society
CSOs raises alarm over plot by foreign media to demonise Nigerian Army
CSOs raises alarm over plot by foreign media to demonise Nigerian Army
Coalition of Civil Society organizations led by Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised alarm over an alleged plot by some foreign media to rubbish the image of the Nigerian Army in its fight against terrorists in the North-East of the country.
HURIWA National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, at a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, said coalition of civil society organisations drawn from various parts of the country is fully aware of the alleged plans by some western media to demonise the Nigerian Army by churning out fake reports that may dampened efforts to root out Boko Haram and other terrorists from Nigeria.
His words : “We want to first and foremost let you know that this briefing session is completely our independent initiative in our capacity as a coalition of Nigerian civil society organizations who have no political affiliations but are passionate about achieving just and equitable development in our dear country.
As you all may be aware, our coalition is a team of professionals who have come together to advance the single agenda of building a formidable and economically strong united Nigeria.
THE ISSUES
As you all are aware, Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa attacks against government and security forces and civilians in Northeast, Nigeria have resulted in deaths, injuries, abductions, and the capture and destruction of property.
Worrisome is that the Boko Haram attacks did not discriminate between civilians and government officials, whereas ISIS-WA generally, but not always, focused attacks on government and security forces.
The implementation of the Nigerian military’s “super camp” strategy, which began in 2019, was designed to stem losses when terrorists overran forward-operating bases. As a defensive military strategy, the decision to consolidate the posture into super camps is working.
Sadly, some foreign media elements, fanning the embers of hatred against the Nigerian Army are peddling false or exaggerated accusations supposedly to weaken the Nigerian Army and help arms supplies to sell more weapons to terrorists.
Gentlemen of the Press, we have privileged information that Reuters; a foreign media platform is planning a sinister story on the Nigerian war on terror.
They want to raise allegations of secret abortion clinics in North East whereby over 200 kids born through the rape of captured women by Boko haram commanders were aborted without the permission of the Women who were raped.
Also, they are accusing the military of decimating children of Boko haram fighters and are saying they will file a petition to the ICC.They accuse the Nigerian Army of running these abortion clinics and mass burials of kids killed deliberately by the Army but gave no concrete evidence of where those mass graves are located
We, the Coalition of Civil Society organizations are very concerned about Reuters as a foreign media plotting to circulate the story which will undermine Nigeria’s national security.
Gentlemen recall that during the missile incident that killed two people in Polish territory on Tuesday, November 15th, 2022, Reuter quickly sent out an unverified story accusing Russia of being responsible. However, it turned out that they were missiles fired by Ukraine to stop Russian bombs.
The report nearly made NATO begin a World War against Russia, as the incident in Poland; a NATO country prompted ambassadors from the US-led military alliance to hold an emergency meeting in Brussels.
Reuters reportedly later fired the reporter when NATO scientists confirmed it was a Ukrainian bomb, not a Russian. This is worrisome as the trend to publish stories without thinking of their impact is still what the media outfit is planning to do.
Many foreign media have shifted to a point where they want to publish stories that sell, looking at how much they will get out of the story without minding more about who is affected or who is not affected. That is why you find many of them sensationalize issues instead of reporting for the good.
As uncomfortable as this connection may seem, we cannot separate the two. We are looking at the role of the media, the power of its message, and the impact of an information vacuum.
There is a considerable and growing body of literature on the Rwanda genocide in general and the role of the media in particular.
The use of propaganda leaflets and radio messages was a key tool in procuring the compliance of Hutus to participate in the massacres, including those initially against the killings.
Those Hutus who fled Rwanda after the genocide were often pushed into doing so by fear-filled propaganda, which was arguably aimed at increasing the number of refugees, who would then be seen as victims by the international community.
Strikingly, whilst Burundi’s Hutu President was also killed, the Burundi media worked with the UN and domestic officials to broadcast a message of calm, averting atrocities on this occasion. This emphasizes propaganda’s influence in spurring the Rwandan genocide.
Propaganda alluded to atrocities committed by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) which in turn contributed to notions that atrocities were the result of renewed warfare, ethnic tensions, or simply ‘chaos’.
Indeed, French media portrayed the events as a “two-way genocide” and French troops were led to believe Hutus were victims of the conflict, just as Reuters is trying to portray the terrorists as victims rather than villains.
The purpose of looking back at the media’s role in the Rwanda events is not just to remember. Foreign media still have some learning to do on this subject.
Examining the way journalists and news organizations conducted themselves in 1994 is not just a historical exercise.
Sadly, the international community does not yet seem to have fully discerned or absorbed the lessons from Rwanda.
OUR POSITION
The Nigerian Army deserves the gratitude and commendation of the nation and the international society, not this sinister plot by Reuters to distract and weaken efforts in the fight against terrorism.
Again, the sponsors of this campaign of falsehood and calumny must not be allowed to achieve their evil plans. If we sit back and fold our arms whilst this evil is allowed to fester, then we will be shooting ourselves in the foot destroying the achievements the Nigerian Army has made so far against terrorism.
Gentlemen of the media, we are by this statement calling on the Nigerian Government to warn against foreign media stoking embers of hatred against the Nigerian Army. Reuters is on the vanguard of destroying the credibility of the Nigerian Army with unsubstantiated propaganda, which is enough to undermine our national security.
The Media were used in Rwanda to spread hatred, dehumanize people, and even guide the genocidaires toward their victims. The tension between the two groups existed for decades, but what was a protracted social conflict morphed quickly into a genocide with significant assistance from the media.
Three journalists have even been found guilty of genocide, incitement to genocide, conspiracy, and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.
We must find a way to respond to such abuses of power without violating the principles of freedom, which are an indispensable cornerstone of democracy.
The lessons for international society are twofold. Whilst a free press is a sine qua none to hold those in power accountable and represents the very foundation free societies rest upon, it needs to be emphasized that freedom comes with responsibility.
The abuse of the freedom of speech to create division through hate speech, and unsubstantiated accusations that in turn lead to large-scale violence is an indicator of an arising conflict.
The sponsors of this campaign of calumny against the Nigerian Army need to be identified and acted upon. We, therefore, call on international society to increased pressure in halting such propaganda.
Beyond this, upon assumption of office, Buratai and his Principal Officers monitored issues on allegation of human rights abuses against troops deployed for operations across the country in line with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces’ mandate in the fight against terrorism. Again, through the establishment of Human Rights Desk Offices in the Army headquarters and across the Nigerian army divisions, the Army could address petitions and other different claims against it. This move, borne out of the increasing interest of the local and international human rights bodies on what Nigerian Army is doing in the North-East and and other parts of the country, to many human right analysts, marked a departure from the old order when the Military was on the defensive whenever allegations of human rights violations were leveled against it.
Incidentally, while commissioning the human rights office at the Headquarters of 7 Division Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Buratai noted that the establishment of the desk office was borne out of the increasing interest of local and international rights bodies on what the army is doing in the North-East and other parts of Nigeria. His words: “The Nigerian Army is trying to open up the system and close the gap with the civil populace, human rights bodies and Civil Society Organizations; the nature of inquiries, commentaries, and claims from these institutions requires a professional and specialized response by the Nigerian Army. What we are witnessing today has been facilitated by the Nigerian Bar Association and National
National Human Rights Commission”, he added.
The Military–Media–Public Awareness Programme noted at an event, with CLEEN foundation at Jabi Motor Park, Abuja, that “the army is passionate about the rights of civilians and had measures in place to ensure that rights of civilians are protected. These measures included the opening of Free Toll Line 193, designated Toll-Free Call Centre and Public Complaints Rapid Response Unit. The offices and the toll line 193 are opened to members of the public whose rights have been infringed upon; they can always walk in to the office and lodge their complaints. So, the Army is doing its best to ensure that they respect the rights of the civilians. We assure them that once they come to us they protected their rights and we do our best to serve them better”.
Perhaps, those still unconvinced of the exceptional transformational measures contrived in repositioning to the Nigerian Army for effective counter-insurgency, and the productivity of maintaining military–Civil relationship practices may be poor adherents of history or have a faulty retentive memory. Not too long ago, as part of the activities marking the 2020 Nigerian Army Day Celebration together with its Cooperate Social Responsibility, Troops of the 7 Division Maiduguri conducted sanitation exercise along Baga road market, Maiduguri town in Borno State, while the newly built Camp Delta Force Quick Reaction Base was commissioned to enhance quick response of troops to terror activities in the communities.
Unequivocally, the allegations of human rights abuses against the Nigerian Army, particularly in the conduct of counterinsurgency operation where issues of great concern to TY Buratai, who ensured that they took various actions to guarantee that rights violations by Nigerian Army personnel are fully curtailed. Instructively, the three key concepts prevalent in the ex-COAS; Lt Gen TY Buratai’s vision for the Nigerian Army where Professionalism, Responsiveness and Working within the ambit of the Constitution of Nigeria, signifying an excellent Civil–Military Relations anchored on adherence to the Rule of Law and Respect for Human Rights are necessary
Therefore, we urge the current CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF to note that it is important that some of these significant approaches introduced as aforementioned towards improving the consistent dialogues between the Army and the civil society and the then Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai are adopted by the current hierarchies of the armed forces of Nigeria if the military ever hope to win the hearts and minds of the people of Nigeria.”
society
Enhancing public safety and security: The Halo Trust, US Govt partner to provide ammunition handling and accounting training at Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria
Enhancing public safety and security: The Halo Trust, US Govt partner to provide ammunition handling and accounting training at Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria
The Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (NPF EOD-CBRN) has successfully completed the first batch of training for 19 personnel on Ammunition Handling and Accounting Course. The training, held in Ikeja, Lagos, from December 3-20, 2024, was organized by The HALO Trust and sponsored by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
According to The HALO Trust’s Country Director for Nigeria, Prince Ganiyu Otunba, this training is part of aholistic NPF-HALO developed project aimed at supporting personnel capacity building, addressing equipment needs, and enhancing the operational readiness of the NPF EOD-CBRN Command to mitigate explosive ordnance threats in Nigeria. A second batch of 22 personnel is scheduled to undergo the same training in January.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD, NPM, through the CP EOD–CBRN CP Patrick Atayero expressed gratitude to the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs andThe Trust HALO for their support.
The training aimed to equip NPF EOD-CBRN personnel with the knowledge, skills, and best practices necessary to handle and account for ammunition and explosives safely and securely. The course also focused on ensuring proper accounting and record-keeping, preventing theft and diversion, reducing the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites, and promoting international best practices.
The NPF appreciates the support provided by the United States government, which will have a profoundly positive impact on the society.
CP Patrick Atayero emphasized the importance of responsible ammunition management in preventing the proliferation of illicit weapons and reducing the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate with the Police in efforts to prevent the diversion, misuse, and unauthorized handling of explosive and other hazardous materials.
About HALO
The HALO Trust is the world’s largest humanitarian organization engaged in the field of Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management. With over 35 years’ experience, The HALO Trust is the most experienced organization in the field of Weapons and Ammunition Management, rehabilitating and constructing armouries and ammunition stores to international standards, disposing of unsafe and unserviceable weapons and ammunition, and building national capacity to allow for the safe, accountable and secure management and control of weapons and ammunition.
The HALO Trust presently implements Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management projects in 30 countries and territories. In 2024, HALO trained a total of 106 Nigeria security forces personnel in weapons and ammunition management.
society
“Sentenced to Death for Stealing a Fowl: The Shocking Case of Segun Olowookere Sparks National Outrage”
“Sentenced to Death for Stealing a Fowl: The Shocking Case of Segun Olowookere Sparks National Outrage”
The Nigerian social media space was thrown into an uproar on Tuesday as news spread about Segun Olowookere, an only child, who was sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl in Osun State. The case, which dates back to 2010, has raised serious questions about justice, fairness, and the Nigerian judicial system.
Olowookere, now 31, was arrested alongside Sunday Morakinyo in Oyan, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, when he was just 17 years old. Accused of robbing a police officer of two fowls and eggs worth ₦20,000, the duo was convicted in 2014 by Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court.
The Arrest and Trial
According to Olowookere, his ordeal began when a group of minors, allegedly involved in theft, named him as their gang leader. Despite his denial, he was subjected to severe torture by police officers and detained without immediate legal recourse.
“The police demanded ₦30,000 for my bail, but my father could only raise ₦20,000. Before he could return with the full amount, I was transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Osogbo,” Olowookere recounted.
At trial, six witnesses testified against him. Although he pleaded not guilty and claimed innocence, the court relied heavily on a controversial confession reportedly obtained under duress. Justice Falola sentenced both Olowookere and Morakinyo to death for armed robbery, life imprisonment for robbery, and three years for theft.
Public Outcry and Calls for Justice
The harsh sentence, perceived as disproportionate to the crime, has ignited widespread criticism. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) condemned the ruling, arguing that the trial was unlawful since Olowookere was a minor at the time of the offence.
Falana stated, “The Osun State High Court lacked jurisdiction over the case. The matter should have been handled by the Family Court, which would not impose the death penalty on a child.”
Governor Adeleke’s Intervention
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered an investigation and initiated steps for a pardon. “I assure the public that this case is receiving urgent attention. Justice and fairness must prevail,” the governor announced on X.
Lingering Appeal and a Tarnished Legacy
The case is still pending appeal at the Court of Appeal, Akure, 13 years after it began. Meanwhile, Justice Falola, who presided over the trial, was recently retired by the National Judicial Council following a separate scandal involving professional misconduct.
The Human Toll
Olowookere, who has spent over a decade on death row, dreams of becoming a doctor. He has trained under medical practitioners at his custodial center and hopes to prove his innocence and contribute to society.
“I pray to God to set me free. I am not a criminal. I’ve never stolen anything in my life,” he said.
Morakinyo, his co-convict, was not as fortunate. Following years of torture, he has developed severe mental health issues and is now unrecognizable, according to Olowookere.
What’s Next?
As the public awaits the conclusion of the appeal process, Olowookere’s story has become a rallying point for advocacy against systemic injustice. Many Nigerians are calling for comprehensive judicial reforms to prevent such cases in the future.
The tragedy of Segun Olowookere is a grim reminder of the cracks in Nigeria’s justice system—cracks that have left a young man’s life hanging in the balance for over a decade.
Nigerian Man Returns ₦5 Million Mistakenly Sent to His Account Amid Economic Hardship
A Nigerian man, Ben Kingsley Nwashara, has become a symbol of integrity after returning ₦5 million mistakenly deposited into his bank account during a time of widespread economic hardship in the country.
Nwashara shared his experience on X (formerly Twitter) on December 20, posting a screenshot of the unexpected transaction alert. He expressed astonishment at receiving such a large amount during challenging financial times.
“Someone mistakenly sent me ₦5,000,000 (Five Million Naira) to my Fidelity Bank account. In this hard time? I’ve been getting calls from different persons because of this,” he wrote.
Determined to resolve the situation lawfully, Nwashara immediately contacted the police to report the incident, explaining his intent to protect himself from potential fraud accusations.
“I will be headed to the police station to make a statement. Let the bearer of the account come and confirm he or she sent it with evidence,” he added.
In a follow-up post, he shared evidence of his integrity—a receipt showing the successful return of the funds to Sliding Towers Global Limited, the original sender. Additionally, he documented his visit to the Ogui Police Station in Enugu to ensure transparency and accountability.
“Let it be on record that I’ve returned the sum of ₦5Million mistakenly sent to me by one Sliding Towers Global Limited. I’ve also made an entry at the Ogui Police Station, Enugu, to this effect,” Nwashara stated.
His actions have garnered widespread praise on social media, with many commending his honesty and strong moral compass, particularly during Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
“This is the kind of integrity we need in our society. He didn’t succumb to the temptation to keep the money despite the hardship,” one user wrote.
Ben Kingsley Nwashara’s exemplary behavior has sparked conversations about ethics and accountability, proving that integrity still thrives in unexpected situations.
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