, Sidewinder missiles, and other munitions, making it a versatile and lethal combat platform.
For Nigeria, it represents a significant leap in combat aviation capability, especially in counterinsurgency, anti-terrorism, and border security operations.
As Nigeria continues to modernize its armed forces, the AH-1Z deal symbolizes deepening military cooperation between Abuja and Washington and reflects growing U.S. support for Nigeria’s security and counterterrorism efforts in the West African region.
By Solomon Ekanem, Business Insider Africa
Monday, May 26, 2025
Video - Nigerian security forces rethink strategies amid renewed militant threat
Authorities in Nigeria are relying on local intelligence and bolstering the Civilian Joint Task Force to tackle the growing threat posed by militants in recent months. However, experts say a lasting solution requires increased economic support, local policing, and high-tech surveillance.
Monday, May 19, 2025
Video - Nigerian military chief vows troop support as insurgent attacks rise
Nigeria’s top military commander, General Christopher Musa, pledged full support to troops battling a rise in insurgent violence, particularly in Borno State. This follows a deadly April attack where over 100 civilians were killed and multiple military bases were attacked. The army chief pledged new leadership, fresh equipment, and possible border fortifications as part of renewed efforts to restore security.
Friday, May 2, 2025
Nigeria Governors Urge Army to Rethink Anti-Jihadist Strategy
State governors in northeast Nigeria on Thursday called on government security forces to rethink their counter-insurgency strategy, after more than 100 people were killed last month in jihadist attacks.
The region has seen an upsurge in Islamist militant attacks in recent weeks, reigniting a grinding conflict over the last 16 years that has left more than 40,000 dead and displaced two million.
Governors from the states of Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe, Taraba and Bauchi met in the Yobe state capital Damaturu for the 11th North-East Governors Forum.
Taraba state governor Agbu Kefas said in a closing speech that he and colleagues were alarmed at the increase in insurgent activity.
“The forum… calls for the armed forces, other security agencies and community leaders to reappraise their strategy in the counter-insurgency onslaught in the region,” he added.
Kefas said a “multidimensional approach” was needed to address the “root causes” of the unrest, with work on youth employment and training, better roads and education and poverty reduction.
Boko Haram, which originated in Borno, and its splinter group Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have lost ground to the Nigerian army but have recently become more active.
The pair have notably resolved disputes between them to focus on fighting outside forces.
They have also adapted their combat tactics, especially through the use of drones, improvised explosive devices and coordinated raids.
The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) tasked with fighting extremists in the Lake Chad region since 2013 has meanwhile been weakened after Niger’s withdrawal in March, affecting cross-border patrols and intelligence sharing.
Another member, Chad, has likewise threatened to pull out.
The region has seen an upsurge in Islamist militant attacks in recent weeks, reigniting a grinding conflict over the last 16 years that has left more than 40,000 dead and displaced two million.
Governors from the states of Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe, Taraba and Bauchi met in the Yobe state capital Damaturu for the 11th North-East Governors Forum.
Taraba state governor Agbu Kefas said in a closing speech that he and colleagues were alarmed at the increase in insurgent activity.
“The forum… calls for the armed forces, other security agencies and community leaders to reappraise their strategy in the counter-insurgency onslaught in the region,” he added.
Kefas said a “multidimensional approach” was needed to address the “root causes” of the unrest, with work on youth employment and training, better roads and education and poverty reduction.
Boko Haram, which originated in Borno, and its splinter group Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have lost ground to the Nigerian army but have recently become more active.
The pair have notably resolved disputes between them to focus on fighting outside forces.
They have also adapted their combat tactics, especially through the use of drones, improvised explosive devices and coordinated raids.
The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) tasked with fighting extremists in the Lake Chad region since 2013 has meanwhile been weakened after Niger’s withdrawal in March, affecting cross-border patrols and intelligence sharing.
Another member, Chad, has likewise threatened to pull out.
Monday, April 14, 2025
How Nigeria can stop rising 'jungle justice'
A stolen phone, a whispered accusation, and slowly, a crowd gathers. In minutes, the charges are read out to the suspect and "justice" is administered — not in a courtroom, but on the street.
Mob justice, often called "jungle justice" in Nigeria, is the act of a crowd taking the law into their own hands by punishing suspected criminals without giving them the right to defend themselves via judicial procedures.
Over the past decade, such violence in Nigeria has surged, fueled by distrust in law enforcement, economic hardship, and the rapid spread of misinformation.
"It's [mob justice] been a long time with us," said Frank Tietie, a Nigerian legal expert and Executive Director of Citizens for Social Economic Rights in Abuja.
"Where law enforcement agents are seen to be restricted only to capital cities or the various states or in the nation's capital, people tend to have a sense that the government is far away and they can do whatever they like," he said.
Josephine Mahachi, DW
Mob justice, often called "jungle justice" in Nigeria, is the act of a crowd taking the law into their own hands by punishing suspected criminals without giving them the right to defend themselves via judicial procedures.
Over the past decade, such violence in Nigeria has surged, fueled by distrust in law enforcement, economic hardship, and the rapid spread of misinformation.
"It's [mob justice] been a long time with us," said Frank Tietie, a Nigerian legal expert and Executive Director of Citizens for Social Economic Rights in Abuja.
"Where law enforcement agents are seen to be restricted only to capital cities or the various states or in the nation's capital, people tend to have a sense that the government is far away and they can do whatever they like," he said.
A case of mistaken identity
Recently, 16 hunters traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano were lynched in Edo State on mere suspicion of being bandits and kidnappers.
According to local reports, the victims were traveling back to their home in Kano after attending Muslim Eid al-Adha celebrations when local vigilantes stopped the vehicle they were in.
Upon searching, the vigilante members found homemade Dane guns used by the hunters. The discovery quickly attracted a crowd who concluded the travelers were criminals and burned them alive.
Their gruesome deaths have reignited debates on lawlessness, justice, and the failure of policing in Africa's most populous nation.
President Bola Tinubu and human rights groups condemned the incident, and Tinubu vowed to pursue those who perpetrated the act and bring them to justice.
Nigeria's constitution stipulates that under no circumstances should the life of any Nigerian be taken except in accordance with the provisions of the law, with the pronouncement of the judgment of a court.
Recently, 16 hunters traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano were lynched in Edo State on mere suspicion of being bandits and kidnappers.
According to local reports, the victims were traveling back to their home in Kano after attending Muslim Eid al-Adha celebrations when local vigilantes stopped the vehicle they were in.
Upon searching, the vigilante members found homemade Dane guns used by the hunters. The discovery quickly attracted a crowd who concluded the travelers were criminals and burned them alive.
Their gruesome deaths have reignited debates on lawlessness, justice, and the failure of policing in Africa's most populous nation.
President Bola Tinubu and human rights groups condemned the incident, and Tinubu vowed to pursue those who perpetrated the act and bring them to justice.
Nigeria's constitution stipulates that under no circumstances should the life of any Nigerian be taken except in accordance with the provisions of the law, with the pronouncement of the judgment of a court.
Common scenarios that lead to vigilantism
Apart from petty theft, such as pickpocketing, stealing mobile phones, bicycles, or motorcycles, suspicions of witchcraft or child theft can lead to mob justice.
However, cases of false accusations, mainly driven by personal vendettas, such as business competition, have also been documented by Amnesty International.
As Nigeria is a deeply religious country with dozens of ethnic communities, tensions can easily trigger mob actions, particularly during periods of unrest or crisis.
"There are instances even in police stations the case will reach there, and you find people round the police station, they want to get the culprit out and set him ablaze," Ben Shemang, DW correspondent in Abuja, said.
Over the past decade, Amnesty International has documented at least 555 victims of mob violence in Nigeria.
How Nigeria can curb 'jungle justice'
To reverse the trend and end the vice, experts say the Nigerian government needs to intervene by increasing public awareness campaigns against mob violence.
There is also an urgent need for police reforms and human rights training.
"We should put more pressure on the national assembly to decentralize the police system," Frank Tietie said, adding that the federal-controlled police have become incompetent and corrupt.
"The hope is that when we have a decentralized police system, where various states and local governments can organize proper police for us, then we may have less issues of jungle justice and extra judicial killings as we had in Edo State," he said.
Additionally, there needs to be increased advocacy for justice reforms and promotion of peaceful conflict resolution, and most importantly, local communities and security agencies must emphasize collaboration to build mutual trust and responsiveness.
Apart from petty theft, such as pickpocketing, stealing mobile phones, bicycles, or motorcycles, suspicions of witchcraft or child theft can lead to mob justice.
However, cases of false accusations, mainly driven by personal vendettas, such as business competition, have also been documented by Amnesty International.
As Nigeria is a deeply religious country with dozens of ethnic communities, tensions can easily trigger mob actions, particularly during periods of unrest or crisis.
"There are instances even in police stations the case will reach there, and you find people round the police station, they want to get the culprit out and set him ablaze," Ben Shemang, DW correspondent in Abuja, said.
Over the past decade, Amnesty International has documented at least 555 victims of mob violence in Nigeria.
How Nigeria can curb 'jungle justice'
To reverse the trend and end the vice, experts say the Nigerian government needs to intervene by increasing public awareness campaigns against mob violence.
There is also an urgent need for police reforms and human rights training.
"We should put more pressure on the national assembly to decentralize the police system," Frank Tietie said, adding that the federal-controlled police have become incompetent and corrupt.
"The hope is that when we have a decentralized police system, where various states and local governments can organize proper police for us, then we may have less issues of jungle justice and extra judicial killings as we had in Edo State," he said.
Additionally, there needs to be increased advocacy for justice reforms and promotion of peaceful conflict resolution, and most importantly, local communities and security agencies must emphasize collaboration to build mutual trust and responsiveness.
Friday, April 4, 2025
Thursday, April 3, 2025
Nigerian military unveils first indigenous attack drones, bombs
The Nigerian Military, in collaboration with Briech UAS, a communications company, has unveiled the first and largest indigenous attack drones and bombs in Nigeria and Africa.
Briech UAS, in partnership with the Nigerian Army, demonstrated and unveiled these attack drones and bombs at the company’s headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, described the initiative as a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward self-reliance in defence technology and a significant step in strengthening national security capabilities.
Mr Musa, an army general, emphasised that the development of combat drones was a timely intervention, highlighting their efficiency in intelligence gathering.
He said that these drones would facilitate decisive actions against threats in an era where security challenges were increasingly complex and asymmetric.
“These force multipliers will play a vital role in enhancing the operational effectiveness of our military.
“Particularly in a world where global politics surrounding the procurement of advanced military hardware have become more intricate.
“Countries that do not produce such solutions face bureaucratic bottlenecks and diplomatic hurdles when acquiring these critical platforms. We are facing such challenges directly.
“If you don’t produce what you need, you will be at the mercy of others, even when you have the financial resources to acquire them.
“By manufacturing these drones locally, Nigeria reduces its dependence on foreign resources, ensures prompt acquisition, and strengthens its ability to respond swiftly to security threats.
“With the brilliant minds we have, particularly among our youth, we can create outstanding technology that competes globally,” he said.
The Governor of Plateau, Caleb Mutfwang, stressed that Nigeria’s growth depended on recognising and patronising indigenous products.
Mr Mutfwang stated that the drones would play a critical role in protecting national sovereignty both in Plateau and across the nation.
He revealed that some of these locally made technologies had already been deployed to Plateau, significantly improving the efficiency of ground forces.
He also noted that his state was partnering with local bomb and drone manufacturers like Briech UAS to counter insurgency using domestically produced weapons.
“As a nation, we made a mistake by allowing non-state actors to acquire capabilities that nearly rival those of state actors.
“We have entered into a partnership that has enabled the deployment of these facilities in our state.
“We have witnessed significant improvements in the efficiency of our security forces.
“Indeed, it was an error to allow non-state actors to amass capabilities that almost overpower those of legitimate state forces.
“It is time to rectify that imbalance.
“We must ensure that no one within our borders possesses capabilities that match or exceed those entrusted with the constitutional duty of protecting our national sovereignty,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Briech UAS, Bright Echefu, noted that insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP had recently adopted commercial drones for reconnaissance and attack missions.
“These drones have been used to track and attack our troops. They are being deployed to coordinate ambushes and execute crude aerial strikes,” he said
Briech UAS, in partnership with the Nigerian Army, demonstrated and unveiled these attack drones and bombs at the company’s headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, described the initiative as a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward self-reliance in defence technology and a significant step in strengthening national security capabilities.
Mr Musa, an army general, emphasised that the development of combat drones was a timely intervention, highlighting their efficiency in intelligence gathering.
He said that these drones would facilitate decisive actions against threats in an era where security challenges were increasingly complex and asymmetric.
“These force multipliers will play a vital role in enhancing the operational effectiveness of our military.
“Particularly in a world where global politics surrounding the procurement of advanced military hardware have become more intricate.
“Countries that do not produce such solutions face bureaucratic bottlenecks and diplomatic hurdles when acquiring these critical platforms. We are facing such challenges directly.
“If you don’t produce what you need, you will be at the mercy of others, even when you have the financial resources to acquire them.
“By manufacturing these drones locally, Nigeria reduces its dependence on foreign resources, ensures prompt acquisition, and strengthens its ability to respond swiftly to security threats.
“With the brilliant minds we have, particularly among our youth, we can create outstanding technology that competes globally,” he said.
The Governor of Plateau, Caleb Mutfwang, stressed that Nigeria’s growth depended on recognising and patronising indigenous products.
Mr Mutfwang stated that the drones would play a critical role in protecting national sovereignty both in Plateau and across the nation.
He revealed that some of these locally made technologies had already been deployed to Plateau, significantly improving the efficiency of ground forces.
He also noted that his state was partnering with local bomb and drone manufacturers like Briech UAS to counter insurgency using domestically produced weapons.
“As a nation, we made a mistake by allowing non-state actors to acquire capabilities that nearly rival those of state actors.
“We have entered into a partnership that has enabled the deployment of these facilities in our state.
“We have witnessed significant improvements in the efficiency of our security forces.
“Indeed, it was an error to allow non-state actors to amass capabilities that almost overpower those of legitimate state forces.
“It is time to rectify that imbalance.
“We must ensure that no one within our borders possesses capabilities that match or exceed those entrusted with the constitutional duty of protecting our national sovereignty,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Briech UAS, Bright Echefu, noted that insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP had recently adopted commercial drones for reconnaissance and attack missions.
“These drones have been used to track and attack our troops. They are being deployed to coordinate ambushes and execute crude aerial strikes,” he said
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Nigeria bets on deradicalization program in North West
The Nigerian government said it is expanding its deradicalization program, Operation Safe Corridor, to the country's North West to tackle rising insecurity in the region. In Nigeria, the North West is a geopolitical zone comprising the states of Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.
The North West has been locked in a decade-old conflict as criminal gangs, otherwise referred to as bandits, raid villages and run a large kidnap-for-ransom industry. They are known to sexually assault women, kill citizens, and tax locals across vast swaths of northern Nigeria.
Chief of Defence Operations Emeka Onumajuru, who represented General Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff, said the deradicalization program is "vital to breaking the cycle of terrorism and banditry through a structured pathway for rehabilitation and reintegration" of bandits. The program has also been used to deradicalize former Boko Haram fighters in the North East zone.
The North West has been locked in a decade-old conflict as criminal gangs, otherwise referred to as bandits, raid villages and run a large kidnap-for-ransom industry. They are known to sexually assault women, kill citizens, and tax locals across vast swaths of northern Nigeria.
Chief of Defence Operations Emeka Onumajuru, who represented General Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff, said the deradicalization program is "vital to breaking the cycle of terrorism and banditry through a structured pathway for rehabilitation and reintegration" of bandits. The program has also been used to deradicalize former Boko Haram fighters in the North East zone.
Deradicalization efforts yield results in North East
So far, Nigerian officials say Operation Safe Corridor has been instrumental in the fight against insurgency in the North East. The program aimed to rehabilitate former insurgents who surrendered or defected, reintegrating about 2,190 repentant terrorists back into the society.
The initiative is built on five pillars, says Onumajuru. These are: disarmament, demobilization, deradicalization, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
While the program has been relatively successful in the North East region, concerns have been raised about recidivism, with reports of some rehabilitated individuals returning to terror groups.
Now with the intended expansion of the program to the North West, analysts have raised questions about Operation Safe Corridor's effectiveness. This is because the banditry in North West is largely driven by financial incentives like ransom payments, cattle rustling, and illegal mining, rather than ideology.
So far, Nigerian officials say Operation Safe Corridor has been instrumental in the fight against insurgency in the North East. The program aimed to rehabilitate former insurgents who surrendered or defected, reintegrating about 2,190 repentant terrorists back into the society.
The initiative is built on five pillars, says Onumajuru. These are: disarmament, demobilization, deradicalization, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
While the program has been relatively successful in the North East region, concerns have been raised about recidivism, with reports of some rehabilitated individuals returning to terror groups.
Now with the intended expansion of the program to the North West, analysts have raised questions about Operation Safe Corridor's effectiveness. This is because the banditry in North West is largely driven by financial incentives like ransom payments, cattle rustling, and illegal mining, rather than ideology.
Can Operation Safe Corridor repeat successes?
Samuel Malik, a senior researcher at the pan-African think tank Good Governance Africa, believes the replicating the program is not inherently flawed. He says only "kinetic responses" that involve aggressive measures, often with military action, cannot solve Nigeria's security challenges.
But Samuel Malik adds the program can only succeed in the North West "if it is properly structured, monitored, and adapted to local realities, rather than being a rushed initiative."
"Deradicalization is effective when dealing with individuals who have been indoctrinated into violent extremist ideologies, but most bandits in the North West have explicitly rejected jihadist agendas," Samuel Malik said.
Oluwole Ojewale, an analyst with Dakar-based Institute for Security Studies, said the problem with "Safe Corridor" is that it was developed for terror groups who share extreme views.
"If what the government wants to do is demobilization, it is quite in order. But they cannot afford to copy and paste what they did in the North East and replicate the same in the North West," he told DW.
Samuel Malik, a senior researcher at the pan-African think tank Good Governance Africa, believes the replicating the program is not inherently flawed. He says only "kinetic responses" that involve aggressive measures, often with military action, cannot solve Nigeria's security challenges.
But Samuel Malik adds the program can only succeed in the North West "if it is properly structured, monitored, and adapted to local realities, rather than being a rushed initiative."
"Deradicalization is effective when dealing with individuals who have been indoctrinated into violent extremist ideologies, but most bandits in the North West have explicitly rejected jihadist agendas," Samuel Malik said.
Oluwole Ojewale, an analyst with Dakar-based Institute for Security Studies, said the problem with "Safe Corridor" is that it was developed for terror groups who share extreme views.
"If what the government wants to do is demobilization, it is quite in order. But they cannot afford to copy and paste what they did in the North East and replicate the same in the North West," he told DW.
Deep-rooted problems remain
Critics of Operation Safe Corridor have said the program is perpetrator-centered and risks being seen as a reward system for terrorists.
Dengiyefa Angalapu, a counterterrorism and peacebuilding researcher, said this argument is reductionist. He told DW the initiative can be implemented in the North West as there are multiple actors in the region, including ideological terror groups, which often get generalized under the catchphrase of banditry.
Dengiyefa added that the deep-rooted grievances among herders prompt some to take up arms and make the initiative suitable for the region.
"Kinetic strategy alone cannot lead to a decline in terrorism. This is an initiative that should be expanded to other parts of the country to provide a national framework for countering terrorism," he told DW.
The analysts seem in agreement that this strategy should involve local peacebuilding mechanisms and economic empowerment to prevent relapse.
"While certain elements of the initiative such as psychological support, vocational training, and community reintegration remain crucial, the government should prioritize economic reintegration, conflict resolution, and mechanisms that prevent re-engagement in criminal activities," Samuel said.
Critics of Operation Safe Corridor have said the program is perpetrator-centered and risks being seen as a reward system for terrorists.
Dengiyefa Angalapu, a counterterrorism and peacebuilding researcher, said this argument is reductionist. He told DW the initiative can be implemented in the North West as there are multiple actors in the region, including ideological terror groups, which often get generalized under the catchphrase of banditry.
Dengiyefa added that the deep-rooted grievances among herders prompt some to take up arms and make the initiative suitable for the region.
"Kinetic strategy alone cannot lead to a decline in terrorism. This is an initiative that should be expanded to other parts of the country to provide a national framework for countering terrorism," he told DW.
The analysts seem in agreement that this strategy should involve local peacebuilding mechanisms and economic empowerment to prevent relapse.
"While certain elements of the initiative such as psychological support, vocational training, and community reintegration remain crucial, the government should prioritize economic reintegration, conflict resolution, and mechanisms that prevent re-engagement in criminal activities," Samuel said.
By Abiodun Jamiu, DW
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Counterterrorism center of Nigeria warns of threats, launches review of strategy
Nigeria's National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) warns that terrorist groups are getting more sophisticated — using new technologies and exploiting political and economic grievances to expand their operations. In response, authorities have launched a review of the national anti-terrorism strategy to address emerging threats.
The official anti-terror strategy document was first developed in 2014 and revised two years later. Authorities say this latest revision is necessary to reflect evolving security threats and ensure counterterrorism measures remain effective.
"The tactics used by non-state actors keep evolving and have become highly unpredictable," said Major General Adamu Garba Laka, the national coordinator of the Counter Terrorism Center. "Nigeria is grappling with the challenges of insecurity, thanks to the efforts made by personnel and agencies in charge of securing the lives of citizens, which has ensured the decline in the number of such incidences."
The review comes three months after Nigerian authorities warned that a new terror group, Lakurawa, has emerged in the northwest region.
Authorities say terrorist organizations are increasingly using advanced technology — such as encrypted messaging apps, social media recruitment campaigns and drones — to enhance their operations.
They also exploit poverty, political grievances and weak law enforcement in remote areas to recruit fighters and spread their ideology.
Laka said the updated strategy will redefine the roles of government agencies involved in counterterrorism efforts.
For well over a decade, Nigeria has struggled to curb violence from terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Since 2009, more than 35,000 people have been killed, and at least 2 million have been displaced.
Although the overall number of terrorism-related deaths has declined in recent years, threats persist because of persistent poverty and poor governance.
Security analyst Chidi Omeje said the increasing sophistication of terror groups is not surprising.
"I don't see it as something that we didn't expect. That's the reality of emerging security," said Omeje. "They have these links with terror networks, so they'll naturally grow in these proficiencies. So, it's up to us to devise ways to counter those technologies they're using."
Last month, terrorists attacked a military base near Nigeria's border with Niger, killing 20 soldiers.
Security analyst Ebenezer Oyetakin argues that beyond reviewing counterterrorism strategies, authorities need to uncover terrorism financiers.
"When you take a look at the operation of al-Qaida, you compare it with ISIS — the way they move in their convoy — and then you compare it with Boko Haram, you'll see the semblance, which means they're too dynamic, they're not just a bunch of illiterates that are trying to make ends meet," said Oyetakin. "We should look for those behind them rather than contending with policies that are not sincerely being implemented."
Africa has become the global epicenter of terrorism, accounting for the highest number of terror-related deaths in 2023.
Last April, Nigeria hosted the African Counter-Terrorism Summit, bringing together hundreds of experts and policymakers to develop a continent-wide strategy against terror groups.
But for now, Nigerian authorities say their focus remains on strengthening the country's resilience against terrorism.
By Timothy Obiezu, VOA
The official anti-terror strategy document was first developed in 2014 and revised two years later. Authorities say this latest revision is necessary to reflect evolving security threats and ensure counterterrorism measures remain effective.
"The tactics used by non-state actors keep evolving and have become highly unpredictable," said Major General Adamu Garba Laka, the national coordinator of the Counter Terrorism Center. "Nigeria is grappling with the challenges of insecurity, thanks to the efforts made by personnel and agencies in charge of securing the lives of citizens, which has ensured the decline in the number of such incidences."
The review comes three months after Nigerian authorities warned that a new terror group, Lakurawa, has emerged in the northwest region.
Authorities say terrorist organizations are increasingly using advanced technology — such as encrypted messaging apps, social media recruitment campaigns and drones — to enhance their operations.
They also exploit poverty, political grievances and weak law enforcement in remote areas to recruit fighters and spread their ideology.
Laka said the updated strategy will redefine the roles of government agencies involved in counterterrorism efforts.
For well over a decade, Nigeria has struggled to curb violence from terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Since 2009, more than 35,000 people have been killed, and at least 2 million have been displaced.
Although the overall number of terrorism-related deaths has declined in recent years, threats persist because of persistent poverty and poor governance.
Security analyst Chidi Omeje said the increasing sophistication of terror groups is not surprising.
"I don't see it as something that we didn't expect. That's the reality of emerging security," said Omeje. "They have these links with terror networks, so they'll naturally grow in these proficiencies. So, it's up to us to devise ways to counter those technologies they're using."
Last month, terrorists attacked a military base near Nigeria's border with Niger, killing 20 soldiers.
Security analyst Ebenezer Oyetakin argues that beyond reviewing counterterrorism strategies, authorities need to uncover terrorism financiers.
"When you take a look at the operation of al-Qaida, you compare it with ISIS — the way they move in their convoy — and then you compare it with Boko Haram, you'll see the semblance, which means they're too dynamic, they're not just a bunch of illiterates that are trying to make ends meet," said Oyetakin. "We should look for those behind them rather than contending with policies that are not sincerely being implemented."
Africa has become the global epicenter of terrorism, accounting for the highest number of terror-related deaths in 2023.
Last April, Nigeria hosted the African Counter-Terrorism Summit, bringing together hundreds of experts and policymakers to develop a continent-wide strategy against terror groups.
But for now, Nigerian authorities say their focus remains on strengthening the country's resilience against terrorism.
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Nigeria labels Lakurawa as terrorist organization
Nigeria officially labels the Lakurawa group as a terrorist organization after years of violent attacks in rural communities.
The decision follows top-level instructions to Nigeria’s army to either kill or remove Lakurawa radicals from Nigerian territory.
“This is a great concern for the Nigerian government. They’re already trying to fight off the Boko Haram, Fulani herdsman, [and] ISIS West Africa,” Greg Musselman with Voice of the Martyrs Canada says.
The ‘terrorist’ designation allows Nigerian forces to arrest suspects, freeze assets, and dismantle Lakurawa’s networks. However, questions remain about whether these measures address the conditions that enable the group to flourish.
“A lot of these terrorist groups feed on the fact that many of these young men don’t have jobs,” Musselman says.
“They’re poor, and [then they see] here’s an opportunity to join this group, cause all sorts of havoc in the name of Islam, and use it to get material gain.”
Meanwhile, religious minorities suffer.
“You’ve got these competing Islamic groups with their version of Sharia law. They’ll go against each other [and] there’s all this violence breaking out, and the innocent people are often getting caught into it,” Musselman says.
Ask the Lord to protect and strengthen believers in northern Nigeria. Consider providing practical help and biblical counseling through VOM Canada here.
“When you look at what has gone on in Nigeria, you see amazing, brave followers of Christ. But you also see the devastation and pain are real,” Musselman says.
“You’ve got so much violence and so much death and destruction. The only hope is Jesus.”
By Katey Hearth, Mission Network News
The decision follows top-level instructions to Nigeria’s army to either kill or remove Lakurawa radicals from Nigerian territory.
“This is a great concern for the Nigerian government. They’re already trying to fight off the Boko Haram, Fulani herdsman, [and] ISIS West Africa,” Greg Musselman with Voice of the Martyrs Canada says.
The ‘terrorist’ designation allows Nigerian forces to arrest suspects, freeze assets, and dismantle Lakurawa’s networks. However, questions remain about whether these measures address the conditions that enable the group to flourish.
“A lot of these terrorist groups feed on the fact that many of these young men don’t have jobs,” Musselman says.
“They’re poor, and [then they see] here’s an opportunity to join this group, cause all sorts of havoc in the name of Islam, and use it to get material gain.”
Meanwhile, religious minorities suffer.
“You’ve got these competing Islamic groups with their version of Sharia law. They’ll go against each other [and] there’s all this violence breaking out, and the innocent people are often getting caught into it,” Musselman says.
Ask the Lord to protect and strengthen believers in northern Nigeria. Consider providing practical help and biblical counseling through VOM Canada here.
“When you look at what has gone on in Nigeria, you see amazing, brave followers of Christ. But you also see the devastation and pain are real,” Musselman says.
“You’ve got so much violence and so much death and destruction. The only hope is Jesus.”
By Katey Hearth, Mission Network News
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Nigerian army says it killed 76 extremists during a weeklong operation in Borno State
Nigerian troops killed 76 Islamic militants in the country's northeast during operations conducted in various parts of Borno state, the military said Thursday.
The operations took place between Jan. 7 and Jan. 13, Nigerian army spokesperson Edward Buba said during a news conference in Abuja, Nigeria's capital. He added that the military also arrested 72 suspects and rescued eight hostages kidnapped by the militants.
Buba did not provide details about the extremists' affiliation but the area of operations has long been plagued by attacks from the Boko Haram group and its breakaway faction that is loyal to the Islamic State group.
The army spokesperson also did not specify if any members of the Nigerian military were killed during the operations.
The announcement by Nigeria's military comes days after suspected Boko Haram militants killed at least 40 farmers in another part of Borno State.
Boko Haram, Nigeria’s homegrown jihadis, took up arms in 2009 to fight Western education and impose their radical version of Islamic law. The conflict, now Africa’s longest struggle with militancy, has spilled into Nigeria’s northern neighbors.
Some 35,000 civilians have been killed and more than 2 million have been displaced in the northeastern region, according to the U.N.
The 2014 kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in the village of Chibok in Borno state — the epicenter of the conflict — captured the attention of the world.
Nigeria's military has also killed 64 extremists, arrested 69 suspects and rescued 62 hostages during other operations in the country's northwest, Buba said Thursday.
Kidnappings have become a common occurrence in Nigeria's northeast, where dozens of armed groups exploit the region's limited security presence to carry out attacks on villages and along major roads. Many victims are only released after the payment of ransoms that sometimes run into the thousands of dollars.
The operations took place between Jan. 7 and Jan. 13, Nigerian army spokesperson Edward Buba said during a news conference in Abuja, Nigeria's capital. He added that the military also arrested 72 suspects and rescued eight hostages kidnapped by the militants.
Buba did not provide details about the extremists' affiliation but the area of operations has long been plagued by attacks from the Boko Haram group and its breakaway faction that is loyal to the Islamic State group.
The army spokesperson also did not specify if any members of the Nigerian military were killed during the operations.
The announcement by Nigeria's military comes days after suspected Boko Haram militants killed at least 40 farmers in another part of Borno State.
Boko Haram, Nigeria’s homegrown jihadis, took up arms in 2009 to fight Western education and impose their radical version of Islamic law. The conflict, now Africa’s longest struggle with militancy, has spilled into Nigeria’s northern neighbors.
Some 35,000 civilians have been killed and more than 2 million have been displaced in the northeastern region, according to the U.N.
The 2014 kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in the village of Chibok in Borno state — the epicenter of the conflict — captured the attention of the world.
Nigeria's military has also killed 64 extremists, arrested 69 suspects and rescued 62 hostages during other operations in the country's northwest, Buba said Thursday.
Kidnappings have become a common occurrence in Nigeria's northeast, where dozens of armed groups exploit the region's limited security presence to carry out attacks on villages and along major roads. Many victims are only released after the payment of ransoms that sometimes run into the thousands of dollars.
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Islamic police in Nigeria round up children living on streets to put them in camp "for their rehabilitation"
Authorities in northern Nigeria's largest city have begun evacuating more than 5,000 street children seen as a "security threat" and a growing concern as an economic crisis forces more to fend for themselves. The Hisbah, a regional police force tasked with enforcing Islamic Sharia law, have carried out midnight raids on motor parks, markets and street corners in the regional capital, Kano, since the beginning of the year, evacuating children as they sleep.
"We have so far mopped up 300 of these boys from the streets and taken them into a camp provided for their rehabilitation," Hisbah's director-general Abba Sufi told AFP. "Their continued living on the streets is a huge social and security threat because they are potential criminal recruits."
"They are a ticking time bomb that needs to be urgently defused with tact and care," said Sufi.
In November, Kano State governor Abba Kabir Yusuf set up a committee to rid the city of the street children, most of whom are boys. Many sleep in the open and have no access to education or parental care.
With the highest divorce rate in Nigeria, according to official figures, Kano is dealing with a surge in children from broken homes.
Largely left to fend for themselves, the boys roam the city, begging, selling items at traffic lights and scavenging for scrap metal to sell to get money to feed themselves.
The west African economic powerhouse faces its worst economic crisis in decades, with inflation soaring to 34.6 percent in November, leaving many struggling to eat.
Nigeria has 18.5 million out-of-school children, with Kano State accounting for 1.9 million, the highest rate in the country, according to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in a 2022 survey.
The Kano figure accounts for 39% of the total number of children living in the state, the 2022 Nigeria Multidimensional Poverty survey said.
Officials told AFP that many of the children in Kano city came from neighboring states.
"Some of them are from Kano, while others are from other states," said Hisbah commander Aminu Daurawa. "The first step is profiling them and identifying where they came from."
Some were sent from villages to learn how to read the Koran at informal Islamic religious schools called almajiri. Residents said many students of the Koranic schools beg for food and alms between classes.
Attempts by authorities and local groups to intervene and support the age-old almajiri system have faced opposition from traditional clerics.
The Hisbah police plan to provide "psychosocial" support and counselling to the children before enrolling those who show interest in school, Sufi said, adding that others will be given seed money to start a trade of their choice.
Daurawa told AFP that out-of-state children will be repatriated after their rehabilitation.
Previous attempts to clear the city of street children have failed.
Between 2017 and 2018, the Hisbah evacuated some 26,000 children and reunited them with their parents in and outside Kano, but they returned to the streets after a lull, according to Daurawa.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities in Kano shut almajiri schools and transported the pupils to their states, but they returned when the schools reopened.
"We want to avoid a repeat of the past experience, which is why we changed approach by camping the children and rehabilitating them before sending them back into the society," Sufi said.
"We have so far mopped up 300 of these boys from the streets and taken them into a camp provided for their rehabilitation," Hisbah's director-general Abba Sufi told AFP. "Their continued living on the streets is a huge social and security threat because they are potential criminal recruits."
"They are a ticking time bomb that needs to be urgently defused with tact and care," said Sufi.
In November, Kano State governor Abba Kabir Yusuf set up a committee to rid the city of the street children, most of whom are boys. Many sleep in the open and have no access to education or parental care.
With the highest divorce rate in Nigeria, according to official figures, Kano is dealing with a surge in children from broken homes.
Largely left to fend for themselves, the boys roam the city, begging, selling items at traffic lights and scavenging for scrap metal to sell to get money to feed themselves.
The west African economic powerhouse faces its worst economic crisis in decades, with inflation soaring to 34.6 percent in November, leaving many struggling to eat.
Nigeria has 18.5 million out-of-school children, with Kano State accounting for 1.9 million, the highest rate in the country, according to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in a 2022 survey.
The Kano figure accounts for 39% of the total number of children living in the state, the 2022 Nigeria Multidimensional Poverty survey said.
Officials told AFP that many of the children in Kano city came from neighboring states.
"Some of them are from Kano, while others are from other states," said Hisbah commander Aminu Daurawa. "The first step is profiling them and identifying where they came from."
Some were sent from villages to learn how to read the Koran at informal Islamic religious schools called almajiri. Residents said many students of the Koranic schools beg for food and alms between classes.
Attempts by authorities and local groups to intervene and support the age-old almajiri system have faced opposition from traditional clerics.
The Hisbah police plan to provide "psychosocial" support and counselling to the children before enrolling those who show interest in school, Sufi said, adding that others will be given seed money to start a trade of their choice.
Daurawa told AFP that out-of-state children will be repatriated after their rehabilitation.
Previous attempts to clear the city of street children have failed.
Between 2017 and 2018, the Hisbah evacuated some 26,000 children and reunited them with their parents in and outside Kano, but they returned to the streets after a lull, according to Daurawa.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities in Kano shut almajiri schools and transported the pupils to their states, but they returned when the schools reopened.
"We want to avoid a repeat of the past experience, which is why we changed approach by camping the children and rehabilitating them before sending them back into the society," Sufi said.
Friday, January 10, 2025
Military drones deployed as Nigeria loses billions to oil theft gangs
Oil exports make up 80 percent of Nigeria’s revenue, with current production at 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd), placing the country among the world's largest oil producers.
The Niger Delta, where most of the country’s oil is extracted, has long been a hotspot for illegal refineries and theft, costing Nigeria millions each month.
Chief of defence staff General Christopher Musa said security forces have been relying on technology, in land and air operations, to monitor and protect the region.
“We have drones and helicopters that fly [over], [and] patrols that go on water,” Musa said.
The government has also been tackling illegal operations that, in 2022, cost an estimated $23 million per day, according to Nigeria's Senate. Losses continued into 2023, with $1.43 billion reported in the first quarter alone.
The country suffers frequent blackouts due to load shedding – the interruption of the electricity supply to avoid excessive load on its electricity plants.
"We have the challenge of energy security in Nigeria... We must increase electricity generation and distribution throughout the country," President Bola Tinubu said in June 2024.
"As a nation, it is so shameful that we are still generating 4.5 gigawatts of electricity."
Nigeria receives China-made armed reconnaissance drones
The Niger Delta, where most of the country’s oil is extracted, has long been a hotspot for illegal refineries and theft, costing Nigeria millions each month.
Chief of defence staff General Christopher Musa said security forces have been relying on technology, in land and air operations, to monitor and protect the region.
“We have drones and helicopters that fly [over], [and] patrols that go on water,” Musa said.
The government has also been tackling illegal operations that, in 2022, cost an estimated $23 million per day, according to Nigeria's Senate. Losses continued into 2023, with $1.43 billion reported in the first quarter alone.
The country suffers frequent blackouts due to load shedding – the interruption of the electricity supply to avoid excessive load on its electricity plants.
"We have the challenge of energy security in Nigeria... We must increase electricity generation and distribution throughout the country," President Bola Tinubu said in June 2024.
"As a nation, it is so shameful that we are still generating 4.5 gigawatts of electricity."
Institutional criminality
“The issue of theft would have been far more successfully tackled decades ago, had so many people not been profiting from it," said Jon Marks, editorial director of energy consultancy and news service African Energy.
He told RFI that criminality has become embedded in Nigeria's regional and national politics, as well as its business world.
“Oil theft has become institutionalised, with gangs tapping into pipes and often exporting via small ships that offload to bigger ships. This has been achieved by local gangs becoming very powerful, but even more so by the connivance of local politicians and the military – who, in turn, have become very rich."
He believes that nothing much has changed since a 2013 report by think tank Chatham House, carried out under Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency, which concluded that no concerted action against illegal oil operations could be expected soon.
Change within the military
“The big potential change under Tinubu – who desperately needs more formal revenue for an ailing economy – comes with changes within the army. He has appointed new top brass, more in tune with his thinking and factional alliances," added Marks.
In June 2023, following a meeting with Tinubu, Asari Dokubo, Ijaw leader of the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force, declared that: "The military is at the centre of oil theft in Nigeria."
Prominent Nigerian businessman Tony Elumelu, chairman of Heirs Holdings and a member of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council, has also chimed in, saying that the government should be able to tell Nigerians who is stealing the country’s crude oil. “Our security agencies should tell us who is stealing our oil. You bring vessels into our territorial waters, and we don’t know?"
“The issue of theft would have been far more successfully tackled decades ago, had so many people not been profiting from it," said Jon Marks, editorial director of energy consultancy and news service African Energy.
He told RFI that criminality has become embedded in Nigeria's regional and national politics, as well as its business world.
“Oil theft has become institutionalised, with gangs tapping into pipes and often exporting via small ships that offload to bigger ships. This has been achieved by local gangs becoming very powerful, but even more so by the connivance of local politicians and the military – who, in turn, have become very rich."
He believes that nothing much has changed since a 2013 report by think tank Chatham House, carried out under Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency, which concluded that no concerted action against illegal oil operations could be expected soon.
Change within the military
“The big potential change under Tinubu – who desperately needs more formal revenue for an ailing economy – comes with changes within the army. He has appointed new top brass, more in tune with his thinking and factional alliances," added Marks.
In June 2023, following a meeting with Tinubu, Asari Dokubo, Ijaw leader of the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force, declared that: "The military is at the centre of oil theft in Nigeria."
Prominent Nigerian businessman Tony Elumelu, chairman of Heirs Holdings and a member of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council, has also chimed in, saying that the government should be able to tell Nigerians who is stealing the country’s crude oil. “Our security agencies should tell us who is stealing our oil. You bring vessels into our territorial waters, and we don’t know?"
Foreign interference
According to Marks, the authorities may be “looking the other way” because they are in on the deal. He also claims that the Russians too have become involved in the oil theft business.
“By providing more ships, the Russian shadow fleet and other players – who use unregistered carriers – transport illegally obtained crude oil offshore where bigger ships wait to pick it up,” he said.
Any action taken by Tinubu and the military chiefs he has recently appointed may be limited, Marks argued, by their concern not to upset existing power balances within Nigeria, where powerful factions would suffer from any disturbance to the oil theft business, and other sectors where reform is vital.
By Zeenat Hansrod, rfi
According to Marks, the authorities may be “looking the other way” because they are in on the deal. He also claims that the Russians too have become involved in the oil theft business.
“By providing more ships, the Russian shadow fleet and other players – who use unregistered carriers – transport illegally obtained crude oil offshore where bigger ships wait to pick it up,” he said.
Any action taken by Tinubu and the military chiefs he has recently appointed may be limited, Marks argued, by their concern not to upset existing power balances within Nigeria, where powerful factions would suffer from any disturbance to the oil theft business, and other sectors where reform is vital.
By Zeenat Hansrod, rfi
Related story: Nigeria to begin using drones to combat oil theft
Nigeria, China deepen ties with pledge on security, finance and economic growth
Nigeria and China plan to deepen cooperation in areas such as clean energy, defence and finance, with China pledging support for Nigeria's issuance of Panda bonds to fund infrastructure, the two countries' foreign ministers said on Thursday.
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi also outlined efforts to address regional security challenges.
Wang was visiting Nigeria as part of a wider four-nation tour of Africa, an annual journey seen as aimed at advancing Beijing's already considerable influence on the continent.
His visit to Nigeria follows recent high-level exchanges, including intergovernmental committee talks in Beijing last June and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's state visit to China in September.
These meetings have culminated in the elevation of bilateral relations to a "comprehensive strategic partnership", Wang told a press conference.
Wang said China will "favourably study and consider" a request by Nigeria to expand a currency swap agreement.
On regional peace and security, Wang said that at the United Nations Security Council China would always vote in favour of Africa, adding it would continue to support Nigeria in rallying countries in the region.
"We will work with Africa to address insecurity and achieve long-term stability through development," he said.
By Ope Adetayo and Camillus Eboh, Reuters
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi also outlined efforts to address regional security challenges.
Wang was visiting Nigeria as part of a wider four-nation tour of Africa, an annual journey seen as aimed at advancing Beijing's already considerable influence on the continent.
His visit to Nigeria follows recent high-level exchanges, including intergovernmental committee talks in Beijing last June and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's state visit to China in September.
These meetings have culminated in the elevation of bilateral relations to a "comprehensive strategic partnership", Wang told a press conference.
Wang said China will "favourably study and consider" a request by Nigeria to expand a currency swap agreement.
On regional peace and security, Wang said that at the United Nations Security Council China would always vote in favour of Africa, adding it would continue to support Nigeria in rallying countries in the region.
"We will work with Africa to address insecurity and achieve long-term stability through development," he said.
Monday, January 6, 2025
Nigerian army pushes back armed 'bandits' in the northwest, restoring calm & rebuilding local trust
The Nigerian Military says it's killed thousands of armed fighters who it accused of killing and kidnapping people for ransom. Locals call them 'bandits'. Commanders say that in the past year, they've freed 7,000 kidnapping victims. Al Jazeera’s Ahmed Idris has been given special access to the military's operations. He reports from Mayanchi in Zamfara state.
Video - Defence chief of Nigeria on human rights abuse reports and security
For more than 15 years, Nigeria’s armed forces have battled Boko Haram and groups affiliated with ISIL (ISIS), with millions affected and thousands killed. Despite government claims of “technical defeat”, rebel attacks persist, raising critical questions about strategy and accountability. General Christopher Musa, Nigeria's chief of defence staff, talks about it and also discusses allegations of human rights abuses and corruption within the military and challenges that threaten troop morale and operational capacity. Meanwhile, security concerns are amplified by political instability in the region, including coups and external influences such as Russia.
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Video - Nigeria deploys 10,000 armed rangers to protect farmers from insurgents
The farrmers say they can no longer tend to crops and livestock out of fear of being attacked. The violence drove away farmers, leaving fields barren and causing ripple effects throughout the country, including driving up food inflation.
Related story: Nigeria deploys armed rangers to protect farmers
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)