Politics
Expert Faults Repentant Boko Haram Members Bill
A security expert, Efe Wanogho has faulted the proposed bill seeking the establishment of an agency for repentant Boko Haram members, saying it is shameful for a Senator to advance such a position.
Recall that Senator Ibrahim Gaidam and immediate past Governor of Yobe State had introduced the said bill on the floor of the red chamber, explaining that the proposed commission (agency) ‘would help repentant insurgents to re-enter mainstream politics, religion and society, as well as promote reconciliation and national unity.
But Efe, while speaking on a live radio programme in Port Harcourt, monitored by The Tide, said such a thinking may stem from the amnesty offered to repentant militants in the Niger Delta region, noting that the circumstances were different, describing the insurgents as sworn enemies of Nigeria.
He said, “It is very shameful that that Senator stood up and advanced such a position. I know it is not far from the thinking in many parts of the country that the amnesty that was granted to some militants from the South-South and Niger Delta is part of sharing national cake. So they want to do whatever they can to also share in this fast depleting national cake. But I think they are misdirected. I think they have misconceived the situation.
“People who are sworn enemies of Nigeria, people who have shed blood massively, you are advocating for the creation of an agency? That means you want Boko Haram to exist in perpetuity because there is now a reason, there is a motivation for everybody to key into the Boko Haram practice as a means of earning money because that is where it is going to end.
“Make no mistake, the amnesty that was granted in the Niger Delta, at a time I was not in support of it. I wasn’t because I felt it was an abuse of sort, but you cannot compare ex-militants in Niger Delta to Boko Haram people,” Wanogho stated.
The security expert further said Boko Haram members radically different, adding that to date their motive is unknown, unlike the Niger Delta militants that had a clear agitation.
Dennis Naku
Politics
Alleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
Scores of children and wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot yesterday staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, demanding a speedy trial and the release of the accused officials.
The protesters who gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly complex, moved in a slow procession while clutching placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”
Amid tears and trembling voices, the children appealed for justice and access to their detained fathers, many of whom they said they had not seen for months.
The appeal was made during a press briefing in Abuja attended by no fewer than 20 wives and several children of the detained officers, including a two-month-old baby.
The families were accompanied by human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore.
At the briefing, the families lamented that the officers had been held for over 160 days without trial or contact with their relatives, describing the situation as a violation of their fundamental rights.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Memuna Bashiru said the prolonged detention had thrown their households into uncertainty and emotional distress, noting that while allegations had been widely publicised, families remained in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.
The arrest of the indicted officers was first announced on October 4, 2025, by the then Director of Defense Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, who disclosed that 16 officers were taken into custody for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
However, an interim investigation later suggested the existence of a clandestine network of officers, allegedly coordinated by a senior Army officer, which had begun preliminary planning for a coup.
According to the report, the alleged plot involved surveillance of key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major international airports, with October 25, 2025, cited as the planned date for the operation.
Those reportedly in custody include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, Maj A. J. Ibrahim, Maj M. M. Jiddah, Maj M. A. Usman, Maj D. Yusuf, Capt I. Bello, Capt A. A. Yusuf, Lt S. S. Felix, Lt Cdr D. B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr S. B. Adamu and Maj I. Dauda.
The alleged plot, according to findings, targeted senior government officials, including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In a statement issued yesterday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, said the exercise would take place in all wards and designated centres nationwide.
He called on existing members to update their records, while encouraging new entrants to join the party through the digital platform.
“As the electronic membership registration exercise resumes in all wards and designated locations nationwide, we urge existing members to validate their membership while new members are encouraged to register and join the progressive family,” Mr Morka said.
According to him, eligibility for registration is limited to individuals aged 18 and above who possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
The party said the initiative is part of efforts to modernise its operations by transitioning to a digital database that would enhance record accuracy and accessibility.
Mr Morka noted that the e-registration would “digitise the party’s membership register, ensure the integrity of records, and enhance efficient access to membership data for planning and management decisions.”
He added that the move is also aimed at promoting internal democracy within the party and strengthening its commitment to democratic innovation.
The APC had previously introduced electronic registration as part of broader reforms to streamline its membership system and improve organisational efficiency.