Militants take control of woodlands, pastoral areas, claim ethnic groups.

The Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Nationalities Community Development Associations, CONAECDA, has sounded the alarm on the deteriorating security situation across Nigeria, claiming that terrorists and criminals are now operating from forests and grazing reserves in many parts of the country.

n

According to CONAECDA's Secretary-General, Suleman Sukukum, and President, Danladi Jeji, the recent surge in attacks and killings in several states indicates that insecurity is spreading rapidly to new areas, with Niger, Kwara, and Kogi states being the latest examples.

n

The organisation's leaders expressed concern over the influx of herders into remote areas of the Federal Capital Territory, warning that this poses a significant threat to the security of Abuja and surrounding communities, with nearly all forests and grazing reserves now hosting terrorist groups.

n

The group noted that the killing of a top ISWAP commander highlights Nigeria's growing importance in the global terrorist network, and warned against attempts to politicise or ethnicise insecurity, as terrorist groups exploit religious and ethnic differences to recruit members.

n

CONAECDA stressed that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of terrorist attacks, and that insecurity should not be reduced to narrow religious or political narratives, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to address the issue.

n

The organisation also weighed in on the indigene-settler debate, arguing that native rights and traditional identities are recognised within Nigeria's governance structure and should not be eroded, with local governments and traditional institutions empowered to issue indigene certificates.

n

On political participation, CONAECDA noted that the Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to contest elective offices, provided they have the support of the electorate, but accused some political actors of suppressing indigenous communities' aspirations.

n

The organisation called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure free, fair, and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, and urged affected groups to organise democratically to reclaim their rights.

n

Meanwhile, the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, has warned of possible terror attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, citing credible intelligence of planned attacks on civilian targets.

n

Spokesman for the operation, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, advised the public to conduct Eid prayers and festivities in familiar localities, avoiding large gatherings and exercising heightened vigilance in crowded public spaces such as markets and prayer grounds.

n

The theatre command urged residents to report suspicious persons or objects to the nearest military checkpoint or police station, and to cooperate with security personnel during patrols and screening operations, while avoiding unnecessary movement, particularly at night.

n

Operation HADIN KAI reassured residents of the North-East that troops are on standby and fully prepared to respond to any security threats, and called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to encourage the timely reporting of credible security information.