News
NAOSNP Speaks on Attacks in Nigeria, Calls Out Buhari, Security Agencies
The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) has frowned at the spate of killings currently bedevilling the country saying everyone, who is a part of the geographical entity has failed.
The Association made the assertion in an official statement detailing its stand in the malady that has ripped the country apart, especially Kaduna, which has been experiencing regular attacks with the latest being the attack on a military base on Tuesday.
The statement acknowledged the efforts of the military, but insists that they must do more as the criminals seem to be a step ahead at all times.
The statement below:
NAOSNP’s OFFICIAL STATEMENT ABOUT THE RECENT SPATE OF ATTACKS – ‘WE ALL HAVE FAILED OURSELVES’
The recent spate of attacks on Nigeria, especially on critical infrastructures, are worrisome. It has gotten persons within and outside government talking and looking for solutions.
Members of the 4th Estate of the Realm are also not keeping quiet. Hence, the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) is lending its voice to the matters arising with a view to seeking lasting solution to a problem that has claimed too many lives.
We have sorrowed, mourned collectively and individually as a nation burying victims of premature killings by heartless and inhuman terrorists. The more people wailed, the more joy and happiness the terrorists feel and inflict us with more pains. The recent attack on critical infrastructures like targeting airport and railways show how audacious the terrorists have become.
The bombing of a Kaduna-Abuja bound train last Monday night and on Sunday preventing Azman airline from taking off at the Kaduna airport are indications that the terrorists have advanced their technological innovations. If not checked by the security forces, it might not only be calamitous but will spell doom for the country.
Could it be that the military has lowered the guard as some critics believe? Or the “technically defeated” axiom has gone into their consciousness and they think they can obliterate the terrorists without much resistance?
Though the military is not clueless but every efforts seem not to have been enough to comprehensively knock the criminals out of proportion or existence. Every day, terrorists are inflicting pains on Nigerians. The more proactive our military become, the deadlier the criminals assume. The more of them that our troops obliterate, the more they seem to regenerate and multiply. Despite the procurement of weaponry and armaments by the military in the last few years, recent terrorist attacks have pointed to the fact that whatever strategies that is evolved needs sharpening and redefinition.
The fact remains that the military need to do more than it is presently doing. Beyond aggressive confrontation, this is a time to explore both local intelligence gathering, and at the same time, employ sophisticated security technology. It should also watch its deradicalisation programme not to shoot itself on the feet as many of the so-called ‘repentant terrorists’ may still be loyal to their traditional lineage – terrorist network.
Besides, the military must take cognisance of those who are voluntarily turning themselves in as terrorists. Boko Haram and ISWAP networks might use them as a bait to gather information, anaylse and sieve such information and use it to hit back hard on the military at the slightest opportunity.
Again, the military must not ignore some disgruntled elements within the ranks that might want to constitute a clog in the wheel of progress by divulging classified information to the terrorists either as sympathetic followers or for monetary gains.
Last Monday’s incident, (28th March, 2022), is the second in a series of attacks on the railways. The first being in 2021 leading to shooting at a moving train. It is unfortunate that since then, no decisive step seem to have taken place to nip it in the bud. After the train was shot at and another rail line bombed, we ought to have deployed a helicopter to monitor the movement of trains.
If the narration from victims that the terrorists spoke Fulfulde language was true, it goes to show that while combating terrorism within the country, efforts should be made to tighten our borders with neighbouring countries. What is the Nigeria Immigration Service doing to get firm control over movement of unregistered foreigners? Go to our streets and see the number of Nigeriens, Chadians, Beninoise, Cameroonians, Malians and Sudanese citizens who have no means of identification? These are working tools in the hands of terrorists and they allegedly carry out reconnaissance mission for them before attack. Until we mop up these unregistered and monitor other registered individuals, peace might elude us.
The attacks on a train with 398 passengers is a huge affront on our National Security. But how the number of the passengers rose to 970 as alleged is a pointer to the security agencies to contend with and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in particular to analyse and deal with frontally.
The unfortunate thing is that where the bandits are giving headache along Kaduna-Abuja road, a very heavily forested area, is not up to 30km along the highway. How come we can’t police a place of not more than 30kms as a country? How come we can’t put intelligence assets and keep terrorists away or get them neutralised?
In the Army alone, there are over 100 Major Generals, tens of Vice Admirals and Air Vice Marshal in both the Navy and Airforce respectively. What are they doing? In the Nigeria Police, you probably lost counts of Commissioners of Police. Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGs) and Deputy Inspector of Police (DIGs). Are they there to wear just ranks and allow terrorists to overwhelm the rest of us?
Let it be understood that every security Committee at the National Assembly has failed us. They only bark when occurrences of this nature happens. Are they legislating over dead people or those that are alive? This seasons of giving ultimatum to the military at the slightest occurrence of attack is tragic and unfortunate.
Sadly, watching the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, spoke on Tuesday tells a discerning mind the sorry state of affairs. He said he was very angry that the devastating incident of a terrorist attack on the Abuja-Kaduna rail route could have been avoided if his ‘colleagues and people’ had not frustrated his efforts to forestall it.
“We knew what the problem would be. We knew we needed to have digital security equipment. We applied for it because if we had those equipment, you will see nobody on that track. And I warned that lives will be lost. Now, lives are lost. Eight persons dead, 25 persons in the hospital. We don’t know how many persons have been kidnapped. And the cost of that equipment is just N3 billion. The cost of what we’ve lost is more than N3 billion. We’ve lost tracks, we’ve lost locomotives and coaches. We’ve lost human beings. And the equipment is just N3 billion. To fix all the things on that track now, will cost us more than N3 billion.”
Minister Amaechi’s utterances is only an indication that something is wrong with us as a nation, we have all failed ourselves. These are, certainly, bad times for our country. Terrorists, bandits, kidnappers are not friends but our enemies.
Signed
NAOSNP
The Federal government has filed a three-count charge against a former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over the alleged interception of communications belonging to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
Last week, El-Rufai claimed in an interview that he and other unnamed individuals listened to conversations from Ribadu’s phone after it was tapped by a third party. While acknowledging that such interception is technically unlawful, he argued that illegal surveillance was not unusual.
However, the Federal Government, through the Department of State Services (DSS), filed charges against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to the charge sheet obtained by Channels Television on Monday, the government stated that El-Rufai admitted that he and his cohorts allegedly intercepted the NSA’s phone conversations.
The charges:
Count 1
That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, on 13th February, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV Station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, did admit during the interview that you and your cohorts unlawfully intercepted the Phone Communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 12 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count 2
That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, on 13th February, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV Station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, did state during the interview that you know and relate with certain individual, who unlawfully intercepted the Phone Communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, without reporting the said individual to relevant Security agencies and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count 3
That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, and other still at large, sometime in 2026, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, with others still at large did use technical equipment or systems which compromised public safety, national security and instilling reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians by unlawfully intercepting the Phone Communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to which you admitted during an interview on 13th February, 2026, on Arise TV Station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 131 (2) Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
News
INEC Consults, Seeks Legislative Intervention As Reactions Trail Release of 2027 Election Timetable
The Independent National Electoral Commission has acknowledged public concerns over the timing of the 2027 general elections, which coincide with the holy month of Ramadan, a period of fasting and prayers for Muslims, and said it may seek legislative intervention if necessary.
This was disclosed in a statement by the National Commissioner, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, on Friday.
The commission explained that the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 general election was developed in strict compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and INEC’s own Guidelines and Regulations for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.
The statement highlighted that the Regulations and Guidelines, issued since 2019, prescribe the dates for elections:
Accordingly, INEC fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027 for the presidential and National Assembly elections, and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the governorship and state Houses of Assembly Elections.
However, the commission acknowledged public concerns regarding the timing of the elections, which coincide with the holy month of Ramadan.
INEC said it is sensitive to such considerations and remains open to adjustments.
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, the commission has taken due notice of concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances.
“The commission wishes to assure the public that it remains sensitive to all legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections.
“In view of these representations, the commission is currently undertaking consultations and may, where necessary, seek appropriate legislative intervention to address the concerns raised, while ensuring that any adjustment remains consistent with constitutional and statutory requirements,” the statement said.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 general elections, promising to keep the public informed of any changes.
The commission had earlier scheduled party primaries between May 22 and June 20, 2026, for the nomination of candidates, alongside the general election dates.
Recall political figures like former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to reconsider the February 20, 2027 date announced for the next general elections.
They expressed concerns that the timing coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, which could affect participation by Muslim voters.
The Punch
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
If you are asked, what your foundation is, what would be your response? In case, you are wondering the kind of foundation meant, consider the following. Foundation means different things to different people and even different organizations. A student’s foundation may be linked to how their parents trained them, through elementary, High school and college. A Christian foundation might be linked to their knowledge of the Bible and encounter with God. The formidability of a house or structure is traceable to its foundation just as an employee’s or Chief Executive Officer’s work ethic can be linked to their foundational years in service.
Foundations are very critical in life. When the foundation is not right, there is bound to be a problem. It is rightly said the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step in the right direction. Did you know that foundation can affect one’s business, education, faith, career, development if success, if not properly aligned.
Let’s take a case study of an entrepreneur who is trying to develop or market a product. Initially, there will be challenge, especially when he has not been able to do his background check very well in addition to adding value to his life. But when he finally gets it right, it will be easy for him to sell the product. Even at that, most people will be concerned to know what inspired the person to develop the product and their trajectory in life, and that’s where foundation comes in.
Furthermore, if anyone wants to contest for an elective position, the electorate will be concerned about what their track record in leadership is, and emphasis will be placed on the relative professional experience that will make anyone vote for them. The same principle is applicable to anyone interested in furthering their education.
Let’s take another case study of anyone interested in earning a Ph.D. The student would have had a background in bachelor’s and master’s degrees, which is relative to the Ph.D. Failure to do this might pose a challenge to the admission process. When a student lacks the requisite educational training, they will be advised to get a post graduate diploma.
When it relates to friends, family and business associates, the ability to select the right people will set the right tone for success. For example, if you have a business, your ability to hire the right people who are more knowledgeable in addition to having expertise will be a great asset to your business. When you hire the wrong people, you are setting yourself up for failure.
It’s instructive to note that every family has a secret they are built on. Yes, every family has a secret which only the family knows. These family secrets serve as the nucleus and foundation upon which the family is built. A family built with a strong value system like prayer, love, patience, and respect stands stronger than families without a value system. That alone is a recipe for disaster in the society.
For married couples to work together, they must share similar values, interests, goals, values, religion, in addition to other related alignments to make the marriage work. Amidst all these interests, it’s instructive to note that what binds them together is more than what separates them. One may be wondering what that means. Well, one of the hallmarks that has sustained a good marriage/relationship is friendship. When two good friends marry, the union is literally blissful because what binds them together is more than what separates them. Imagine, where two friends dated for about three or five years, they would have understood each other very well, and that would be a strong basis for both to always look back on how they started when friction arises.
Every business has an ideology, value, mission and values they hold in high esteem. These ideologies serve as the foundation and inspiration for the business. In some cases, these foundations serve as the stories of why the organization or founding fathers established the organization. The same principle is applicable when it comes to picking a business partner. Both parties must share similar interests and alignments in the business.
Do you have a foundation? If yes, what is it? On a personal note, I am bold to tell anyone who cares to know, God is my foundation. I am very unapologetic about it. Most people believe in other powers, humans or even themselves, but that’s not me. My help comes from God who made the Heaven and earth. I can’t take the glory of God.
Sometimes, when I look at the trajectory of my life, and how far I have come in life, all I can say is glory be to God because I literally know my foundation, strength and limitations. To have reached this stage in life can be attributed to nothing else but God. Yes, I worked hard, I networked well with the right people in addition to being in the right places at the right times because of strategic relationships. I can go on and on, but I know there are people who have done hundred times more than me and yet can’t get the level of result I have produced overtime.
If not for the grace and mercy of God, I don’t know what I would say. For the sake of clarity let me share a few instances. I have been humbled to be interviewed by New York Times, interviewed at least three times on the television by News12, published two books with the third one in view, partnered with United Nations Development Programme in addition to having one of the best talented minds on earth to work with in my organization. I can go on and on. But as a sage will say, a word is enough for the wise.
What’s interesting about these achievements is that none is a result of human factors. They all happened in a way one will attribute the feat to God. So, why will I be ashamed of giving God the glory?
Some may not have the right foundation in life, but that is not a problem. Foundation can be learned. When you meet people or work in a certain environment, please pay attention to their values, lifestyle and more importantly the culture, and pick the right information.
In conclusion, as your journey through life, please note that foundations are critical in life. They can either mar or make you. So, please pay attention to the foundation you are laying down because at the end of the day, the way you make your bed is the way you will lie on it.
