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Buhari was once chosen as Boko Haram negotiator – Jonathan

Published

8 months ago

October 3, 2025

Former President Muhammadu Buhari and Former President Goodluck Jonathan

Buhari was once chosen as Boko Haram negotiator – Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that the Boko Haram terrorists previously proposed former President Muhammadu Buhari to represent them in peace talks with the federal government.

Jonathan made the announcement on Friday at the Abuja public launch of Scars, a book written by former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd.).

The former president stated that his administration had formed multiple committees to explore engagement with the group, and that on one of these occasions, the terrorists nominated Buhari as their favorite negotiator.

He went on to say that based on that, he believed it would have been simple for Buhari to negotiate a surrender with the militants if he had been president, but the conflict continued.

Jonathan stated, “One of the committees we set up then, the Boko Haram, nominated Buhari to lead their team to negotiate with the government.

“So I was feeling that, oh, if they nominated Buhari to represent them and have a discussion with the government committee, then when Buhari took over, it could have been an easy way to negotiate with them, and they would have handed over their guns. But it was still there till today.”

Jonathan mentioned that the inability of Buhari to eradicate Boko Haram terrorists showed that the crisis was more complex than often portrayed.

He said, “If you conduct research and interview many people, you will only get part of the story, but never the full story of Boko Haram. I was there. Boko Haram started in 2009 when I was vice president. I took over in 2010 and spent five years battling the insurgency until I left office.

“I thought that after I left, within a reasonable time, General Buhari would wipe them out. But even today, Boko Haram is still there. The issue of Boko Haram is far more complex than it is often presented.

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“So, it’s a bit complex and not a matter of a single story. But I believe, as a nation, we have to look at the Boko Haram issue differently from the conventional approach. I believe one day we’ll overcome it. Once again, let me thank General Irabor for this, because I always appreciate people who document events clearly. That way, when we write our own accounts, we can borrow from such documentation.

“I also believe that all the military officers involved in the Boko Haram saga should provide information about what the group truly stood for.”

Jonathan also stated that the issue of Boko Haram was beyond hunger, adding that his administration employed so many strategies, but they did not work.

He said, “If it was only about hunger—because we tried different options—I don’t want to sound like I’m defending my government. That will be left for history when we document our books.

“But I believe we did our best: we set up different committees and tried various approaches during the five years I was in office. I believe the late Buhari, too, must have tried his best.

“I believe the government—luckily, with the Defence Minister here and the service chiefs represented—must adopt a slightly different approach. God willing, we will be able to resolve this crisis.”

Jonathan described the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 as a permanent stain on his government.

The former president also expressed hope that some rebel commanders might eventually memorialize their acts, as important actors in the Nigerian Civil War did, to shed light on the insurgency’s motivations.

He said, “It is a scar I will die with. But perhaps later, more details may become known, and that too has to do with Boko Haram.

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“What did they really want? Our chairman once raised the issue when he interviewed some of them, and they gave him certain perspectives. But I pray that one day, some of the Boko Haram leaders may be literate enough to document what they have done so that people will truly understand what they wanted. It is similar to the story of the Nigerian Civil War.”

Jonathan recommended the present administration pursue a carrot-and-stick strategy, emphasizing that the group’s advanced weapons indicated external assistance beyond just hunger or poverty.

He said, “The issue of carrots and the stick may be adopted, and yes, probably the needs are there, but if you look at the weapons they use, and you value the weapons, then you know that these are not hungry people.

“So, the soldiers that sometimes capture some of the weapons will see better, but the weapons they use, the ammunition they use—sometimes they even have more ammunition than our soldiers.

“Where are these guns and sophisticated weapons coming from? And you begin to see that the external hands are also involved, especially when I was president.”

Boko Haram first emerged in Borno State in the early 2000s, but it quickly became a serious security problem after its leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was slain in police custody in 2009.

The terrorist group intensified its violent assault against the Nigerian government, which included bombings, mass abductions, and attacks on military and civilian targets.

In 2012, at the height of Boko Haram’s atrocities, allegations appeared that the terrorist group had listed Buhari as one of the recognized northern elders they trusted to negotiate between themselves and the government.

However, Buhari openly rejected the offer at the time, accusing the Jonathan government of attempting to bring his name into the situation for political reasons.

Buhari was once chosen as Boko Haram negotiator – Jonathan

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Iru Ekun: I’ve submitted documents, awaiting FG’s approval — Igboho

Published

8 minutes ago

May 26, 2026

Trends Admin

Yoruba Nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho

Iru Ekun: I’ve submitted documents, awaiting FG’s approval — Igboho

Yoruba Nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, on Monday disclosed that he was still awaiting the Federal Government’s approval for the takeoff of his security outfit, Iru Ekun Security Network, as part of moves to dislodge criminal elements from South-West forests.

In a statement issued in Ibadan on Monday, May 25, 2026, Igboho revealed that all necessary documents and procedural requirements needed for the approval of Iru Ekun Security Network had been submitted to the Federal Government. He expressed optimism that the approval would be granted soon, allowing his outfit to commence operations aimed at tackling the growing insecurity plaguing the region. Igboho also expressed his readiness to comply with the executive order recently issued by the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, to regulate activities of private security firms in the state.

The PUNCH reports that Makinde, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, signed into law Executive Order 001 of 2026, regulating associations, groups, and organisations offering security and allied services in the state. Makinde said the move was necessary to ensure that all groups and associations involved in security-related activities, such as vigilante and other community-based security networks, operate within a clear legal and operational framework that supports peace, order and the rule of law in the state. The governor noted that the executive order became necessary in view of the growing security challenges confronting communities and the increasing number of groups engaging in security-related activities without proper coordination.

Igboho emphasized that his security network is fully prepared to work alongside existing security agencies to flush out criminal elements terrorizing rural communities across the South-West. “We are absolutely ready to collaborate with the police, Department of State Service (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other relevant stakeholders in the security sector to flush out terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, and other hoodlums who are threatening the peace and safety of our people, most especially in rural communities,” Igboho stated. He explained that the security initiative was designed to complement the efforts of existing security agencies in tackling kidnappings, banditry and other violent crimes affecting communities in the region, especially rural areas. The outfit’s proposed areas of operation include forests across Yorubaland, which have become hideouts for bandits and kidnappers.

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Igboho lauded President Bola Tinubu for his resolve and commitment to rejig security architecture in the South-West and Nigeria at large. “It is obvious that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is resolutely committed to tackle criminalities not only in the South-West but also in all other regions plagued by insecurity,” he said. This marks a notable shift from Igboho’s previous confrontations with the Federal Government, during which he was declared wanted by the Department of State Services (DSS) in 2021 over his agitation for Yoruba Nation and possession of prohibited firearms. His current approach appears to favor legal registration and collaboration with state authorities rather than unilateral action.

Igboho also expressed his readiness to comply with the Executive Order recently issued by Governor Seyi Makinde. “Besides, I want to state that we are also ready to comply with the new Executive Order issued by Governor Seyi Makinde to regulate the activities of private security concerns. We are ready to support and cooperate with measures aimed at strengthening the security and peace in Oyo and other states in Yorubaland,” Igboho affirmed. The executive order, signed last week, seeks to establish a legal and operational framework for groups involved in security-related activities amid growing insecurity and concerns over unregulated operations. Igboho said his organisation was willing to comply fully with the directive and support efforts aimed at strengthening security coordination in the state and across Yorubaland.

According to Igboho, rural communities remain the hub of agricultural production critical to the nation’s food security, making their protection a matter of national importance. “Without peace and security, healthy socioeconomic developments cannot thrive, most especially in the rural communities, which remain the hub of agricultural production critical to the nation’s food security and means of livelihood for farmers,” the statement concluded. This latest statement follows similar appeals Igboho made earlier in May 2026, where he urged the Federal Government and South-West governors to speed up approval for the operation of his security network. Reacting to the abduction of pupils and the killing of a teacher in Ahoro-Esinele community, Igboho had expressed frustration over the growing insecurity.

Igboho’s remarks come amid growing concerns over rising incidents of kidnappings, attacks on rural communities and increasing insecurity across parts of the South-West, particularly in forested areas linking Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and neighbouring states. The development also coincides with reports of an Emir escaping a bandits’ attack, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing the region.

As Igboho awaits the Federal Government’s approval, the security situation in the South-West remains tense. His stated readiness to collaborate with security agencies and comply with state regulations suggests a more institutional approach compared to his earlier confrontational stance. Igboho has maintained that he does not want to commence strategic operations without official approval from the Federal Government, South-West governors, and relevant security stakeholders. Whether the Federal Government will grant approval for Iru Ekun Security Network to commence operations remains to be seen. However, Igboho’s repeated appeals and the growing insecurity in the region may put pressure on authorities to act swiftly.

Iru Ekun: I’ve submitted documents, awaiting FG’s approval — Igboho

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Police Arrest Abuja Chef Over Alleged N150m Robbery, Recover Victim’s iPhone

Published

50 minutes ago

May 26, 2026

Trends Admin

Police Arrest Abuja Chef Over Alleged N150m Robbery, Recover Victim’s iPhone

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) have arrested an Abuja-based chef, John Cosmos Govi, over his alleged involvement in a high-profile N150 million robbery targeting a residence in the Federal Capital Territory.

The suspect was arrested following investigations into the alleged theft of luxury items, cash and valuables from the Abuja residence where he was employed as a chef.

In a statement issued by the Force spokesperson, DCP Anthony Placide, the police said the suspect is being investigated for alleged criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, administering harmful substances, malicious damage to property and theft.

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that Govi underwent professional training at a catering school in Cotonou, Benin Republic, before securing employment at the residence.

Investigators alleged that after gaining the trust of the household, the suspect allegedly monitored the movement patterns of residents, observed internal security arrangements and studied the operational routine of the residence before carrying out the operation.

Police said the suspect reportedly coordinated with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently at large.

The alleged robbery took place on April 23, 2026, after food prepared within the residence was reportedly laced with a suspected sedative substance intended to incapacitate the occupants and security personnel.

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According to investigators, once the occupants became incapacitated, the suspect allegedly facilitated the entry of his accomplices into the residence.

The police said the gang then vandalised the property’s CCTV surveillance system, thoroughly searched the apartment and made away with cash alongside 20 luxury wristwatches valued at about ₦150 million.

Authorities said the stolen items included several high-value luxury timepieces, making the incident one of the most significant insider-linked theft cases recorded in Abuja in recent months.

Following intelligence-led tracking, police operatives intercepted the suspects while they were allegedly attempting to flee through the Gwagwalada axis on their way to Lagos.

During the operation, investigators recovered an iPhone 17 Pro Max belonging to the victim and a suspected chemical substance believed to have been used in carrying out the crime.

The recovered substance has reportedly been sent for forensic examination to determine its composition and confirm whether it was used to sedate the victims.

Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing accomplices and recover the remaining stolen valuables.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to combating organised crime and urged Nigerians to conduct thorough background checks before employing domestic workers or private service personnel.

Security experts say the incident highlights growing concerns over insider-assisted robbery cases and the increasing sophistication of criminal tactics involving trusted domestic staff.

The case has also renewed calls for improved residential security systems and stronger vetting procedures for household employees across the country.

Police Arrest Abuja Chef Over Alleged N150m Robbery, Recover Victim’s iPhone

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Gov Yusuf Approves N20,000 Eid-ul-Adha Goodwill Package for Civil Servants

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1 hour ago

May 26, 2026

Trends Admin

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf

Gov Yusuf Approves N20,000 Eid-el-Kabir Goodwill Package for Civil Servants

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a special Eid-ul-Adha goodwill package of Twenty Thousand Naira (N20,000) for civil servants across the state and all 44 local government areas as part of efforts to support workers ahead of the forthcoming Sallah celebration. The approval was contained in a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Tanko Muhammad, on Monday, May 25, 2026. The gesture comes shortly after the successful payment of May 2026 salaries to both state and local government workers, ensuring that civil servants receive their regular monthly compensation alongside the festive bonus.

According to the official statement, the intervention is targeted at civil servants on Grade Levels 01 to 14 serving in state ministries, departments, agencies, and local government councils across the 44 local government areas of Kano State. The package is designed to provide additional financial relief to workers who fall within these grade levels, which constitute a significant portion of the state’s public service workforce and are often the most vulnerable to economic pressures.

Governor Yusuf said the initiative was part of his administration’s commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of workers, whom he described as the backbone of the public service in Kano State. The Governor noted that the decision was informed by the current economic realities and the financial demands associated with festive periods, stressing that the support would help workers celebrate the Eid festivities with comfort and renewed hope alongside their families. “In recognition of the prevailing economic realities and the financial demands often associated with festive periods, the Governor considered it necessary to provide additional relief to enable workers celebrate Eid with joy, comfort, and renewed hope alongside their families and loved ones,” the statement read. The gesture further underscores the administration’s inclusive governance philosophy and its determination to ensure that no segment of the workforce is left behind in the government’s people-oriented policies and programmes. Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue implementing people-oriented policies aimed at improving workers’ welfare, boosting productivity, and sustaining an efficient public service.

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The Eid bonus is the latest in a series of worker-friendly initiatives introduced by the Yusuf administration. During the May Day celebration in Kano in April 2026, the governor pledged renewed commitment to workers’ welfare, pension settlement, and civil service reforms. Speaking at the event, he noted that Kano State became one of the first states in Nigeria to implement a new minimum wage of N71,000, a move that reflected the administration’s response to prevailing economic pressures on workers and set a benchmark for other states to follow. The Governor has also implemented significant pension reforms that have brought relief to thousands of retired civil servants. These reforms include the clearance of outstanding pension obligations inherited from the previous administration and an increase in the minimum monthly pension from N5,000 to N20,000. He disclosed that the state has maintained consistent salary payments and described the pension increase as a significant intervention to improve the welfare of senior citizens who served the state diligently. “We have maintained prompt and full payment of salaries and taken bold steps to improve workers’ welfare,” the governor said during the May Day celebration. “We have demonstrated our commitment not only in words but through concrete action.” These statements have been backed by consistent performance, with labour unions in the state acknowledging the administration’s efforts.

Beyond financial interventions, Governor Yusuf has implemented institutional reforms within the civil service that are reshaping the public service landscape in Kano State. These reforms include the establishment of the Local Government Service Commission, which has strengthened career progression, standardized recruitment processes, and harmonised working conditions across the public sector at the local government level. The administration has also rolled out capacity-building programmes for civil servants, including training in information technology, artificial intelligence, financial management, anti-corruption practices, and leadership development. The governor noted that initiatives such as pre-retirement training and professional development workshops are designed to prepare workers for life after service while strengthening efficiency in governance. “Our goal is to build a competent, modern, and forward-looking civil service that meets the demands of today’s governance,” he said. This vision has seen the creation of new ministries, including those for Housing Development, Internal Security, Solid Minerals, and Power & Renewable Energy, as part of broader governance restructuring efforts aimed at making the state machinery more responsive to contemporary challenges.

Governor Yusuf also extended Eid-ul-Adha greetings to civil servants and residents of Kano State, praying for peace, unity, and prosperity in the state and the country at large. The Governor urged workers to continue to discharge their duties with dedication and commitment, assuring them that his administration would continue to prioritize their welfare and wellbeing. The gesture, according to the statement, reflects the administration’s inclusive governance philosophy and its determination to ensure that no segment of the workforce is left behind in the government’s programmes. As Kano State joins the rest of the Muslim world to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, the governor’s approval of the N20,000 goodwill package has been widely praised by civil servant associations and labour unions as a timely intervention that will ease the financial burden of the festive season.