By George Mgbeleke

Even as the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has revealed that security forces had prior intelligence about the recent terrorist attack on the 15 Task Force Brigade in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area, three days before it occurred, a call for independent investigation by a judicial commission of inquiry has been advocated by the HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA).

In a statement by National Coordinator of HURIWA,Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should immediately constitute an independent investigation by selected panelists drawn from the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Civil rights organisations and security experts to constitute the 7-man investigative team to uncover the remote and immediate circumstances that made the Defence Headquarters to fail to put preemptive mechanisms in place using the credible intelligence of an imminent attacks by Islamic terrorists to prevent the massacre of soldiers and civilians. HURIWA said it is treason for the Army headquarters and Defence Headquarters to allow their officers at the frontlines to be killed even when the attacks by the terrorists could have been prevented.

HURIWA said by now, heads should have rolled such as the sack of the Chief of Defence Staff and the CHIEF OF Army Staff for alleged incompetence and failures to prevent the costly attack that brought international shame on Nigeria.

“We suspect an insider conspiratorial plots between military officers embedded within the Nigeria Army and elements of the boko haram terrorists and ISWAP for the failure of the huerarchy of the defence headquarters to effectively put preemptive mechanisms in place to prevent the invasion of the military facility in Borno state.

“President Bola Tinubu should stop his sermonisation over the constant overrunning of military infrastructures by Islamic terrorists and order comprehensive independent investigation to be handled by a high powered judicial panelists to be led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, judges of the Federal High Court and retired Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices and members of the organised civil rights bodies such as Mr. Femi Falana(SAN).

“For dozens of times, the military headquarters in Abuja has spectacularly failed to save the lives of soldiers in the line of fire even when there is credible intelligence about imminent attacks. The officers who treated the intelligence with Kid gloves should be named and Court Marshalled because the offence of deliberately allowing ISWAP and boko haram terrorists to successfully launch attacks on civilians and military infrastructures even when there is prior intelligence amounts to high treason.

“Those officers should be prosecuted under the counter terrorism Act of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The other time it was the Girls boarding school in Kebbi State whereby Islamic terrorists were allowed to invade the school and abduct dozens of girls from their dormitory after soldiers were withdrawn from the town just few hours before the insurgents struck showing that these are insiders jobs. Boko haram terrorists and ISWAP have infiltrated the Nigerian Army and the Defence Headquarters.”

HURIWA recalled that the Borno state governor made the disclosure at the weekend during a sympathy visit to the town, following the deadly assault that claimed the life of the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General O.O. Braimoh, along with several soldiers and civilians.

The attack, which took place in the early hours of Friday, targeted both the military formation and parts of the town, underscoring the persistent threat posed by insurgents in the North-east despite sustained counter-insurgency operations by Nigerian troops.

Describing the incident as shocking and deeply troubling, Zulum condemned the assault and called for an urgent review of military strategies to forestall similar occurrences.

“This is one of the most surprising attacks that I have witnessed in recent times,” the governor said. “Credible intelligence about the impending attack had been available for approximately three days, and there is a need to reassess our security architecture to address emerging threats more effectively.”

the military formation, prompting concerns about the circumstances that allowed the attackers to strike despite prior warnings.

During his visit, Zulum questioned local authorities about their awareness of the intelligence. The chairman of the local government confirmed that such reports had indeed been received, a development that prompted the governor to lament the lapse that enabled the attack to proceed.

Benisheikh, located along the strategic Maiduguri–Damaturu highway, serves as the headquarters of Kaga Local Government Area and has long been a critical military and logistical hub in the fight against Boko Haram.

The town has witnessed several insurgent attacks since the early years of the conflict, including a devastating assault in 2013 that resulted in heavy casualties and widespread destruction.

Although improved security measures and sustained military operations have restored relative calm in recent years, sporadic attacks continue to highlight the resilience of insurgent groups operating in the Lake Chad Basin.

Zulum emphasised the need for enhanced intelligence coordination, vigilance, and proactive measures to safeguard both military installations and civilian populations.

He assured troops of the Borno State Government’s continued support in their efforts to protect lives and property, reiterating his administration’s commitment to strengthening local security structures.

“We will continue to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies. Our administration will also enhance the resilience of local vigilantes, security personnel, and affected communities to ensure that Benisheikh does not fall into the hands of Boko Haram,” he stated.

The governor also extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and prayed for the repose of their souls, describing their sacrifices as a testament to their patriotism and dedication to national security.

The Benisheikh attack has once again drawn national attention to the fragile security situation in Nigeria’s North-east and the urgent need for sustained collaboration among the military, government, and local communities to defeat insurgency in the region.

HURIWA described the fact that the Defence Headquarters got the intelligence of the attack three days prior to it as sabotage and high treason just as the Rights group called for the immediate dismissal of the chief of Defence Staff abd the Chief of Army Staff for the military’s crass irresponsibility and failures to prevent the attacks.

HURIWA recalled that Islamist militant groups Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched coordinated overnight attacks ​on multiple locations in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state, killing an army ‌general and several other soldiers, military sources said on Thursday.
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters said insurgents attacked a key military base in Benisheikh but were repelled, confirming soldiers were killed ​while urging the public to wait for formal notification of ​next of kin before further details.

Fighters attacked the towns of Pulka ⁠and Bakin Ruwa in Gwoza district at about 2130 GMT on ​Wednesday, before insurgents tried to overrun the headquarters of the 29 Task Force ​Brigade in Benisheikh at midnight, Defence Headquarters said.
“The troops led by the Commander 29 Brigade, Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah, responded with exceptional courage and superior firepower… and forced (the terrorists) ​to retreat in disarray,” Defence Headquarters spokesperson Major-General Michael Onoja said, adding ​that clearance operations were ongoing.

But two military sources told Reuters the Benisheikh base was ‌overrun, ⁠killing Brigadier-General Braimah and other soldiers including a captain, and destroying several military vehicles. Reuters could not independently verify the accounts.
An officer involved in the Benisheikh reinforcements said air force aircraft evacuated the dead soldiers on Thursday ​morning after helping ​to drive out ⁠insurgents who had operated in the area for more than three hours. He said the death toll was still ​being tallied.

A 17-year Islamist insurgency in northeast Nigeria has ​killed thousands ⁠of people and displaced at least 2 million, according to aid groups, despite major military campaigns.
Boko Haram and ISWAP have intensified attacks on military positions in ⁠northeastern ​Nigeria this year, killing dozens of troops as ​they continue to exploit the region’s difficult terrain, porous borders, and weak state presence.

BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER,MINNA

Alhaji Awaisu Mohammed Giwa Kuta, a member of the Board of Trustees of the International Human Rights Commission and a Peace Ambassador, has called on the government and the general public to step up efforts in tackling insecurity in Nigeria.

Speaking with Journalists on the state of the nation, Giwa Kuta said Nigeria’s founding leaders did their best to build and promote the country, but many citizens today are not doing enough to protect its image and unity. He stressed that lack of patriotism is one of the major causes of the challenges facing the country.

He noted that although democracy is meant to benefit the masses, poor leadership and weak commitment to national values have slowed progress.
According to him, many leaders lack the knowledge and capacity needed to handle the country’s growing challenges.

The Peace Ambassador also raised concern about Nigeria’s increasing population, which is approaching 300 million. He said leaders must understand the size and needs of the population they govern, stressing the importance of conducting a proper national census.

Giwa Kuta blamed past leaders for contributing to the country’s current situation, accusing some of focusing on personal and family interests rather than national development.
He also criticised corruption among those in power, saying some leaders enrich themselves while in office and later avoid accountability.

He therefore urged Nigerians to be careful when choosing their leaders, advising them to always study candidates’ track records and contributions to national development before voting.

Despite the challenges, he said Nigeria is not alone, as many countries face similar issues. He encouraged citizens to appreciate democracy and use it as a tool for growth and development.

The Peace Ambassador also recommended that leaders be allowed to complete their tenures in order to finish development projects they have started.

On security, Giwa Kuta called for an increase in the number of security personnel and the provision of modern equipment for the military. He stressed that strengthening the armed forces is key to addressing insecurity in the country.

He further appealed to wealthy individuals to support national development by assisting the less privileged, noting that such efforts would complement government actions and help build a more stable society.

By George Mgbeleke
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has formally petitioned the United States Government through the American Embassy in Abuja, calling for a range of targeted sanctions against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over what it described as a sustained pattern of actions undermining democratic governance in Nigeria.

In a detailed communication addressed to the U.S. Ambassador, the civil rights organisation outlined a series of allegations bordering on electoral misconduct, subversion of constituted authority, sponsorship of political crises, and the erosion of judicial independence. HURIWA warned that “electoral democracy is under threat in Nigeria,” citing “the constriction of political space, the demonisation of dissent, sponsored crises in opposition parties, and mass defections orchestrated through enticement and coercion” as dangerous trends capable of derailing democratic governance.

HURIWA urged the United States to carefully review the claims and, where found credible, consider measures such as visa restrictions and other diplomatic actions aimed at deterring further democratic backsliding.

The group argued that Nigeria’s democratic system, though resilient since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999, is increasingly vulnerable due to what it described as the “constriction of political space, demonisation of dissent, and coercive political realignments.” It warned that any derailment of democracy in Nigeria (Africa’s most populous nation) would have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and global democratic norms.

Central to HURIWA’s petition are allegations tied to Wike’s tenure as Governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023. The group referenced reported incidents during the 2019 and 2023 electoral cycles, including claims of violence, intimidation of opposition figures, and manipulation of political processes. It also cited concerns raised by opposition actors and election observers regarding the credibility of elections conducted in the state during that period.

“In the 2023 elections in Rivers State, opposition candidates were intimidated, assaulted, and systematically excluded, while the then Governor boasted of purchasing nomination forms for all candidates in order to impose a predetermined outcome. Aspirants were arrested, detained, and disqualified under questionable circumstances. Furthermore, for the first time in Nigeria’s history, a major party candidate was effectively barred from campaigning. The elections were marred by widespread violence, manipulated results, and actions allegedly carried out with the active complicity of security agencies and electoral officials, all designed to subvert the will of the people,” HURIWA stated.

The petition further accused Wike of continuing to wield outsized influence over political developments in Rivers State despite leaving office, alleging that his actions have contributed to tensions involving the incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara. According to HURIWA, such conduct undermines democratic institutions and erodes the autonomy of elected office holders.

The group quoted Wike as having “boasted severally that if the Governor does not keep to the agreement, the Governor will be impeached,” describing such statements as a direct affront to democratic norms.

“Just last December 2025, Wike went round all the Local Government Areas in Rivers State in what he described as a thank-you visit. At virtually every stop, he used the platform to criticise the Governor and pour invectives on the person and office of Siminalayi Fubara,” HURIWA said.

Additionally, the group expressed concern over what it described as deliberate efforts to destabilise the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including public statements attributed to Wike suggesting that the party should not field a presidential candidate in 2027. HURIWA argued that such actions, if substantiated, threaten political pluralism and undermine competitive democracy.

On judicial matters, HURIWA referenced commentary by legal and human rights experts, including Chidi Odinkalu, who has raised questions about perceived political influence in court rulings affecting intra-party disputes. While noting that these concerns remain within the realm of public debate, the organisation called for greater scrutiny to safeguard judicial independence.

Beyond the petition, HURIWA pointed to a recent controversy involving the FCT Minister as further evidence of what it described as a troubling disposition toward democratic norms. During a televised interview on Politics Today on Channels Television, Wike made a remark suggesting he would have “shot” the screen while reacting to the interviewing style of anchor Seun Okinbaloye. Although the Minister later clarified that he did not intend literal harm, the comment has drawn widespread criticism from media stakeholders.

HURIWA stated that such rhetoric from a senior public official is unacceptable and contributes to a climate of intimidation against journalists. The group aligned itself with concerns raised by media organisations, including the Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN), which has called for a retraction and apology, warning that failure to comply could result in a boycott of the Minister’s media engagements.

The civil rights body further criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing his administration of failing to adequately caution or restrain the FCT Minister. HURIWA argued that this perceived inaction risks sending a signal of tolerance for conduct that could erode democratic accountability and respect for press freedom.

While acknowledging Nigeria’s strategic partnership with the United States, HURIWA maintained that international engagement remains a legitimate avenue for supporting democratic consolidation. It emphasised that its appeal is not an invitation for external interference but rather a call for principled diplomatic pressure in defence of shared democratic values.

The group stressed that its intervention has become necessary given Nigeria’s strategic importance, noting that “if Nigeria’s democracy derails, the negative impact on the sub-region, the continent, and the world will be significant.”

“The deployment of power must always be subject to accountability,” the group stated, warning that Nigeria must not be allowed to drift toward authoritarian tendencies.

HURIWA concluded by urging U.S. authorities to give urgent consideration to its petition and expressed readiness to provide further information to support any review process.