society
BBC: Tinubu got it right on territories reclaimed by Buhari— Buratai
BBC: Tinubu got it right on territories reclaimed by Buhari— Buratai
What is your take on the current military’s tactics in decimating banditry and terrorism in the country?
Answer: I’ll say, let them maintain it and keep up the aggressive assaults. Additionally, collaboration and synergy with other sister agencies is crucial. They must avoid being distracted and keep their attention on their task.
How would you describe the fight against terrorism in the country since you left office as the COAS?
Answer: Well, you must understand that the military is not a one man show; even when I was in service, I worked with a team, and I am happy to say that many of them are still in service. The current COAS served under me as Theater Commander of OP LAFIYA DOLE now OP HADIN KAI. By and large, I will say that they are doing well. Whatever little success we were able to achieve during my tenure, we did it together; it was a collective effort.
The 2023 general election is just by the corner; what advice do you have for the military to ensure a hit-free poll as far as security is concerned?
Answer: They must stick to their constitutional role and remain apolitical. I understand that the military may be called in to assist the civil police at some point, but only when things are about to get out of hand. I think the electorate must not succumb to fear or intimidation; they should come out and exercise their civic duty. At the same time, all of us must be vigilant; if you see something suspicious, try to say something to the right authorities.
According to PRNigeria the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu created an impression that the Buhari-led administration had inherited seventeen local governments and about four states which were under the control of foreign Jihadists in 2015. What is your take on this?
Answer: The conclusion and verdict of PRNigeria is false, wrong, and inaccurate. I was the first COAS to serve under President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, and even before my appointment as COAS, I was the Force Commander, MNJTF, so I should have correct information and the situation of things in the North-East and Borno State, which is my state of origin. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu got it right. As of July 2015, the following LGAs were under Boko Haram in Borno State: Dikwa, Marte, Gamboru Ngala, Kala Balge, Guzamala, Damasak, and in Yobe State, we have Gulani and Gujba. The terrorists also partially occupied Kukawa,Gajiram, Kaga , Mafa, Bama, Gubio, Chibok, Gwoza, Damboa, and Nganzai. The wrong impression created by PR Nigeria should be corrected. I understand that they were misinformed, but this is the correct information.
What is your reaction on the report by PRNigeria that foreign technical experts, including mercenaries, assisted greatly in the recovery of the occupied territories in North-East?
Answer: If it does in fact occur, it did not occur during the time that I was in charge.
You actively supported one of the candidates in the presidential primaries of the ruling party. And you are on the side of your party’s presidential candidate in this election. Yet, you have always insisted, “I am not a politician.” How do you explain this position?
Answer: Our lives are in phases and chapters. When I said, “I am not a politician,” that was the truth and nothing but the truth. I was not a member of any political party then. I was a soldier who was under oath to protect and defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria. But as you know very well, that phase of my life is now gone. There is a time to join the Army and serve as a soldier, and there is a time to leave the Army and return to civilian life. I am a democrat; that’s why, when I was in the Army, I tried to keep soldiers out of politics and allow the people to choose their leaders as they wanted. We also protected this democracy. So now that I am a civilian, I think it won’t be out of place if I heed the call of destiny and enter politics. That doesn’t mean I will run for political office. My plan is to form a government with some Nigerians who I believe have good intentions for the country. I initially supported Rotimi Amaechi because I believed in him, but we lost the primaries. However, since the party is supreme and God has willed that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will be the flagbearer of the APC, it is expected that I should support him to win the elections. This is what I am doing. And this is not a new thing in Nigeria or the US. Generals Shehu Yar’adua, Obasanjo, and Ibrahim Babangida, as well as Aliyu Gusau, David Jemibiwon, Abdurahman Danbazau, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, all played politics after their service in the military. There is no doubt; stakeholders and imminent Nigerians thought that I could add value and so invited me to join them to move the country forward. One thing I want to tell Nigerians is that I will surely add value. There is no doubt about that.
Your name isn’t going to fade away anytime soon from the Nigerian Army, both in terms of exploits and enduring legacies. How do you feel about your stewardship?
Answer: Honestly, it humbles me. We wanted to achieve much more than we have, but, you know, things don’t always work out as planned. But it’s nice to hear soldiers and officers talk positively about us. We did what we thought was best for the army and the wellbeing of Nigeria. As COAS, I worked virtually around the clock daily. Sometimes I just sleep for a few hours.
What do you see as the place of regional cooperation in addressing the security challenges in Nigeria?
Answer: Regional cooperation is strategic in addressing security challenges because our borders are porous and our people are interconnected. Some people in south-western Nigeria have blood relatives in the Benin Republic. Those in the North East have relatives in Chad, Cameroon, and the Niger Republic, as well as in Sokoto and other places. So it is easy for criminals to move into Nigeria from these neighboring countries. What affects our neighbors can easily affect us. Not just us, but the entire ECOWAS membership. When the Boko Haram insurgency started, some people thought it was a Nigerian problem alone, but it has now spread to Burkina Faso and Mali. So, regional cooperation is needed to tackle the issue of small arms proliferation, help with intelligence gathering, and conduct COIN operations. For example, the MNJTF is helping to deal with Boko Haram and ISWAP in a good way.
There is the story of your long connection to President Buhari, beginning with his deployment as Military Governor of North East State. Can you help us recall this and its culmination during your time as Force Commander of MNJTF and COAS?
Answer: Yes, President Buhari and I have come a long way because destiny connected us in 1975, when he was the military governor of Borno State and I was a Form One student at Teacher’s College Maiduguri. He used to come to the school in the evenings to watch us play football. When I was running off the pitch to get the ball after hitting the ball so hard that it knocked down one of our classmates, the then-Colonel Buhari said to me, “You this boy! The army is what suits you best.
One thing led to another, and I was transferred to Teacher’s College Potiskum, while then-Col Buhari left Borno to serve as Petroleum Minister in the government of General Olusegun Obasanjo. I finished Teacher’s College, taught in a primary school at Buratai, and then joined the NDA in 1981. I got commissioned in December 1983 and heard that Major General Buhari was now the new Head of State. I proceeded to Elele in Rivers State, and that was it until sometime in 2015, when he visited Ndjamena as the newly democratically elected President of Nigeria. At that time, I was the Force Commander, MNJTF. When he returned to Nigeria and wanted to appoint his service chiefs, he appointed me as the 20th COAS. So he has been my leader and mentor in the past, now, and always.
What advice is best for the young officers and soldiers on the frontlines of service to the nation?
Answer: I have written and published a book known as Thoughts and Principles on Leadership. I am recommending it to all military officers to read. But that notwithstanding, my candid advice to young officers and soldiers is to remember the seven core Army values: their unit, the Army, God, and country. They must remain patriotic and keep on developing their skills and improving their competence.
*Oyo Teachers Hold Solemn Assembly, Pray for Peace, Security*
Teachers in Oyo State have been urged to be steadfast in prayers for the State Wing Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Oyo State.
The Chairman, NUT, Oyo State wing, Comrade Raji Oladimeji made the call on Thursday during a Solemn Assembly held at the Union’s headquarters in Ibadan.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) holds an annual Solemn Assembly in Ibadan to commit the union’s activities, teachers’ welfare, and Oyo State into God’s hands through prayers led by Christian and Muslim clerics.
Comrade Oladimeji said the programme was designed to draw the leadership of the Union and the entire members closer to God, stressing that nothing was impossible with God.
Comrade Oladimeji said: “We pray to God to lead us, and to teach us what we need to know and what we need to do. We are here today to surrender our petitions to the Lord God. We believe He will hear us and our demands will come to pass”.
The NUT Chairman revealed that a lot was being done to improve the welfare of Oyo teachers, expressing confidence that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration in improving on the welfare of teachers in the state.
He applauded relevant government agencies, such as Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, Oyo State Post-Primary Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM, and the Ministry of Education for prioritising the welfare of teachers.
Oladimeji equally appreciated the National President, NUT, Com. Audu Titus Amba for his relentless advocacy for improved teacher welfare, and his efforts in ensuring better working conditions across the country.
He therefore charged the teachers to be role models to their pupils and students.
Oladimeji also emphasized the need for teachers to seek the face of God in their lives to be able to discharge their duties aright.
In their separate sermons, Pastor (Mrs) Margaret ‘Dayo Akinrinde, from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG Oyo Province 2, Ibadan and Comrade Alh. Haroon Lawal, a retired Permanent Secretary likened teachers to a Shephard who dedicated much of His time to caring for His flock, further describing the teachers as the “shepherds of our generation”.
Consequently, the Union also donated welfare materials to teachers in the 33 local government areas of the State.
The items which include customized clothing materials and other items were distributed to NUT leaders for onward distribution to the teachers.
While distributing the items, the Chairman, Com. Raji Oladimeji informed members that the materials were given to appreciate the efforts that teachers have been putting into the education of students.
The event, which was attended by relevant authorities, and teachers from across the state, featured Quran and Bible readings, prayer session for the leadership of the NUT at all levels, for teachers across the country, for Union staff and for the entire workforce of Nigeria, amongst other prayer points.
PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU AND GENERAL CHRISTOPHER MUSA: A NEW ERA OF SECURITY AND PROGRESS
By Prince Sunday Joshua Bako
President Bola Tinubu has made significant strides in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges since taking office, with notable important appointments and initiatives aimed at stabilizing the nation. One of his key important appointments is General Christopher Musa as the Minister of Defence, who has brought a wealth of experience and strategic thinking to the role.
General Musa, a seasoned military leader, hit the ground running, launching a series of bold operations to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency and other security threats. His approach has been characterized by speed, agility, and a deep understanding of the complexities of modern warfare.
In his first few months in office, General Musa has achieved significant milestones, including the liberation of over 1,500 hostages and the reclamation of strategic territories in Borra, as well as the introduction of mobile strike teams equipped with night-vision capabilities and armored vehicles.
The General established a dedicated Cyber Warfare Command to fortify Nigeria’s defenses against emerging threats, and introduced comprehensive health insurance for soldiers, covering combat-related injuries. Additionally, he has increased allowances for frontline troops by 20% in 2024, a move aimed at boosting morale and improving the welfare of security personnel.
President Tinubu has made historic and significant strides in addressing Nigeria’s security and economic challenges, implementing policies aimed at boosting growth and stability. His administration has launched initiatives to address banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, and has invested in infrastructure projects to improve connectivity and economic development.
The headlines speak for themselves what it was during the last tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure and the giant strides we have made now under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and General Christopher Musa as Defence Minister.
1. Boko Haram Insurgency: 55 people killed in two raids near Maiduguri (2015)
2. Takum Taraba State Attack: 21 people killed (2015)
3. Agatu Massacre: Thousands displaced in Benue State (February 29, 2016)
4. Akure Cult Attack: 103 people killed (2017)
5. Ogbagi Akoko Bank Robbery: 20 people killed (2017)
6. Boko Haram Attack on Military Base: 66 personnel killed in Geidam (2018)
7. Kpanche Attack: 40 people killed in Kogi State (2018)
8. Izi Communal Clash: 85 people killed in Ebonyi State (April 2019)
9. Anguwan Aku Attack: 78 people killed in Kaduna State (April 2019)
10. Kankara Attack: 96 people killed in Katsina State (April 2019)
11. Safana, Dutsinma and Danmusa Attack: 67 people killed in Katsina State (2020)
12. Baga Convoy Attack: 30 people killed (2020)
13. Effium Attack: 14 people killed in Ebonyi State (2021)
14. Kurebe Ward Attack: 77 people killed in Niger State (February 2021)
15. Ebenebe Burial Attack: 20 people killed in Anambra State (February 26, 2022)
16. Owo Church Attack: 40 worshipers killed in Ondo State (June 5, 2022)
17. Aba Military Patrol Attack: unspecified number of Soldiers killed in Abia State (2022)
18. Niger State Terrorist Attack: Over 380 people killed (2022)
19. Ogun State Cult Violence: 8 people killed (2022)
20. Katsina Bandit Attack: 87 bandits killed (2022)
21. Northeast Nigeria Islamist Militant Attack: 340 people killed (2022)
22. Boko Haram-Related Violence: Over 5,000 fatalities (2016)
23. Herder-Farmer Clashes: 794 died in violence in middle belt region
24. Kidnapping: Growing industry flourished with high-profile cases
25. Niger Delta Militancy: Attacks on oil installations
26. Pro-Biafra Movement: Tensions and violence in southeast region
27. Islamist Insurgency: Thousands killed and displaced throughout northern Nigeria
28. Banditry: Increased attacks in northern Nigeria
29. Armed Robbery: historic threat to citizens
30. Cult Violence: Frequent attacks and killings during 8 years.
31. Terrorist Threats: US warns citizens in Nigeria to flee (2022)
32. Security Personnel Attacks: 238 police officers killed (2022)
33. Impeachment Attempts: Lawmakers try to remove Buhari (July 2022)
34. Boko Haram Amnesty Program: Controversy over government’s handling
35. Deradicalization Programs: Initiatives to reintegrate former militants who later rejoin insurgency
36. Operation Safe Corridor: Program to rehabilitate Boko Haram members end in controversy
37. National Counter Terrorism Strategy: Updated in 2016 failed
38. Military Campaigns: Operations against Boko Haram and other groups collapsed
39. International Cooperation: Support from US, UK, and other countries
40. Humanitarian Crisis: Displacement and economic impact
41. Economic Consequences: $100 billion disappeared or lost due to insecurity
42. Agricultural Impact: Farming disrupted in northeast and North West region
43. IDP Crisis: Over 4 million displaced
44. Security Budget: Increased spending with mixed results
45. Corruption Allegations: Questions over security fund management
46. Leadership Criticism: Analysts question Buhari’s approach
47. Ethnic and Religious Tensions: Ongoing conflicts
48. Porous Borders: Security challenges due to border control issues
49. Armed Groups: Rise of non-state actors
50. Civilian Casualties: High numbers reported throughout Buhari’s tenure
– Prince Sunday Joshua Bako Danborno is an All Progressive Congress Stalwart and Real Estate Merchant
society
King Of Knossos, His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson Received Allocades from UKA.
King Of Knossos, His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson Received Allocades from UKA.
His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson, President Of International Council of Archbishops And Bishops for Charismatic And Pentecostal Churches. A citizen of United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA), King Of Knossos in Greece.
While he was installed as King of Knossos promised sustained development and a lasting legacy for the island kingdom, assuring citizens that his reign will bring “a lot of things” for the benefit of the people.
Pledges Development and Lasting legacy.
Adding that his administration would focus on building the island to his taste, driving growth and progress, stressed that his reign would harness the full potential of the Knossos Kingdom, promising to introduce new infrastructure, attract investment, and strengthen the kingdom’s socio-economic standing. “We stand to gain a lot of things because the king is going to build that island to his taste, bringing development, bringing a lot of things,” he said.
The monarch expressed confidence that his leadership would open opportunities for growth while upholding the traditions of the kingdom.
A visionary leader, King Benny Terry Danson brings decades of transformative leadership to the role. As King of Knossos, Greece, he spearheaded initiatives that:
– *Revolutionized infrastructure*, driving economic growth,
– *Attracted global investment*, boosting the kingdom’s profile,
– *Strengthened socio-economic standing*, uplifting citizens.
_“We stand to gain a lot of things because the king is going to build that island to his taste,”_ he declared, emphasizing growth with tradition. His leadership in Knossos serves as a model for the UKA’s aspirations.
As President of the International Council of Archbishops and Bishops for Charismatic and Pentecostal Churches, King Danson wields global spiritual influence, aligning faith with progress. He has:
– *Fostered interfaith dialogue*, promoting unity,
– *Championed humanitarian causes*, aiding vulnerable communities,
– *Guided spiritual growth*, inspiring millions worldwide.
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In a landmark royal decree, the Office of the Minister of Information & Culture of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) has announced the appointment of *His Imperial Royal Eminence, King Sir Benny Terry Danson*, as the _Acting Admin King_ of the UKA Throne. The nomination was issued through an official directive from the UKA Throne and is intended to pave the way for King Sir Benny Terry Danson’s eventual ascension to the title of *Official Emperor Admin* of the Throne, subject to the completion of necessary formal and constitutional processes.
The UKA Throne emphasized that the appointment underscores its unwavering commitment to *competence, dedication, and integrity* as the guiding principles for all administrative functions within the government structure. Officials stated that the decision is a strategic move to reinforce national leadership and accelerate the kingdom’s vision of becoming a more efficient, progressive, and unified nation.
The new Acting Admin King will oversee initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth, improving public service delivery, and promoting collective national development among citizens and followers of the UKA. The government expressed deep appreciation for the continuous love, loyalty, and support shown by the populace, noting that public engagement is essential for the kingdom’s shared prosperity and advancement.
Further details regarding the formalization of the appointment, including ceremonial schedules and administrative timelines, will be released to the public in due course through official communication channels.
*Report Highlights:*
– *Nominee:* King Sir Benny Terry Danson, Acting Admin King.
– *Objective:* Transition toward becoming Official Emperor Admin of the UKA Throne.
– *Focus:* Strengthening governance through competence, dedication, and integrity.
– *Impact:* Expected to drive national efficiency, progress, and unity.
– *Next Steps:* Official ceremonies and constitutional procedures to follow.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) is a sovereign entity dedicated to fostering global unity, humanitarian progress, and financial innovation. It operates under a regal framework that blends imperial tradition with futuristic economic strategies, including asset-backed digital currencies and sustainable development programs.
Emperor Nobiliis Solomon Winning is a transformative leader of the United Kingdom of Atlantis, driving innovative projects in finance, humanitarian efforts, and global development. His reign focuses on merging traditional monarchical values with modern technological advancements, exemplified by initiatives like the ATC digital currency.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis looks forward to achieving new milestones in governance and global impact under the stewardship of Emperor Solomon Winning to His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson.
His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson has advised politicians contesting in the upcoming elections to maintain peace and ensure stability in the country.
In a statement, Archbishop Danson also appealed to the President of Nigeria to consider the plagi situation of citizens and ease the burden of fuel price hikes, which have led to soaring transportation costs and inflation ¹ ² ³.
“With the current fuel price hikes, Nigerians are facing unprecedented economic hardship. It’s imperative that the government takes immediate action to cushion the impact on citizens,” Archbishop Danson said.
The Archbishop’s call comes as petrol prices hit around ₦1,300 per litre, with diesel prices exceeding ₦1,500 per litre, sparking concerns of inflationary pressures and economic instability.
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