…. Calls for Improved military Civil affairs
By Our Correspondent

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their courageous and well-coordinated operation that led to the arrest of the notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN), popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo (identified as Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta).
The group described him as the kingpin behind the persistent wave of killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks across the South-East, especially in Imo State.

HURIWA specifically asserted that the failure of the Nigeria Army to demonstrate practically that Gentle Yahoo was indeed captured alive is troubling.

HURIWA however noted that Human rights violations by the military operatives during internal security operations across Nigeria are rife with South-East of Nigeria witnessing some of the most brutal killings of innocent Igbo youths by armed security forces including police, Department of State Services and state run armed vigilantes in Imo states.

The Rights group said the recent report of massive killings of Igbo youths which was prepared articulately by Amnesty International is factually accurate and credible just as HURIWA tasked the heads of the different armed security services to wake up, enforce strict adherence to the rules of engagement and zero-tolerance to corruption, extrajudicial killings and lack of professionalism which are manifesting amongst many operatives of the armed forces of Nigeria.

The killers of Igbo youths amongst the armed forces must be identified, prosecuted, and punished for their crimes against humanity.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, HURIWA described the ‘arrest’, if proven as announced by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Magnus Kangye as “a landmark breakthrough” and “a major moral victory” for the Nigerian military in its sustained campaign to restore peace and order in the region.

The Association noted that Gentle de Yahoo’s reign of terror had inflicted untold hardship and suffering on several communities, particularly in Okigwe, Orsu, and Arondizuogu, where he allegedly coordinated brutal attacks and extortion activities.

According to verified security reports cited by HURIWA, troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation UDO KA, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended Gentle de Yahoo and eight of his accomplices in coordinated offensives across Imo and Ebonyi States.
During the raid, the military recovered an English pistol, assorted rounds of ammunition, police and military uniforms, six mobile phones, and a cache of operational motorcycles and vehicles used in terror operations.

HURIWA recalled that the arrested commander had long been on the military’s wanted list for spearheading multiple acts of terror, including kidnappings, community invasions, and targeted killings in parts of Imo State. Among his most horrifying atrocities, the Association noted, was his alleged orchestration of the massacre in Arondizuogu, where gunmen believed to be loyal to his network invaded three communities (Umualaoma, Ndiakuwanta, and Ndiejezie) killing over 30 people in cold blood earlier this year.

Describing the arrest as “the fall of a major pillar of organised terror in the South-East,” HURIWA urged the Nigerian military to consolidate on this momentum by dismantling the remaining cells of violent agitators still operating under the guise of secessionist struggle.

The Association called for sustained, intelligence-driven operations while adopting more strategic approaches such as increased collaboration with traditional rulers, local vigilante groups, and community-based intelligence volunteers. HURIWA emphasized that meaningful civilian cooperation and timely intelligence sharing are critical to consolidating the military’s recent gains.

The rights group further lauded the visionary leadership and operational acumen of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, whom it credited for instilling renewed discipline, coordination, and professionalism across the Armed Forces. HURIWA said General Musa’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring human rights compliance in counter-terrorism operations has restored public confidence in the military.

It also called on the federal government to improve the welfare and remuneration of military personnel, particularly those serving in volatile areas. The Association noted that better funding, prompt payment of allowances, and improved logistics support would not only sustain troop morale but also enhance operational effectiveness in ongoing security operations nationwide.

HURIWA urged civilians in the South-East to complement the efforts of the Armed Forces through intelligence sharing, vigilance, and moral support. It maintained that genuine peace and security can only be achieved through collective responsibility, where citizens, community leaders, and security agencies work hand in hand to defeat terror and criminality.

While reiterating its unwavering support for the Nigerian military, HURIWA called on the Defence Headquarters to ensure that all suspects arrested in connection with violent crimes are prosecuted in accordance with due process, to serve as a deterrent to others who continue to undermine peace and national unity.

The Association concluded by expressing optimism that with sustained strategic coordination, improved logistics, and nationwide solidarity, Nigeria will soon witness a significant decline in violent extremism and criminality.

By David Owei ,Bayelsa

Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of the Provisionary Committee of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard (PC-NCG), Captain Noah Ichaba has confirmed that the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill is nearing legislative conclusion.

Capt. Ichaba who dismissed the misleading rumours that the bill has been redirected to Senate Committee on Marine Transport for a review that will be followed with a second round of public hearing slated for November 6, 2025, informed that the false information emanated from unscrupulous individuals with malicious intent.

In a statement issued by the PC-NCG Director of Public Affairs & Communications, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo in Abuja on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Capt. Ichaba reassured stakeholders and the public that the Coast Guard Bill is receiving legislative attention and at its final stages of passage.

“We are pleased to announce that the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill of 2024, has reached an advanced stage and is awaiting legislative action. We urge the public to disregard the unfounded rumours, suggesting otherwise, as they appear to be driven by ulterior motives.

In the words of Captain Ichaba, “The Provisionary Committee of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard, PC-NCG, is inundated with enquiries regarding a misleading information circulating in certain quarters that the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard Establishment Bill No. SB 575 of 2024 has been reviewed and redirected to the Senate Committee on Marine Transport for a rescheduled public hearing on 6th November 2025.

“PC-NCG wishes to inform concerned parties and the public that there is no iota of truth in that postulation, as the Bill has already passed necessary stages and is receiving final legislative attention.

“The brains behind the said unfounded statement, are those given to wrong doings, for personal interests, who have remained neck-deep in illegal recruitment in the name of Nigerian Coast Guard, rank decoration, allotting positions, sharing non-existing choice offices and assigning mirage privileges to themselves.

“These shadow chasers, constituting barriers and causing confusion, are impatiently struggling to keep their victims in continued bondage and to hold the public in their deceptive grip, in the name of making dishonest livelihood.

“While awaiting final legislative action on the Bill, the public is implored to take heed not to fall victim to the mischievous misadventure of those contemnors seeking “the boy is good” for their immediate economic needs.

“This counsel is relevant for the benefit of setting the records straight in line with decency, standard procedure, and for all unassuming and fair-minded members of the public and stakeholders.

“Nigerians are urged to remain positively expectant of government’s genuine intention towards job creation and revenue generation through the establishment of Coast Guard, particularly, that it is a child of necessity, a national asset, the cash-cow of the nation, the enhancer of national image, the pride of maritime practitioners, the true mirror of maritime law enforcement and the frontline safety and security provider for the open maritime commercial activities in Nigeria.

“The PC-NCG remains dedicated to carrying out its required provisional operations and activities within the ambit of the law. Remember that Nigeria is an amazing heartbeat of Africa. Let’s uphold her honour and glory together in good conscience,” Captain Ichaba maintained.