President Donald Trump has said the US launched a “powerful and deadly strike” against the Islamic State (IS) group in north-western Nigeria.
The US leader described IS as ” terrorist scum”, accusing the group of “targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians”.
Trump said the US military “executed numerous perfect strikes”, while the US Africa Command (Africom) later reported that Thursday’s attack was carried out in co-ordination with Nigeria in the Sokoto state.
As Kaduna State faces its own share of terrorists’ and bandits’ attempts to exploit the transition period occasioned by the change of guard in the Nigerian military hierarchy, by seeking to regroup and unleash mayhem, citizens must place the interest of the state and nation above all other considerations.
We must refrain from politicizing security breaches to avoid giving terrorists the impression that they are gaining ground and thus the motivation to attack even more. This, coupled with Joseph Joubert’s wise saying that “Those who never retract their opinions (whenever necessary) love themselves more than they love the truth,” explains my sudden and courageous decision to write this piece.
For over a decade, successive governments at different levels have failed to nip our security challenges in the bud. But the past two and a half years have been remarkably different.
Despite occasional flashes of attacks in parts of the country, we must acknowledge the improvements recorded by both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in the security sector.
As I highlighted in my August 6 2024 article, published on Daily Post and titled, “National Protests: Government’s Proactiveness and Silence of Opposition Parties,”
“…the Federal and State Governments’ initiatives have combined to open a new page of hope in the war against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality in Nigeria—and in Kaduna State in particular.”
“Even an armchair critic cannot help but admit that our highways are now relatively safer, our communities more peaceful, and our displaced persons are gradually resettling.”
We are witnessing a deviation from the reactionary approach of previous state and federal administrations toward precautionary measures that engage citizens, gather credible intelligence, and ensure timely interventions—often taking the war to terrorists’ and bandits’ hideouts.
In just over two years, more than ten bandit and terrorist commanders have been neutralized, with many others targeted for decimation.
Similarly, Senator Uba Sani’s complete departure from the high‑handed, divisive, lopsided, and provocative approach of his predecessor toward a more inclusive, compassionate, and equitable governance model is enhancing collaboration and rebuilding trust between the government and the people. His establishment of an Elders Advisory Council co‑chaired by Gen.
Zamani Lekwot (rtd.) and Alh. Abubakar Mustapha, along with the restoration of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Board, which was scrapped by the previous administration, attests to his commitment in this regard.
The clouds of darkness and despair that once hovered over our dear state are being blown away by the breeze of hope ushered in by the Uba Sani administration.
The litany of illegal demolitions, mass disengagement of workers, disobedience to court orders, bastardization of age‑long institutions, coercive policy implementation, censorship of the press, and the arrest and incarceration of dissenting voices—combined with wanton killings, maiming, and kidnapping without succor for victims—has given way to stories of shared vision for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Kaduna State.
Investments in infrastructure, health, education, social welfare, agriculture, industry, and, of course, security are combining to give Kaduna State citizens renewed hope, despite the huge loan liabilities inherited from the El‑Rufai administration.
Senator Uba Sani is turning towns and villages across the 23 LGAs into construction sites, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs and uplifting lives in the process.
In healthcare, primary and secondary facilities are being upgraded, with the General Hospitals in Sabon Tasha, and Kawo standing out.
In a little over two years, 67 new secondary schools have been built and equipped with desks, chairs, and other instructional materials, while the construction of 2,326 new and
renovation of 707 existing classrooms across all 23 local government areas was undertaken.
The Urban Mass Transit Scheme (which some of us criticized at inception) has evolved into a viable social programme easing transportation for commuters in and around the metropolis.
Meanwhile, the yearly distribution of free fertilizer and stipends to farmers and vulnerable households has boosted food production and reduced poverty and hunger.
Most importantly, the vast majority of rural communities that were previously reduced to near spectators in the developmental process are once again co‑equals in the power and resource control structure of the state.
This is why Mr. Luka Binniyat’s recent video regarding a displaced Adara community, though perhaps well‑intentioned, is laced with distorted facts and half‑truths. His claim that the Uba Sani administration has granted state pardon or amnesty to bandits, reintegrated them into society, or provided them with free medical care while victims continue to suffer is not only ridiculous but misleading.
To set the record straight: the Kujeni community and others mentioned in Mr. Binniyat’s video report were attacked and displaced under the El‑Rufai administration—long before Governor Uba Sani assumed office. Furthermore, the present administration has NEVER granted amnesty to any bandit, approved any rehabilitation plan for them, reintegrated them into society, or ordered free medical care for them.
Instead, Governor Uba Sani has adopted a multidimensional approach centered on collaboration—working with religious and community leaders to dialogue with bandit leaders where they are open to engagement, and collaborating with federal security forces to protect lives and property where dialogue fails.
Additionally, Governor Uba Sani has prioritized the welfare and resettlement of internally displaced persons by setting up a committee under the leadership of his deputy, Her Excellency Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balaraba, tasked with developing modalities for their safe return to their ancestral homes, while also building free homes for those opting to resettle in the city.
These initiatives, though laudable, require both time and patience, given the scale of devastation and years of neglect suffered by these IDPs and their ravaged communities before Senator Uba Sani’s emergence. To say the least, therefore, what the governor and his administration deserve is commendation, not condemnation—factual representation of the issues, not half‑truths.
As a veteran journalist, Mr. Binniyat has a duty to balance his passion for highlighting the plight of these communities with his commitment to national security and the peace and prosperity of Southern Kaduna. His skills and experience in conflict reporting should not be limited to playing the “blame game,” but should also help address the menace of “informants,” primarily involving youths in communities where attacks and kidnappings remain recurrent despite continuous security interventions.
Ultimately, we can overcome banditry through partnership and shared commitment to intelligence gathering and community policing. Investigative reports on conflicts or their aftermath—such as Mr. Binniyat’s—can be veritable tools if channeled to the right quarters. Anything contrary risks giving terrorists and bandits a sense of victory and emboldening them to strike more communities.
The choice is ours to make, and Mr. Luka Binniyat has an opportunity to lead from the front in this regard.
I wish both President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani success in their efforts to secure our communities and make Nigeria and Kaduna State more prosperous for us all.
— Edward John Auta is Historian, Opposition Stalwart, and Promoter of Peace and Peaceful Coexistence in Kaduna State
autaedward@gmail.com
The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday called on the military to urgently redeploy personnel and advanced equipment to Borno and Yobe states in response to a resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in the North-East.
The resolution followed fresh insurgent assaults in the region, including the killing of more than a dozen soldiers in Marte, Monguno Local Government Area, on Monday, May 12, and another attack on Gajiram, headquarters of Nganzai Local Government Area, early Tuesday.
Raising a motion on the matter, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Munguno noted that although two-thirds of Borno’s local government areas were previously under Boko Haram control, a joint effort by the military and the civilian joint task force had reclaimed the territories.
He explained that the relative peace restored in the area had led to a shift in tactical military focus to the North-West, where security forces are currently battling banditry and kidnapping.
Munguno expressed concern over the evolving strategies of the insurgents, citing their use of modern technologies such as drones and an increase in improvised explosive devices, which have resulted in heavy civilian and military casualties, as well as the disruption of transportation routes.
The Senate, in its resolution, urged the military high command to promptly redeploy sufficient troops to the affected areas and ensure they are equipped with modern technology to counter the renewed threat. It also mandated its Committees on Army and Air Force to monitor the implementation of the directive.
Terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train abducting over 61 people have released another seven hostages, including a family of six and a woman.
The identities of the released family of six are Abdubakar Idris Garba, his wife, Maryam Abubakar Bobo, and their eldest son, Ibrahim Abubakar Garba, who’s 10 years old.
Others include Fatima Abubakar Garba (7), Imran Abubakar Garba (5), and youngest Zainab Abubakar Garba, who is only one and half years old.
Abubakar Idris Garba, a staff of the National Assembly Service Commission, is the son of a former Military Administrator of Kano and Benue States.
Also released is a 60-year-old woman, one Hajia Aisha Hassan, who was said to have been released due to life-threatening health challenges that deteriorated recently.
Although Tukur Mamu, Publisher of Kaduna-based Desert Herald and Media Consultant to a controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, withdrew as one of the negotiators, he confirmed the release of the seven hostages to journalists in Kaduna.
Mamu said the seven were released following the intervention of his principal, Gumi.
Any ban on mining activities in Nigeria will create the highest level of insecurity ever witnessed anywhere in the World.
I can bet my life that Northern economy will completely collapse if mining activities are banned. Already the Nigerian economy is headed south!
All the anti-social groups operating in the North will finally have great harvests of members if Mining is banned.
Please the your Ministry of Mines did not tell you, the solid mineral sector in Northern Nigeria directly employs over 5 million people, and indirectly employs over 20 million people with its multiplier effect. Most of those directly employed are highly knowledgeable in the use of explosives, one of the major required materials in mining. let do ourself a favour to guess what will happen in Nigeria if about 30% or more of 5 million of people knowledgeable in explosives are thrown out of legitimate employment to economic uncertainties!
Such an idea should never be contemplated. It is a potentially nuclear idea! No one will come out of it. The government may not be aware that the recent drop in criminalities in Nasarawa State is because of the influx of Chinese in Nigeria looking for lithium bearing minerals.
As a social scientist, who have studied the relationship between the solid mineral sector and crime, I can bet my money that if mining is stopped today in Nigeria, either of two things will happen: it is either the policy is ignored, or the level of insecurities the thoughtless policy will create, will threaten cities like Abuja, which is sharing boundaries with Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger & Kaduna, major mining states.
This is dangerous and must not be entertained!
Ede O.G Nigeria
The company, in its efforts at coming clean has as well lost a legal battle that tended towards upturning a judgment that found them culpable of crimes against humanity in war-torn Syria, according to a report from Agence France-Presse.
A French High Court set aside the decision of a lower court that previously dismissed charges against the Lafarge’s involvement in funding a terrorist organization in its bid to retain a cement plant in Northern Syria, an act the top court upheld as crime against humanity.
The Court of Cassation has thus reversed the verdict which tended to exonerate Lafarge for the alleged crime of paying $15.3million at the wake of the Syrian civil devastating war.
Lafarge has previously admitted that its operation in Syrian paid middlemen to negotiate with armed groups. The payment was to allow its staff and goods to be moved freely within the war zone.
The multinational company however denied having a hand in money getting to terrorists and has made concerted efforts to have the suit nullified.
Two years ago, the Paris Court of Appeal dismissed the crimes against humanity charge in a decision that claimed the payments were intended to aid IS’s macabre agenda of executions and torture.
But the ruling ordered the prosecution of Lafarge for three other charges: endangering other people’s lives, funding terrorism and flouting an EU embargo.
Lafarge Cement Syria’s staff, numbering 11 with support from NGOs, contested the Court of Cassation judgement.
“One can be complicit in crimes against humanity even if one doesn’t have the intention of being associated with the crimes committed,” France’s apex bank said on Tuesday.
“Knowingly paying several million dollars to an organisation whose sole purpose was exclusively criminal suffices to constitute complicity, regardless of whether the party concerned was acting to pursue a commercial activity.”
According to judges, several acts of complicity would end up unpunished if courts handled interpretation with levity.
It also upheld the charge involving financing terrorism that Lafarge had striven hard to have dismissed.
The judgement does not imply Lafarge will automatic have a case to answer on the weightiest allegations against a French company regarding its activities in a foreign nation in recent years.
Rather, the court referred the case back to magistrates to review the charge of complicity.
Bruno Laffont, Lafarge’s erstwhile CEO and eight executives, have also been charged with financing a terrorist group and/or endangering the lives of others.
Lafarge is not the first multinational to be charged for complicity in crimes against humanity for its actions in a nation in which people experienced terrible human rights abuses. However, cases of that nature are hardly brought to trial.
Abiara while speaking at a press conference in Abuja over the weekend stated that justice needs to be done so that criminal act such as kidnapping and banditry must stop in Nigeria.
“The criminals are very rampant, and this is because there is no justice. I will like to advice the government that criminals should be punished, and proper justice be done, this will allow others to stop the criminal act”.
Meanwhile, Abiara noted that it is time Nigerians rise to pray as one nation so that peace will reign in the land.
Abiara however urge the federal government to follow the steps of developed nations in curbing the movement of cattle herders in Nigeria.
“Though the government is trying on this issue but I will like to advice the government to borrow a leaf from developed nations where you cannot see illicit movement of cattle across their road.
“Countries such as USA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA and the likes, most of our leaders too travel abroad, they can never see these animals moving about the city center, we must find a way around this.
“It is very embarrassing even for visitors to see this happening in our country, so I want to advice the government to make adequate arrangements like other developed countries”. He added.
Abiara further advice that it is time states go into farming instead of waiting for a particular part of the country to bring in food.
“I want to advice all the states to go into farming, when all states have sufficient food and livestock, they will not bother about shortage of food, so I want to advice all the states to go into farming and livestock farming too to ensure food sufficiency”.
Also, Abiara stated that in order to ensure peace and tranquility in the country, the elected leaders must fulfill their campaign promises to the electorates while the masses too should exercise patience for government to fulfill her mandate instead of resulting to violence.
“We are in a democratic government and as such the government must fulfill campaign promises and must listen to the yearning of the electorates.
“This is very important because when you do not listen to the people and fulfill campaign promises, this will cause violence, and the masses too should be patient on the government particularly the youth”.
Abiara, through his foundation distributed food items, cash donations and empowerment scheme for the less privilege, noted that people are hungry, and as such the need for the donation.
He thereby advised well meaning Nigerians and philanthropist to use their wealth for the poor as exemplified by Jesus Christ.
“People are very hungry, and it is very good to lend a helping hand, so am using this opportunity to call on those who have should share with the less privileged in our society”.
Babagana Monguno, a retired Army General and former Chief of Defence Intelligence is believed to have been overwhelmed by the insecurity ravaging the country, necessitating his replacement with someone who will bring in fresh ideas on how the government may end insurgency, banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of criminality that has bedeviled Nigeria perennially.
Col. Ali, who was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari to man Nigeria Customs Service as Sole Administrator following allegation of massive fraud perpetrated by his predecessor, the former and late Comptroller General CG Abdullahi Dikko.
Dikko was believed to have corruptly leveraged his position as the then Comptroller General of Customers to rip the nations of Trillions of Naira.
Col. Hamid Ali (Rtrd), as a Sole Administrator of NCS was expected to man the service for about six months and hand over to a career CG from the service. However, the Presidency in their wisdom has thus far kept Ali, despite concerns that his age and health may not allow him to optimize his challenges of rejigging the service to a more effective one.
Despite criticism from some quarters that Col. Hamid Ali (Rtrd) has relegated his selflessness and modesty for a more flamboyant lifestyle, including owning new properties here and there and taking in new wife, Ali has succeeded in bringing a good level of discipline in the service which in turn has led to more result-oriented reforms that has increased the fortune of the Service.
