Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has announced that a total of 1,935 repentant Boko Haram terrorists have been released from the Bulumkutu camp in Borno State into the Nigerian society between 2016 and 2022.

The revelation was made by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, during a lecture at the opening session of a national security course on “Psychological Operations and Strategic Communication (PSYOPS)” organized by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

The CDS, represented by Rear Admiral Daupreye Matthew, Director of Training at the Defence Headquarters, emphasized the military’s commitment to a non-kinetic approach in addressing insecurity challenges.

He said Operation Safe Corridor, a vital component of the approach, aims to encourage voluntary surrender, rehabilitation, and reintegration of former Boko Haram members into society.

Gen. Musa highlighted the success of the non-kinetic efforts, citing the surrender of over 2,000 Boko Haram members between 2016 and 2017.

He noted that 67% of those who surrendered belonged to the Abubakar Shekau faction of the insurgents. Additionally, 1,543 repentant terrorists graduated from the Mallam Sidi Camp in Gombe State.

The CDS reported that from July 2021 to May 4, 2022, a significant number of terrorists and their family members surrendered, with 13,360 identified as fighters. In total, 51,828 individuals surrendered during this period.

He added that the broader initiative has seen a cumulative total of 106,000 terrorists and their family members surrender in the North East.

The disclosure comes amid ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government to employ a multifaceted approach, including rehabilitation and deradicalization programs, to address the Boko Haram insurgency and promote national security.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State due to escalating security concerns.

The governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Bere said the decision aims to avert a breakdown of law and order after consultations with security agencies.

Residents are advised to adhere to the sit-at-home directive, with exceptions only for essential travel within the local government area.

The statement added that despite government efforts to curb terror activities, the Governor expressed frustration that some individuals persist in instigating fear.

“He expressed his sympathy to the families of the victims and the injured, and assured them that the government will not relent in ensuring lasting peace in the state. He promised that the curfew will be reviewed as soon as the security situation improves,” the statement added.

The latest development follows the burning of the Church of Christ In Nations (COCIN) and other church buildings by people suspected to be herders who arrived from the surrounding bushes.

There is heavy police presence around the Plateau State House of Assembly on Tuesday ahead of resumption of legislative activities.

Leading reporters reports that the Plateau State Police Command has beefed up security around the venue following the decision of the 16 former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers to resume sitting despite their sack by the Appeal Court.

The heavily armed policemen were deployed to Old Government House, Jos, venue of the sitting as early as 5am.

“We are under instructions to screen anyone coming to the venue so as to be sure if you are a staff or hoodlums,” a police source said.

It was learnt the security personnel were deployed as a proactive measure against any invasion of the sitting by hoodlums.

Political watchers have expressed concerns about a likely clash between the 16 PDP lawmakers sacked by the Court of Appeal and All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers declared winner by Court of Appeal.

Lawmakers we’re yet to arrive for plenary as at the time of writing this report.

More to follow…

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, in a bid to tackle the persistent menace of “one chance” robberies in the capital city, is set to ban unpainted taxis and buses from operating, as well as establish official bus terminals.

Minister Nyesom Wike announced the two solutions during a recent media chat, citing concerns that unpainted vehicles provide anonymity for criminal elements.

“We are not going to allow vehicles that are not painted with FCT colour and registered by the FCTA to ply commercial in the territory.

“That way, you know the driver is certified by the FCT and the buses and the taxes were also approved by the FCT.

“When this is done, you as the passenger will not take the risk of going to enter any vehicle that you don’t even know,” he said

Wike added that the crackdown will also extend to ride-hailing services like Uber.

He said the drivers needed to be certified and profiled by the security agencies.

“This is a city, if you don’t have rules, there will be problems,” he added.

According to Wike, the lack of designated bus terminals also contributes to the vulnerability of passengers. As such, he announced plans to construct at least three terminals in 2024.

“That way, you know the drivers and the vehicle that you are entering.

“But currently, everybody is just on the road. You are going to Nyanya, a car is on the road, you enter; you are going to Wuye, a car is on the road you enter.

“What we are trying to do in the 2024 fiscal year is to at least build three terminals for a start, so that we will know the buses and taxes that will carry people from such terminals.

“When this is done nobody will take the risk of going on the road to wave for a taxi. That way, you will be able to reduce crime,” he said.