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AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL GOOFED!
The statement credited to Amnesty International (AI) on the 10th of June, 2024, on the alleged treatment meted to Nigerian girls who had escaped from Boko Haram and the ones captured by the Nigerian Armed Forces to safety in order to reintegrated them to their communities is false, unethical, unprofessional, worrisome and cannot stand the test of time.
Infact, the aspersions cast by AI on these efforts by the Nigerian military with the recent report accusing the Nigerian military of illegally detaining the girls and young women who had escaped from Boko Haram captivity because the military believes they supported the Islamist insurgent group should be trashed as lies from the pit of hell orchestrated by AI to smear the hard-earned reputation of the Nigerian Armed Forces once more in their usual tradition.
The AI report as captioned ‘Help us build our lives’ stated that the Nigerian government has failed to uphold their human rights obligations to protect and adequately support these girls and young women. It accused the Nigerian military of detaining and abusing female survivors of Boko Haram in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions without access to medical care or legal representation.
The report also highlighted the abuses and violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law committed by Boko Haram and the Nigeria authorities. It highlighted the unique experiences of girls and young women who were forced to marry, subjected to sexual violence and domestic servitude.
After critically examining the contents of the Report by AI and its antecedence over the decades against the Nigerian state and military, the Guild of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Equity, Justice and Transparency in Nigeria (GOCMEJ) is compelled to issue the following statement.
That since the present leadership took over the mantle of the Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF) headed by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa, the military image has blossomed on a positive trajectory, a narrative both local and internationally due to their stomping all over the country, the new sense of urgency, direction, patriotism, transparency, rules of engagement that was brought into the fight by the new leadership. The enormous improvement in military accoutrements such as equipment, gadgets, ICT infrastructure, fire power and the overall capabilities, the exotic names given to military operations/exercises all over the country, the string of successes recorded by various military formations and commands culminating in the recapture of the Boko Haram elements, bandits leaders and criminal elements has diminished their fighting ability and power all helped to turn around the image of the Nigeria military across the globe.
Since 2023, Nigerians and indeed the international community have given a pat on the back to the Nigeria’s military for their national sacrifice to keep the country in unity and peace in spite of the daunting challenges faced not only at the war front but in also reducing criminality across the length and breadth of the country.
However, one major factor that has held the Nigerian military force down in spite of their enormous efforts to defend her territorial integrity and safe guard the lives and property of Nigerians is the negative narrative of the amnesty international that have pervaded Africa since the last decade of which Nigeria is not an exception due to its negative framing and consistent bias reportage. Unfortunately, AI has failed to acknowledge in its report the on-going fair trial and conviction of culpable members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect and the release of those not found guilty. The number of persons released, re-oriented, de-radicalized and re-integrated with the larger community which is running into millions to date and they are accommodated in a place relatively safer with enough space while providing the detainees with social amenities and three square meals daily has also been left out of the report.
The AI report on the 10th of June, 2024, according to fact finding mission and pool conducted by Nigerians is a systematic campaign of calumny against the Nigerian military and a calculated narrative that have kept even the best of cynics astounded including the international community. “This could be corroborated by inherent lopsidedness in AI’s portrayal of Nigeria, its involvement in local politics and taking side with terrorists and other belligerent groups, to cause internal disorder, which no country can tolerate. The Guild therefore reiterates that the military in this new dispensation has maintained an open-door policy and has been cooperating with all stakeholders in ensuring that the Nigerian armed forces remain one of the best and a proud institution for all Nigerians”. For AI to be making spurious allegations, especially without been substantiated and cogent reasons given, apart from those adduced by the AI itself for the reason best known to it and its collaborators is disturbing and unethical of an international organization that is supposed to stay clear of local politics and to be seen as maintaining neutrality in its reportage of the countries it operates.
Emphasizing that “incessant negative report on Nigeria in general and the armed forces in particular by AI in condemnable by all well-meaning Nigerians who have seen and appreciate what the military and other security agencies have done to decimate Boko Haram terrorists and contain other criminal elements.
“As much as the military welcomes comments, criticism and observation that could help the institution to grow higher for the interest of our nation, the activities of the AI to say the least, is far from being noble, AI has negative mission in Nigeria”, the Guild asserted.
The military has operated within the strict guidance of the rules of engagement and the code of conduct for troops, according to the GOCMEJ, what needs to be clear is that we have observed a consistent attack pattern on the institutions charged with the mandate to protect the nation against every form of insecurity. The AI has consistently with other agents worked against our nationhood, tried fruitlessly to incite the populace against the military through various malicious publications in the past and “In spite of their distractions, Nigeria has forged ahead and decimated Boko Haram and the military has worked assiduously to improve on its civil-military relations, the result of which is manifest in the unparalleled support, accolades and encouragement received from Nigerians today”. It is appalling that “this position seems to have disappointed AI and their allies, adding that, it is sad that when our national security institutions are gaining traction, these agents after fabricating their reports, sits back and push Nigerians to make the reports known to the public to give it a national colour of some sort”. It is very despicable indeed.
Nigerians must rise up and stand against this subtle and increasing national framing and reportage, for we all have a role to play in this direction. “Our national Institutions must be strengthened, it is our responsibility to do so, no one can love Nigeria better than Nigerians, we only ask the media, to shine their eyes”.
Consequently, after our investigations, we found that the Defence Headquarters have made concerted efforts for years to reach out to AI but all to no avail. The deliberate falsehood peddled by AI could cast the nation and its security apparatus in bad light. The frequent accusations and counter accusation of the military by the human rights body, is becoming appalling and worrisome and Nigerians are beginning to think that AI has an axe to grind or has clandestine plots against the military class. Amnesty International does at mean well for Nigeria going by their previous antecedents and reputation of denigrating the armed forces anytime they make gain against the forces of evil to incite the Nigerian public and international community against the military.
The Guild is emphatic and reiterates for the upteempt time, that the Nigerian people looks at the AI as an organization established to embark on an orchestrated campaign of calumny against the Nigeria military and undermine the laudable achievements against insurgents which have formed the narratives over time, that have happened over the years. Nevertheless, looking at some of the critical allegations of AI on most of the nationalistic operations carried-out by the military, it seems that the AI are not interested in a united and indivisible nation like ours, but are out to denigrate the institution of the military and stop the funding by the western nations knowing full well that the same report from AI had stopped the funding during the Obama’s era.
Nigeria has suffered greatly over the decade based on AI reports on human rights violations and others including the initial refusal of America and its allies to sell critical military weapons to the country to fight the insurgency few years ago. As the AI has advertised itself more as aligning into the agenda of non-state actors, than the interest in protecting the dignity, rights and the rule of law, of law-abiding citizens in a country that has accorded them so much hospitality and respect.
Analysts, pundits and discerning Nigerians posit that protecting the human rights of Nigerians has been the signpost of the Nigerian military in all its operations. The brash and crude force applied by the military soldiers in internal assignments have been replaced with amiable, friendliness with host communities which has brought to the fore the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the military to its host communities in critical areas of needs and operations. The Nigerian military have followed international best practices and rules of engagement during war as the military is determined at sustaining its constitutional mandate of defending the territorial integrity of the nation, as well as, commitment to aid the civil authority to bring about peace and security of the country. Therefore, the 10th June, 2024, report of AI should be disparaged, condemned, discountenanced and dismissed by well-meaning Nigerians as’ lies from the pit of hell’ and a propaganda tool to frame reportage against our national institution.
We therefore call on the military hierarchy not to be distracted by the AI’s report but to remain steadfast and focused on its constitutional assigned mandate and the Guild therefore, overwhelmingly, Pass a Vote of Confidence on the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF),for it’s repositioning and rebranding efforts in making the Nigerian Armed Forces 21st century compliant.
The Guild further maintained that the several commentaries against the Nigerian military are unnecessary, distractive, unfair and doesn’t represent the true disclosure on re-orientation, de-radicalization and re-integration of Boko Haram inmates and estranged wives/captives. The amnesty report smacks of bias and is capable of undermining the results from the hard-fought war by the military against insurgents, demoralizing the Nigerian Armed Forces personnel in the performance of their constitutional mandate.
Signed.
Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele
President,
Guild of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Equity, Justice and Transparency in Nigeria (GOCMEJ)
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of zone 10 comprising Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States Gyogon Augustine Grimah has directed commissioners of police under his zone to ensure adequate security measures in their respective domains before and after the Easter celebration.
Grimah, in a release by the zone 10 Public Relations Officer DSP Uthman Muhammad Yaqub appealed to all and sundry to cooperate with security agencies to enable them serve them well.
The release read in parr, “”Zone 10 headquarters under the leadership of AIG Gyogon Augustine Grimah psc,FCAI, wish to inform the members of the public particularly those residing in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, that it has made adequate security arrangements that will ensure the protection of lives and properties before, during and after the Easter celebrations.
“”AIG zone 10 headquarters, directed the three commissioners of police Commanding Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara Police states Commands to emplace adequate security measures that will ensure smooth and hitch free celebrations. Intelligence gathering apparatus of the zone has also been directed to actively generate actionable intelligence that could assist in mitigating any form of threats””.
While wishing Christian faithfuls a happy Easter celebration, the AIG, Grimah enjoined all of them to seize the moment and pray for continues peaceful coexistence in the zone and beyond.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Christians and all residents of the state to use the Easter season to reflect on the virtues of peace, unity, and sacrifice, as demonstrated by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, the PDP extended warm greetings to Christians across the state and Nigeria, describing Easter as a season of hope, renewal, and triumph over adversity.
“Easter reminds us of the triumph of light over darkness, life over death, and most importantly, of love, peace, and unity among all people,” Masha said.
He noted that the message of Easter was especially significant at a time when Kaduna State is grappling with economic hardship, political tension, and persistent security threats, particularly in vulnerable communities.
“These are trying times for our dear state. We urge all citizens to remain steadfast in faith, committed to peace, and united in the pursuit of a better future. No matter our religious or ethnic backgrounds, we must come together to pray for Kaduna and Nigeria,” he added.
The PDP also called on residents to pray for divine intervention in addressing the state’s worsening socio-economic and security challenges.
“We believe in the power of collective prayers and unity,” the statement continued.
“Kaduna must rise above the tide of division, insecurity, and underdevelopment. Only with sincerity of purpose and inclusive leadership can we achieve that.”
“This Easter should inspire our leaders to embrace sacrificial service. Jesus gave His life to save others — that’s the true test of leadership,” he said.
“We must put aside politics and speak as one voice against the suffering of our people.”
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Kaduna, assuring that it would continue to advocate for good governance, equity, and development. he concluded.
A new terrorist group known as Mahmuda has emerged in Nigeria’s North Central region, launching deadly attacks on communities surrounding the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP), according to local sources and a report by Sahara Reporters.
The group, which operates with impunity in the national park spanning Kwara and Niger states, has besieged villages in Kaiama and Barutein Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kwara, as well as Babana and Wawa districts in Borgu LGA, Niger State. On Wednesday, Mahmuda militants attacked a vigilante group in Kemanji, Kwara, killing over 15 vigilantes and villagers, a source confirmed.
“They call themselves the Mahmuda group. Their leader, in a voice note, is threatening all the communities. They kill, kidnap victims, and demand ransom,” a local source told Sahara Reporters.
The KLNP, covering 3,970.29 square kilometres, has become a haven for the militants, who reportedly displaced park rangers over five years ago.
Sources trace the group’s origins to Mokwa LGA in Niger State, from where they were expelled by former Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, who accused them of being Boko Haram affiliates.
The group then relocated through various regions, including Kaduna State, before entrenching themselves in the KLNP.
A recent audiotape from the group’s leader suggests they are a moderate Islamist sect that splintered from the extremist Boko Haram faction led by Abubakar Shekau.
The militants, who primarily speak Hausa, identify as the Mahmuda or Mallam Group and claim to be jihadists promoting Sunni Islam.
The Mahmuda group has imposed a reign of terror on local communities.
Herders pay dues to graze cattle, farmers pay levies to access farmland allocated by the militants, and residents are forced to work on the group’s farms as “sadaka” (charity).
The militants also kidnap locals for ransom, mount illegal roadblocks, and regulate social activities, banning alcohol sales and smoking while settling community disputes.
“They preach Islamic ethics, urge disloyalty to the Nigerian state, and insist disputes be reported to them,” a source said, adding that the group is recruiting locals as informants.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the militants are engaged in illegal mining within the park and threaten herbalists suspected of aiding vigilantes.
In a bid to consolidate control, the group has expelled bandits from the park, kidnapping or executing their collaborators after collecting ransoms.
The rise of Mahmuda highlights Nigeria’s growing insecurity, with ungoverned spaces like the KLNP enabling militant groups to thrive.
Loggers, fishermen, and hunters exploit the park’s resources, with some loggers reportedly negotiating with the militants to harvest trees, providing the group with revenue.
“The surge of insecurity in Nigeria is a source of concern due to its destructive impact on livelihoods,” a source noted.
“New militant groups continue to emerge and occupy ungoverned spaces.”
Locals suspect the authorities are aware of the group’s activities but have failed to act, possibly due to the militants’ sophisticated weaponry. Vigilante groups, frustrated by the lack of security intervention, have resorted to collaborating with Mahmuda to rescue kidnapped victims, further complicating the situation.
The Mahmuda group’s control over a vast swathe of Nigerian territory underscores the challenges facing the country’s security forces. With communities living at the mercy of the militants, the group’s blend of coercion, religious rhetoric, and economic exploitation poses a significant threat to stability in the region.
As Nigeria grapples with this emerging menace, questions remain about the group’s true origins and affiliations. Some locals speculate the militants may have ties to groups from Benin or Niger Republic, while others see parallels with Boko Haram’s tactics. Further investigation is needed to unmask this faceless group and address the crisis in the KLNP.