***HURIWA Calls for Emergency Rule in Borno
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised alarm over the recent killings of senior military officers in the North-East, accusing the Nigerian military of downplaying the scale of casualties in the ongoing counter-insurgency war.
The civil rights group said the loss of three commanding officers within one week during attacks by insurgents signals a troubling resurgence of terrorist activity in the region and reflects deeper challenges confronting Nigeria’s security operations.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group criticised the military hierarchy for what it described as attempts to “present a rosy picture” of the war against terrorists while credible reports indicate growing casualties among troops.
According to HURIWA, insurgents linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have intensified attacks on military formations across Borno State, leading to the deaths of several officers and soldiers in recent weeks.
The group cited media and eyewitness reports indicating that at least three commanding officers were killed in separate attacks within seven days. They include Major U.I. Mairiga, who commanded the Mayenti base in Bama Local Government Area; Lt.-Col. Umar Faruq, commander of the Kukawa base and the 101 Brigade; and Lt.-Col. S.I. Iliyasu, who served in Konduga.
HURIWA lamented that the remains of Brigadier General Uba, reportedly captured and executed by ISWAP earlier, have yet to be recovered.
“Any nation whose army is not only losing junior soldiers but also its top-ranking officers to terrorists must confront the truth about the state of its military operations,” the group said, warning that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign appears to be facing renewed setbacks.
The rights organisation also faulted remarks attributed to a spokesperson of the Defence Headquarters suggesting the possibility of rehabilitating terrorists, describing such comments as “indiscreet” and calling for administrative sanctions.
HURIWA insisted that individuals responsible for acts of terrorism and crimes against humanity should face strict justice rather than reintegration programmes.
Meanwhile, the military has defended its operations, stating that troops continue to repel coordinated assaults by insurgents. In a statement issued by the spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, the army said recent attacks were carried out by remnants of Boko Haram fighters who had earlier been dislodged from the Sambisa Forest.
According to the statement, the insurgents launched coordinated night attacks on communities and troop locations around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok and Jakana, but soldiers fought gallantly and neutralised several terrorists, although a commanding officer and some troops were killed.
Despite the military’s assurances, HURIWA said the scale of recent attacks shows that the insurgency remains a major threat.
The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a six-month state of emergency in Borno State, arguing that such a measure would allow security forces to intensify operations and restore stability in the region.
HURIWA also urged the federal government to adopt new strategies, including better equipping and motivating soldiers, to decisively degrade insurgent groups operating in the North-East.
