Centre for Justice on Religious and Ethnicity in Nigeria (CJREN), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the leader of IPOB Nnamdi Kanu, alleging that members of terrorists group and their sponsors are operating freely in Nigeria,
The Director General of the Centre Rev. Dikwa made assertion in an open letter he addressed to President Bola Tinubu tagged: “Release Nnamdi Kanu”.
The Kanuri Borno born Rights Activist lamented that despite killing thousands of innocent Nigerians across states, the governments have not taken any decisive action against the terror group.
In contrast, he said the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu advocated
the rights of the Igbo people, seeking justice, equity, and fairness, asserting that some Northern Muslim leaders seem to be using terrorism to achieve their goals.
In the statement made available to newsmen Wednesday, Rev Dikwa stated that “Members and leaders of Fulani herdsmen, kidnappers, bandits, Boko Haram, and ISWAP terrorist groups, along with their sponsors, appear to be operating freely in Nigeria.
“Despite killing thousands of innocent Nigerians, allegedly in the name of Islamization, the government has not taken decisive action against them.
“Nnamdi Kanu advocates for the rights of the Igbo people, seeking justice, equity, and fairness. In contrast, some Northern Muslim leaders seem to use terrorism to achieve their goals”, he stated
According to him, “During former President Goodluck Jonathan’s regime, senior Boko Haram leader Kabiru Sokoto was arrested in Abuja. However, the Borno State government allegedly hid him.
“Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume was also arrested by the Department of State Security (DSS) for alleged sponsorship of Boko Haram and spent 21 days in custody. The case is reportedly still ongoing at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
“When President Muhammadu Buhari took over from President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, he exonerated Senator Ali Ndume from prosecution, effectively ending the case. During his regime, publications revealed sponsors of terrorist groups, but none were prosecuted despite government promises”, he revealed.
He also stated that “Terrorist groups seem to be more recognized and protected than law-abiding citizens. Fulani herdsmen and other terrorist groups continue to kill innocent Nigerians and go free, while citizens who defend themselves may face arrest and prosecution”.
“The case of Mr. Sunday in Adamawa State illustrates this bias. After being attacked by a Fulani herdsman, Mr. Sunday defended himself and killed the attacker, but was sentenced to death by hanging.
“The Federal Government should stop supporting terrorist groups seeking to take over people’s land and religion. About 98 communities in Plateau State have been taken over by these groups. We urge the government to recover these communities.
“The situation in Gwoza, Borno State, is similar, where the Boko Haram terrorist group has taken over the Christian community for over ten years, displacing thousands of Christians”, he noted.
The centre therefore called on the international community to intervene in Nnamdi Kanu’s matter and urge all Igbo people to unite in seeking justice and fairness for their son.
He recalled that “retired General TY Danjuma’s advice on self-defense is commendable. Citizens should not fold their arms and allow terrorist groups to attack them. It’s notable that those responsible for killing thousands of innocent Nigerian citizens have been granted amnesty.
“They’re referred to as Repentant Boko Haram and ISWAP, with their past actions seemingly forgiven.
“The Borno State Government is reportedly taking care of them. Meanwhile, Nnamdi Kanu is advocating for the rights and freedom of his people while being detained. This situation appears to be an attempt to intimidate, harass, and frustrate him and the entire region.
“One of the problems Nigeria faces is that some northern Muslim politicians, traditional rulers, and Islamic scholars seem to have an agenda for the Islamization of Nigeria. In contrast, Christian politicians, traditional rulers, and church leaders appear to be less proactive in defending their people’s rights and interests”, he added.
He stated that “On April 30, 2025, around 12:00 am, a military armory at Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, caught fire, destroying arms and ammunition intended to fight Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorist groups in the north-East.
“The insurgency persists, likely due to the Nigerian government’s lack of resolve to bring it to an end. Some speculate that sponsors of the Islamic agenda behind Boko Haram and ISWAP hold influential positions in government.
Rev Dikwa also recalled that during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime, some Boko Haram and ISWAP members were recruited into the Nigerian military under the guise of “repentance” programs.
He said to effectively combat Boko Haram and ISWAP, the government would need to take decisive action, including disengaging and dismissing any recruited members from the military and holding them accountable for their actions.
To him, the government’s inaction will likely continue to result in the loss of innocent lives, including those of military officers. To end the insurgency, a clear and resolute approach is necessary.
Recalled that terrorists leaders have outrightly named a serving Minister been their sponsor and financial without any action taken against the alleged culprits as it was politicized.