National Issues
IPOB AGITATIONS: BETWEEN ACTIVISM AND TERRORISM
UNTIL the recent declaration by the Nigeria’s military that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is a terrorist group, members have been operating with impunity particularly in the South-Eastern part of the country. Before the skirmish and eventually onslaught against IPOB members by the Federal army, the general impression created by Nnamdi Kanu’s boys was that they can over-run the country within a twinkle of an eye.
If not for the excesses and display of anarchistic principles by IPOB, the Nigeria’s army wouldn’t have started military campaign in the region. One other thing that prompted the operation python dances II is the recalcitrant nature of Kanu’s group.
Given the secessionist objectives, hate speeches and inciting videos of Nnamdi Kanu in the last three months, it will be a great disservice to the nation for President Muhammed Buhari to keep mute over the group assault against our collective psyche as a people. If he had heeded the warning early enough, the decision to launch military campaign in the region wouldn’t have arose.
Even if he had meant well for his people when he started the activism, the inherently random use of propaganda and fire arms has turned the harrow-head of the struggle to a villain instead of an hero. Whoever are the group advisors and strategists had done a sort of collateral damage to the struggle with the militarism and excesses of the group. Worse still, the proscription of IPOB by the southeast governors and Ohanaeze is a big blow to the survival of the group and it’s members now and in the future.
Expectedly, the Kanu’s group had not only been disowned but with the disclaimer by the leadership of the region, the members had obviously become endangered. I am therefore not surprised that Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) described the emergency of the terror group as a consequence of failure of Igbo leaders to provide proper leadership for the region.
On whether President Muhammed Buhari was right or wrong to have declared military action depends on the angle from where one looks at the issue. In my own view, President Buhari owes the nation the responsibility of depending it’s sovereignty and territorial integrity at all times. Obviously, the actions and ulterances of Kanu and his cohorts are not only capable of undermining the Nigeria’s sovereignty, it can equally put its territorial integrity into total jeopardy.
Given the frequent and widespread reports of wanton destruction of properties, maiming and killings, kidnapping and secessionist activities of Kanu’s group in the southeast, the military might be right for tagging IPOB a terrorist group.The activities of the group is treasonable and has reached a stage where it can no longer be tolerated.
The degrading conduct of IPOB is now attracting international attention. IPOB qualifies to be called a terrorist group for its felonious pursuits and lawlessness. IPOB is not different from Boko Haram given the fact that it has adopted its flag, raised military and declared independent states within the federation. If Boko Haram is regarded as terrorist group for arms struggle, assassinations, kidnapping and contesting the nation’s sovereignty the same description suits IPOB.
Both groups are best be described as enemy of the state for their persistent attacks on Nigeria’s sovereignty.It is therefore not an aberration or affront against the natural order for the military to opt for the option of counter terrorism.
Again, the diplomatic row spurred by the romances between IPOB and AbdulKadir Erkahraman, a Turkish citizen has given the entire narrative a necessary international dimension. Until the recent disclaimer by Turkish Embassy, the insinuation that the Turkish government was drumming support for Biafra agitation and were behind the accusation of genocide against President Buhari was very popular particularly on social media and new media.
Whoever has read the book titled ‘Terrorism’ by Walter Laqueur and ‘The ultimate ‘Terrorists by Jessica Stern would agree with the Defence Headquarters that sociologically, psychologically and legally, the activities of IPOB qualifies it to be described as a terrorist group.
In the circumstance where Nnamdi Kanu keep on threatening and inciting his militias to burn the country if he is re-arrested, government is justified to have endorsed operation python dances.
Similar operations had been launched and prosecuted in other parts of the country in the past where corporate existence of the nation was earlier being threatened.
The argument that army’s presence around Afara Ukwa, the ancestral home of Nnadi Kanu amounts to act of provocation is utter nonsense.
With the manner of retreat and how Kanu hibernated since the military campaign in his home town began, the inward and outward cowardliness of this do called Biafran agitator is glaringly exposed. He would have waited to match the Nigeria’s Army with equal force as a proof of his preparedness for secession from the federation.
From the facts available, the victimhood rhetorics and propaganda that President Buhari is trying to wage a genocidal war against Igbo is baseless and unfounded. Apparently, the propaganda has failed. The retreat by Kanu’s group is a triumph of the federal might over ethnic militarism and chauvinism.
Of significant note is solidarity parade across Kano streets by the northern youth in response to provocation by the IPOB. This has really prevented the possibility of reprissal attack against the Igbos living in the North following the activities of ethnic jingoists in Abia, the country home of Nnamdi Kanu. What this implies is that the Northern youths seen to be more committed to national integration and cohesion in the present circumstance.
The call by the southeaster governors for the withdrawal of federal troop from the region, however sounds plausible but the timing depends on how soon peace is restored to the region.
Above all, the specific lessons in the entire development need special highlights. The first is that there is discontent and disaffection in the land due to lopsidedness of the Nigeria’s federal structure. Irrespective of the name tag, the fact still remains that there is the need for national dialogue to address some unanswered national questions.
Whether this is to be called restructuring or borrowing Prof. Wole Soyinka’s word-reconfiguration – it is an incontrovertible fact that Nigerian are not one in spirit, thoughts, belief system and culture.
If the country must remain indissoluble and indivisible entity, strong and united nation, the government should create opportunities and enabling environment for the aggrieved groups to come up with their demands and grounds for agitation for the country to experience a lasting peace.
Another important lesson is that social crusaders and activists should learn not to over-estimate their strength. Besides, all of us need to realise that it is always calamitous to start a war one cannot win. From all indications, IPOB is already being defeated by men of operation Python dances.
What this potend is that by October 2017 next adjournment of Kanu’s court case, he would see the full wrath of law in case he fails to appear in court for proper prosecution of his case.
I am sure, the man would be both hypertensive and in serious dilemma as the next date of his case adjournment is drawing near wherever the place of his hibernation. Moreso, he has ran foul of virtually all his bail conditions in speeches and action. Predictably, the bail bond will be reviewed to advantage of the nation’s security system thereby putting the man in shackle until he is considered remorseful.
Rahaman Onike,
An Author and Policy Analyst,
writes from Oyo State College of Agriculture & Technology, Igboora.
Amid rising killings and a wave of mass abductions by gunmen and suspected terrorists across the country, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency.
The President, in a statement personally signed and released in Abuja, also ordered an immediate expansion of the manpower of the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force as the Federal Government rushes to halt the worsening insecurity.
“Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces,” Tinubu said.
“By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.”
Tinubu explained that he had already approved upgrades of police training facilities nationwide and authorised the use of selected National Youth Service Corps camps as police training depots.
He added that officers withdrawn from VIP guard duties would undergo “crash training” before being redeployed to areas battling heightened insecurity.
The President also directed the Department of State Services to immediately deploy all trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in forests across the country. The DSS was further authorised to recruit additional personnel.
“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil. This is a national emergency. We are deploying more boots on the ground, especially in vulnerable communities. The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we must all get involved in securing our nation,” he said.
Tinubu commended security agencies for jointly securing the release of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State. He assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue students of Catholic schools in Niger State and other kidnapped Nigerians still in captivity.
“To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and sacrifice. This is a challenging moment for our nation and for the military itself. I charge you to remain resolute, restore peace across all theatres of operation, and uphold the highest standards of discipline. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence,” he added.
The President announced that the Federal Government would support state governments operating community-based security outfits.
Tinubu also urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws that would allow states seeking to establish their own police forces to do so.
He warned states against maintaining boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security and advised churches and mosques in vulnerable areas to engage security agencies when organising large gatherings.
On the lingering farmer–herder clashes, Tinubu restated that the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development would provide long-term solutions. He appealed to herders to embrace ranching, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons.
“I sympathise with the families who have lost their loved ones in recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara states. I also pay tribute to our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba,” he said.
Warning criminal groups not to undermine the state, Tinubu emphasised that his administration possessed the resolve and capacity to secure the country.
“Fellow compatriots, I urge you not to give in to fear or despair. Stand firm to defend our freedom and values. Our administration will continue to guarantee peaceful co-existence and preserve our union.”
He called on citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with security agencies.
Tinubu’s declaration came amid nationwide outrage after the killing of at least five people in Kebbi and Kwara states, and the abduction of over 300 schoolchildren from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, and St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Niger State.
The Presidency on Monday said the United States Government has expressed readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria through enhanced intelligence sharing, supply of defence equipment and other support to boost ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.
It said the commitment followed a series of engagements held last week in Washington, DC, between a high-level Nigerian delegation and top US officials aimed at strengthening bilateral security ties and opening new areas of collaboration.
The delegation, led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, met with senior officials from the US Congress, White House Faith Office, State Department, National Security Council and the Department of War.
Other members of the delegation included the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and two representatives from the Office of the NSA.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian team used the engagements to debunk allegations of genocide in the country, insisting that violent attacks cut across religious and ethnic divides.
Onanuga said the delegation also rejected what it described as the “wrongful framing” of Nigeria’s security challenges, noting that such portrayals risked further dividing citizens and misrepresenting realities on the ground.
“The discussions provided ample opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forged a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforced mutual trust, and advanced a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt,” the statement read.
He added that the US expressed willingness to offer complementary support, including humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical aid to strengthen early-warning mechanisms.
Onanuga said both countries agreed to immediately implement a non-binding cooperation framework and set up a Joint Working Group to coordinate agreed areas of collaboration. Nigeria, he added, reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing civilian protection measures.
“The Federal Government restates its awareness of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, and urges citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation,” he stated.
The development comes weeks after former US President Donald Trump threatened to deploy American forces to Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” if the government failed to halt what he described as the killing of Christians.
Trump, who also designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged persecution, had on his Truth Social platform accused the government of allowing the “mass slaughter” of Christians and warned that Washington could cut aid and take military action.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” he wrote, adding that he had instructed the US Department of War to prepare for possible operations.
But President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly dismissed claims of genocide against Christians, maintaining that Nigeria remains committed to religious freedom, tolerance and the protection of all citizens regardless of faith.
Suspected bandits have abducted four rice farmers in Bokungi community, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening while the victims were working on their farms during the peak of the harvest season. It came barely 24 hours after gunmen attacked a church in Eruku, Ekiti LGA of the state, killing two worshippers and abducting several others.
According to sources, the attackers stormed the farms suddenly and surrounded the farmers as they gathered their harvested rice.
“It has been confirmed that bandits struck again at Bokungi under the Lafiagi Emirate. Four people were abducted. Information is still emerging,” the sources said.
Residents said the gunmen operated for several minutes without resistance, forcing the farmers into a nearby bush before whisking them away to an unknown location.
Community members also lamented rising insecurity in Edu LGA, noting that several farming settlements had been abandoned as farmers now fear venturing out during the harvest period when they are most vulnerable.
The Kwara State Police Command and the state government had yet to comment on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
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