Renewed insurgents, bandits’ attacks signpost more tasks for security agencies in Nigeria

…Addressing root causes of violence will ensure sustainable peace, security – Ayebe

…Govt urged to adopt multi-pronged approach

…Tinubu calls on Nigerians to reciprocate sacrifices by supporting officers, veterans

Nigeria’s security landscape has taken a worrying turn in recent weeks, with renewed attacks by insurgents and bandits across the country.

When Nigerians were thinking that the security agencies were winning the war against insurgency, especially with the frequent bombardment of terrorist hideouts by the military, the last few weeks have proved otherwise.

The upsurge in violence has resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of communities, especially in the Northwest, and Benue State.

In what seems like a return of terrorism to Borno State, at least, six soldiers were killed while school and military vehicles were set ablaze when a suspected Boko Haram terrorist group attacked the Nigerian military in Damboa Local Government Area of northeastern Borno State.

The attack, which was said to be well-coordinated, has been described as a revenge mission by the terrorist group in an attempt to instill fear in the people and reclaim lost grounds in the Northeast.

“Initial report indicates about 40 farmers have been killed while the whereabouts of many who escaped the attack are being traced for reunion with their families,” Usman Tar, Borno State commissioner for information, after suspected fighters from the Boko Haram group and ISIL (ISIS) affiliate in West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked farmers in Dumba on the shores of Lake Chad.

According to Tar, the state government has ordered soldiers battling rebel fighters in the region “to track and obliterate the insurgent elements” operating around Dumba and their enclaves in the wider Lake Chad area.

While the military has recorded some level of successes against the terrorists in recent years, the upsurge in violence and ambush on the Nigerian armed forces calls for urgent re-strategising and change of operation procedure by the military.

“As someone from one of the most affected states, I believe the government must adopt a multi-pronged approach to address insecurity,” Godwin Ayebe, convener, Consumer Assembly, told BusinessDay Sunday.

He said that there was a need for collaboration with international partners to enhance intelligence sharing. According to him, counter-terrorism training is also essential in the fight against insurgency.

“At the federal level, there is a need for increased funding and equipping of security agencies with modern technology, such as drones, surveillance systems, and advanced weaponry. At the state level, governors must take ownership of security by strengthening local vigilante groups, fostering community policing initiatives, and investing in socio-economic programs that address poverty and unemployment, which often fuel insecurity,” Ayebe said.

He disclosed further that the government should address the root causes of insecurity, such as ethnic tensions, land disputes, and resource allocation inequities, which he said will go a long way in ensuring sustainable peace and security.

“Furthermore, both levels of government should prioritise dialogue and mediation with local stakeholders, including traditional rulers and community leaders, to ensure that peace efforts are inclusive and contextually relevant,” Ayebe said.