***Says its Clear Evidence of Nigeria’s Collapsing Security Architecture

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the “shocking silence and lethargy” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration following confirmation that ISWAP terrorists captured and executed Brigadier General M. Uba after ambushing a military convoy and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operatives in Borno State.

In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, National Coordinator of the group Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko said the incident exposes the dangerous level of infiltration, operational breakdown, and intelligence compromise within Nigeria’s defence system.
HURIWA noted that any serious government would have responded with an immediate, full-scale counterterrorism offensive aimed at eliminating the perpetrators.

“The Nigerian State is normalising the abnormal,” HURIWA said.
“How are terrorists killing citizens and military generals with ease while the government responds with indifference? Where is the leadership? Where is the national outrage?”

HURIWA said emerging accounts—including voice recordings of the General’s last moments—suggest that ISWAP fighters traced his location after intercepting military communications, raising two unsettling possibilities:
Terrorist collaborators inside the military hierarchy, as repeatedly warned by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, or Severe compromise of Nigeria’s security communication infrastructure.

The group criticised the Army for failing to immediately launch a transparent investigation into how a serving General could be tracked, captured, and executed in such a sophisticated manner.
HURIWA also faulted the Defence Headquarters for initially misleading Nigerians with claims that the ambushed troops “repelled the attackers with superior firepower” and returned safely—a narrative contradicted by emerging evidence.

According to a Reuters report citing ISWAP’s Amaq propaganda channel, the terrorists executed Brigadier General Uba after capturing him—directly contradicting the Nigerian Army’s earlier claims of his survival.
“A foreign news agency had to tell Nigerians the truth about their own General,” HURIWA said.
“This is a shameful failure of integrity and accountability.”

HURIWA expressed deep concern that President Tinubu has not addressed the country despite the killing of a senior military officer—an event the group described as a national security emergency.

HURIWA said this failure of leadership reinforces a perception that the government is overwhelmed, indifferent, or unwilling to confront the deepening insurgency head-on.

The organisation also condemned the continued reintegration of “repentant terrorists,” warning that many return to unleash more violence on communities.
HURIWA questioned why the Federal Government repeatedly resists counterterrorism support from the United States, including earlier offers under President Donald Trump to help obliterate terrorist enclaves.

“Why does the Nigerian State appear uncomfortable with decisive actions that could wipe out these extremist groups?” the group asked.
“What exactly is the government protecting?”

HURIWA said the execution of Brigadier General Uba is not just a tragic loss but a damning indicator that Nigeria’s security system is crumbling under the weight of corruption, infiltration, and poor political leadership.

The group demanded a full, open, and independent investigation into the circumstances of the General’s capture and death, an operational overhaul of military communication systems, immediate offensive operations against ISWAP, and a national address by President Tinubu outlining concrete steps to prevent further collapses.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians against giving out their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to unauthorized individuals, groups, or platforms, especially in exchange for money.

This caution comes in the wake of arrests made by security operatives in multiple states, including Anambra, over illegal activities involving the solicitation of NINs for fraudulent purposes.

In a statement released by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, the Commission expressed deep concern over reports that some individuals in Anambra State were collecting NINs from unsuspecting residents for monetary compensation—an act NIMC described as not only illegal but also a breach of national laws.

“This illegal activity violates the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, the Data Protection Act 2023, and the Cybercrime Act 2023,” Dr. Adegoke stated. He confirmed that in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), those responsible for the criminal scheme have been apprehended and are currently undergoing interrogation. They will be prosecuted accordingly.

Dr. Adegoke emphasized that the Federal Government has not authorized any group or individual to collect NINs from citizens in such a manner, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and to avoid disclosing their NINs to unauthorized persons.

“At no time should NIN holders give out their NINs for monetary compensation. This is against the laws of the Federation. Anyone caught will be dealt with appropriately,” he warned.

He further clarified that the NIN is strictly for accessing verified government and private sector services and should only be used through authorized and secure channels.

To report suspicious NIN collection activities, members of the public are advised to contact the Commission via email at nimccustomercare@nimc.gov.ng or call 0700-2255-646 / 019-23000010.

NIMC reassured Nigerians that necessary steps are being taken to curb such fraudulent practices and protect the integrity of the national identity system.