News
Security chiefs under fire over mass killings
The security chiefs, according to stakeholders, may have been overwhelmed or treating the problem with kid gloves.
The wave of terrorism has sparked public outrage across the country, especially with continuous killings in Plateau, Benue, Borno, and Katsina states, and the emergence of a new terror group, Mahmuda, aka the Mallam Group, in the North Central.
Mahmuda adds to growing security concerns already worsened by Boko Haram, ISWAP, Lakurawa, and other bandit and militia groups.
The security chiefs include the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Also in charge of security matters are the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
250 killed in two weeks
Within two weeks, about 250 people were reported killed in separate attacks on Plateau, Benue, Borno, Kebbi, Katsina, Abia, and Kwara states.
Reports indicated that at least 113 people were killed in Plateau State by suspected Fulani militants who invaded Zike, Kimakpa, and areas within Bokkos and Bassa local government areas of the state.
In Benue State, attacks by suspected armed herders on communities in the Ukum and Logo LGs of the state claimed 20 lives on April 17, 2025. The death toll later increased to 55 after more bodies were recovered on Sunday, April 19.
The new terror group, Mahmuda, also killed 15 vigilantes and villagers on Wednesday in an attack on Kemaanji, a community in Kaiama LG of Kwara State.
Reports showed that the group had taken control of areas within Babana and Wawa districts of Borgu LG in Niger State.
This is as some soldiers were seen in different videos accusing the authorities of not arming them with enough weapons to confront the terrorists and bandits.
Bello Turji nightmare
Meanwhile, notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has been reportedly unleashing mayhem on residents.
In September 2024, President Tinubu ordered Matawalle, and the military chiefs to relocate to Sokoto State as part of efforts to rid the state and the North-West of terrorism and arrest Turji.
However, seven months after the presidential directive, the military has yet to apprehend Turji.
The bandit leader has been linked to several mass killings, kidnappings, and attacks on villages in Zamfara, Sokoto, and parts of Katsina.
In February, the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Emeka Onumajuru, said the military was actively tracking the bandit kingpin and he would soon be neutralised.
But Turji has remained elusive, with his fighters carrying out deadly attacks and collecting levies from some communities in the North-West region.
He is also said to be controlling some villages in the region where his men operate with little resistance, despite the deployment of additional troops and intelligence resources.
A civil society organisation in Kebbi State, the Association for Peace and Good Governance, berated the military for not arresting Turgi.
Speaking in Birnin Kebbi, the Secretary General of the group, Usman Anache, stated that the service chiefs in particular had failed the north and President Bola Tinubu.
“The north has been turned into a killing field with no concrete action taken by the service chiefs,” Anache said.
Calls for security review
Responding to the killings in Plateau, a lawmaker representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Daniel Asama, who spoke on Channels Television’s programme, ‘The Morning Brief,’ claimed that security agencies were familiar with the whereabouts of the masterminds of the recent killings in the state.
He said, “The security agencies know where these attacks have been coming from. The people in the community can show them the routes of these attackers.”
Reacting to the rising terror attacks, a former Chief of Defence Training and Planning, General Ishola Williams (retd.), accused the service chiefs of benefiting from the insecurity in the country.
He stated that the security agencies were not showing enough commitment to ending insecurity, noting that there was a need to restructure the security apparatus.
“Early this year, we were clamouring for the review of the security architecture. They said there’s no reason for that. It appears that the service chiefs agree with the President that the military and police are doing well and they don’t want to push for a re-organisation; they don’t want any change.
“We keep repeating the same old story. They are killing soldiers for selling weapons to bandits. Apart from that, hunters and vigilantes are accusing the DSS of covering up for the bandits. Remember that the DSS said communities should defend themselves, because the military and the police cannot defend them anymore. And it’s supposed to be the head of intelligence,” he said.
The retired general called on the Federal Government to sack any service chief who didn’t align with its plans on security.
He said, “The Federal Government should reorganise the security architecture, whether the service chiefs like it or not. And anybody who disagrees with him should be sacked. Service chiefs who do not align should be sacked or they should resign. This is a matter of integrity.
“There is a need to run a special programme for the soldiers and policemen to tell them why they need to find a way to stop all these killings. Also, telling them to stop colluding with these bandits, kidnappers, and so on, because of money.
Open borders, absence of intelligence
A security expert and Chief Security Officer of Beacon Consulting, Dr Kabir Adamu, also slammed the security agencies, noting that they were not being properly coordinated.
He said no meaningful impact would be made in the fight against insecurity if the agencies were not working together.
Adamu said, “Each of them is operating in silos. The founding fathers of our constitution, when they created all of these agencies, the intention was that they would work together towards achieving Section 14(2) of the constitution.
“But today, we are waking up to a situation where those who are supposed to coordinate them are more interested in carrying out operations than their coordination functions. The inability to coordinate the security agencies has created gaps that are being exploited by the criminals.”
Adamu added that the inability to manage Nigerian borders effectively also indicated a lack of cooperation among the security agencies.
He said, “Our borders are still porous because our security agencies don’t cooperate. They don’t work together. The customs and immigration that have responsibility for border security don’t have enough power to man the borders. So, they should have cooperated more with the military, as an example. But we’re not seeing enough of that.
“The security agencies are not doing enough because they are operating in silos, with no coordination. As an example, when was the last time the National Security Council met?”
Similarly, the National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Debo Adeniran, said the Federal Government had failed to secure the lives and property of its citizens.
“Why do we have the intelligence arms of the Nigerian police, the army, and the rest of them? What information are they gathering? They are supposed to get prior information about the looming attack from the insurgents. They should know that there are ungoverned spaces in Nigeria, and they should ensure that they are secure,” he stated.
According to Adeniran, the service chiefs needed to be given targets, and dismissed if they didn’t meet them.
“There should be targets, and if they don’t meet up, they should be dismissed because they are incompetent, and they are wasting public funds. They should be punished for it. Once they have been given that mandate that either they conquer or they don’t return, that should be a kind of thing to be done.
“This will not be the first time people have been calling for their removal. Their removal does not stop anything. All of them are walking hand in hand. If you remove them, they are still part of the same entity,” he stated.
In his comment, the Chief Executive Officer of Security Watch Africa, Patrick Agbamu, argued that once the government provided the necessary resources, the security chiefs should be held accountable and dismissed if they failed to perform.
“The security operatives are not angels. Providing them with what they need to work with is when they can be questioned or removed. Then the person being brought in will know they have the tools to do their work,” he said.
‘Govs must step in’
However, Lieutenant Colonel Abdulwahab Ademola (retd) said changing the service chiefs might not be effective, noting that there was a need to organise a national security summit.
He explained that since the security forces had proved incapable, governors should explore ways to strengthen community-based defence and empower local communities to protect themselves.
Ademola said, “The governors should ban group motorcycles and anyone found in the forest. After this, any group of motorcycles seen in the forest should just be neutralised.
“Maybe the Federal Government is afraid of ceding power to the states. There is supposed to be state police, and till now, nobody is saying anything about it anymore. Otherwise, what is wrong with the president facing it squarely?”
Ademola condemned the weapons used by the soldiers, adding that with such equipment, there was no clear end in sight to the insecurity.
He stated, “We have gone through this before during Buratai’s long stay, and people were agitating that the service chiefs should be changed. It has become very clear that these institutions are confronted with a culture of sustaining themselves through what has become their mode of existence.”
Speaking on the matter, the President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union, Samuel Tabara, urged the government to be proactive on the security challenges.
The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, did not take his calls or respond to a text message sent to him on the matter as of the time of filing this report.
By Our Correspondent
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, the candidate for the House of Representatives seat representing the Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to building a better country.
Chukwu, also known as Ochiri Ozua 1 of Amagu Ikwo, made the call in an Independence Day message to Nigerians, particularly the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency and Ebonyi State.
He described the anniversary as not only a moment for celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation and the responsibilities of leaders in building a Nigeria that meets the aspirations of its citizens.
According to him, Nigeria’s journey since independence has been marked by significant challenges, with millions of citizens currently facing economic hardship, while young people continue to search for opportunities and many communities contend with insecurity and uncertainty.
Despite these challenges, the Ebonyi politician said the resilience of Nigerians remained a source of hope for the country’s future.
“I believe in the resilience of our people. I believe in the ingenuity of our youths, the strength of our women, the wisdom of our elders and the determination of ordinary Nigerians who wake up every morning and refuse to give up on this country,” he said.
Chukwu, however, stressed that hope must be matched by responsible leadership, arguing that public office should be viewed as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
He called for leadership that prioritises the protection of lives, creation of economic opportunities, provision of infrastructure, strengthening of institutions and responsible management of national resources.
The candidate also emphasised the need to create an environment where young Nigerians can pursue successful lives within the country and where hard work, merit and enterprise are rewarded.
He said Nigeria had “come too far to surrender to hopelessness,” urging citizens and leaders alike to remain committed to the country’s progress.
“A better Nigeria is still possible, but it will require responsible leadership, accountable institutions and citizens who refuse to give up on their country,” he said.
Chukwu concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, declaring: “Nigeria will rise. Nigeria must rise. And together, we must build the Nigeria we deserve.”
He also paid tribute to the nation’s past heroes, praying that their sacrifices would continue to inspire the country.
“May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain,” he said, as he wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th anniversary of independence from colonial rule, democracy in the country has continued to evolve and deepen, the Anambra State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Emma Anosike, has said.
Anosike made the observation in a message to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, noting that despite the challenges the country had encountered since 1960, its democratic system had continued to improve under successive administrations.
According to him, since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed relatively smooth transitions from one administration to another, while citizens have continued to exercise their fundamental rights to hold governments accountable for their performance.
“Before the return of the democratic process, it was indeed difficult and near taboo to challenge the leadership of the country, and those who may have attempted it in the past faced grave consequences.
“Similarly, we have had smooth transitions from one dispensation to another, producing five presidents through the ballot and not through the barrel of the gun. These elected presidents were produced by different political parties.”
Anosike said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had sustained the country’s democratic principles and created an avenue for Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, race or religion, to express their views on government policies and programmes.
“Under the stewardship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians have been enjoying the freedom to express themselves over issues, policies and programmes of government, and those expressions have been shaping and guiding the administration of Mr President,” he said.
The APC chairman said Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary provided an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country’s journey as a nation and the progress made since independence.
He said President Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast had offered another opportunity for Nigerians to renew their hope for a greater and more prosperous country.
Anosike also commended what he described as the “enormous infrastructural development” taking place across the country under the Tinubu administration.
He urged Nigerians to continue to support and have faith in the administration as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
An Elder Statesman, Chief Hycienth Ngwu, has called on political leaders and policies formulators to ensure governmental policies and programmes directly touch lives of the people and reduce hardship in the country.
Ngwu, who is a prominent community leader in Enugu, urged Nigerians to maintain peace within neighbourhoods and communities, as no meaningful development can take place without peace.
The statesman made the call on Thursday in Enugu while reacting to the developmental efforts of Nigeria at its 66th Independence.
He said that previous and present administrations had put in place policies and programmes to reset the socioeconomic fabric of the nation.
Ngwu said that while the removal of fuel subsidy, and unification of the foreign exchange had good intentions, their impact is yet to reflect on the lives and livelihoods of vast majority of Nigerians.
He urged leaders to ensure that public resources were properly managed while citizens remained patient with reforms aimed at improving the socioeconomic status of the country.
The elder statesman noted that at 66th independence, the country was still struggling on keeping its peace and co-existence as a country; adding that the founding leaders of Nigeria envisaged a closely united, bonded and peaceful country.
He called for return to policies that promote local production, indigenous industries and entrepreneurship, arguing that excessive dependence on imports had continued to weaken the country’s productive capacity.
According to him, we are yet to achieve economic independence even as we needed to do more on non oil revenue earns as the greater part of the world is moving towards greener and clean energy.
“Greater emphasis should be on skills acquisition, creativity and entrepreneurship education system, as academic qualifications without practical skills could leave graduates dependent on scarce white collar jobs.
“We ought to be economically productive nation capable of producing and exporting goods while developing its human capital,” he said.
Ngwu noted that current insecurity and social instability could be partly attributed to poverty and ignorance, while calling for greater honesty and trust between leaders and citizens.
“Corruption, tribalism and selfishness must be addressed if Nigeria is to achieve peace and lasting progress,” he added.
He also called for the scrapping of state electoral commissions as they have not helped in deepening democracy at that level. The National Election body should take over that responsibility.
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Day, Macmaduson Concepts Limited, a leading provider of HVACR,industrial parts, sensors, electrical and plumbing materials, has extended warm Independence Day greetings to its customers, clients and business partners across the country.
In a goodwill message to mark the occasion, the company expressed appreciation to its valued customers for their continuous support, trust and partnership over the years.
Macmaduson Concepts Limited, which specialises in HVACR,Industrial Materials, sensors, air-conditioners, refrigerators, cold rooms, chillers, refrigerants, electrical materials and plumbing materials, said the occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria and reflect on the nation’s journey.
The company wished Nigeria continued growth, unity, peace and prosperity, while expressing hope for a brighter future for all Nigerians.
The message from the company reads in part:
At Macmaduson Concepts Limited, we celebrate our great nation, Nigeria, and appreciate our valued clients for their continuous support, trust and partnership. May Nigeria continue to grow in unity, peace and prosperity.”
The company concluded its Independence Day message with the theme: “One Nation, One People, A Brighter Tomorrow.”
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary from Macmaduson Concepts Limited.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The perennial flooding in Awka, the Anambra State capital, may soon be brought under control following the commencement of flood control measures by the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA).
The Authority has commenced the dredging of the Obibia Stream as part of efforts to improve the flow of floodwater and reduce flooding on major roads and streets within the capital territory.
During the rainy season, Zik’s Avenue, one of the major roads in Awka, is frequently affected by flooding, with water reportedly submerging buildings and disrupting commercial activities and vehicular movement, particularly around Eke Awka Main Market.
The ACTDA management has also commenced the desilting of drains and flood channels across the capital territory to ensure the free flow of water during heavy rainfall.
Speaking on the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ACTDA, Ozo Ossy Onuko, attributed the recurring flooding to the blockage of drainage systems, largely caused by human activities.
Onuko said the desilting of drains would remain a continuous exercise, adding that the Authority would periodically clear the drainage channels to improve water flow.
“What we must understand is that the flood is as a result of the drainage that has been blocked, and this is due to human activities. When you go to Eke Awka Market, most of the water channels are affected, but we shall continue to carry out the desilting of those drainages for water to flow easily,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Obibia Stream was being dredged to facilitate the easy flow of floodwater.
“As you also know, we have commenced the dredging of the Obibia Stream, which is part of efforts by government towards putting an end to the perennial flooding in the Capital City,” Onuko stated.
The ACTDA boss also observed that some of the drainage channels constructed in Awka in the past were not deep or wide enough to accommodate the volume of water generated during heavy rainfall.
According to him, the situation is further worsened when residents block the drainage channels with refuse and other materials.
He said the Authority was mobilising and sensitising market organisations and village associations to support government efforts in tackling flooding within the capital territory.
“Government is surely playing its role in that regard, but it is also the duty of residents of the Capital City to clear their gutters and ensure that garbage is not dumped inside the drainages,” he said.
Onuko expressed optimism that the measures being implemented would significantly reduce the flooding problem in Awka, while urging residents to support the government’s efforts.
“With what we are doing so far, the challenges of flooding would soon be a thing of the past, and we urge all and sundry to be part of this move because natural disasters know no bounds,” he stated.
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