Law & Crime
HURIWA Commends Army Chief Over Counter-Terrorism Gains, Urges Coordinated Rescue of 52 Borno Children
By George Mgbeleke
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu and the troops of the Nigerian Army for the recent operational successes recorded in counter-terrorism operations across the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions.
HURIWA said the reported success of troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion, Operation Hadin Kai, in repelling a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on the Forward Operating Base, Mandaragirau, in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, was a significant demonstration of the Army’s operational readiness and tactical capacity.
The association, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, particularly commended the troops for their courage and professionalism in defeating the attackers, neutralising several terrorists and recovering weapons and other military equipment.
According to HURIWA, the successful defence of the military base, reportedly without any casualty among the troops, should encourage the military high command to sustain the offensive against terrorist organisations and deny them the opportunity to regroup and expand their operational networks.
However, the association stressed that military victories must ultimately be measured by their impact on the safety and freedom of civilians affected by terrorism.
HURIWA therefore urged the Chief of Army Staff to strengthen operational coordination with the Chief of Defence Staff and other Service Chiefs to facilitate the urgent rescue of the 52 children and other victims from Borno State who have reportedly remained in terrorist captivity for about 90 days.
The association described the prolonged captivity of the victims as a serious humanitarian and national security concern, particularly given reports that some affected families have resorted to selling houses and other property in anticipation of ransom demands.
HURIWA also expressed concern over reports of alleged fraudsters exploiting the desperation of victims’ families by impersonating representatives of the abductors and demanding money.
The association said such developments further demonstrate the urgent need for a coordinated government response that combines military operations, intelligence gathering, effective communication with affected families and appropriate measures to prevent ransom-related fraud.
HURIWA called for enhanced intelligence-sharing and closer operational collaboration among the Army, Air Force, Navy, police and relevant intelligence agencies in efforts to locate and rescue the victims.
The association maintained that the rescue operation should receive sustained attention at the highest levels of the national security architecture.
HURIWA said: “We commend the Nigerian Army and, particularly, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai for their courage and professionalism in confronting the terrorists at Mandaragirau.
“However, the objective of counter-terrorism operations is not simply to defeat terrorists in combat but to protect citizens and restore their freedom and security.
“We therefore urge the Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs to intensify their collaboration and intelligence-driven operations aimed at locating and rescuing the 52 children and other Nigerians who have reportedly spent about 90 days in captivity.
“Every additional day in captivity exposes these victims, particularly the children, to unacceptable risks. Their rescue should therefore be treated as an urgent humanitarian and national security priority.”
The rights group further appealed to Nigerians to sustain their support and solidarity with the Armed Forces as they continue to confront terrorism and insurgency across the country.
HURIWA urged residents of affected communities to cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information capable of supporting ongoing operations, while cautioning against the dissemination of unverified information that could compromise military operations or endanger hostages.
The association also called on the Federal Government to maintain appropriate communication with the families of the abducted victims and ensure that they are not left without information or support during the prolonged search for their loved ones.
HURIWA reiterated its confidence in the professionalism and commitment of Nigeria’s Armed Forces and urged the military high command to sustain the current operational momentum.
The association said the country must remain united in confronting terrorism, while insisting that the ultimate measure of success must be the restoration of peace, protection of civilians and safe return of those still in captivity.
Law & Crime
Onise stool crisis: LASG backs Oba Saliu, appeals court ruling, files stay
By Our Correspondent
The Lagos State Government and other appellants have appealed the September 11, 2026 ruling of the Lagos State High Court which granted a mandatory injunction nullifying the installation of the Onise of Ise Land, Oba Ibrahim Adebowale Saliu.
In a Notice of Appeal dated September 14, 2026, the 1st to 4th appellants are asking the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, to set aside the ruling delivered by Hon. Justice Y. A. Adesanya in Suit No. LD/0022PRA/2026.
The appellants contended that the trial court breached their right to fair hearing by proceeding with the application for mandatory injunction without hearing them.
They alleged that their counsel was unaware the matter had been fixed for hearing during the court’s vacation and that the application was heard in his absence.
According to the appellants, their litigation clerk was at the registry on September 10, 2026, to file their counter-affidavit and written address in opposition to the mandatory injunction, as well as an application for extension of time, when they learnt at about 12:36pm that the matter had already been called.
They said counsel immediately sought a rehearing on grounds of fair hearing, but the trial court dismissed the application as incompetent and proceeded to deliver its ruling on the mandatory injunction.
The appellants also challenged the substantive basis for the order, arguing that the interim injunction earlier granted by the High Court on August 13, 2026, for seven days restraining them from acting on a letter issued by the Ise kingmakers dated March 30, 2026, had already expired on August 20, 2026 and was not renewed.
They, therefore, argued there was no basis for granting a mandatory injunction, particularly as the installation of Oba Saliu, which was carried out by the Ise Kingmakers, took place after the expiration of the interim order.
Citing authorities including Dr. Modile v. The Governor of Lagos State and Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso v. Kano State, the appellants argued that mandatory injunction is an exceptional and drastic remedy which was not justified in this case, as the chieftaincy stool is neither perishable nor destructible and the successful party could still obtain relief after trial.
The appellants have also filed a stay of execution, implying that the installation of Oba Saliu as the Onise of Ise Land remains unaffected pending the determination of the appeal. Respondents in the appeal include Alhaji Adeniyi Atere, Mrs Idowu Adebisi Lana, Mr Babatunde Ekundayo Lana and others.
Law & Crime
2027: Army warns of plans to destabilise Nigeria, seeks VGN
By Our Correspondent
To guarrentee a peaceful and credilbe election in the countty in 2027 Commander, Presidential Guards Brigade (PGB), Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, has urged the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) to provide timely and credible intelligence to the military to help tackle insecurity.
Onasanya said grassroots intelligence gathered by vigilante groups was critical to the success of security operations, stressing that military operations could be undermined by the absence of timely and credible information.
A statement issued on Monday by the VGN spokesman, Igho Akeregha, said Onasanya made the call when the Commander-General of the VGN, James Udoma, led a delegation of senior officers on a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Presidential Guards Brigade in Abuja.
“If we continue conducting operations without timely and credible intelligence, it will not be good for security stability. This is where we need the cooperation of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria to help us with reliable and credible intelligence.
“Any information the VGN has, please share it with us. We will act on it. We will work with you to eradicate the proliferation of light and small arms in the country,” he was quoted as saying.
The Brigade Commander commended members of the VGN for their sacrifices and contributions to security operations, saying the military was willing to strengthen collaboration with the group.
Onasanya described the VGN as an important security partner and said the Guards Brigade was ready to undertake more joint operations with the group.
“The VGN is an important partner and we are ready for more joint operations with you. We will however ensure that your men are not put in harm’s way as we will do all we can to protect them during future operations,” he said.
Onasanya also disclosed that there were already threats ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging the VGN to provide information on any perceived threat to national security.
“The period that we are in, there are people who have made up their minds to destabilise Nigeria and we will not allow that to happen,” he said.
He assured VGN personnel involved in joint operations with the Guards Brigade that their welfare would receive adequate attention.
Earlier, Udoma said the visit was aimed at briefing the Brigade Commander on the activities of the group and his recent appointment as Commander-General of the VGN, following the death of his predecessor, Navy Captain Umar Bakori (retd.).
Udoma commended the Presidential Guards Brigade for its role in protecting the President and the First Family, as well as ensuring security in the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the VGN’s presence across the 774 local government areas gave it access to grassroots information that could assist conventional security agencies.
“I consider this visit very important in view of the special role of the PGB in ensuring national security. I appreciate the great efforts of the Commander Guards Brigade in providing visionary leadership that is keeping the Federal Capital Territory, which is the seat of power safe for all residents,” Udoma said.
He noted that although the Police remained the lead agency for internal security, the VGN could complement the efforts of security agencies through its grassroots presence.
Law & Crime
Niger CP orders a comprehensive Investigation into an alleged Assult,miscount into a senior Police officr
By Uthman Baba-Naseer,Minna
The Niger State Commissioner of Police CP. Abdullahi Adamu Elleman, has ordered a comprehensive and discreet investigation into an alleged assault and misconduct involving a senior Police Officer, ASP Yakubu Yusuf.
This followed a petition forwarded to the Commissioner of Police by a Police Constable PC Sabiu Saidu serving with A Divisional Command in Kontagora Niger state
PC Saidu,with Police Force Number 554375, alleged in the petition dated September 9th,2026 which was forwarded to the Commissioner of Police at the Niger State Police Command headquarters in Dutsen- Kura area in Minna.
The Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO) Niger State Command Wasiu Abiodun SP who told the Cabal his office Friday,disclosed that the Commissioner of Police CP Abdullahi Adamu Elleman has ordered for discreet investigation into the matter,” but I cannot comment on the matter for now”
He however, declined further comment on the matter,stating that the matter is under investigation “ like I said I cannot Make any comment on the matter,is true a petition was addressed to the CP. I don’t want to speak on the matter for now” he confirmed.
The petition was titled, “Petition Against AP/NO: 186206 ASP Yakubu Yusuf for Assaulting Me While in Police Uniform and on Official Duty.”
According to Saidu, the incident allegedly occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. on September 8, 2026, while he was carrying out his official responsibilities at the Station Guard of A Division, Kontagora.
He explained that he was seated inside the security room at his duty post when ASP Yusuf’s daughter arrived and complained to his In-Charge that he was sitting in the room instead of performing police duties.
The woman allegedly went further by demanding that Saidu should be detained.
Saidu claimed that he told her he would take action against her if she repeated such a statement. She subsequently left the area.
Shortly afterwards, according to the petition, Cpl Anas Garba approached Saidu and informed him that ASP Yusuf had ordered him to report to his office.
Saidu said he complied immediately and went to the senior officer’s office, where Yusuf allegedly confronted him over the remarks he had made to his daughter.
“Upon my arrival, ASP Yakubu Yusuf began shouting at me and asked me what I had told his daughter,” Saidu stated in the petition.
The constable alleged that before he could fully explain what had happened or present his own account, ASP Yusuf slapped him twice.
“At the time of the incident, I was in police uniform and on official duty. After the assault, I left his office,” he added.
Saidu listed three police officers whom he said witnessed the alleged incident. They are F/No. 518973, Cpl Samari Enock; F/No. 530558, Cpl Anas Garba; and F/No. 559091, PC Ashar Auta.
He described the matter as serious and deserving of a thorough investigation, particularly because the alleged assault involved a subordinate officer who was in uniform and carrying out official duties.
Saidu appealed to the Niger State Commissioner of Police to order a full, impartial and independent investigation into the allegation. He also requested that the command determine whether ASP Yusuf’s alleged conduct violated the rules, regulations, disciplinary procedures and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
As part of his requests, Saidu asked investigators to invite the three named witnesses to provide statements. He also urged the command to obtain separate statements from him and ASP Yusuf.
The constable further requested that investigators consider the relevant Police Rules and Regulations concerning officers’ conduct and the proper treatment of subordinate personnel.
He asked the command to impose the appropriate disciplinary measures if the allegation is confirmed following the investigation.
Saidu also sought protection from any possible intimidation, harassment, victimisation or further physical assault. He requested that the outcome of the investigation be communicated to him through the proper channel.
The officer said he submitted the petition “respectfully and in good faith,” explaining that his objective was to obtain justice and ensure that the matter was handled in line with the established rules and procedures of the Nigeria Police Force.
He added that he was prepared to provide the command with any further statement or information it might require.
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