THE PROFESSIONALISM OF SHADOWS: ISWAP, BOKO HARAM (AGREAT DIFFERENCE):

The air in the North East has a way of carrying different types of thunder. For a long time, we only knew the Boko Haram boys. Their modus operandi was predictable, almost amateur, a frantic hit and run style that crumbled the moment they faced sustained, aggressive resistance. We had demystified them. They couldn't hold a focused firefight for thirty minutes before their bravado broke, sending them scurrying back to the scrubland, shouting Wayo Allah! as our rounds found their mark. They were clowns in mismatched fatigues, parading a faith they didn't understand.

But ISWAP Wilāyat Garb Ifrīqīyā is a different breed of animal. Some people try to tell you they are the same group with a different name. I don't need a textbook to tell them they’re wrong, I have the scars of experience to prove it. It was a clear afternoon, the kind where the heat mirage dances on the horizon, when we sighted them while on reconnaissance. My team doesn't know how to ignore a threat. We are troublemakers by trade, if an adversary doesn't want to fight, we initiate the engagement and beat them at their own game.

DSS DARING ARREST: CAPTURING ON OF THE WORLD MOST WANTED TERRORISTS IN NIGERIA

In 1993, the Department of State Service (DSS) of Nigeria made headlines with a daring arrest that would go down in history as a significant milestone in the global fight against terrorism. Omar Mohammed Ali Rezaq, a notorious Palestinian militant and one of the world's most wanted terrorists, was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria. This operation marked a major victory for international cooperation and showcased the DSS's capabilities in counter-terrorism.
Omar Mohammed Ali Rezaq's name was synonymous with terror. In 1985, he was
part of the Abu Nidal Organization's hijacking and bombing of EgyptAir Flight 648, which resulted in the loss of dozens of lives. Rezaq's alleged involvement in this heinous act earned him a spot on the list of most wanted terrorists globally. For years, he evaded capture, but international law enforcement agencies remained determined to bring him to justice.

DSS: THE WATCHDOGS OF NIGERIA'S NATIONAL SECURITY:

A THREAD:
The DSS has its roots in the pre Colonial era but formally came into existence in 1948 as the "E" department (special branch) within the Nigeria police force. Over time it evolved and in 1986, under the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, the national security organisation (NSO) was restructured giving birth to three distinct entities:
1. The state security service now know as the DSS
2. The defence Intelligence agency (DIA)
3. The national intelligence agency (NIA)
The primary roles of the DSS includes, but are not limited to:
1. Prevention and detection if crime against internal security e (E.G terrorism, espionage, sabotage)
2. Protection of classified information and non military classified matters concerning Nigeria's internal security.
3. Counter threat activities: this involves preventing, detecting and investigating threats such as espionage, subversion, sabotage, terrorism, separatist agitations, inter group conflicts, and economic Crimes with national security implications.
4. VIP and sensitive infrastructure protection: providing security for designated principal government officials, sensitive installations and visiting dignitaries are one of the responsibilities of the DSS

SEPARATING FACTS FROM FICTION:
WESTERN INVOLVEMENT IN TERRORISM IN NIGERIA AND AFRICA.

A THREAD:

Terrorism in Nigeria and Africa has been a complex and devastating issue, with groups like Boko haram, ISWAP, AL Qaeda and others wrecking havoc on communities. there have been numerous claims circulating online about Western involvement in terrorism in Nigeria and Africa. uncovering the truth behind these claims.
Recently, an investigation allegedly revealed that USAID has been funding terrorism and terrorists with millions of dollars. US Congressman Scott Perry claimed that over $697 million was allocated by USAID to fund terrorist groups like Boko Haram, Al Qaeda, and others. These allegations sparked widespread reaction and raised questions about the validity of the claims.


However, before these allegations surfaced, numerous soldiers and troops on the front lines reported encountering foreign equipment and supplies allegedly used by terrorist groups, sparking suspicions of external funding and support. Last year, a Starlink device was discovered in a terrorist enclave mere months after its launch in Nigeria. This revelation sparked widespread reaction among Nigerians, who questioned how terrorists could obtain such sophisticated technology. Although there is no conclusive evidence to prove that the device was acquired through foreign means or with Western support, the allegations persist.

HONOUR, COURAGE AND SACRIFICE.

THE HEROIC STORY OF WNG CMMDR CHIMDA HEDIMA

Wing Commander Chimda Hedima was a fine and seasoned combat pilot with a wealth of experience. He was at the forefront of the Nigerian Air Force's early air campaigns against Boko Haram during the early years of the war against terror. Until his capture and eventual demise, he flew his jet with valor, even when it was downed over enemy lines.
In the heat of battle, Hedima's aircraft suffered significant damage from enemy anti-aircraft guns. He had three options: fly the badly damaged aircraft back to base, bail out, or fly into enemy territory. While the first two options would increase his chances of survival, the last had steep consequences. Nevertheless, he chose to fly into enemy territory and deploy his chute at the last minute in the enemy territory.

HONOUR, COURAGE AND SACRIFICE:

THE STORY OF LATE LT COL M ABU ALI. 1

I received a message today that brought back memories of my conversation with Late Col Abu-Ali. We were preparing to recapture Malam-Fatori after successfully retaking Kangarwa. During lunch, I would often set aside food and water for the birds and lizards, as the harsh weather made it difficult for them to survive. Reason why from kangarwa to hell fire is just 20 naira. We sat down discussing with him when he shared a profound message with us,
'Look at the country and consider the numbers. If any of us were to die, the national flag wouldn't be lowered, and our colleagues wouldn't stop fighting. We must understand the risks of our job and not seek fame, for our reward lies in heaven, not on earth.' Then he asked me do i think he's not scared? I replied NO! given his bravery in leading from the front. However, he shared a personal experience from the Kuros attack, where he had fainted and was overwhelmed by fear.

Nigeria's equivalent of the CIA is National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) is a secret service organization, and as such, the identities of its personnel are not publicly disclosed for security reasons.
They are tasked with overseeing foreign intelligence and counter intelligence operations. Established in 1986, the NIA replaced the National Security Organization (NSO), which was disbanded due to allegations of human rights abuses. The NIA's creation aimed to provide a more focused and accountable intelligence agency.

WHY I RESPECT THE NIGERIAN NAVY SBS

In 2021, a team of five Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (SBS) operatives embarked on a perilous reconnaissance mission in Zamfara, along the notorious Zamfara-Kastina road. This treacherous route, dubbed the "devil's road," was infamous for banditry, kidnapping, and murder. The SBS team's objective was to gather critical intelligence and plan a strategic ambush for the bandits. They were instructed to avoid engagement unless absolutely necessary, as their primary goal was to gather information. However,
their mission took an unexpected and deadly turn when they were ambushed by over 80 heavily armed bandits, who emerged from the eastern flank on motorcycles. The SBS team found themselves vastly outnumbered, with limited options for escape or reinforcement. Despite the overwhelming odds, the SBS team chose to engage the enemy, utilizing their advanced training, tactical expertise,and Tavor rifles. The team rapidly assumed defensive positions, laying down suppressive fire to repel the advancing bandits. The battle was intense and chaotic,

10 MOST EVIL LEADERS IN HISTORY

A Thread:
The 10 most evil leaders in history have left an indelible mark on humanity, perpetuating unimaginable suffering and destruction. These individuals driven by power, ideology, and a disregard got human life and have been responsible for some of the darkest moments in history.

10. Pol Pot: Leader of the Cambodian revolutionary group Khmer Rogue, Pol Pot was a communist totalitarian dictator who ordered mass genocide on his own people. His regime imprisoned, tortured and destroyed those who opposed it.
Prisoners were subjected to horrific medical experiments, which often resulted in agonizingly drawn out deaths. Many prisoners, including babies and small children, were executed in the infamous Killing Fields and buried in mass graves. To save bullets, they were killed with pickaxes or smashed against trees.

During his reign as Prime Minister from 1976-1979, his policies led to the deaths of around 2 million people, about 25% of the entire population, from execution, starvation, and forced labor. 9. Leopold II: King of Belgium from 1865-1909, Leopold was a colonizer to his core. He claimed ownership of an area he called the Congo Free State, but its citizens were anything but free. Leopold exploited both the Congolese people and natural resources. The tyrant exported ivory to build his own personal wealth, but it was the labor-intensive collection and exportation of rubber tree sap that led to the majority of his atrocities.

Leopold forced the native population to harvest the rubber. When his insanely high quotas were not met, the people and their families were beaten, mutilated and killed. Leopold was responsible for the death of more than 10 million Congolese people, half of the population.

Most people still find it shocking that the Nigerian military has a sniper unit, which isn't surprising or shocking since our military has always been looked down upon. Most people really take the Nigerian military as a joke because most of the times our media houses and bloggers always give negative reports about our military. Now lets talk about the Nigerian military sniper and the Nigerian army sniper corp.

the Nigerian military sniper unit has been in existence for a long time. In the 1970s, the Nigerian Army employed snipers in various units, including the 1st infantry division and the 3rd infantry Division. These early snipers were trained by British and soviet military instructors.

The sniper unit isn't exclusive to the Nigerian army alone, while the Nigerian Army has a dedicated sniper corps, other branches also have their own sniper units which includes:

1. The Nigerian Navy SBS and Naval special operations force have a sniper element
2. The Nigerian Air force special operations command (AFSOC) and the Nigerian Air force Regiment also have a Sniper unit.

Lets talk about the Nigerian Army Sniper Corps:
The Nigerian Army sniper corps is a specialised branch within the Nigerian Army, trained to provide precision marksmanship and sniper capabilities in support of various military operations.
As said earlier the Nigerian Army sniper corps was established in the 1970s, with the initial training provided by British and Soviets instructors. It was employed in various units including the 1st infantry and the 3rd infantry division.