Security
Nigeria in 2019 Recorded Lowest “Terrorism Violence” in Eight Years – Report
….report said suicide bombing by Boko Haram fell significantly in 2019
The 2020 Global Terrorism Index, however, ranked Nigeria, for the sixth consecutive time as the third country with the worst impact from terrorism.
Total deaths from terrorism in Nigeria fell to 1,245 in 2019, a 39 per cent decline, making it the lowest in the country since 2011, according to 2020 Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report.
Terror-related incidents also fell by 27 per cent in 2019, the report said.
The GTI report, which has just been released, on Wednesday, attributed the decline in terrorism deaths and incidents in the country to “a significant reduction in violence attributed to Fulani extremists”.
A similar report by GTI last year said herders killed more Nigerians in 2018 than Boko Haram.
This year’s report, however, ranked Nigeria, for the sixth consecutive time, since 2015, as the third country with the worst impact from terrorism, globally.
Afghanistan is top on the list, followed by Iraq.
Syria, Somalia, and Yemen are ranked fourth, fifth, and sixth respectively.
Others among the 10 countries most impacted by terrorism are Pakistan (seventh), India (eighth), Democratic Republic of the Congo (ninth), and Philippines (10th).
“Despite an overall decline in terrorism, Boko Haram, Nigeria’s deadliest terrorist group, recorded an increase in terrorist activity mainly targeted at civilians. Terror-related deaths and incidents attributed to Boko Haram in Nigeria increased by 25 and 30 per cent respectively from the prior year.
“Over the past year Boko Haram increased attacks on military targets, with deaths rising from 26 in 2018 to 148 in 2019,” the report said.
The report said suicide bombing by Boko Haram fell significantly in 2019, just like the previous year.
“In 2019, Boko Haram carried out 11 suicide bombings causing 68 fatalities. Suicide bombings accounted for six per cent of all terror-related incidents by Boko Haram in 2019, marking an 89 per cent decline from their peak in 2017.”
Female suicide bombing have declined by 96 per cent, the report said. “In 2019, four female suicide bombers carried out two attacks, killing nine,” it added.
According to the report, the worst terrorist attack in 2019 in Nigeria occurred in Badu, Nganzai, Borno State, where at least 70 people were killed and 10 others wounded when assailants attacked a funeral.
Globally, “deaths from terrorism fell for the fifth consecutive year in 2019 to 13,826 deaths, representing a 15 per cent decrease from the prior year,” the report said.
Dêlidji Degila, senior researcher and adjunct faculty at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, said inequalities and extreme poverty fuel terrorism in sub-Saharan Africa.
“Indeed, the inability of the state to assume its sovereign functions provides an environment favorable to the spread of terrorism. This is particularly the case in the Lake Chad basin with Boko Haram operating in the area straddling Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad,” Degila said.
“In addition, the existence of neopatrimonial practices, corruption and bad governance amplifies the impact of horizontal inequalities and extreme poverty on the spread of terrorism. Another contributing factor is the polarisation by certain elites of identity differences for political purposes.
“In their propaganda, terrorist groups clearly associate religious motivations with their commitment to filling socio-economic gaps and restoring fairer and better governed African states. From this point of view, they are therefore not only violent identity actors and can also offer a politico-ideological label,” he said.
Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Nigerian Air Force 303 Composite Group (303 CG), have launched Operation Alanu Tide (OAT) to combat insecurity along the Ogbomosho-Ilorin highway.Present at the brief launching includes Group Capt. Ibrahim, Squadron Leader OS Hakeem, Esther Oluyomi, Tunde Jimoh, Director Governor Office, Senior Special Assistant on Security Aliyu Muyideen, represented Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON).Physical inspection was done for the security outfit, which includes coopted battle-ready local hunters. The hunters assured that they would do everything possible to weed out the security threats along the highway as they are fully ready for the joint operation.
Security
Ogun State Contemplates Establishment of a Dedicated Court for Cult-Related Offenses, Proposes an Amnesty Program
A Special Court is to be established by the Ogun State Government to try cult-related cases.
Also to be set up is a Joint Anti-Cultism Security Task Force comprising all major security outfits, with the mandate to rid the state of the menace of cultism.
The state is also proposing an amnesty programme for would-be cultists who may wish to surrender their weapons.
These decisions were arrived at after a joint security meeting, held at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State on Wednesday.
It would be recalled that Governor Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday hinted that his administration would enact a law that would pronounce the death penalty on anyone caught engaging in cult activities in the state.
The governor spoke during a visit to the palace of the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, following days of cult-related clashes in Sagamu, which left many dead and others injured.
The meeting, according to Governor Abiodun, focused on providing adequate measures to eradicate cultism in the Gateway State.
Prince Abiodun said: “During the Joint Security meeting that took place today (Wednesday), we engaged in fruitful discussions regarding the implementation of measures aimed at combating cultism in Ogun State.
“Our primary focus was on establishing a special court, forming a joint operational force comprising various security agencies, and implementing a death penalty for cultism offences.
“In addition to these measures, we also deliberated on the possibility of introducing a period of amnesty. This would allow individuals who wish to surrender their weapons and renounce their affiliation with any cult-related groups and activities the opportunity to do so without fear of prosecution.
“As an administration deeply committed to fostering a peaceful and violence-free society, we are dedicated to providing the Special Court and Joint Anti-Cultism Security Task Force with the necessary logistics and tools to support their operations effectively.
“The overall objective of our conversation is to address the issue of cultism through a multifaceted approach. This will include legal and enforcement measures, rehabilitation efforts, and community engagement through our respected traditional leaders.
“In conclusion, we are determined to tackle the menace of cultism in our state head-on. By employing a combination of legal frameworks, law enforcement strategies, rehabilitation initiatives, and community involvement, we believe we can bring about lasting change.”
The Commisioner of Police Ogun State, CP Abiodun Alamatu earlier today the 14th of September visited the Ilishan-Remo Ogun State palatial country home of the Real Estate businessman and Group Managing Director of Adron Homes and Properties, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, the Otun-Akile of Remoland.
The visit was to strengthen his bond with leadership of the Police Community Relations Committee PCRC Ogun and South West Chapter.
Aare Adetola, who is the Grand Patron of the South West PCRC, received the crime buster and his men in his home amid pomp. CP Abiodun thanked critical stakeholders, opinion leaders, and the good people of Ogun State for their cooperation since his assumption as Commisioner of Police months ago. Abiodun highlighted that; the success he has recorded was orchestrated by support from people like Aare Adetola, who have supported the state command with basic needs to ensure their combat against crime is won easily making Ogun state safer for all sundry.
“I am excited about this meeting today and also here to thank you for your continued support since I was posted here as CP. It has been a very good experience with the Ogun PCRC and the South West PCRC chapter, which made work easier for me. I am here with this goodwill message and to help me tell them that I will never take their support for granted. I run an open door policy. Without their support, we would not have succeeded in our fight against crime, making the state safe. I thank you especially and appreciate you also.” He disclosed.
The Adron Home boss also thanked CP Abiodun for the courtesy visit and reiterated his commitment for continued support of the police by maintaining a healthy Police and community relationship. He, however, highlighted the need for more reorientation about the police to people and charged the CP to ensure his boys are friendly and cordial while discharging their duties.
“I am most delighted to have you in my country home. It shows how committed you are and how you hold the PCRC in high esteem acknowledging their contribution to the ease of reducing crime. I want to tell you that, on behalf of myself as the National Patron and Grand Patron of South West PCRC and my company Adron Homes, we will continue to support you and remain committed when you need us.”
“I appreciate the great work you are doing and how you are changing the perspective of Police service among the people. I want you to intensify your effort and also ensure your men are more friendly and convivial while discharging their duties. This will further create positive perception about the police and it will boost the confidence people have in them. With you here, I am sure the fight against crime will be won convincingly. I appreciate you once again. Keep the good work.” Aare Adetola divulged.
Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing used the opportunity to thank the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun Psc, for his recent initiative to recruit 20 young Nigerians in each local government throughout the federation to strengthen the number of the Nigeria Police force in community policing nationwide.
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