MARTE: Anti-terrorism coalition applauds Nigerian Army, troops for victory over Boko Haram insurgents

...says insurgents must not be allowed to regroup

By Dansu Peter 

The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE) has hailed the Nigerian Army for another successful onslaught on Boko Haram terrorists in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

The centre, in a statement on Sunday, said the insurgents suffered decisive damage but urged the troops not to allow them to regroup. 

Recall that troops of Operation Tura Takaibango in conjunction with Air Task Force Operation Lafiya Dole, on Friday night, eliminated scores of terrorists and destroyed seven of their gun trucks in the outskirts of Marte.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Gabriel Onoja, CATE said the recent outing is a reminder that the terrorists are not superior to the Nigerian state and will forever remain criminals. 

According to Onoja, the war against insurgency is approaching the final stages and all Nigerians have their roles. 

The centre, however, advised that fleeing terrorists should be pursued into whatever warren they run into and be visited with what they have invited on themselves.

The CATE, therefore, called on the inhabitants in adjourning areas to be exceptionally vigilant to new persons arriving in their domains, some of whom are fleeing terrorists with a penchant for seeking cover and treatment in nearby towns and villages.  

Read the full statement below:

The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE) is pleased to note the success of the Nigerian troops under Operation Tura Takaibango which collaborated with the Air Task Force Operation Lafiya Dole to  on Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)/Boko Haram fighters in 

We commend the Nigerian Army and the entire Armed Forces for the success recorded in reminding the insurgent terrorists that they are not superior to the Nigerian state and will forever remain criminals who should be hunted down and neutralized for the safety and wellbeing of the people. We are confident that with the necessary support, the Nigerian military can continue to deliver this kind of cheery news to the country regularly. 

CATE further notes that “reliable information” supplied to the troops made the military operation successful, which goes to the heart of what we have always advocated, which is for the general populace to constantly volunteer information to the military and law enforcement. The war against insurgency is certainly at a stage where the Nigerians have greater roles to play in defeating terrorism.  

It is reassuring that the troops did not get carried away by the achievement of destroying 7 terrorists’ gun trucks and decimating numerous terrorists but have pressed on in pursuit of those that were escaping from the ISWAP/Boko Haram misadventure. Our position remains that such fleeing terrorists should be pursued into whatever warren they flee into and be visited with what they have invited on themselves.

Since some of these fleeing terrorists have a penchant for seeking cover and treatment in towns and villages, we particularly call on the people living in adjourning areas to be exceptionally vigilant to new persons arriving in their domains, especially if such persons are carrying war injuries. They should be given up to the authorities while communities in the northeast should also be more circumspect in providing accommodation or shelter to persons whose identities they cannot vet.

The prospect of defeating terrorism in the northeast and any other part of the country is anchored on preventing terrorists from recovering or regrouping after taking the kind of beating unleashed on them by troops in Marte. Members of the public are strategic to achieving this and it is best attained by supplying credible information to the military and starving the terrorists of the humanitarian support that they have used to recover from war injuries and regrouping. 

Meanwhile, CATE is disappointed by reportage of some media outlets, social media influencers and bloggers who had rushed to credit ISWAP/Boko Haram with victory in the Marte encounter without recourse to the fact on the ground. The haste with which these group of people attributed the victory to the terrorists suggests that they had foreknowledge of the terrorists’ attack and had anticipated that they would inflict damages on the community as was the case in the distant past without realizing that the fundamentals have changed. 

It is most unfortunate that certain individuals and organizations continue to act as if they are not citizens of Nigeria in the way they collide with terrorists by amplifying their murderous activities or even in some cases attributing phantom victories to the terrorists. We counsel such persons and organizations to stop their subversive propaganda activities and rally behind the Nigeria state to defeat terrorism.  

Current service chiefs more mentally prepared to end Boko Haram insurgency - Security Expert.

By Dansu Peter 

The efforts of the Service Chiefs at ending insurgency in Nigeria have been commended by Philip Agbese, a Middlesex University London trained human rights lawyer and security expert. 

Phillip Agbese who is also the President of the pan-Nigerian group, Nigeria First,  spoke with select journalists on the sidelines of the occasion of the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations in Lagos. He stated that Nigeria has indeed made substantial progress in the prosecution of the war against insurgency in the country and contributed immensely to the global war against terrorism . 

" The 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day is indeed a time to reflect on the sacrifices of our soldiers in preserving the territorial integrity of the country, and there is no doubt that the Boko Haram insurgency has indeed brought to bear the invaluable role of the Armed Forces in keeping Nigeria safe and secured for all. " 

He further added that Nigeria had made substantial progress with the present crop of Service Chiefs' efforts in the country. 

"The efforts of the present Service Chiefs have been outstanding so far, and this is largely responsible for the numerous gains that have been recorded in the prosecution of the war against insurgency in the country." 

“I would like to mention that the Nigerian Army, which is at the forefront of the war against the Boko Haram insurgency, has displayed a great commitment which must be acknowledged by all well-meaning Nigerians.” 

The President, Nigeria First also noted that competence, character, credibility, and confidence remain the game-changer in the war against insurgency. 

"We must admit that there was a time where the Boko Haram insurgents ran riot and took over local government areas in parts of North-East Nigeria. That was also a period where the leadership of the Armed Forces was at its lowest." 

“That there is a turnaround in the fortunes of the country is not by accident, but rather a function of sound leadership provided and the Nigerian Army comes to focus under Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai who led by example in addressing the threats posed by the Boko Haram insurgents.” 

"Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai has no doubt redefined the rules of engagement through measures that emphasized competence, strength of character and confidence that indeed boosted the morale of the troops in the prosecution of the war against Boko Haram insurgency in the country." 

“As we all know, there is no Nigerian territory that is under the control of the Boko Haram insurgents, and we are all witness to the fact that the activities of the group have been restricted to the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin region." 

When asked if there is a need to rejig the operational strategy towards ending the Boko Haram war in the country, he stated that current Service Chiefs are mentally prepared to end Boko Haram insurgency.

“For those of us in the security sector,  we have followed with keen interest the operational strategies deployed by the Armed Forces and I dare say, it is top-notch and yielding the desired results. If this is not the case, I am sure the Boko Haram insurgents would have run over Nigeria going by the sophistication of their operations and the numerous external support they have been receiving locally and internationally.” 

"This is a function of leadership. Like I mentioned earlier, the Chief of Army Staff has indeed distinguished himself in this regard. His strength of character is infectious, and the confidence with which the Nigerian troops display in battle is also worthy of commendation. 

He further added that if the current tempo is sustained, the war against Boko Haram insurgency would be a thing of the past by December 2021. 

“I am of the considered opinion that the mental preparedness of the present crop of Service Chiefs in leading the war against insurgency is excellent. We should do well to analyze issues objectively. And not until we do that we would still be carried away by the mischievous narrative and propaganda been peddled by associates of the Boko Haram insurgents under various nomenclatures in the country.” 

“We must also have at the back of our minds that there are conspiracies against the efforts of the Armed Forces and despite this fact, successes have been recorded in ways too numerous to mention.” 

He advised Nigerians to extend their support to the Service Chiefs' efforts in the final push for the decimation of the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents. 

"We all have a role to play. We cannot afford to continue to join the bandwagon of those mischief makers against the country's interest. We must extend our support and see to the end of the Boko Haram insurgents in the country. As for the Service Chiefs' mental preparedness, I say that they are more than prepared in this regard and the end of Boko Haram Insurgency might be in sight. This is what Nigeria needs at this critical point of our existence.” 

It would be recalled that in some quarters they have been widespread criticism of the commitment and efforts of the Service Chief towards ending the Boko Haram insurgency in the country.

2021: God will expose Boko Haram sponsors, other prophecies by clergymen at Inter-Faith prayers for Nigeria

By Dansu Peter 

The sponsors of Boko Haram terrorists and other criminal elements in the country will be exposed this year, some renowned clergymen have revealed. 

This was part of the 21 prophetic declarations by the National Interfaith and Religious Organizations for Peace (NIFROP) at the opening ceremony of its 21 Days Prayers, Fasting and Intercessory programme for Nigeria and President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday. 

According to National Coordinator, Bishop Sunday Garuba, this is a prosperous year, filled with signs and wonders for Nigeria.  

Bishop Garuba also prophesied good health for President Buhari; economic boom for the country and a successful year for the military in its fights against all forms of criminal activities. 

He, however, assured that the nation shall enjoy resounding peace and tranquillity. 

Below are the 21 prophetic declarations:

1. I prophesy that in the year 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari shall enjoy good health in sound mind all year round. No ailment shall come near his dwelling and that of his family members. I declare that all the evil forces that would in one way or the other make attempts on his life shall be exposed and destroyed by God. 

2. In the year 2021, I declare complete healing in the land where the wrath of God shall visit all those that have a hand in the festering of acts of terrorism and militancy. 

3. In the year 2021, Nigeria shall exit recession and experience sustainable growth and development in all sectors of the economy. 

4. I see strange death in the midst of those who have been fueling acts of violence in Nigeria. Their end shall be a very shameful one that would cause untold embarrassment to their family and friends. 

5. In the year 2021, all those planning to topple President Muhammadu Buhari shall be visited by the wrath of God in such a manner that they haven't seen before. God has risen a mighty sword against them in Deuteronomy 32:35 “To me [belongeth] vengeance, and recompense; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.” 

6. I see Boko Haram's defeat in the year 2021. I see the Nigerian Military assisting the people of Borno State to return to their communities. 

7. I see Boko Haram's sponsors attempting to flee the country but were apprehended by the security agencies and made to face the law's full wrath. 

8. I see a very popular politician in Nigeria openly confessing for his atrocities against President Muhammadu Buhari for the numerous attempts to undermine his government. 

9. I see a bright light shining upon Nigeria from the East, West, North and South. I see people from all religions and tribes embracing one another, and I see Nigeria defeating its enemies. 

10. I prophesy that in the year 2021 the security agencies shall record multiple successes in the war against terrorism and insurgency in North-East Nigeria. The various militant groups in parts of Nigeria shall surrender and seek for forgiveness from Nigerians. 

11. I declare that in the year 2021, the purveyors of fake news shall be embarrassed that that shall retrace their steps and become advocates of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. 

12. I declare that all Nigerians shall experience a turnaround in their various endeavours to the envy of all those that are conspiring to disintegrate the country.  

13. In the year 2021, I prophesy that those external interest that are funding acts of terrorism shall go bankrupt, and their identities shall be known to the whole world. 

14. I declare that the International Criminal Court shall prosecute those groups of Nigerians that have committed crimes against humanity in Nigeria through the fueling of an uprising that would have lead to a change of a democratically elected government. 

15. I declare all-round peace and stability in Nigeria in 2021, and Nigeria shall be a worthy example amongst the comity of nations. 

16. I declare that in the year 2021, no evil forces shall rise against Nigeria and Nigeria shall defeat all its adversaries. 

17. I declare that the world shall acknowledge the economic growth and prosperity in Nigeria in the year 2021. 

18. I prophesy that in the year 2021 world leaders shall recognize President Muhammadu Buhari as a shining example in the entrenchment of democratic principles in the world. 

19. I prophesy that Nigeria shall become a shining example of peace and progress in the world through the sound leadership provided by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021. 

20. I declare all-round peace in Nigeria in the year 2021, and Nigerians shall have a reason to celebrate the birth of a new beginning. In the book of Exodus 9:1 "Then the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.” 

21. I prophesy that indeed in the year 2021 all the Pharaohs that have held back Nigeria shall let go and Nigeria shall enter into a realm of unimaginable proportion in Jesus name. 

Banditry: Northern Patriots applaud Buratai, Nigerian Army’s Sahel Sanity for commitment to peace in the North-West

Peter Dansu

The Coalition of Northern Patriots (CNP) has hailed the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. T.Y Buratai for the success of the Nigerian Army's Operation Sahel Sanity. 

In a New Year message signed by its President, Nuruddeen Dodo, on Friday, the coalition said the COAS and his troops' commitment to restoring peace have drastically reduced crime and criminalities in the North-West. 

First launched in July last year in Faskari, Katsina State, Lt. Gen. Buratai vowed that the military exercise would comprehensively tackle banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling in the region. 

In September, the operation was extended to the North-Central region to ensure peace in all parts of the country.

And according to the coalition, the exercise has so far yielded positive fruits, bringing about the much-needed peace and tranquillity in the region by engaging criminal elements in ways too numerous to mention. 

After considering the feat recorded, the group expressed confidence that the other regions will soon experience the same. 

The CNP, however, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to extend support to the Nigerian Army's operations in its bid to make Nigeria safe and secure for all. 

Read the full statement below:

The Coalition of Northern Patriots wishes to commend Operation Sahel Sanity's efforts in curtailing the excesses of armed bandits in North West Nigeria that has resulted in a drastic reduction of crime and criminalities in the North West region. 

We wish to reiterate that since the launch of Operation Sahel Sanity by the Nigerian Army to combat armed attacks, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other criminal activities in North-West Nigeria, it has been a success story. 

This feat was achieved through the troops' commitment under Operation Sahel Sanity in ensuring that criminal elements operating in the region are neutralized and kept at bay.  

We wish to state that in the North West today, incidences of Armed Banditry has been reduced to the barest minimum due to the presence of Operation Sahel Sanity in addressing the security challenges in the region.  

The Coalition of Northern Patriots having reviewed the security situation in North-West Nigeria wishes to emphasize that Operation Sahel Sanity has brought the needed peace and tranquillity in the region by engaging criminal elements in ways too numerous to mention. 

We are consequently applauding the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai that has been tireless in rendering service to the country despite the avalanche of conspiracies against the peace and progress of the country. 

That Operation Sahel Sanity has recorded tremendous success in North West Nigeria indicates the laudable efforts of the Nigerian Army in internal security operations in Nigeria. This much has been the hallmark of the Nigerian Army's involvement in internal security operations in Nigeria. 

Thus, it is our considered opinion that indeed the Nigerian Army under the watch of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has contributed immensely to addressing the threats posed by criminal elements across the country. 

The Nigerian Army has also stoutly risen in defence of our nascent democracy in the prosecution of the war against insurgency in North-East Nigeria and addressing the threats posed by militants and criminal gangs across the country. 

The relative peace and tranquillity experienced in North-West Nigeria indeed buttresses this point and indicates that Nigeria shall overcome its security challenges with the right support. 

The Coalition of Northern Patriots states in unequivocal terms that Operation Sahel Sanity is a huge success. It has contributed immensely in reducing the activities of armed bandits in the region. 

We also wish to commend other security agencies that have an equally displayed outstanding commitment towards curtailing incidences of Armed Banditry in North-West Nigeria. Our considered opinion is that they are deserving of our commendation and support in the onerous task at hand. 

The exigencies of time indeed require all hands to be on deck and support the laudable initiatives of the Nigerian Army in addressing the security challenges in the country.  The case of Operation Sahel Sanity is just a tip of the iceberg given the Nigerian Army's commitment to preserving and protecting Nigeria's territorial integrity. 

The Coalition of Northern Patriots herby sends a clarion call to all well-meaning Nigerians to extend support to the Nigerian Army's operations in its bid to make Nigeria safe and secure for all. 

The Operation Sahel Sanity example in North West Nigeria should indeed give insights into the fact that with the right motivation, the country's security challenges can be addressed. 

Thank you. 

We‘ll shame, disgrace terrorists in 2021 – Buratai

By Dansu Peter 

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, says the Nigerian Army will shame and disgrace the Boko Haram and the Islamic States for West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists in 2021.

Buratai gave the assurance at a sit-out night to usher in the 2021 New Year at the TY Buratai Institute for War and Peace in Biu Local Government Area of Borno.

He said the troops of Nigerian Army had done a lot in the fight against insurgency in the North East and banditry in the Northwest in 2020, adding that they were committed to decisively deal with all forms of insecurity in the country.

Buratai urged the troops to dedicate themselves to the task of eradicating terrorism by maintaining the tempo in 2021 with more determination and action to end the insurgency in the country.

He also advised the troops to work with more discipline, commitment and courage, adding that the military had the responsibility to solve the nation’s problem of insecurity.

According to him, they must work extra hard to win the confidence of Nigerians. The nation trusted and believed in us to deal with the security challenges, – issues of insurgency, terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other forms of insecurity. We must not fail, we should see it as a challenge and a task that must be done to resolve it once and for all.

“I am very optimistic that 2021 will be different, totally different from a remarkable difference from 2020.

“I want you to see it as a challenge and a task that must be done because we are the one that can do it because Nigerians believe in us and believe that we can do it.

“You should go into the year with full conviction that we can do better to address the insecurity in our country,” he said.

Buratai also promised that officers and men of the Nigerian army would enjoy a lot of welfare packages in 2021.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his support and confidence in the Nigerian army during the preceding years.

 

Christmas without bombs: Buhari, security chiefs deserve All commendations - FCT Residents

By Dansu Peter 

Some well-meaning residents of the Federal Capital Territory has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari and the nation's security chiefs for a Christmas celebration free from bombings. 

The group, under the auspices of Concerned Abuja Residents Association (CARA) made this known in a press conference to mark the new year on Friday. 

In a statement co-signed by Innocent Onuchukwu and Abayomi Johnson, its President and Secretary-General respectively, the FCT residents said President Buhari has provided the political will to win the war against terrorism and other acts of criminalities in the country. 

The group noted that the service chiefs, on their part, have displayed incredible commitment towards addressing the security challenges in the FCT and across the country. 

According to the Abuja residents, the last celebration was one of the most peaceful since the annals of our democratic experience in 1999. 

The group, however, expressed confidence that the peace experienced during the Christmas celebrations in the Federal Capital Territory and environs shall be replicated across the country in no distant time. 

They also warned those sponsoring acts of violence in the country to desist from their evil ways and give peace a chance in the country's overall interest and progress. 

Read the full statement below: 

The Concerned Abuja Residents Association's leadership welcomes you all to this important press conference convoked to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari and the security agencies for giving Nigerians a peace Christmas Celebrations in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.  

We wish to state that the Federal Capital Territory and environs witnessed a peaceful Christmas Celebrations is a testament to the country's security agencies' unalloyed commitment to ensure that Nigerians are not subjected to acts of violence that would hinder the Christmas celebrations.

The Concerned Abuja Residents Association uses this medium to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for providing the political will needed to win the war against terrorism and other acts of criminalities in the country. 

We are also glad that this effort paid off as evident in how Nigerians in the Federal Capital Territory observed a peaceful Christmas celebration without bombs detonating in religious places of worships and public places. 

It is indeed a Christmas without bombs in the Federal Capital Territory and environs. For this, we commend the Service Chiefs for the incredible display of commitment towards addressing the security challenges in the country. 

It must also be noted that with the right attitude and collective actions from all stakeholders in the country, the issue of insecurity in the country would indeed be a thing of the past. Nigerians must see the peaceful Christmas Celebrations as a step in the right direction. It behoves on all well-meaning Nigerians to continue to extend their support to the efforts of the security agencies in the country. 

The Concerned Abuja Residents Association classifies the 2020 Christmas celebrations in the Federal Capital Territory as one of the most peaceful since the annals of our democratic experience in 1999.  

To this end, President Muhammadu Buhari's efforts, the Service Chiefs and other security agencies deserve all commendation for a job well-done, as well as words of encouragements in a bid to charge the security agencies not to rest on their oars. 

The Concerned Abuja Residents Association is confident that the peace experienced during the Christmas celebrations in the Federal Capital Territory and environs shall be replicated across the country in no distant time. 

We call on all those that have been sponsoring acts of violence in the country to desist from their evil ways and give peace a chance in the country's overall interest and progress. 

We are also calling on the Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory to ensure that it extends cooperation to the country's security agencies towards making the FCT a model in peace and security in the country. 

It is also instructive to add that the religious bodies have a valuable role in sensitizing their members to shun acts that are inimical to the country's peace and stability. This is as crucial as the efforts of the security agencies in the country. 

The various traditional institutions also have a role to play in our quest to have the Nigeria of our dreams where peace and progress shall reign supreme. This much has been witnessed in other climes, and as such, there should be no excuse from our traditional rulers in this regard. 

The Concerned Abuja Residents Association is cognizant that there was a time in the annals of the country where residents in the Federal Capital Territory could not go to bed with their eyes closed. 

It is also a statement of the fact that in times past, the Federal Capital Territory witnessed a mass exodus of people due to the level of insecurity. But all of these are things of the past since the coming on board of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. 

The Concerned Abuja Residents Association acknowledges the efforts so far and believes that if this momentum is sustained, Nigeria shall defeat terrorism in the fullness of time. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are full of praises for our security agencies that have toiled day and night. We as a result of this pledge to render our assistance in ways possible towards ensuring the success of their operations in the Federal Capital Territory, its environs, and other parts of the country. 

We consequently encourage other well-meaning Nigerians across the country to assist the country's security agencies by providing relevant and credible information that would contribute to the success of their operations in the quest to make Nigeria free from the clutches of terrorist and militant organizations. 

Once again, our appreciation for President Muhammadu Buhari knows no bounds and the country's Service Chiefs. They have been tireless in ensuring that the country is rid of criminal elements that have constituted themselves as clogs in the country's wheels of progress. 

The Concerned Abuja Residents Association's leadership appreciates all that took time out time from their busy schedules to attend this press conference. We desire that Nigeria shall be great again. 

We use this medium wish all residents in the Federal Capital Territory and all Nigerians a Happy New Year filled with peace and sustainable development. 

Thanks and God bless Nigeria. 

Crossover Night: National Inter-Faith Organisation declares 21 days intercessory prayers for Nigeria

By Dansu Peter 

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organisation for Peace (NIFROP) has declared 21-day intercessory prayers for Nigeria to usher in the new year. 

The inter-faith group, in a statement signed by its grand patron, Archbishop Julius Ediwe, on Thursday, said the spiritual exercise is themed, " 2021: Our Year of Overcoming Agents of Destabilization, Coup Plotters and Blood Sucking Demons working against President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nation and Humanity." 

 

According to the respected clergyman, the programme which runs from 4th to 25th January 2021 would have in attendance both Muslim and Christian faithful from across the country in prayers for the nation and President Muhammadu Buhari. 

Despite the myriads of challenges experienced in 2020, Bishop Ediwe noted that Nigeria witnessed God's faithfulness, hence the need to seek his face in the upcoming year. 

At the end of the prayers, he, however, assured that the forces of darkness that have conspired against the country and President Buhari shall be exposed. 

Bishop Ediwe also prophesied that 2021 will be a year of peace and prosperity for Nigeria. 

While promising to hold periodic prayers and fasting programmes for Nigeria, he called on other well-meaning Nigerians, irrespective of religious affiliation, to join the group. 

Read the full statement below:

The National Interfaith and Religious Organizations for Peace is issuing this press statement in its age-long tradition of ushering Nigeria into the New Year with intercessory prayers to God for divine intervention in the affairs of the country. 

In the year 2020, Nigeria witnessed Gods faithfulness to the people despite the myriads of challenges that confronted from the unlikely of places. As an organization, we held several prayers and fasting programmes that witnessed large turnouts of our members from the Muslim and Christian communities in the 36 states of the country. 

In furtherance of the mandate of the National Interfaith and Religious Organizations for Peace we are declaring 21 days of Prophetic Declarations and Intercessory Prayers with the theme:  " 2021: Our Year of Overcoming Agents of Destabilization, Coup Plotters and Blood Sucking Demons working against President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nation and Humanity."

This programme is scheduled to hold from 4th January to 25th January 2021. It would have in attendance our Muslim and Christian Faithful from across the country under the same umbrella in prayers for Nigeria and our amiable President Muhammadu Buhari. 

We shall be congregating under the Unity Church and Unity Masjid with Christian and Islamic Clerics in a rare display of unity of purpose in prayers for Nigeria. 

The National Interfaith and Religious Organizations for Peace as an organization that consists of Muslim and Christian brethren is encouraging Nigerians to come out in their numbers to join this noble programme intended to put our dear country in good stead to weather through the year 2021 in divine grace and abundance. 

We are declaring that at the end of the 21 days of Prophetic Declarations and Intercessory Prayers, the year 2021 shall be unto Nigeria the year of peace and prosperity and also the year where all those that have conspired against the country and President Muhammadu Buhari shall be visited by the wrath of God. 

As an organization in the business of interceding for Nigeria in prayers and fasting, which has characterized our numerous programmes in the country believes in the leadership strides of President Muhammadu Buhari and enjoins other well-meaning Nigerians to use this opportunity of the 21 days prayers and fasting to intercede for our dear country against the forces of darkness that have conspired to truncate the peace and prosperity of the country.    

The National Interfaith and Religious Organization for Peace with members drawn from the 36 states of the federation including the FCT is the only organization in Nigeria that has brought Muslims, and Christian Faithful's under one roof in prayers for Nigeria. 

Our strength in diversity and unity has indeed been tremendous in all our programmes over the years. And this much we are grateful to all our members that have displayed an unquantifiable belief in Nigeria and our love for Nigeria knows no bounds. 

In the year 2021, Nigeria shall be free from the clutches of evil forces in all sectors of the economy. Our prayers and support for President Muhammadu Buhari in the year 2021 shall not seize. 

In the year 2021, we shall hold periodic prayers and fasting programmes for Nigeria in our quest for Gods guidance. 

We declare that just as the mount surrounds Jerusalem, so shall the divine mercies of God surround Nigerians and Nigeria in the year 2021 and forevermore. 

Group praises Buhari, Service Chiefs for return of peace to north-east, peaceful Christmas

By Dansu Peter 

The NorthEast Peace Ambassadors (NEPA) says President Muhammadu Buhari and the nation's service chiefs deserve credit for the return of peace and another Christmas celebration free from attacks in the region. 

The group gave the commendation at a press conference on Tuesday in Modu Ganari, Maiduguri, Borno State. 

In a statement co-signed by Alhaji Sadiq Bulama and Mallam Usman Geidam, its President and Secretary-General respectively, the NorthEast Peace Ambassadors said unlike some years ago, people were reunited with their families and are enjoying quality time. 

Bar the attempted attack on Garkida in Adamawa State which was effectively repelled by gallant troops, the group said there was no breach of security across the six states. 

The NEPA recalled how Boko Haram terrorists attacked Gadaka and Damaturu in Yobe States on Christmas Day in 2011 and multiple bombings in the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding towns.

According to the group, however, this year, people are celebrating the festive season in peace and love.

The NEPA thanked President Buhari for his leadership that is steadily bringing complete normalcy to the Northeast.

It noted that the appointment of the service chiefs have proven to be a masterstroke, as they have displayed confidence and efficiency.

The group also applauded the service chiefs for their innovation, cooperation and a sense of coordination, bringing results to the fight against insurgency. 

The NEPA equally hailed the troops for their resilience, sacrifice and patriotism which has made life worth a living for them.

Read the full statement below:

You're all welcome to this very important press conference in which we intend to highlight the current security situation in Northeast Nigeria and give credit to those who made it possible for us to experience one of the most peaceful holiday seasons in recent times.

You are aware that there are six states in the Northeast namely, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and the Yobe States, but since the holiday season began, all the six states have experienced peace and tranquillity and people have to this moment been enjoying the festive season.

People travelled from far and near to spend time with loved ones as roads that were considered dangerous in the past have been cleared of all security threats and opened by the military while terrorist hideouts have been subdued and their foot soldiers flushed.

It is therefore a blissful time for most families as troops remained in the trenches to ensure the safety of lives and property. 

The only incident that nearly threatened the peace and security of the region was the attempted attack on Garkida town of Gombi Local Government of Adamawa State which was repelled by gallant troops. 

Today, Tuesday, 29th December 2020, those of us living in the Northeast, not those receiving third party reports, are happy to announce that we have celebrated the Christmas in peace and love, and we are looking forward to celebrating the New Year also in peace.

All these were made possible by the effective leadership style of President Muhammadu Buhari and the coordination of the Service Chiefs who have turned the heat on the terrorists and insurgents making them flee to the borders between Nigeria and Chad and struggling to survive on those fringes.

Though Boko Haram still operate within the tiny fringes, the remaining part of the Northeast is now peaceful. 

Even the pockets of attacks by Boko Haram and other criminal elements to scare people during the Yuletide was contained effectively that most people are not even aware that such a thing took place.

The Service Chiefs were on top of the situation and our troops were fully on guard to repel thee, criminals,  killing many of them while others escaped with injuries.

We commend the Nigerian Military for mobilising Ground Toops and the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole who launched an attack on Saturday to repel the insurgents who invaded surrounding villages after an attempted attack on Garkida on December 24 that was aborted.

We have received reports about how our troops engaged the insurgents in a fierce battle in Tashan Alade, Shafa, Azare, Sabon-Kasuwa and Debro, in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday as the insurgents invaded the village and came in their dozens in nine gun trucks and launched attacks on the communities.

We are proud of our ground troops, who with aerial support from military jets, were able to contain and repel the terrorists. 

We note that this is not the first time in the year 2020, that the military would be saving Garkida and its surrounding villages from similar attempted attacks by insurgents.

The military in similar pattern repelled an attack against the town in February and forced the Boko Haram fighters fleeing in different directions.

In July, the Nigerian Military rolled out tanks within and around the village and reclaimed the town from the violent hands of the insurgents and have now capped it all with the repel of the insurgents few days again.

The peaceful atmosphere we are now enjoying in the Northeast is something people never thought could happen as a few years ago, the entire Northeast and other parts of the country was reeling under the pains of Boko Haram inflicted atrocities. 

We recall that on 25 December 2011,   there were bomb blasts in Gadak, and Damaturu in Yobe State which took the lives of many people.

The terror even extended outside the Northeast to faraway places like Madalla near Abuja where it was reported that at least 37 people died and 57 others were injured in an attack at St. Theresa Catholic Church on Christmas Day.

In Jos, there was an explosion at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Church in Jos and gunmen later fired on police who were guarding the area resulting in the death of one police officer.

It was on the same day that Gadaka and Damaturu were rocked with explosions. The one in Gadaka even happened in a church.

The attack in Damaturu was found out to be the work of a suicide car bomber, who rammed the building housing the headquarters of the State Security Service and killed at least three people.

But this year, we are celebrating the festive season in peace and love.

We thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his leadership that is steadily bringing complete normalcy to the  Northeast.

We Mr. President for appointing the Service Chiefs who have proven to be highly confident and efficient.

We thank the Service Chiefs for their cooperation and sense of coordination which is bringing results to the fight against insurgency.

We also thank the Service Chiefs for their resilience and the innovation they've brought to the fight against 

We thank the troops for their resilience, sacrifice and patriotism which has made life worth a living for us.

God bless Nigeria. 

Thank you.