- Sinister armed groups in Nigeria surged from just three in May 2015 to 50 by July 2023
- Suspicious land acquisitions, allegedly linked to Miyatti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACABAN) and the Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM)
- Overhaul of the military, police, and DSS urgently needed
- Systematic and organized intra-faith attacks was a trend
- Strange “above the law license” for Fulani Jihadists
- Military installations on certain regions of the country was the norm
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has accused former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari of facilitating the creation of over 50 largely government-backed armed groups since his tenure started in 2015. This controversial move, according to Intersociety, has significantly escalated insecurity in Nigeria’s six main regions.
The group’s recent investigation, led by a team of criminologists, lawyers, and peace studies experts, found that the number of armed groups in Nigeria surged from just three in May 2015 to 50 by July 2023. The report highlights the unchecked growth of Fulani Herdsmen militias and other similar groups, alluding to the former President’s alleged complicity in their illicit activities.
Intersociety has called on Nigeria’s current government to take immediate action, including discontinuing the alleged “above the law license” on Fulani Jihadists, withdrawing the military from certain regions, and initiating Nnamdi Kanu’s release and trial discontinuation. The group also urged a total overhaul of the military, police, and DSS.
The investigation revealed a concerning trend of systematic and organized intra-faith attacks, particularly against indigenous Hausa Muslims and non-Fulani Muslims. It also pointed out the alarming lack of official records showing the number of arrested, investigated, and sentenced Jihadist Fulani Herdsmen since 2015.
The report further highlighted suspicious land acquisitions, allegedly linked to leaders of the Miyatti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACABAN) and the Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM). These controversial purchases have been shrouded in secrecy, with suspected involvement from the former Buhari Government and possibly even some local community leaders.
Intersociety’s Chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi stated, “Our detailed investigations and their findings seek to thoroughly unmask the breeders and triggers of insecurity in Nigeria and suggest solutions capable of engendering ‘negative peace’ or making the country relatively peaceful.”
SOURCE: The Sun
IMAGE: LNC.USA
