Day: September 25, 2024

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says the unemployment rate in Nigeria increased to 5.3 per cent in Q1 2024 from the 5.0 per cent recorded in Q3 2023.

The NBS said this in its Nigeria Labour Force Survey for Q1 2024, released in Abuja on Tuesday.

The bureau said the unemployment rate was defined as the share of the labour force who were not employed but who were actively searching and were available for work.

In terms of educational attainment, the report said the rate of unemployment among persons with post-graduate education was 2.0 per cent in Q1 2024.

‘While unemployment among those with post-secondary education was 9.0 per cent, while those with secondary education was 6.9 per cent, and 4.0 per cent for those with primary education.’

It said the unemployment rate among youth aged (15-24 years) in Q1 2024 was 8.4 per cent, which was a decrease of 0.2 per cent compared to the 8.6 per cent recorded in Q3 2023.

The report said the unemployment rate among males was 4.3 per cent and 6.2 per cent
among females in Q1 2024.

‘The unemployment rate was 6.0 per cent in urban areas and 4.3 per cent in rural areas in Q1 2024.’

The NBS said time-related underemployment in Q1 2024 was 10.6 per cent, indicating a decrease of 1.7 per cent from the 12.3 per cent recorded in Q3 2023.

It said time-related underemployment rate was the share of employed people who were working less than 40 hours per week, but who would be willing and available to work more.

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‘The share of the underemployed men was 8.5 per cent, while the share of underemployed women was 12.5 per cent in Q1 2024.

‘The underemployment rate was 9.7 per cent in urban areas and 11.8 per cent in rural areas.’

The NBS said the labour force participation rate among the working-age population in Nigeria dropped to 77.3 per cent in Q1 2024 compared to 79.5 recorded in Q3 2023.

The report said the participation rate among males was 77.5 per cent while for females it was 77.1 per cent.

It said the employment-to-population ratio, which was the proportion of the working-age population that was employed was 73.2 per cent in Q1 2024

‘This indicates a decline of 2.4 per cent compared to a ratio of 75.6 recorded in Q3 2023.

‘The ratio in urban areas was 69.5 per cent and 78.9 per cent in rural areas in Q1 2024, indicating a decrease in the ratio compared to the 71.1 per cent and 80.7 per cent in Q3 2023, respectively.’

The report said there was a 3.3 percentage point increase in the proportion of workers in wage employment, from a record 12.7 per cent recorded in Q3 2023 to 16.0 per cent in Q1 2024.

‘By gender, 20.1 per cent of males were in wage employment, compared to 12.1 per cent of females.

‘Wage employment was also higher in urban areas, at 21.8 per cent than in rural areas, where it stood at 8.1 per cent.’

It said in Q1 2024, the percentage of youth (15-24 years) identified as Young Persons Not in Employment, Education nor Training (NEET) was 14.4 per cent.

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‘This indicates a 0.7 percentage point increase from 13.7 per cent in Q3 2023.’

The report also showed in Q1 2024, there were more females in NEET with 15.9 per cent compared to 15.5 per cent in Q3 2023.

‘ Males in NEET accounted for 13.0 per cent in Q1 2024.’

The NBS said 1.5 per cent of employed Nigerians spent between one to nine hours a week working, while 4.8 per cent spent between 10 to 19 hours a week.

‘Approximately 25 per cent worked between 20 to 39 hours, while 22 per cent spent between 40 to 48 hours, and 46 per cent worked 48 hours and above in a week.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Sports Stakeholders have called for better funding and early preparation of athletes ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, for Nigeria to make appreciable impact at the Games.

The stakeholders comprising of officials from the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Sports Federations, Technical departments of the Sports Ministry among others made the call on Tuesday in Abuja, at a Ministerial Post Games Audit Review Meeting.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, convened the meeting to review Team Nigeria’s poor outing at the Paris 2024/Paralympic Games.

After the closed door meeting which lasted for hours, NAN reports that the stakeholders highlighted the need for early release of funds for preparation, and grooming of younger athletes to replace the ageing ones.

They also called for more support for athletes, coache and other officials, while stressing the need for a more robust anti-doping strategy and training facilities for athletes.

President
of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Musa Kida, told NAN that in spite of the challenges leading to the Paris Games, the D’Tigress were able to make history at the Games.

‘Since our participation in Tokyo four years ago, we have seen significant improvement, building on our 2021 Africa Cup win in Kigali.

‘The team’s (D’Tigress) resilience, coaching, and consistent preparation contributed to their success,’ Kida said.

He, however, said that the issue of delays in releasing funds and the budgeting system remain a major challenge in Nigerian sports.

The NBBF boss, therefore, called for a more proactive approach in line with international best practices.

President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, said the meeting was apt in addressing the challenges facing Team Nigeria at international competitions.

He stressed the need for the meticulous implementation of the National Sports Industry Policy to galvanise the holistic development of sports in Nigeria.

‘I feel that it’s a good d
evelopment that we were able to have this kind of review meeting and if we can implement the recommendations.

‘I am also very happy for the National Sports Industry Policy that creates the enabling environment for sports to be managed like a business.

‘So, the implementation of the policy is very important,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A Socio-cultural group, the Egbira Voice of Nigeria (EVON), has expressed deep concern over recent actions taken by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the Convener, Dr Kenneth Enebe claimed that the EFCC’s actions were meant to humiliate Bello.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the anti-graft agency had filed a 19-count money laundering charge against Bello before Justice Emeka Nwite of Federal High Court, Abuja.

NAN reports that the Kogi House of Assembly on Monday Sept. 23 reacted to the allegation of Fraud against the Former Kogi Governor, and declared that no money belonging to the state was missing to that effect.

The Convener, however, decried the reported attack on the Kogi Governor’s Lodge in Abuia, urging the nation’s anti-corruption agency to always observe the rule of law.

He requested the EFCC chairman to ensure President Bola Tinubu’s rule of Law initiative achieves its intended impact.

‘
We are constrained to bring to the attention of Your Excellency that the whole dust raised by the infamous EFCC/Former Kogi Governor ,Yahaya Bello saga has its roots in the ethnic complexities.

‘This also includes the political servant-master relationship that bedevilled our dear Kogi State since its creation in 1991.

‘Our worry is the way a supposed important organ of the Federal Government of Nigeria like the EFCC got enmeshed in the whole conundrum that is capable of tarnishing the image of the good work of the present administration, led by your humble self.

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‘When the former governor was yet to be officially invited by the anti-graft agency, some notable Igala sons and daughters, led by a former Deputy Governor of the state, Simon Achuba, and one Austin Okhai had, at various times, staged protests to the EFCC office in Abuja,’ he said.

Enebe, however, questioned the EFCC’s motives, citing inconsistencies in their treatment of Bel
lo compared to other politicians.

He expressed concerns for Bello’s safety and urged President Tinubu to ensure the EFCC operated professionally and without bias.

He said that the EFCC’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had reportedly denied Bello’s voluntary appearance at the commission’s office, citing a violation of invitation protocol.

‘If the Yahaya Bello they declared wanted over alleged refusal to honour their invitation, walked into the EFCC office voluntarily, why would they turn him back?

‘Then, only to return at night to embarrass the governor of Kogi State in the Governor’s Lodge by attempting to arrest someone who was in their office earlier?

‘Is it by dragging Yahaya Bello on the ground like a bandit or terrorist that the EFCC would be seen to be effective?

‘We appeal to you to wade into the matter to ensure that the right things are done. We wish to appeal to Your Excellency to please stop this proxy war being waged against Yahaya Bello and by extension, the Ebira people through the EFCC.

‘Sir,
if these actions of the EFCC are not checked, we might be left with no other options than to put the international communities, Civil Society Organisations in and outside Nigeria on notice about the unprofessional conducts of the EFCC,’he said.

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Enebe highlighted Bello’s achievements during his tenure, including infrastructure development, women and youth empowerment, and reconciliation efforts between ethnic groups in Kogi State.

He said that Bello’s achievements were numerous and impactful adding that he made history by appointing Edward Onoja, from the Igala ethnic group, as his Chief of Staff, breaking the tradition of choosing someone from his own ethnic group.

‘Others are rebuilding of Igala Unity House which was abandoned for over 50 years, constructions and rehabilitations of rural and township roads in Igala land, built and equipped Teaching Hospital of Prince Abubakar Audu University in Igala land.

‘Establishment of two additiona
l state universities in Kogi central and Kogi west and other Economic and Social Progress and Oil Production among others.

‘We would like to bring to your attention, your Excellency, that the former governor has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding the rule of law and would never evade its provisions.

‘The whole gamut of these orchestrated ethnic prejudice, historical perspective of his coming to power that demystified the age-long belief that the seat of power of Kogi State was the exclusive reserve of one ethnic group.

‘Also, the modus operandi of the EFCC are making discerning minds believe that Yahaya Bello’s life is not safe in the hands of the EFCC.

‘Contrary to the false narratives being put out in the media about the performance of the former governor, we make bold to say Sir, that he had unequalled and exemplary achievements, all geared towards healing the wounds and uniting the people of the state,’he said.

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N
AN reports that other co conveners at the press conference includes, Dr Nasir Onujabe, Alhaji Ibrahim Anas, Abdul Kokori, Malam Usman Jamdalla and Alhaji Nuhu Shaibu among others.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate rehabilitation and furnishing of the former Federal Ministry of Agriculture building, for the newly created Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, stated this on Wednesday, when he inspected the building, located at the Central Business District, Abuja.

Wike explained that the inspection was to see the state of the building, adding that FCT Administration would invite some companies to look at the building and submit quotations for the rehabilitation and furnishing.

‘It is an emergency work following the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, and as you can see, people are happy and waiting for it to commence operation.

‘So, now that the place has been identified, the President has ordered the FCT Administration, through the Federal Capital Development Authority, to look at it.

‘We have seen the integrity test of the building, which is okay, and we have to rehabilitate an
d furnish it,’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Tinubu had, on July 9, announced the creation of the new Ministry of Livestock Development.

The president explained that the move was part of efforts to resolve the lingering conflict between farmers and herdsmen across the country.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has asked for a renegotiation of FCT’s stake in the Kugbo International Market, Abuja.

Wike gave the order when he inspected the market, being developed by a private investor, Mesotho Group Ltd, in Abuja on Wednesday.

He explained that the market was being developed under a Public Private Partnership between the Abuja Investment Company, a private company.

‘We have a stake in the market; the land belongs to the FCT, and then the company invests.

‘I hear there is a sharing formula which is not acceptable to me in the first instance. For now, the way it is, is not favourable. It is only favourable to the investor.

‘I have directed the Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company to see that they meet with the investor, to see how we can have an arrangement that will be suitable to all of us,’ he said.

To encourage the investor, the minister also directed the Department of Development Control to demolish any structure that stands in the
way of the project to ensure timely completion.

He explained that some persons have encroached into part of the land allocated for the project, including a road corridor.

‘This is a road corridor, and we will not allow that. The Director of Development Control has been ordered to move in with his men to demolish whatever is an obstacle,’ he added.

He said that the Phase 1 of the project had been completed while the Phase 2 will be completed in January 2025, as promised by the investor.

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Wike said that the FCTA would work with the investor to put the first phase of the project to use.

This, according to him, would enable traders causing traffic congestion on the road to get space in the market to sell their goods.

‘We will do everything we can to support our traders; we will do everything possible to see that people move into this market as quickly as possible.’

On the affordability of the shops, Wike promised not to allow the investor to take advan
tage of the traders.

He added that the Chief Executive of the Abuja Investment Company would sit with the investor, to agree on how people would get allocations in the market.

Wike expressed confidence that the market would create job opportunities through various economic activities that would be taking place in the market.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Kugbo International Market would constitute 2880 lock up shops, 35 terrace duplex shops, 60 warehouses, cold room, restaurants, banks, car parks, fire station, and police station.

Other facilities will include petrol station, Church, Mosque, clinic, including tourists’ sites, children playground and a four-star hotel among other modern facilities.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), is to hold its inaugural International Lecture on Thursday, October 3, a statement signed by its Managing Director, Malam Ali M. Ali, said on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to the statement, former Military Head of State, retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, is to chair the event that would be held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

It said that Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, erstwhile President of ECOWAS Commission, would deliver the Lecture and speak on the topic: ‘Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges – Genesis, Impacts and Options’.

Chambas, a renowned diplomat versed in security and conflict resolution, is currently African Union Chief Mediator on Sudan.

It said that President Bola Tinubu, members of the Federal Executive Council, top echelon of Nigeria’s political establishment and top brass of the military would attend the event.

Also expected are members of the diplomatic corps, the academic community, media executives and captains
of industry.

It said that the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, would grace the occasion.

The statement said that the lecture was part of efforts to enliven public discourse on the debilitating challenges of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, militancy and violent ultranationalism, among others.

It said that the Lecture would address causal factors responsible for driving violence in the region.

‘The lecture shall also seek to unravel non-state actors at the heart of the violence.

‘It shall also look at the impact on Nigeria, and how the nation could cope with the danger.

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‘The lecture shall seek to look at what prognosis Nigeria could make going forward, and elicit responses to the posers.

‘It will also interrogate the root causes of the violence troubling the Sahel, examine its impact on Nigeria’s territorial integrity and x-ray options available to
policy strategists,’ the statesmen said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Heifer International, a development organisation, says it has empowered over 7,000 smallholder poultry farmers across Kaduna and Nasarawa states on innovative solutions that will address challenges in the poultry sector.

The organisation’s Country Director, Dr Lekan Tobe, said this on Monday, during the launch of the second edition of Poultry Supply Chain De-risking Programme (PoS-DerP) in Abuja.

The theme of the programme was ‘Navigating the Future: Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities in Nigeria’s Poultry Sector’.

‘Today, we bear witness to the tangible manifestation of this mission in the vibrant lives of over 7,000 smallholder poultry farmers across Kaduna and Nasarawa states through the PoS-DerP programme.

‘The programme has equipped these farmers with the essential tools, comprehensive training, and vital resources needed to establish sustainable and profitable businesses.

‘Also to catalyse a profound transformation in their livelihoods, and contribute significantly to the economic vita
lity of their local communities,’he said.

According to him, Nigeria risks losing about N250 billion from the poultry subsector if key challenges facing the sector are not immediately addressed.

‘It’s going to be multiples of billions of Naira, multiples of billion. And I am not talking about 10 billion or 20 billion.

‘I am talking around 250 billion Naira, which is why we have been advocating for urgent intervention for MSMEs and farmers in that subsector,’ he said.

Also, Hajiya Maimuna Mustapha-Yahuza, Assistant Director, policy and Coordination Department, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said that the ministry was partnering with Heifer Nigeria to address funding gaps.

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Mustapha-Yahuza said that they were also promoting climate resilience for poultry farmers as it is critical to Gross Domestic Product contributions.

Similarly, Opeoluwa Fayomi, Co-founder of Pullus Africa, said that the programme had given opportunity to small holder farm
ers to produce and access the free market with the right tools.

‘At the moment, we have about 8,500 farmers in Kaduna and Nasarawa, and we are on the verge of moving into Abuja to also work with the farmers that we have identified.

‘Our goal is to reach 20,000 farmers by June next year,’ he said.

Gbenga Ariyo, Technical Lead, Kore International, said that feed production, access to finance, access to veterinary services were some of the challenges affecting the poultry sector.

Ariyo, therefore, stressed the need for more commitment, innovative intervention and technology as critical to improving food productivity and market access for poultry farmers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that beneficiaries of the PoS-DerP, expressed appreciation to the organisation for its supports, which has improved access to markets, funds and economic activities in their localities.

Other highlights include a panel discussion on leveraging collaborative solution in poultry farming to build a food secure future.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Some development partners said on Wednesday that enhanced funding for social protection programmes is key to tackling multidimensional poverty in Nigeria.

The partners stated this in Abuja, at the close out of the Expanding Social Protection for Inclusive Development (ESPID) project.

The project was implemented between 2021 and Sept. 2024 by Save the Children International (SCI) and Action Against Hunger (ACF) with funding from the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

It was implemented in Kaduna, Jigawa, Zamfara, Kano states and at the federal level.

The development partners particularly said improved domestic revenue mobilisation and comprehensive tax reforms were needed to sustain the gains of social protection programmes.

They also said that improved funding and timely release of allocated funds, along with a Social Protection Trust Fund, would provide a sustainable financing mechanism for social protection interventions.

Mr Duncan Harvey, Country Director, SCI – Nigeria, describe
d Social Protection as an effective means for addressing multidimensional poverty.

Harvey said that the initiative had proven to be successful in not only pulling people out of poverty but also in protecting them from falling deeper into poverty.

He added that governments across the world were using different forms of social safety nets like targeted cash transfers to support the extremely poor and vulnerable households to live a dignified and healthy life.

He also said that social insurance programmes like pensions and health insurance were equally effective in alleviating poverty.

‘Yet, in many places, the fundamental building blocks of the social protection system are missing – with no laws, policies, or funding in place.

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‘Even where systems are in place, they often do not work, or reach the wrong people, while children are often the last consideration,’ he said.

Similarly, Mr Thierno Diallo, Country Director, Action Against Hunger, who equal
ly identified improved funding as key to impactful social protection interventions, described the ESPID project as a huge success.

Diallo, who was represented by ACF Head of Grants and Compliance, Meklit Misganaw, said that the project was founded on the belief that every individual deserved resources and support necessary for a life of dignity.

He said: ‘Over the years, we have made significant strides in system strengthening, capacity building, and advocacy for the institutionalisation of social protection.

‘Through targeted interventions, we have worked diligently to enhance the capacity of local institutions and empowered them to better serve their communities.

‘We have engaged with government stakeholders to advocate for policies that prioritise the most vulnerable, ensuring that social protection is not merely an afterthought, but a fundamental component of development strategies.’

On her part, FCDO – Nigeria Development Director, Cynthia Rowe, said that the UK government invested in social protect
ion for its effectiveness in addressing economic problems particularly poverty.

Rowe described social protection as a one-stop shop in addressing multidimensional poverty.

She urged governments at all levels to invest more in social protection, adding that the FCDO remained committed to supporting the government to strengthen the delivery of its programmes.

She also urged relevant stakeholders to take the learning from the ESPID project to other states.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Some development partners, Save the Children International (SCI) and Action Against Hunger (ACF) have called on the federal and state governments to deepen social protection interventions for inclusive and sustainable development.

The partners made the call in Abuja on Wednesday, at the close out of the Expanding Social Protection for Inclusive Development (ESPID) project.

The project was implemented between 2021 and Sept. 2024 by SCI and ACF, with funding from the United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Mr Victor Ogharanduku, Senior Social Protection Advisor, SCI, who spoke on behalf of the development partners, described social protection as an intervention that bridged the gap between the rich and the poor.

Speaking on the key achievements of ESPID, Ogharanduku explained that the project was designed to contribute to the reduction of multidimensional poverty in Nigeria, stressing the need for sustainability.

He said that the 4.7 million pounds (about N10.4 billion) projec
t, focused on supporting increased government delivery of effective social protection programmes.

He added that the project was equally designed to support citizens’ participation in the design and implementation of social protection programmes.

He said that the project implemented in Kaduna, Jigawa, Zamfara, Kano states and at the federal level, was built on the successes for the FCDO-funded Child Grant Development Programme.

He added that the project had provided technical assistance, capacity building, policy advocacy, and evidence generation to support the development and implementation of social protection policies, laws, programmes and systems.

Ogharanduku identified some of the key achievements of the ESPID project at the federal level as the revision of the National Social Protection Policy and guidelines for the institutionalisation of State Operation and Coordination Unit.

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Others he said were update of the social protection regis
ter to address disability concerns, development of gender-based violence referral directory and improved data management, monitoring and evaluation systems for social protection.

At the state level, the senior social protection advisor said that the ESPID project supported the development of key policy and legal framework in Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano and Zamfara states.

He identified some of the policies and legal framework as the social protection policy, social security laws and bills, fiscal space analysis, youths’ graduation programme, financing strategy and Managing Information system for social protection.

Also established, according to him, are social protection agencies, while a health insurance strategic plan and old age pension scheme among others were developed.

He equally said that the project also worked with civil society organisations, media and community members to enhance awareness and improve transparency and accountability of social protection interventions.

‘At the national level, these ef
forts culminated in the registration of the Network for Social Protection Advocacy in Nigeria (NSPAN), including the development of a five-year strategic plan, 2025 to 2030,’ he added.

Ogharanduku, however, said that in spite of the successes, the project was challenged by inadequate funding, weak systems, short life span of the project as well as poor coordination and no institutionalisation of social protection programmes.

He said that to achieve more results, there was the need to build adaptability into longer-term programmes, put legal and administrative framework in place, and improve public financing among others.

Acknowledging the project support, NSPAN National Coordinator, Dr Taiwo Benson, said that the network was established with support from the ESPID project.

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‘The project improved our capacity in advocacy, budget tracking, resource mobilisation, including the development of a strategic plan.

‘We will collaborate wit
h our state chapters to sustain the expansion of social protection services that provide a life of dignity for residents of the country,’ he said.

Similarly, Mr Abdullahi Usman, National President, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, stressed the need for a more inclusive approach to social protection.

Usman emphasised that the rights and needs of persons with disabilities must be fully integrated into all aspects of social protection programmes.

‘This will ensure that no one is left behind,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The reported killing of terrorist kingpin, Halilu Sububu, known in the crime world as Kachalla, and the claims of invincibility surrounding Bello Turji has dominated the security discourse in different platforms.

It was reported that Kachalla was the boss of Bello Turji, known for mass kidnapping, imposition of illegal levies on communities, among other crimes in Zamfara, Katsina and Niger.

Kachala was allegedly famous for cattle rustling and illegal gold mining among other heinous crime across the North West until he met his waterloo on Sept. 13.

According to military sources, he died in an encounter with the Nigerian troops at Mayanchi village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara.

He was said to be a Nigerien who had been declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters on many occasions.

Implications of Kachalla’s killing

Some security stakeholders say Kachalla’s death could potentially send fears through Turji’s spine for several reasons.

One of such is that his demise demonstrates the capability a
nd determination of the military and other security forces to target and neutralise high-profile terrorist leaders.

They also believed that Turji and Kachalla might have had connections or collaborated in the past, making Turji wonder if he’s next on the list.

Security experts say the killing of Kachalla could disrupt Turji’s network and operations, potentially weakening his position.

Also, Turji might fear that the security forces are closing in on him, and his time is running out while the psychological impact of seeing a fellow terrorist leader being killed could affect his confidence and morale.

It is essential to note that Turji’s reaction would depend on his personality, paranoia, and perceived security measures like going into hiding or change his tactics; increase his security measures or move to a safer location.

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He may also attempt to retaliate or launch attacks to divert attention; try to reassure his followers and maintain morale and
consider surrendering or negotiating, depending on his circumstances.

This reasoning is however, speculative, and Turji’s actual reaction would depend on various factors, including his character and situation.

Tracking a terrorist by security forces

People have often the difficulty by security agencies to track Turji in spite of the fact that he uses mobile phone or other electronic devices to post messages on social media or even make call.

These devise leave the finger prints of their users for a long time.

Tracking individuals like Turji, who allegedly use mobile phones and social media platforms, can be challenging due to various reasons, experts say.

There is the issue of encryption as many messaging apps and social media platforms use end-to-end encryption, making it difficult for law enforcement to intercept and monitor communications.

Also, social media platforms can provide anonymity, allowing users to hide their identities and locations.

There is also the issue mobile number portability whic
h allows individuals like Turji to frequently change phone number or use multiple numbers, making it hard to track his activities.

He may also use disposable phones or SIM cards, which can be easily replaced.

He may utilise secure communication channels, such as VPNs or encrypted messaging apps or could create fake online profiles, making it difficult to identify his real identity.

Other factors could be network coverage that might be limited in rural areas, making tracking more challenging.

Turji may have basic technical knowledge to evade tracking; have informants or sympathizers within local communities; law enforcement agencies may lack necessary resources, training, or expertise.

To track individuals like Turji, law enforcement agencies must employ sophisticated techniques, such as signal intelligence, digital forensics, cyber surveillance, human intelligence gathering, collaboration with telecom providers and geospatial analysis.

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Is Turji
hiding in plain sight?

Based on the available information, it is difficult to describe Turji as invincible.

While he may have evaded capture and appears to be elusive, invincibility implies a level of unstoppable power or complete immunity from capture or defeat.

Turji’s ability to evade capture and continue operating may be attributed to various factors, such as familiarity with the terrain; local support or sympathisers; basic technological savvy and adaptability and cunning

However, it is essential to note that law enforcement agencies and security forces are continually working to improve their strategies and tactics to counter individuals like Turji.

Describing Turji as invincible might be an exaggeration because, it is unlikely that he is completely immune to capture or defeat.

A more accurate description might be that he is ‘elusive’ or ‘evading capture,’ acknowledging his ability to avoid detection while also recognising the on-going efforts to apprehend him.

‘It is a matter of time, we’re goin
g to get him, and I can assure you that it will be within the shortest possible time”, said Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa of Tujgi at a recent interaction with newsmen.

Military’s strong message to Turji

Musa, recently said the capture of Turji was imminent sounds like a strong warning and a declaration of intent to capture the terrorist leader.

By stating that Turji’s days are numbered, the defence chief has sent a clear message that the military is closing in on him and it’s only a matter of time before he’s caught.

This statement could be seen as a way to psyche out Turji and his followers, making them feel like their time is running out. It also serves as a reassurance to the public that the military is actively working to bring Turji to justice.

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Kachalla’s last message

Reports have it that the terrorism kingpin recently killed by Nigerian soldiers in an ambush, indicates he had a premonition of his o
wn death.

Kachalla released a video few days before his death urging the leading terrorists operating in the North West and Niger State to embrace peace and restraint.

In a six-minute video recorded in Hausa, he urged his fellow kingpins in the areas – Gide and Turji, among others – to stop attacking the Fulanis and communities that did not threaten their criminal enterprises.

He encouraged the terrorists to engage the government in a peace dialogue, warning them about the uncertainty of their living, that tomorrow they may be killed while the future of the younger generation remains at risk.

‘I am calling on you to fight for the rights of our people for the sake of brotherhood; let us stop killing and stealing from our people.

‘Stop killing and stealing from the Fulanis in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Niger, Kaduna and Kebbi states.

‘I am Kachallah Halilu Sububu, the godfather of Bello Turji.

‘In this video I release on Tuesday, I plead with you to please stop stealing from the Fulanis and any town that
is not fighting us and be obedient to God. Let us re-strategise.

‘This is my position; I am waiting for the response of Alhaji Ado (Aleiro), Alhaji Nashama, Alhaji Shingi, Dogo Gide, Gwaska, and Black’, he said in the video.

The military has been hailed for the recent success and urged to sustain the tempo by going after Turji as promised by the defence chief.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria