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North East Theater Command Celebrates Bilateral Ties with the United Kingdom
Major General Shaibu Wahidi, the Theater Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, has praised the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, which has developed over many years.
This statement was made during the visit of the Defence Adviser from the British High Commission in Abuja, alongside the Head of British Defence Staff for West Africa, to the North East Theater Command Headquarters in Maiduguri.
Maj. Gen. Wahidi underscored the significance of Lord Vernon Coaker’s presence, the UK Minister of State for Defence, affirming the strength of this bilateral relationship. He expressed his delight in hosting Lord Coaker and his team in Maiduguri, often referred to as the “Home of Peace” and the capital of Borno State.
He articulated, “The mandate of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai is to restore normalcy in the North East region, thereby enabling socio-economic activities to flourish. This mandate not only entails defeating insurgency in the area but also entails supporting civil authorities in re-establishing an environment conducive for citizens to resume their daily lives.”
“This mission provides an opportunity for internally displaced persons (IDPs) to return to their homes, rebuild their livelihoods, and foster economic growth both individually and as a community.”
He continued, “Achieving this mandate requires that our troops are well-equipped with essential resources, as well as the knowledge and training necessary to effectively address evolving security challenges. The Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai has prioritized the continuous training and retraining of its personnel through the Theatre Training School, which orchestrates training activities throughout the operational zone in the Northeast.”
Maj. Gen. Wahidi noted, “Military diplomacy is a crucial element of international relations that helps strengthen both bilateral and regional partnerships. Military training cooperation is an integral aspect of this diplomacy.”
He acknowledged the significant contributions made by the British Defence Staff for West Africa (BDS-WA) over the years, which have bolstered their counter-insurgency efforts and enhanced the training of troops in critical areas, particularly concerning Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) operations.
“The BDS-WA has provided vital support in areas such as Counter IED training, Tactical Instruction for Trainers, the provision of CIED equipment, and the establishment of a Counter IED Coordination Cell. This cell serves as an information hub, allowing us to gather intelligence on the IEDs employed by insurgents, which is crucial for dismantling their networks and capabilities.”
Maj. Gen. Wahidi emphasized the importance of the Counter IED Coordination Cell, stating, “We find this hub invaluable, and we appreciate the mentorship provided by your team in establishing it fully. The various IED detection and clearance equipment, office supplies, tactical intelligence kits, laptops, and a 5 Kva generator have significantly enhanced our troops’ ability to effectively detect, neutralize, and disarm IEDs.”
He also highlighted the Instructor Development Programme being implemented in partnership with the BDS-WA, which brings together instructors from across the operational theatre and the Multinational Joint Task Force for an intensive six-week training course. This initiative aims to cultivate a cadre of instructors capable of organizing training sessions for their respective troops, fostering collaboration among forces from the Lake Chad Basin countries.
Maj. Gen. Wahidi affirmed that the contributions from BDS-WA have been made in consultation with his staff, ensuring that the support received is relevant, efficient, and timely.
He acknowledged the expertise provided by UK personnel as a significant asset to the Joint Task Force’s ongoing efforts to enhance their operational responses and reduce casualties among both troops and civilians while making strides against insurgents.
“On behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, OFR, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede – NAM, we extend our gratitude to the UK Government for the donation of C-IED equipment to the Theatre. I would like to express particular appreciation to the BDS-WA for their collaborative support in helping us fulfill our mandate. Once again, I welcome you and your delegation to Maiduguri,” concluded Wahidi.
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.