Category: News

  • CISLAC Applauds Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, Calls For Regional Unity

    CISLAC Applauds Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, Calls For Regional Unity

    The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has congratulated the successful hosting of the Fifth Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri and commended the emergence of Governor Mai Mala Buni as the new Chairman of the Forum.

    In a statement signed by Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director of CISLAC, the organization emphasized that the milestone underscores the collective commitment of regional leaders to addressing the multi-faceted challenges affecting the Lake Chad Basin, particularly security, climate change, economic development, and humanitarian crises.

    “We recognize and appreciate the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), and the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) for their unwavering support of this initiative and their broader commitment to fostering peace, stability, and development across Africa,” CISLAC stated. “Their role in strengthening regional governance, enhancing cross-border cooperation, and facilitating conflict resolution is critical in addressing the deep-rooted crises affecting communities in the Lake Chad Basin.”

    At a time when tensions among ECOWAS member states pose a significant threat to regional stability, CISLAC urges all stakeholders to prioritize diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation over conflict. “A divided region weakens the collective ability to confront common challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and economic hardship. The Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum should serve as a model for regional cooperation, where shared interests outweigh individual political differences,” the organization noted.

    CISLAC further observed that, “The persistence of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency continues to threaten millions of lives across Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. While military efforts have played a crucial role, sustainable peace will only be achieved through stronger regional coordination, intelligence-sharing, and investment in community-led stabilization programs. The Forum must continue to push for better governance, socio-economic opportunities, and rehabilitation programs to counter extremist recruitment and reintegrate former combatants.”

    Addressing the impact of climate change, CISLAC highlighted that, “The shrinking of Lake Chad, which has lost 90% of its original size since the 1960s, has led to water scarcity, displacement, and food insecurity, exacerbating conflicts in the region. CISLAC calls for urgent climate adaptation policies, sustainable water management, and increased investment in climate resilience programs to protect the livelihoods of communities that depend on the lake. The international community must do more to support the region in adapting to the devastating impact of climate change.”

    For the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum to achieve its full potential, CISLAC emphasizes the need for “stronger governance, sustainable funding mechanisms, and reinforced international support.” The organization further advocates for “increased financial commitments from national governments, development partners, and regional bodies to implement peacebuilding and development projects.”

    Additionally, CISLAC calls for “stronger political will to implement cross-border security agreements and ensure the free movement of people and goods within the region. The removal of trade barriers is also necessary to boost regional free trade, enhance economic integration, and create sustainable jobs, reducing youth vulnerability to radicalization.”

    CISLAC urges all stakeholders—governments, regional organizations, civil society, and international partners—to support the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum as a vital platform for regional peace, stability, and economic transformation. “Now is the time for renewed commitment, greater accountability, and inclusive governance to ensure that no community in the Lake Chad region is left behind,” the organization concluded.

    Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani)
    Executive Director
    Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
    Head of Transparency International (Nigeria)
    Amnesty International (Nigeria) Board of Trustee Chairman and Standing Representative,
    Chairman, Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)

  • Fidelity Bank Partners NIYEEDEP to Empower 6million Youths

    Fidelity Bank Partners NIYEEDEP to Empower 6million Youths

    Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced its selection as one of the partner banks for the Nigeria Youth Economics Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP)”.

    NIYEEDEP (Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme), is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, in collaboration with the Nigerian Senate, through its committee on Sports Development. The primary aim of the initiative is to empower Nigerian Youths for economic growth and Development, nation-building, poverty alleviation and security.

    Situating the NIYEEDEP partnership within the Bank’s strategy, Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development, Fidelity Bank Plc explained, “We are delighted to partner with the Federal Government on this noble cause especially as it aligns with brand ethos of helping individuals to grow, inspiring businesses to thrive, and empowering economies to prosper. We believe that Nigeria’s youthful population is a blessing and initiatives like this will go a long way in unlocking the value in our teeming young population”.

    Open to Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35 years, NIYEEDEP is designed to create 6 million jobs focused on key sectors like agriculture, technology, and renewable energy.

    Interested participants are required to visit https://bit.ly/Fidelity-NIYEEDEP to open a Fidelity Bank account to be able to access the programme.

    “There are limited spaces for participants in the initiative, so I enjoin everyone to hurry to our website or the nearest Fidelity Bank branch to get started. Do remember to provide correct details so that we can provide necessary updates as the programme kicks off”, said Ede.

    Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged customer commercial bank serving over 8.5 million customers through its 255 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as well as through digital banking channels. The bank has garnered multiple local and international awards, including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023, and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards. It was also recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023 and the Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.

  • IDIROKO: Comptroller Shuaibu Charges Newly Promoted Officers To Remain Loyal, Dedicated

    IDIROKO: Comptroller Shuaibu Charges Newly Promoted Officers To Remain Loyal, Dedicated

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ogun I Area Command on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, held a decoration ceremony for 67 newly promoted officers at Idiroko, with the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller MS Shuaibu, urging them to uphold professionalism, integrity, and dedication in their new roles.

    Addressing the gathering, which included representatives from the Immigration Service, NDLEA, DSS, senior officers, and invited guests, Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized that the promotions were a recognition of the officers’ hard work, resilience, and commitment to the Service’s core mandates.

    “Your promotion is not just a reward but a call to greater service. It reflects the confidence the Nigeria Customs Service has in your ability to take on higher responsibilities. Let this elevation serve as a motivation to uphold our values of integrity, diligence, and patriotism,” he said.

    He urged the newly promoted officers to lead by example, remain dedicated to the Service’s mandates of revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and trade facilitation, and embrace continuous learning to stay ahead of emerging challenges.

    Comptroller Shuaibu also expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the NCS management for their commitment to staff welfare and career progression. He encouraged officers who were not promoted to remain steadfast, assuring them that their time would come.

    The event concluded with the formal decoration of the 67 promoted officers, marking a significant milestone in their careers and reinforcing the Service’s commitment to excellence and national development.

  • IDIROKO: NCS Intercepts N1.27bn Contraband, Generates N275.8m Through Legitimate Trade

    IDIROKO: NCS Intercepts N1.27bn Contraband, Generates N275.8m Through Legitimate Trade


    In a renewed effort to combat smuggling and enhance national security, the Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 6,180 pieces of cutlasses and seized contraband items worth N1.27 billion in Duty Paid Value (DPV). The command also generated N275.8 million in revenue through legitimate trade in 2024.

    Speaking at a press conference on the command’s 2024 scorecard, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, revealed that between January 1st and 27th, 2025, the command recorded significant seizures amounting to N77.48 million. Among the intercepted items were 6,180 pieces of cutlasses, 2,002 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, and 6,375 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized that these seizures reflect the command’s relentless efforts to curb smuggling, protect the economy, and ensure national security.

    Through intelligence-driven operations, the command also intercepted a large cache of contraband throughout 2024. The seizures included 16,712 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 139,881 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 940 rounds of live ammunition, 71 sacks and 3,253 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 586 bales of used clothing, 86 smuggled vehicles, 18 units of foreign used vehicles, 2,150 pieces of used pneumatic tyres, 760 pieces of donkey skin, 3,766 cartons of frozen poultry products, and 85 bags of imported flour. These items, with a total DPV of N1.27 billion, underscore the command’s dedication to preventing illegal imports that pose economic and security threats.

    As part of inter-agency collaboration, Comptroller Shuaibu announced the handover of 1,165 parcels of seized Cannabis Sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command. The intercepted items included 780 parcels of coconut-sized cannabis, 225 parcels of book-sized cannabis, and 160 parcels of bread-sized cannabis. He noted that this handover is a demonstration of the Customs Service’s commitment to working with other security agencies to combat drug trafficking and ensure a safer society.

    In addition to anti-smuggling operations, the command also played a vital role in revenue generation. In 2024, it generated N275,835,406 through baggage assessment collections and auction sales of seized PMS and vehicles. The Customs boss commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his unwavering support, while also applauding the officers of the Ogun I Area Command for their resilience, professionalism, and dedication to duty.

    He extended his appreciation to traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders, and the media for their continued collaboration in the fight against smuggling. He also urged the general public to provide credible intelligence that could assist in combating smuggling and other economic crimes. As 2025 unfolds, he assured that the command remains resolute in its mandate to protect the economy, facilitate legitimate trade, and strengthen national security. According to him, the Ogun I Command will not relent in its efforts to enforce compliance with customs regulations, secure the nation’s borders, and contribute to economic growth through sustained anti-smuggling operations.

  • Nigeria Customs Service Promise To Resuscitate Idiroko Scanning Machines, Deploys Modern Technology To Manne Ogun Porous Borders

    Nigeria Customs Service Promise To Resuscitate Idiroko Scanning Machines, Deploys Modern Technology To Manne Ogun Porous Borders

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko on Monday, disclosed that works is in progress towards the resuscitating the long abandoned multi-mlion Naira scanning machine put in place at the Idiroko Border as part of the measures at meeting up with the core mandate of Service.

    Customs Area Controller (CAC) for Ogun Area 1 Command, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu made this disclosure while speaking with news newsmen during the year 2025 commemoration of the International Customs’ Day held in Idiroko Border in Ipokia Local Government Area of the state.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Shuaibu noted that the Command has consistently stood as a pillar of operational excellence, contributing immensely towards fighting smuggling activities, revenue generation of the country, even amidst trade facilitation due to the strategic location of the border.

    Speaking at the commemoration event, which had in attendance, heads of other security agencies which included representatives of the Nigerian Army, the Police, Immigration Service, DSS, NDLEA, NSCDC, as well as that of the Customs Service from the neighbouring Republic of Benin among other stakeholders, Shuaibu vowed that celebration of the year 2025 edition of the Day would afford NCS to evolve innovative means through which Customs’ operations could be enhanced.

    While emphasising on the need to deepen stakeholders’ collaborations, the CAC further promised that the Service will leverage on modern technology to address all emerging challenges that would enable them uphold the ideals of efficiency towards discharging their duties to the country.

    It would be recalled that the Ogun 1 Command of NCS has on many occasions, burst series of criminal activities, particularly smugglers who had attempted smuggling firearms and ammunition into the country but we’re intercepted at the command through the networks of its intelligence.

    Speaking on measures being put in place to step up security at the Idiroko Border and also reduce phisical examinations of containers while facilitating trade processes however, Shuaibu said he had inspected the long abandoned Idiroko scanning machine to enable him ascertain the condition and what other things that needed to be done on the equipment that was last used over five years ago.

    “If you cast your mind back to year 2018 when all the borders in Nigeria were closed, both imports and exports were suspended and these scanner was there; nobody was using it, neither was anyone moving closer to it. Even the officers that were trained to use the machines, a lot of them have retired”.

    “So, when I resumed for duty here in Idiroko Border, I visited the site to see how we can resuscitate the machine towards making it come back to live again because the federal government has spent lots of money towards installing it. So, in a very short period of time, it will come back to live”.

    In his lecture which he delivered at the event, the guest lecturer, Assistant Controller of Customs (ACC), Clement Amaweh advocated that NCS’ management must effectively leverage on technology to enable the Service meet up with its core mandate of combating smuggling, trade facilitation, as well as revenue generation towards safeguarding the country’s porous borders.

    Amaweh however, disclosed that the e-Customs’ project, the Single Window Platform, as well as the Cooperation and collaboration with critical stakeholders among other recommendations would be the magus needed by the Service to enable it perform efficiently in its quest towards achieving success.

    “The e-Customs’ project aims to modernise the Nigeria Customs Service operations by fully digitising Customs process including administration, payment, Border management, import/export and transit processing “.

    Amaweh emphatically declared that following these processes would lead to increased revenue generation, reduced corruption and efficient trade environments without compromising the National security.

  • SIX-MONTH PRE-RETIREMENT COURSE: AVM Mamman Inaugurates Course 01/2025 Participants, Highlights Training Objectives

    SIX-MONTH PRE-RETIREMENT COURSE: AVM Mamman Inaugurates Course 01/2025 Participants, Highlights Training Objectives

    The Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Air Vice Marshal BR Mamman, has formally inaugurated participants of Course 01/2025 at the Centre in Oshodi, Lagos. The inaugural address was delivered on Tuesday, January 23, 2025, to mark the commencement of the six-month pre-retirement course aimed at equipping retiring military personnel with the necessary skills for seamless reintegration into civilian life.

    Addressing the 540 participants present on parade, AVM Mamman congratulated them on their nomination for the highly coveted course, which he described as a “citadel of hope and courage.” He noted that the programme is designed to provide quality vocational training and management education in fields such as entrepreneurship, retirement planning, financial management, ICT, health, and safety practices. The training aims to empower participants to establish profitable ventures and live meaningful lives post-service.

    “Feedback from past participants indicates that many graduates of this Centre have become thriving entrepreneurs and even employers of labor,” the Commandant remarked. He urged participants to make the most of the opportunity, emphasizing punctuality, discipline, and active engagement throughout the course.

    AVM Mamman highlighted the Centre’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive curriculum tailored to meet the needs of retiring personnel. He assured participants of access to experienced instructors and resource persons who are dedicated to their success. The training will also feature sessions with representatives from the Military Pensions Board to address concerns regarding retirement benefits.

    Participants were encouraged to maintain discipline, mutual respect, and active participation in all scheduled activities. The Commandant also stressed the importance of utilizing available counseling services and recreational facilities to ensure mental, physical, and spiritual well-being during the programme.

    The Commandant reiterated the importance of discipline and adherence to the Armed Forces Act, warning against absenteeism, misconduct, and social media misuse. A minimum of 90% attendance is required to receive a Certificate of Course Completion, and acts of indiscipline will attract sanctions.

    Brigadier General IO Olatunji, the Director of Training, also addressed the participants, emphasizing the Centre’s mandate to prepare them for reintegration into civilian society. He highlighted the Centre’s world-class facilities and reiterated the expectation of high levels of discipline and commitment from participants.

    “Of the 604 participants posted to Course 01/2025, 540 are on parade today. Twenty-seven are yet to report, while 37 have been returned to their units due to medical unfitness,” Brigadier General Olatunji disclosed. He assured participants that their safety and comfort within the Cantonment remain a priority.

    In conclusion, AVM Mamman urged participants to embrace the training as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop skills for personal growth and self-sustenance. He assured them of the Centre’s support and commitment to creating a conducive learning environment.

    With the official inauguration of Course 01/2025 participants, the NAFRC remains steadfast in its mission to prepare retiring personnel for a fulfilling life after decades of service to the nation.

  • Chief of Army Staff Awards Lagos Indigent Student University Scholarship

    Chief of Army Staff Awards Lagos Indigent Student University Scholarship

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has awarded a scholarship to Miss Mariam Olayiwola, a first-year student of Physiology at the Lagos State University.

    The press release by 81Div Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni reads that, the award is part of the COAS Special Scholarship Scheme for Indigent Students in 2024.

    Presenting the scholarship cheque worth Five Hundred Thousand Naira, to the beneficiary on behalf of the COAS, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, congratulated Mariam for her hard work and academic achievements. He encouraged her to continue to work hard for more accolades. He said her performance will serve as an inspiration to her peers and siblings.

    The GOC also underscored the Army’s goal to support community welfare and create opportunities for young Nigerians with high potential.

    The mother of the beneficiary, Mrs Olayiwola, expressed her gratitude to the Nigerian Army for the scholarship. She emphasized the importance of education in securing a better future for the girl child.

    The scholarship funds will cover Mariam’s tuition fees and other expenses, easing the financial burden on her family. The scholarship programme, which was initiated by the late COAS, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, is part of the Army’s vision of fostering educational development and contributing positively to society. It also highlighted the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting education and empowering young individuals to achieve their academic goals.

  • Lagos State Governor Lauds Nigerian Army, Promises Continuous Collaboration

    Lagos State Governor Lauds Nigerian Army, Promises Continuous Collaboration

    The Special Guest of Honour at the Year 2024 combined West African Social Activities (WASA) for Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA), NA Engineers, and 9 Brigade NA and Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has lauded troops of the NA for their efforts in maintaining peace and security in the state.

    According to the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, “the Governor, while acknowledging the constitutional role of the NA in creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in Lagos, promised his administration’s continuous support, collaboration, and partnership with the NA.

    Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Sanwo-Olu commended troops of the NA for their commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and properties in the state. He expressed appreciation to the NA for the good partnership with the Lagos State Government, maintaining that it has contributed to the growth of the state’s economy. He thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for his leadership and support to 81 Division NA to operate effectively, making Lagos State one of the safest in the country.

    Declaring the Year 2024 WASA opened, the Commander Corps of Engineers, Major General Philip Eromosele, described the event as a significant atmosphere that promotes regimentation and unity among personnel and their families. He appreciated the COAS for his support and guidance, disclosing that the Corps of Engineers recorded significant achievements in the year 2024.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division NA, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, stated that WASA is a tradition in the Army which officially draws down the curtain on training activities of the preceding year, promoting regimentation and strengthening the bond of unity among personnel and their families as well as civilian friends. General Mijinyawa also thanked the COAS for his support, direction, and guidance, as well as approving required resources for all operational and training activities.

    Delivering the vote of thanks, the Commander, 81 Division Garrison, who was also the Chairman Organising Committee for the event, Brigadier General Hassan Bukar expressed appreciation to the Governor and dignitaries for gracing the occasion.

    The event featured presentation of awards to deserving soldiers who distinguished themselves operationally and administratively in 2024, display of Nigerian cultural and traditional cuisines, attires, dances, and tug-of-war contest. The event was attended by senior officers, heads of security agencies in the state, captains of industries, friends, and well wishers, among others. The climax of the Year 2024 WASA was the beating of the retreat and lighting of the bonfire by the Special Guest of Honour.

  • Amnesty International in Nigeria Demands Safety Of Sokoto Teenager Hounded For Condemning Bad Governance

    Amnesty International in Nigeria Demands Safety Of Sokoto Teenager Hounded For Condemning Bad Governance

    Amnesty International in Nigeria (AIN) has called on the authorities to ensure the safety, impartial and transparent investigation on disturbing threats to the lives of an 18-year-old girl, Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff, and her lawyer, Abba Hikima, by the Sokoto State Government.

    Hamdiyya, a young activist who turned her attracted international attention to widespread poverty, negligence and underdevelopment of Sokoto, was considered an enemy of the state by the state government.

    In one of her videos made in Hausa language, the teenager went to a neglected community and spoke to locals who claimed they have never felt government’s presence and only see their politicians during electioneering campaigns when they come to solicit their votes. In the video, she enlightened the people on the need to educate their children as a way to break off the vicious cycle.

    Hamdiyya also advised them to demand their rights from politicians, just as she called on Governor Ahmed Aliyu to provide good governance to the state with 94% poverty rate.

    But the video which attracted almost a million views in November, did not go down well with the state government who sent police after the teenager, arrested her and charged with “use of insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance”.

    Before the trial could commence, Hamdiyya was abducted alongside her uncle and allegedly assaulted sexually at gunpoint by thugs.

    Narrating her ordeal, Hamdiyya alleged that her kidnappers were sponsored by the state government, adding that they tortured her for speaking against the governor.
    She alleged that she was sexually harassed by the thugs who also forced her uncle to rape her to teach her a lesson.

    News of her unpleasant experience went viral within the Hausa community on Tiktok with many users condemning the governor for allegedly putting her life in danger because she spoke against bad governance.

    The teenager was also invited to Human Rights Radio, Brekete where she relived her experience and was instantly offered a job by the media house as Sokoto State Correspondent.

    Reacting to the allegations of threats to life, Amnesty International which has been following the case, lamented that aside from being persecuted for exercising her constitutional rights to Freedom of Expression, Hamdiyya and her lawyer were being threatened.

    A statement by AI’s Country Director, Dr. Isa Sanusi, said: “Right now, apart from facing persecution for exercising freedom of expression, Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff and her lawyer Abba Hikima are being subjected to threats, including phone calls and in-person confrontations by sponsored thugs and individuals claiming to be ‘intelligence agents.

    “At the last court hearing, Barrister Hikima was compelled to apply for armed police protection due to the hostile atmosphere in court and the request was granted by the court. While in Sokoto, for the trial, they were also stalked at their hotel, accosted and intimidated by some individuals.

    “These actions represent an alarming abuse of power and a calculated attempt to intimidate and punish those who speak out for their society and lawyers defending them. “The hostilities being faced by Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif and Barrister Abba Hikima are increasingly making their appearance in court in Sokoto dangerous.”

    Dr. Sanusi confirmed that Hamdiyya was abducted by armed men last November 13, barely 12 days after she made the video that angered the governor.

    “Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif was abducted by armed men and whisked into a tricycle on Wednesday 13 November 2024 while going to collect her mobile phone from a charging point. She was beaten and thrown out of a moving tricycle and left with severe injuries.

    “Sokoto state Governor Mr. Ahmed Aliyu’s frightening intolerance of dissenting voices through heavy handed clampdown on critics is unacceptable in a free society. No one should be punished solely for expressing an opinion that is contrary to that of the government.

    “The Nigerian authorities must guarantee the safety of Hamdiyya and Barrister Abba Hikima, particularly during court appearances and their stay in Sokoto for the trial.

    “Instead of attempting to suppress dissenting voices, Sokoto state government and the Nigerian security agencies should focus on addressing rampant insecurity facing particularly the people of eastern part of Sokoto state where gunmen have been killing people, razing villages, abducting women and girls – almost daily,” said Isa Sanusi

  • Allegations Of Aiding Boko Haram, Bandits Baseless, Say NGOs

    Allegations Of Aiding Boko Haram, Bandits Baseless, Say NGOs

    Some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have described as baseless, unfounded and scapegoating, allegations by the military that they were responsible for festering, unabated terrorism in the northern part of Nigeria.

    In a statement signed by 74 prominent NGOs operating in the country and made available to our Correspondent yesterday, the groups urged the military to focus on disrupting terrorists funding and logistics rather than scapegoating civil society.

    The statement followed a report “Why Boko Haram, bandits thrive: How NGOs, others aid terrorists -Former generals, commanders” published last week by a national daily.

    Aside from the quoted report, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa and past service chiefs have previously made similar allegations against NGOs operating in the northeast, citing their payments of hotel accommodations in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states for 10 years upfront as example.

    A spokesman for former President Muhammadu Buhari also made a similar accusation while justifying the military’s ousting of over 10 NGOs from the northeast on allegations of supporting insurgents.

    But in their reaction, the nonprofits said they were deployed concerned about the inflammatory claims that recklessly accused NGOs in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions of providing covert sponsorship and funding to terrorists.

    They called for caution, noting that such inflammatory statements could lead to attacks on humanitarian actors thereby deepening the crisis further.

    The groups noted that the baseless accusations were coming at a time when the world had recognised the central role that vibrant and active civil society organisations play in broader counterterrorism strategies and the popular support needed, which could only be built and sustained with the support and cooperation of civil society.

    “We strongly condemn this act of stigmatising, smearing, defaming and targeting the NGO sector which is inconsistent with meaningfully attending to the genuine threats of terrorism in our country.

    “Rather than confronting the systemic failures that have allowed terrorism to thrive in Nigeria, these claims attempt to shift blame onto the very organisations that have stepped into the void to support communities abandoned by the Nigerian state.

    “It is a known fact that a civilian-led approach, engaging civil society and communities, is the most effective way to prevent violent extremism demonstrating the necessity of the role of civil society in channelling discontent and allowing for constructive engagement with states, and in directly undermining the factors leading individuals to be drawn to terrorism and violent extremism,” they stated.

    Continuing, the groups noted the indispensable roles they have played in mitigating the devastating impact of insurgency and banditry for nearly two decades, adding that they have provided life-saving humanitarian assistance, education, healthcare, and psychosocial support to millions of displaced and vulnerable Nigerians.

    “These activities are carried out without any intention of gaining pecuniary benefit and they operate under the supervision of strict regulatory frameworks, including rigorous anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws enforced by the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

    “It is unconscionable to malign NGOs that work tirelessly, often at great personal risk, to bring hope and relief to conflict-affected communities. These accusations, devoid of proof, serve only to erode public trust, distract from the real issues, and undermine the critical work being done in some of the country’s most challenging environments.

    “As we mark another Armed Forces Remembrance Day and honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s armed forces, there can be little doubt that Nigeria needs leadership, unity, and aggressive actions to overcome the challenges of insecurity, NGOs across the country have risen to the crises our nation is enduring.

    “They are stretching beyond all reasonable measures and continue to advance their missions despite unfathomable challenges and coordinated attacks on the sector…This pattern of baseless accusations is a disservice to Nigerians and undermines the very principles of accountability and justice that we all seek to uphold.

    “The cost of stifling civil society to prevent any perceived threat of terrorism far outweighs its benefits. Any effective counter-terrorism strategy needs to strengthen, not weaken, civil society. There is growing evidence that the instrumentalisation of agendas to counter-terrorism and to prevent and counter violent extremism is leading to a lack of trust in state authorities,” it said.

    The group demanded that the Nigerian government and military leadership should address the real reasons terrorism persists such as rampant poverty and inequality, porous borders, corruption and inefficiency in defence spending.

    “The Nigerian Security Apparatus should focus its efforts and manpower on disrupting terrorist funding and logistics networks rather than scapegoating civil society. It must also enhance intelligence gathering and operational capacity to secure lives and properties.

    “The government must engage constructively with NGOs to address the root causes of insecurity and alleviate the suffering of affected communities understanding that civil society can meaningfully generate peace and development, including implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and can clearly articulate the sources of grievances identified as factors leading to terrorist and extremist violence.”

    NGOs that signed the statement include 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth Initiative; Abuja School of Social and Political Thought; Accountability Lab, Nigeria; Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ); African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD); African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL); Amnesty International Nigeria; Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP); BudgIT Foundation; Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity; Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD); Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding – Kaduna; Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT); Centre for Global Tolerance and Human Rights, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) and Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).

    Others include Centre LSD; Centre for Social Justice Reform; Centre for Transparency Watch; Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC); CLEEN Foundation; Community Life Project (CLP); Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR); Connected Development (CODE); Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA); EIE Nigeria; Elixir Trust Foundation; Emma Ezeazu Centre for Good Governance and Accountability; Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria (ERA); Falana and Falana’s Chambers; Global Rights; Good Governance Team; Goodluck Jonathan Foundation; Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF); Hope Behind Bars Africa; Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre); Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation; INVICTUS AFRICA; Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre; Lawyers Alert
    Media Initiative for Transparency in Extractive Industries (MITEI); Media Rights Agenda; Mothers and Marginalized Advocacy Centre (MAMA Centre); Nigeria Network of NGOs; Open Society on Justice Reform Project; Order Paper; Organization for Community Civic Engagement (OCCEN);
    Paradigm Initiative Nigeria; Partners West Africa; Policy Alert; Praxis, Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative.

    Also, the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC); Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED); Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC); Say NO Campaign-Nigeria; Say No Campaign; Sesor Empowerment Foundation; Social Action; Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre; Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP); State of the Union (SOTU); Tax Justice and Governance Platform; Transition Monitoring Group (TMG); West Africa Civil Society Forum (WASCSOF); Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC); Women in Media Communication Initiative (WIM); Women in Mining, Nigeria; World Impact Development Foundation; Yiaga Africa, Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC) and Fix Politics signed the statement.

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