Regional News
Military kills 82 terrorists in Zamfara airstrikes, 2 arrested in Kwara. Source: BluePrint
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Thursday said air interdiction by the Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI killed no fewer than 82 terrorists while many others sustained various degree of injuries at Kofar Danya Village in Bukkuyum local government area of Zamfara state. The military high command also said 26 oil thieves were arrested by troops of Operation DAKATAR DA BARAWO and OCTOPUS GRIP in the Niger Delta region of the country. Director Defence Media Operations Maj.-Gen Benard Onyeuko stated this while briefing journalists on the successes recorded by various military operations in the country from 16 to 30 June 2022.
82 Terrorists Killed as Military Raid Bandits Camp in Zamfara. Source: PRNigeria
The military operations, HADARIN DAJI responded to distress call of terrorists activities at Rafin Dankura in Bakura Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Troops engaged the terrorists in a shoot out who were trying to abduct innocent civilians. After the encounter troops were able to rescue the six (6) kidnapped civilians and neutralised 2 bandits in the process. Items recovered includes 2 AK 47, 1x 36 Hand grenade, 2 x Cell phones and the sum two hundred and nineteen thousand (211,915.00). Similarly on 21 June 2022, troops made contacts with marauding terrorists at Maigora in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State and neutralized 2 terrorists in the process.
Terrorists Kill 2, Kidnap 12 In Northwest Nigeria Community. Source: HumAngle
Terrorists, including women, stormed the Gadar-Zaima community in Bukuyum LGA, Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria, killing two persons and kidnapping 12 others. The attack took place on Thursday, June 30, at 7 a.m. WAT, a few hours before, some Nigerian soldiers in official vehicles visited locations within the market while taking snapshots. Residents told HumAngle that the gang, which included women in military uniforms, were about 300 in number, armed with two persons on about 150 motorcycles. Muhammad Bala Aminu, an eyewitness and visitor to the market, pointed out that two people, Muhammadu Zauma and a commercial driver, had also been killed.
ISWAP Still Controls Vast Areas of Guzamala In Northeast. Source: HumAngle
There are 14 towns and villages that make up the Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State in Northeast Nigeria. Of this number, only two are accessible and partially inhabited, while the rest, including Gudumbali, the local government’s headquarters, remains under the control of ISWAP. In April 2021, HumAngle published a report on how insurgents have controlled Guzamala in northern Borno, despite claims by the Nigerian government and the military.
According to multiple sources, an attempt was made about three months ago to return civilian authority to some parts of the area ahead of the expected return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) taking refuge in nearby Local Government Areas. But that effort was met with stiff resistance and losses.
UN extends peacekeeping mission in Mali to June 2023. Source: rfi
The United Nations Security Council has to maintain the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Mali, while condemning the country’s military rulers for using mercenaries that have committed human rights violations. After Wednesday’s vote, the council expressed “grave concern” at the deteriorating political and security situation in the West African nation. Russia and China abstained on the French-drafted resolution that extends the mandate of the MINUSMA mission until 30 June 2023, with its current level of over 13,280 military personnel and 1,920 international police. Mali has been in a cycle of turmoil since an uprising in 2012 prompted mutinous soldiers to overthrow president Amadou Toumani Touré. The subsequent power vacuum ultimately led to an Islamist insurgency and a French-led war that ousted the jihadists from power in 2013.
Nigeria Civil Defence, NSCDC Operatives Grumble Over Non-payment Of Ekiti Gov Election Allowance 2 Weeks After, May Boycott Osun Poll. Source: Sahara Reporters
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) deployed from other states to Ekiti for the June 18, 2022 governorship election are grumbling over the alleged refusal of the authorities to pay their allowances. The NSCDC had deployed 9,747 personnel drawn from the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Kogi, Kwara and Edo commands to provide security during the governorship poll. Some of the aggrieved officers told SaharaReporters that the agency had refused to pay them two weeks after the election, while their counterparts from other security agencies received theirs, which fuelled suspicion of embezzlement.
Kidnapped Abuja-Kaduna train victims’ families intensify call for release. Source: Blue Print
Families of the yet to be freed kidnapped passengers of an Abuja-Kaduna train, after a violent attack has intensified call for more efforts toward their release. There were reports that one of victims was short dead by the abductors earlier on Wednesday, prompting the reinforced call on the relevant agencies of government to hasten the release of their loved ones still in captivity. Two family members, who spoke on behalf of others, during a visit to the House of Representatives on Wednesday, and were received by Hon Bamidele Salam, from Osun State and Hon. Manu Soro Masur from Bauchi State begged the lawmakers help as much as humanly possible. The duo acted on behalf of the 11 members championing the release of the remaining victims. Wife of one of the kidnapped victims, Matilda Kabir, said it was shocking that one of the victims was shot dead, adding that they were scared not knowing who would be the next.
Kaduna Train Attack: Families raise alarm over reported killing of hostage. Source: Premium Times
The families of the victims of the Kaduna train attack have asked the government to help free the hostages following reports that one of the hostages was shot. The families visited some members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, urging the government to intensify the search for the abductees. Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun), Manur Soro (APC, Bauchi) and 10 others had last week moved a motion on the floor of the House, calling for the release of the hostages. Messrs Salam and Soro hosted the families at the National Assembly complex in Abuja. Speaking on behalf of the families, the wife of one of the kidnapped victims, Matilda Kabir, said the uncertainty is killing. She said they don’t know who the next victim would be. Mrs Kabir said for 94 days, the families have been in anguish, not knowing the fate of their beloved ones.
Again, terrorists invade Kaduna’s Millennium City, kill 2, kidnap medical doctor, 15 others. Source: Blue Print
Terrorists again struck in Millennium City, Chikun local government of Kaduna state, killing a civilian Joint Task Force Commander and another resident, while abducting 16 people including a medical doctor and six members of his family. Few days after striking at Danbushiya where the terrorists left with six people including the wife of a military officer, they returned Tuesday night to invade Sabon Gero a community in Millennium City and killed a civilian JTF commander, before living with 16 captives, but six captives were rescued during the attack. Blueprint learnt that the bandits stormed the community after 10pm on motorcycles and started shooting sporadically to put fear into the residents especially those that may want to oppose their nefarious activities. The JTF commander and other vigilante members immediately opened fire at the approaching bandits to foil their mission without being aware that they were very close to them.
Insecurity: When Society Takes Up Arms in Self-Defense. Source: PRNigeria
Lately, the hydra-headed monster of insecurity in Nigeria is assuming another new dimension, which calls for a concern. The recent sacking of Mada community in Gusau Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara state by gun-wielding bandit-terrorists and the Owo Church attack were security breaches that hit hard our dear country. Nonetheless, it is on record that Zamfara in the northwest has since been swarmed by syndicates of criminals who operate with impunity. As a result of these lingering daunting challenges, life has apparently lost its meaning and eventually become hopeless on a daily basis. Although the Military in collaboration with other host of security agencies have been relentlessly fighting the war against these non-state actors with dedication, commitment and patriotism, however, the situation continued spreading like a wildfire, defying all means of solutions, thus proving difficult to contain. Out of frustration which is fuelled by this worrisome situation, the Zamfara State Government, under the leadership of Bello Matawalle has recently authorized the residents to take up arms and protect themselves from the series of attacks by the bloodsucking demonds- the bandits. However, it is good to understand that, this line of action taken by the Governor will not provide the anticipated solution to the problem, but rather worsen and aggravate the situation leading to great consequences. As it stand, this path will ultimately lead to anarchy- breeding a ‘lawless society’. Just imagine a situation where every member of society is wielding a gun, the rate of criminalities will definitely skyrocket to an unprecedented level.
Insecurity: Army Mulls Engaging Services Of Retired Personnel. Source: PRNigeria
The Nigerian Army will continue to engage the services of its retired personnel in tackling insecurity in the country, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya has said. Yahaya said this on Tuesday night at a ”Regimented Dinner” he organised for the 2021 set of retired officers from its 3 Division, Rukuba, near Jos. The COAS, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the division and Commander, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), thanked the retired personnel for their sacrifices and commitment to duty while in service. He explained that the expertise of the retired personnel would be needed toward supporting the Nigerian army in its bid to end all forms of insecurity in the nation.
#AK9Train: Terrorists Refuse To Release Shot Abductee, Insist On Demands. Source: HumAngle
Terrorists have reportedly refused to release Mohammed Al-Amin, one of the over 60 kidnap victims of the March 28 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack. Tukur Mamu, one of the negotiators and media consultants to Sheik Mahmud Gumi, a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric disclosed this on Wednesday, June 29. Mamu said the shooting of Al-Amin occurred on Monday, June 27 during a friendly exchange of fire between the abductors guarding the victims. But he added that he did not entirely believe that it was not premeditated and the victim, Mohammed Al-Amin, although alive, “is in a health crisis situation.” The negotiator had attempted to secure Al-Amin’s release but the terrorists refused and insisted the government responds to their demand.
NIGERIA DAILY: How Zamfara Government Plan To Fight Banditry And Kidnapping In The State. Source: Daily Trust
The act of terrorism has been a source of worry and concern to the people and government of Nigeria. However, in an effort to deal decisively with the situation, the Zamfara government has henceforth, directed individuals to prepare and obtain guns to defend themselves against the bandits. How will the government achieve this? In this Episode of Nigeria Daily, we find out how.
Northwest Nigeria Community On Death Row, While Police Watch On. Source: HumAngle
Since Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, when Bukkuyum Local Government (LGA) in Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria, recorded its first terror attack, it has been recurrent attacks in communities that make up the local government. And they might continue to suffer, at least, until security agents proactively respond to their security emergencies. While the two-day terror raid on Bukkuyum and Anka LGAs continued, help did not come from any security agencies as lives and properties were destroyed. The terror onslaught sparked both national and international condemnation as residents live in constant fear of unending attacks.
Arming Civilians In Nigeria’s Zamfara State ‘Is Suicidal’. Source: HumAngle
Reactions to the Zamfara state government’s directive to residents to prepare for self-defence against terrorists by possessing guns have continued to surface even as the state’s commissioner of police reiterated that the ban on firearms remains in effect. While some residents who spoke to HumAngle supported self-defence through community actions, they worried that granting gun licences to everyone would lead to anarchy as seen in countries suffering from gun violence. Initially, in a special announcement made by the state government’s Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Magaji Dosara, the authorities stated that the gun licence directive was necessary due to the constant attacks by terrorists.
EXCLUSIVE: Disquiet In Nigerian Army As Officers, Soldiers Plan One-day Protest Over Poor Equipment, Welfare, Corruption Under General Yahaya. Source: Sahara Reporters
There is disquiet presently in the Nigerian military as some officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army are said to be planning to storm Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, to protest over unpaid emoluments, poor working conditions and others. SaharaReporters learnt that the officers and soldiers, mainly those prosecuting the war against insurgency in the North-East and other parts of the country, said they had perfected plans to stage a one-day protest against the leadership of the Nigerian Army. According to the source who pleaded for anonymity, the protest was intended to expose the rot in the operations of the Nigerian Army under General Faruk Yahaya, the Chief of Army Staff.
Bandits Sack 30 Zamfara Communities, Issue Quit Notice To 5 Plateau Villages. Source: Daily Trust
Member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, Suleiman Abubakar Gumi, yesterday said bandits had so far in this month sacked over 30 communities in Zamfara State. He said this while moving a motion on the need for the military to send more troops to the affected areas in the state to quell the rising attacks. Gumi said recently, bandits attacked several communities in the state, killed 16 people, injured many others, rustled cattle, destroyed property and set police stations and food silos ablaze. According to him, no day passes without an attack in the area. He said residents of about 71 villages had fled their homes; while farmers had abandoned their farms for safety. He said the bandits had imposed levy on members of the communities and asked for ransom money from those they kidnapped.
Bandits abduct three medical personnel, pregnant wife in Zamfara. Source: Premium Times
In two separate attacks in the last three days, gunmen, commonly referred to as bandits in the Nigerian press, kidnapped three medical staff and a pregnant woman in Zamfara State. The attacks occurred on Saturday and Tuesday respectively. On Saturday morning the gunmen ambushed a doctor, Muhammad Mansur, that works at the General Hospital Dansadau, in Maru Local Government and two female employees of the hospital – a caregiver and a ward attendant – who were travelling with him and abducted them. Manir Bature, the chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association in the state, confirmed the abduction to PREMIUM TIMES.
Insecurity: Zamfara assembly passes banditry, terrorism, other offences bill. PRNigeria
The Zamfara Assembly on Monday passed a bill to provide a law for the prohibition and punishment for banditry, cattle rustling, cultism, kidnapping, terrorism and other incidental offences. 2022. The executive bill sent to the house by Gov Bello Matawalle was passed during the assembly’s plenary. Presenting the bill before the house, the Deputy House Leader and Chairman, House Committee on Justice and Judiciary, Nasiru Bello-Lawal (APC- Bungudu West) called on the lawmakers to deliberate and agree on the bill. Bello-Lawal called on members of the house to read the bill and allow it to be given it’s 3rd reading. The Speaker, Nasiru Magarya, said the bill had already gone through its first and second readings and other rigorous legislative processes, including a public hearing.
Insurgents Attacking Lassa Village In Northeast Nigeria. Source: HumAngle
ISWAP insurgents are currently attacking Lassa, a town in southern Borno state, Northeast Nigeria, according to local sources. The attackers, who invaded the town at about 7 p.m. WAT, had forced residents to flee into the bushes. The attack on Lassa, a town in Askira Uba’s local government, was the second in the last two weeks. The terror group reportedly invaded the town through Maikadiri and Utavu villages which share a direct border with the Sambisa forest.
Nigeria’s State Level Militias And Insecurity. The Crisis Room: Episode 46 Source: HumAngle
Nigeria’s growing insecurity and insufficient policing have led to the growth of vigilantes and militias with support from state authorities. The government of Zamfara state, the epicentre of the crises in northwest Nigeria, is currently amidst controversy surrounding a plan to provide civilians with firearms to protect themselves. In today’s episode, we look at the security risks of the increasing proliferation of state-level militias, especially the potential dangers of giving civilians firearms.
Terrorists Release 2 Catholic Priests Abducted In Katsina. Source: HumAngle
Two parish priests and three others kidnapped in the rectory of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Gidan Maikambo, in Katsina State’s Kafur Local Government Area (LGA), Northwest Nigeria, on May 25, 2022, have been released. Rev. Fr Christopher Omotosho, Director of Social Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday, June 26. The statement listed those released to include Fr. Stephen Ojapa, Fr. Oliver Okpara, Mr Hassan Hassan, and Ms Ummie Hassan.
There are concerns that separatist leaders in English-speaking areas of Cameroon might be losing control of their forces, as grave human rights violations are on the rise, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in its latest report. The separatists, according to the report, also don’t fear the possibility of being held accountable by Cameroon’s security forces. According to the United Nations, the six major grave violations are: killing and maiming of children; recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups; sexual violence against children; attacks against schools or hospitals; abduction of children; and denial of humanitarian access for children. The HRW report highlights that, since January this year, “armed separatist fighters have killed at least seven people, injured six others, raped a girl”.
Nigerian state to allow individuals to carry guns against bandits. Source: news24
Nigeria’s Zamfara state will start issuing licences to individuals to carry guns to defend themselves against armed gangs of kidnappers causing havoc in the country’s northwest, the state’s commissioner for information said on Sunday. Armed gangs are rife across Nigeria’s northwest where they rob or kidnap for ransom, and violence has been increasing, where thinly stretched security forces often fail to stop the attacks. The gunmen, known locally as bandits, operate from remote forests in the northwest and their deadly attacks and kidnappings, targeting villagers, farmers and travellers, have increased since the start of the year. Zamfara and neighbouring Kaduna are the most affected, authorities say. Ibrahim Magaji Dosara, Zamfara commissioner for information said the state governor had directed the state police commissioner to issue 500 gun licences in each of the 19 emirates in the state to those wishing to defend themselves.
Catholic priest found dead after latest Nigeria kidnap. Source: BBC
A Catholic priest who was kidnapped in Nigeria’s southern state of Edo has been found dead hours later. Local church leader says Father Christopher Odia was abducted from his home in Ikabigbo on Sunday as he was about to head to mass. Witnesses say his body was discovered by a search party of outraged locals and security forces. It comes less than 24 hours after another priest – Father Vitus Borogo – was murdered on his farm in north-western Nigeria, and three weeks after gunmen killed at least 40 worshippers at a church in south-western Ondo state.
Terrorists Take Over Kaduna Community, Ban Political Activities. Source: Sahara Reporters
The Ansaru terrorists have reportedly taken over Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. They have also reportedly banned political activities in the area. Birnin Gwari is one of the councils in the state that have been taken over by bandits over the years. The PUNCH reports that this was disclosed in a statement by the Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressives Union and signed by its Chairman, Ishaq Usman-Kasai. The statement said the terrorists had banned political activities in some communities in the local government area. The statement said, “Even this week, two members of the group were engaged for wedding with two girls and will be tying the nuptial knots by this Saturday.
Security agencies dislodge IPOB, ESN from hideouts. Source: Premium Times
Security agencies, Saturday, raided a suspected hideout of outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, ESN at Idara Nnebo, Ihe Mbosi and Ukpor, two communities in Ekwusigo and Nnewi South Local Government Areas of Anambra State. Army spokesperson Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. He said the IPOB members were dislodged from their training camp when the security operatives raided the camp. Mr Nwachukwu, a brigadier general, said the operation was carried out by a joint security team comprising troops of 302 Regiment of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Nigerian Navy, officials of State Security Service and police operatives.
Troops arrest four kidnappers, neutralise three bandits in Benue. Source: Premium Times
Defence Headquarters says the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested four kidnappers, neutralised three bandits and rescued a kidnapped victim in recent operations in parts of Benue. The Director, Defence Media Operations, Bernard Onyeuko, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. Mr Onyeuko, a major general, said the troops had on June 24 arrested four suspected kidnappers at Igumale Council Ward of Ado Local Government Area of the state. He gave the identities of the suspects as Alhaji Abdullahi (18), Sale Hassan (22), Usman Abdullahi (20) and Ibrahim Iliyasu (23). According to him, all arrested criminals have been handed over to the police for necessary action. Mr Onyeuko said the troops also conducted a raid at a bandits hide out at Mbahuwuhe village in Utange council ward in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
Why Terrorists Kept Us After Gov’t Negotiated The Release Of 82 girls – Escaped Chibok Girl. Source: HumAngle
Hauwa Joseph, one of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls who fled captivity recently, has given insights on how Boko Haram used the “marriage” status of some of the girls to block their release during negotiations.
Nigerian Soldiers Open Fire On Civilians In South-south Nigeria. Source: HumAngle
A yet-to-be-ascertained number of people were killed on Sunday, June 26, as residents have claimed that soldiers of the Nigerian Army opened fire on residents of the Nko community in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, South-south Nigeria. Residents said the soldiers who stormed the community arrived in pickup trucks shortly after nightfall and started shooting sporadically. The soldiers’ action, according to sources, was to curb a communal crisis between Nko village and Onyadama village. It was not immediately clear how many people had been killed as of the time of filing this report. However, a source who said his neighbour was shot dead by soldiers said no fewer than five people had been killed in what appears to be a gross violation of fundamental rights.
Armed Gang Kills Thermal Centre Worker In Northwest Cameroon. Source: HumAngle
The downtown Bamenda, where suspected separatist fighters killed the thermal centre worker. An unknown armed gang has killed a worker at the Bamenda thermal centre in Northwest Cameroon. The incident happened on Thursday night, June 23, but locals suspected the killers to be separatist fighters. HumAngle learnt that the assailants abducted the victim, identified as Sigue.
29 Abducted Travellers Regain Freedom After Paying N20m Ransom In Northwest Nigeria. Source: HumAngle
Twenty-nine persons abducted on their way to a wedding at Tambuwal, Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria have been released after the payment of N20 million ransom. The victims who are phone marketers at the Bebeji Communication Market in Gusau, Zamfara State capital were freed on Thursday, June 23 after the ransom payment at a forest that links Bakura and Tureta LGAs of Sokoto and Zamfara states, both in Nigeria’s northwest. Sources close to the mediators confirmed that “there were no efforts or role played by either the federal government or Zamfara state government in the successful release of the young entrepreneurs throughout the entire process.”
Nigerian Army Enhances Capacity of Combat Support Arms. Source: PRNigeria
The Chief Of Army Staff(COAS), Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya has charged the Combat Support Arms of the Nigerian Army(NA) to be resolute and focused in their commitment towards achieving assigned tasks in defence of the country. The COAS made this known while declaring open, the Combat Support ArmsTraining (COSAT) Week 2022 at the Command Officers Mess 1, Asokoro Abuja recently. General Yahaya disclosed that training is an avenue to learn and re-strategize for value addition in pursuit of peace and national security. He noted that the Combat Support Arms have continued to be innovative in their respective roles and have over time improved their capabilities. He explained that the theme of the Training Week, “Building Competencies in Combat Support Arms towards Optimizing the Utility of Indigenous Technology in Support of NA Contemporary Operations” is meant to create a platform for personnel of Combat Support Arms (CSA) of the NA to cross- fertilize ideas and intellectually stimulate themselves with the objective of enhancing operational efficiency of the NA.
Terrorists Bomb Kogi State Police Station, Kill Senior Officer. Source: Sahara Reporters
Terrorists on Friday morning bombed a police station at Eika-Ohizenyi, in the Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State. A police inspector identified as Jubril was killed during the attack, according to a report by People’s Gazette. The terrorists reportedly stormed the police post at about 2:15am, shooting sporadically before detonating the bomb. A resident in the area, Abubakar Momoh, said, “The gunmen spent more than two hours inside the station operating freely without any interference from the security agencies.” He added that the bullets from the sporadic gunshots shattered the windows of a mosque and a Catholic Church near the police station, during the attack.
Why Nigeria needs attack helicopters against terrorists – US official. Source: Punch
The $1bn AH-1Z cobra attack helicopters, 12 of them, being procured from the United States by the Federal Government will reduce response time and significantly help the Nigerian Armed Forces to defeat terrorist forces in the country, an official of the US Department of State, Andrew Strike, has said. Strike, who is of the Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs under the Department of State, explained in his response to an email enquiry by our correspondent that the helicopters would complement the 12 A-29 Tucano aircraft Nigeria bought from the US earlier. He added that the helicopters would also provide essential night operations capability to counter terrorists who previously operated after dark with impunity.
More than 30 die in ethnic violence in Cameroon. Source: News24
More than 30 villagers, including women and children, have been killed in an ethnic-related attack in western Cameroon, local sources said on Monday. The massacre unfolded over the weekend at Bakinjaw near the Nigerian border, said Reverend Fonki Samuel Forba, the spokesman of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, whose account was confirmed by an NGO and a military source. The attack was rooted in a land dispute between the Oliti and Messaga Ekol ethnic groups, Forba said in a statement sent to AFP. “The Oliti people attacked and killed some Messaga Ekol people on their farms on the 29th April 2022 and the Messaga Ekol people retaliated,” he said.
Peace and Security
North-central, Northwest States Remains Top Five Most Violent Regions In Nigeria. Source: HumAngle
Nigerian North-central and Northwest states have witnessed a spike in terror with hundreds of deaths and kidnap victims in the last 18 months according to tracked data from the Nextier Violent Conflict. The insecurity crisis has spread across regions in Benue and Niger states, making them among the top five most violent Nigerian states in 2022. According to the database, Niger State has witnessed increased banditry that has seen the state become the most violent Nigerian state between Jan. and May 2022, from a fifth position recorded last year. Between Jan. and May 2022, the state has recorded 602 deaths in 50 cases.
Killings, kidnappings, stripping girls naked part of Cameroon separatist abuses, HRW says. Source: rfi
Killing and attacking civilians, attacking education facilities, kidnapping workers, stripping schoolgirls naked and beating them are just a few of the abuses Cameroonian separatists have carried out on the civilian population in the Anglophone regions, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch. “Armed separatist groups are kidnapping, terrorizing, and killing civilians across the English-speaking regions with no apparent fear of being held to account by their own leaders or Cameroonian law enforcement,” says Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior central Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. Human Rights Watch (HRW) spoke with victims, journalists, human rights organizations and obtained the statement of one separatist group after asking three for their comments.
ANALYSIS: Can Africa stay on target to silence the guns by 2030? Source: Premium Times
The African Union (AU) seems to be in the habit of assigning deadlines for overly ambitious goals and then struggling to meet them. This has been the case with initiatives such as the adoption of an African passport by 2018 and the self-financing of the AU through an import levy by 2017. Another one of these is ‘Silencing the Guns by 2020’ – a flagship project of the AU’s Agenda 2063. Clearly, 2020 has come and gone without Africa having reached the goal of being conflict-free. Therefore the deadline was extended to 2030. Cynics are already predicting that this won’t be met, given the trend of insecurity the continent faces. This includes the spread of terrorism and violent extremism, a resurgence in coup d’états, resource-linked instability and conflicts in areas like the Great Lakes Region, and intra-state conflicts such as in South Sudan, Libya, Ethiopia and Cameroon. Tackling the multiple root causes of Africa’s many conflicts by 2030 amid COVID-19 and its consequent global economic slow-down will be difficult, if not impossible. The AU also remains limited by the sovereignty of its member states. It can do only so much to nudge its members in the right direction – but ultimately its hands are tied. This won’t change by 2030.
International Press Centre Condemns Detention, Harassment Of Wikki Times Journalists Over Report On Deceased APC Local Council Chairman. Source: Sahara Reporters
The International Press Centre (IPC) has condemned the detention, harassment and molestation of Haruna Mohammed, the publisher of WikkiTimes online newspaper and one of its reporters, Idris Kamal, by the Bauchi state police command. The IPC on Tuesday condemned the action of the state police command in a statement signed by the Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, and obtained by SaharaReporters.
Humanitarian
Nigeria records staggering upsurge in mass killings, violations against kids in conflict. Source: Guardian
One week after the 2022 Global Peace Index ranked Nigeria 143 among 163 independent nations, according to the level of peacefulness, ActionAid Nigeria has raised concern over the mass killings across the country, revealing that such incidents have increased by 116 per cent between 2019 and 2021. Nigeria had, last week, moved three places up on the global peace log from the 146th position it was ranked last year. However, quoting from research conducted by Global Rights, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Ene Obi, said at least 14,641 people have died from mass atrocities perpetrated across all geo-political zones in Nigeria between January 2019 and December 2021. She lamented that the trend is increasing daily, as in 2019, 3,183 fatalities were recorded, in 2020, the figure rose to 4,556 and in 2021, about 6,895 deaths were recorded, representing a 116 per cent increase over the last three years.
West, Central Africa Have The Second Highest Number Of Violations Against Children – UN. Source: HumAngle
The United Nations has verified over 67,000 grave violations against children in conflict-affected areas of West and Central Africa, accounting for the second-highest number of verified violations since 2005. According to a report titled ‘25 years of children and armed conflict: Taking action to protect children in war,’ more than 7,600 children have been verified as killed or maimed in situations of armed conflict between 2005 and 2022, and over 42,000 children have been recruited and used by parties to the conflict. The report noted that many children suffer from more than one violation, increasing their vulnerability. It revealed that abduction is often combined with or leads to other violations, particularly recruitment and use for violence and sexual violence.
Northeast Nigeria’s Humanitarian Situation May Worsen Without Urgent Help — UN Official. Source: HumAngle
The humanitarian crisis in Northeast Nigeria may become direr if aid funding requirements are not met as the country enters the lean season, Matthias Schmale, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, said. Over eight million people require humanitarian assistance in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states that have faced the 12-year-old Boko Haram insurgency, according to the Nigeria Humanitarian Response Plan 2022. Schmale said the UN aimed to support at least 5.5 million out of the 8.4 million in need. “The conflict has left 2.2 million people presently displaced… In addition, we’ve just entered the lean season that normally lasts until Sept.; last year, it lasted until Nov., so we’re also seeing the impact of climate change.”
UN Wants Gov’ts To End Internal Displacement Crisis In New Action Agenda. Source: HumAngle
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, called for more efforts to end the global displacement crisis as the number of people uprooted from their homes due to conflicts and climate emergencies is rising. During the launch of his Action Agenda on Internal Displacement on Friday, June 24, Guterres said the duty to end displacement lies first and foremost with governments. “However, we all have a responsibility to act,” the UN chief said in a video message. The Action Agenda builds on a 2021 report by a high-level panel convened by the Secretary-General to identify concrete recommendations for solving the internal displacement crisis.
Cameroonian Artiste Launches Project To Help Displaced Children. Source: HumAngle
Kareyce Fotso, a French-speaking Cameroonian artiste, has launched a project to cater to the needs of the internally displaced English-speaking children who are victims of the current separatist war. The project will finance the education of several children internally displaced by the country’s separatist insurgency in the Northwest and Southwest regions. Kareyce Fotso, with the collaboration of the humanitarian outfit St. Helene Foundation, will also finance the reintegration of several displaced victims of the Anglophone crisis. In Nov. 2020, Fotso called on President Paul Biya to do something to end the crisis.
From Beggar To Businessman: An IDP With Disability’s Boko Haram Survival Story. Source: HumAngle
When others were fleeing a major terror attack that saw the fall of Damboa in 2014, no one had thought that Mohammed Fali, a disabled person, could survive. But he did, by riding his tricycle 86km from Damboa to Maiduguri.
Nigeria aims for 70% reduction in number of out-of-school children by 2030. Source: Premium Times
The Nigerian government says it will work towards reducing the number of out-of-school children in the country by at least 70 per cent within the next eight years. The goal is captured in the government’s Human Capital Development strategy document launched Thursday by the National Economic Council (NEC). Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in sub-Saharan Africa, estimated at 10.2 million children. The report titled “ Strategy for accelerating Human Capital Development (HCD) in Nigeria and launched in Abuja on Thursday, highlights the key targets the Nigerian government is planning to achieve in three strategic areas–Health and nutrition, Education and Labour force by 2030. According to the document, the HCD is envisioned to Provide equitable access to affordable and quality. healthcare for every Nigerian, Promote a quality,inclusive and functional education system and empower youth to have the capacity and skills to create or seek employment.
ILO, IOM, IPA partner on child labour. Source: Blue Print
The International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) are partnering to showcase new research findings on child labour, forced labour, and human trafficking. Worldwide, more than 25 million people were in forced labour for the commercial gain of others, while 160 million children – 63 million girls and 97 million boys – were estimated to be engaged in child labour globally at the beginning of 2020. Nearly half of those were involved in hazardous work. Through the ILO and IOM’s Research to Action (RTA), 16 junior researchers have been awarded fellowships and seed grants to address knowledge gaps and produce high-impact studies, while four projects have received awards from IPA’s Human Trafficking Research Initiative (HTRI) Competitive Research Fund to carry out exploratory research and evaluate the effectiveness of counter-trafficking interventions.
