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You Cannot Fight Terrorism with Naivety: A Response to Senator Lawan

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You Cannot Fight Terrorism with Naivety: A Response to Senator Lawan

By Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi.

I have read with deep concern—and frankly, disappointment—the statement issued by Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan regarding the military airstrike in Jilli Futchimiram, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.

At a time when Nigeria is fighting for its very survival against a ruthless insurgency, it is alarming that senior political figures would rush to amplify a one-sided narrative that risks undermining the morale, credibility, and operational effectiveness of our armed forces.

Let us be clear: this is not a conventional war. This is a brutal, asymmetric conflict against Boko Haram—an enemy that has no respect for human life, no regard for international law, and no hesitation in embedding itself within civilian populations and economic structures.

The Jilli axis, spanning parts of Yobe State and Borno State, is not some unknown, innocent marketplace operating in isolation. It has long been identified—by locals, security observers, and intelligence—as a corridor where stolen livestock and critical supplies are traded, feeding the very insurgency that has devastated our nation.

To ignore this reality is not compassion—it is willful blindness.

Statements that paint such environments purely as civilian spaces, without acknowledging their exploitation by terrorists, distort the truth and dangerously oversimplify a deeply complex security challenge. They create the false impression that our military is acting recklessly, when in fact they are navigating one of the most difficult combat environments in modern warfare.

How many soldiers must die before we begin to speak honestly?

Our troops have been ambushed, slaughtered, and buried in silence while defending communities from terror. These are human beings with families, with lives, with futures that are cut short in the line of duty. Yet, too often, their sacrifices are met not with unwavering support, but with premature accusations and politically convenient outrage.

This must stop.

No serious nation at war allows ambiguity about where it stands. Terrorism does not survive on ideology alone—it survives on networks: supply chains, informants, collaborators, and economic enablers. Any location that becomes part of that ecosystem—knowingly or otherwise—enters a dangerous space within the conflict.

This is the hard truth many are unwilling to say.

Nigeria cannot afford a narrative that shields the mechanisms of terrorism while scrutinizing only the actions of those fighting it. That imbalance is not neutrality—it is complicity by omission.

This is not a call for recklessness. It is a call for clarity, courage, and national resolve.

Yes, the military must remain professional. Yes, accountability matters. But accountability must not become a weapon used to weaken our defenses while terrorists adapt, regroup, and exploit our divisions.

The question before us is simple:
Are we truly committed to ending this insurgency, or are we going to continue sanitizing the uncomfortable realities that sustain it?

History will not judge us by the statements we release, but by whether we had the courage to confront the truth and stand firmly behind those risking their lives to defend this country.

Nigeria must choose strength over sentiment, clarity over convenience, and victory over denial.

Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi.

Convener: Coalition of Civil Society Groups Against Terrorism in Nigeria.

 

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PENTECOST TRUTH SCHOOL OF DELIVERANCE ANNOUNCES ‘FRESH FIRE RECHARGE CONFERENCE 2026’

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PENTECOST TRUTH SCHOOL OF DELIVERANCE ANNOUNCES ‘FRESH FIRE RECHARGE CONFERENCE 2026’

*PENTECOST TRUTH SCHOOL OF DELIVERANCE ANNOUNCES ‘FRESH FIRE RECHARGE CONFERENCE 2026’

 

The Pentecost Truth School of Deliverance and Prophetic Ministries has announced its upcoming one-day impartation and recharge conference, *‘Fresh Fire Recharge Conference 2026,’* slated to commence on *Saturday, 23rd May 2026*, from *9:00AM to 3:00PM*.

 

With the Theme; *“Deliverance: Past, Present and Future”* from 2 Corinthians 1:10, the conference will hold at the School of Deliverance, 28 Ojo-Ola Street, Beside Globus Supermarket, Iyana-Ejigbo, Lagos*, and is specifically designed for old students, pastors, and deliverance ministers.

 

*Hosted by Pastor (Amb. Dr.) Sam O. Adekoya*, the conference brings together a lineup of seasoned ministers and teachers for a day of impartation, training, and spiritual renewal.

PENTECOST TRUTH SCHOOL OF DELIVERANCE ANNOUNCES ‘FRESH FIRE RECHARGE CONFERENCE 2026’

*Ministers Slated to Speak are

– *Pastor (Prof.) Tunde Agarah*

– *Pastor (Dr.) Femi Oke*

– *Pastor (Dr.) Daniel O. Joseph*

– *Prophet (Dr.) Adekunle Daniel*

– *Pastor (Amb. Dr.) Sam O. Adekoya* – Host

 

*Music Ministration* will be led by *Min. Isaac Joseph (ICE PRAISE)* and *The Voice of Truth Choir*.

 

*What Attendees should expect:*

According to organizers, the ‘Fresh Fire Recharge Conference’ is designed to equip ministers and workers in the deliverance ministry with fresh fire, biblical insight, and practical tools for effective ministry. Key features include:

 

– *Fresh Fire Impartation*

– *Deep Deliverance Sessions*

– *Expository Teachings*

– *Prophetic Ministration*

– *Conference Resource Materials* available at a token of *₦2,500*

– *Light Refreshment*

 

“This conference is a call to remembrance and rekindling,” said Pastor Sam Adekoya. “2 Corinthians 1:10 speaks of a God who delivered us from a deadly peril, and will deliver us again. Many ministers are weary. This is a divine setup for fresh oil, clarity, and strength for the next phase of ministry.”

 

*Admission and Registration:*

*Admission is FREE*, but *registration is compulsory* to assist with planning for seating and materials.

 

*Register Here:* https://forms.gle/QzQCmcFzKWYkkzJ9A

 

*Target Audience:*

All old students of the School of Deliverance, pastors, and deliverance ministers are

 

The Pentecost Truth School of Deliverance and Prophetic Ministries is a non-denominational training and ministry center focused on deliverance, prophetic teaching, and equipping believers for spiritual victory.

 

For Enquiries:* +2348023180581; +234 916 591 5711 (WhatsApp Only)

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ADC in Turmoil as Prophet Kingsley Aitafo’s 2025 Warning Comes to Pass”

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ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL

ADC in Turmoil as Prophet Kingsley Aitafo’s 2025 Warning Comes to Pass”

 

ABUJA — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is grappling with a deepening internal crisis following the exit of two of its most influential figures, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in developments now widely interpreted by some as the fulfilment of a 2025 prophecy.

 

The unfolding turmoil has reignited national attention on a statement made on July 22, 2025, by Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, who warned that the party would be beset by internal crises surpassing those of other major opposition platforms.

ADC in Turmoil as Prophet Kingsley Aitafo’s 2025 Warning Comes to Pass”

High-Profile Exit Shakes Party

Mr. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, formally announced his departure from the ADC, citing unresolved legal disputes, persistent internal conflicts, and structural divisions within the party.

Around the same period, Mr. Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, is also reported to have distanced himself from the party, further compounding its leadership challenges.

Political observers say the departure of both figures, widely regarded as pillars of the party’s 2027 ambition, has significantly weakened the ADC’s position as a viable “third force” in Nigeria’s political landscape.

 

Prophecy Resurfaces Amid Crisis

As the crisis deepens, attention has shifted to Prophet Aitafo’s earlier warning, which has since gained renewed traction across social media and political circles.

Supporters of the cleric argue that the sequence of events reflects a clear alignment with his prediction, pointing to the scale of internal discord and the exit of key stakeholders. Others, however, caution that the developments may be better explained by internal party dynamics and the challenges associated with coalition politics.

 

Mounting Pressure and Uncertainty

The ADC is now facing multiple challenges, including reported defections among party members, ongoing litigation over its leadership structure, and growing uncertainty about its future direction.

 

Analysts note that the current instability could have broader implications for opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly as key actors begin to realign.

 

A Defining Moment

While party leaders are said to be making efforts to stabilise the situation, the ADC’s immediate future remains uncertain.
Whether viewed as a case of political miscalculation or the realisation of a prophetic warning, the crisis marks a critical turning point for the party, as it struggles to maintain relevance in an increasingly competitive political environment.

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SOCIAL MEDIA IS NOT A BATTLEFIELD COMMAND – WHY THE NIGERIAN ARMY’S ACTION AGAINST JUSTICE CRACK IS A NATIONAL SECURITY IMPERATIVE

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RESPONSIBLE RESPONSE TO ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE NIGERIAN ARMY By Brigadier General D.G. James (Rtd.)

SOCIAL MEDIA IS NOT A BATTLEFIELD COMMAND – WHY THE NIGERIAN ARMY’S ACTION AGAINST JUSTICE CRACK IS A NATIONAL SECURITY IMPERATIVE

By Tijjani Tanko

INTRODUCTION: NATION AT WAR CANNOT AFFORD A SECOND FRONT

Nigeria is not at peace. Across the North East, North West, and North Central, our armed forces are locked in daily combat against terrorists and bandits. Thousands of soldiers are deployed forward, often without rotation, facing an enemy that watches every word on social media. In this environment, the difference between “free speech” and “subversive act” is not academic – it is life and death.

The Nigerian Army recently arrested a social media influencer, Justice Mark Chidiebere (known as “Justice Crack”), and handed him to civil authorities. His crime: systematically spreading content designed to turn soldiers against their commanders over welfare issues – beyond legitimate criticism into active incitement of insubordination. Public outcry has followed, with many calling the Army a silencer of whistleblowers. This statement argues the opposite: the Army acted lawfully, proportionately, and in the highest interest of national security.

WHAT JUSTICE CRACK ACTUALLY DID

On 2 May 2026, the Army announced the arrest of Justice Crack alongside several soldiers. Investigations showed he had built direct communication lines with frontline troops. He did not merely amplify complaints about rations or equipment – he actively urged soldiers to question their commanders’ legitimacy, refuse orders, and post videos attacking military hierarchy. Some soldiers admitted receiving small payments to share internal grievances that should have gone through proper channels.

Crucially, the Army did not court‑martial the influencer. He was handed over to civilian police for normal criminal prosecution. That is not military dictatorship; that is constitutional democracy where no one – influencer or general – is above the law.

WHY THE CRITICISM IS MISPLACED AND DANGEROUS

First, critics confuse “whistleblowing” with “subversion.” A real whistleblower reports specific, verifiable wrongdoing to lawful authorities – Defence Headquarters, Human Rights Commission, or the media with evidence. Justice Crack did none of that. He broadcast unverified, one‑sided narratives meant to make soldiers feel abandoned. In a war zone, that is not transparency; it is psychological warfare.

Second, timing is everything. Isolated welfare lapses exist in every army – including the US, UK, and Russia. But during war, amplifying those lapses in real time to combat units hands the enemy a propaganda tool. Terrorist groups already use such posts to claim “the Nigerian Army is starving” or “commanders don’t care,” lowering troop morale and encouraging desertion.

Third, the Army acted with restraint. No soldier was shot. No journalist was jailed. The influencer was detained, investigated, and transferred to civilian police – exactly the same process for any civilian who incites factory workers to sabotage production during wartime. Why should the military be held to a lower standard?

Fourth, the slippery slope argument cuts both ways. Critics fear any arrest will clamp down on dissent. But the greater risk is inaction: if the military does nothing while influencers systematically undermine command authority, the result will be crumbling discipline, friendly fire, and avoidable deaths. Which is more humane – arresting one influencer for investigation, or allowing a thousand soldiers to die because they lost faith in their leaders?

THE HARSH REALITY OF WARTIME MORALE

Military psychology is clear: a soldier who believes his nation has abandoned him hesitates. In counter‑insurgency, hesitation kills. The difference between a successful ambush and a fatal one is often split seconds. When a frontline soldier spends his rest time watching a viral video accusing his commander of stealing his meal allowance, trust in the chain of command erodes. Once eroded, it is nearly impossible to restore under fire.

The Nigerian Army has therefore not overreacted. It has sent a clear signal: social media is not a free‑fire zone against our armed forces during active hostilities. Debate military policy in newspapers or on talk shows – that is welcome. But directly engaging serving soldiers to provoke indiscipline will face the law.

CONCLUSION: ACCOUNTABILITY MUST BE SHARED

In a democracy under threat, rights come with responsibilities. The Army has a duty to protect itself from internal subversion just as it protects the nation from external enemies. The Justice Crack case was not an assault on free expression; it was a lawful intervention to prevent the weaponization of social media against combat morale. The widespread criticism – much of it based on incomplete facts – ironically proves the danger: misinformation spreads faster than truth.

Nevertheless, no institution is perfect. The military can improve, and so can influencers and the public. Therefore, the following recommendations are offered in good faith.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALL STAKEHOLDERS

For the Nigerian Military: Establish a transparent, fast welfare grievance mechanism – a confidential hotline with a rapid‑response team that visits units within 48 hours of a complaint. Publish anonymised summaries of actions taken. Mandate pre‑deployment social media training warning personnel against communicating with civilian influencers on internal matters. Adopt a clear public policy distinguishing legitimate criticism from prohibited incitement, published in English, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. When future arrests occur, release initial evidence (redacted for security) within 72 hours to prevent misinformation.

For Social Media Influencers: Before posting military content, ask three questions: Could this help an enemy? Could it break a soldier’s spirit? Have I verified the claim through official channels? If yes to any, do not post. Nigerian criminal laws on cyberstalking, incitement, and sedition apply to you. If you wish to expose genuine shortcomings, send evidence to Defence Headquarters or recognised civil society groups – not by launching a viral campaign while the nation bleeds.

For Civil Society and Human Rights Organisations: Do not reflexively defend every person the military detains. Investigate each case on its merits. In the Justice Crack matter, ask to see the evidence before condemning. Work with the military to create accredited observer programmes for detention of civilian security suspects. Such cooperation will give you moral authority to criticise when the military truly oversteps.

For the General Public and Media: Resist turning every military‑civilian clash into a viral outrage. The soldiers in uniform are your children, neighbours, and relatives. When you share a video mocking a soldier’s boots or food, you are demoralising someone who may take a bullet for you tomorrow. Report genuine welfare failures through your state governor, National Assembly member, or Ministry of Defence – not by blowing up the dam online. Extend the same presumption of innocence to the military that you demand for civilians.

This statement is issued by Tijjani Tanko, civil‑military relations expert.

Signed,
Tijjani Tanko

Abuja
4 May 2026

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