RESURGENCE IN THE WAVE OF TERROR ATTACKS IN NIGERIA: CLEEN FOUNDATION CALLS ON SECURITY DECISION MAKERS TO RE-EVALUATE MILITARY STRATEGY

CLEEN Foundation is concerned with the resurgence of terror attacks across fragile states in Nigeria, especially in the Northeast and Northwest. After a relative lull in terror attacks in the recent past, there has been a resurgence since December amid fears of the killing of forty (40) farmers by the Boko Haram sect and six (6) soldiers in a military base in Borno State. These attacks attest to the increased capability of the groups to launch sophisticated terror attacks and their resultant effects. The resurgence in terror attacks can be attributable to the influx of foreign fighters that come in as reinforcement for these terrorists. These foreign fighters are from the Sahelian Region. The other contributing factors are the local collaborators that form a support base for these terrorists. There is also a long list to the inventory of groups operating in Nigeria with the proscription of the Lukurawa

 

A soldier who survived the Borno attack on the military base said the insurgents used drones for surveillance and attacks. This clearly suggests that terrorists have introduced technology and advanced warfare platforms into their onslaughts. The question is, what is new in our military campaign? Although the military had made significant progress in response to the activities of the Boko Haram sect, however, the resurgence of the groups can be attributed to increased military pressure from Nigeria, Chad, and Niger, as well as activities of human transmitters. The escalation has also revealed gaps in the current security measures as attacks continue. There is a need to review counter-terrorism strategy and rule of engagement by the military and improve civilian protection, especially in volatile communities in the northeast and northwest of Nigeria. This is to deepen community buy-in and ownership of the non-kinetic responses.

 

Call to Action

CLEEN Foundation calls on the leadership of the Armed Forces, National and State Assemblies, state and federal government to adopt local solutions to the problem. This is because security is local, there is need to prioritize safety and security of the people in the northeast and northwest, Nigeria through the following ways:

 

• The Federal and State Government should address root causes of terrorism in Nigeria, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education. A multi-faceted approach is essential to prevent these groups from recruiting new members and gaining support;
• The National Assembly and the Top Military Leadership should Review existing rules of engagement/Operational Protocol:- Security and law enforcement institutions should revise their rules of engagement to accommodate best practices, civilian protection and human right protection.
• Civil military relation and Community Engagement is critical , trust between the military and local communities can provide valuable intelligence and community members can support counter-terrorism efforts if well protected and valued by the authorities.

 

In conclusion, the war against terrorism requires a whole of society approach; it requires innovation and concerted efforts of all Nigerians, from the federal authorities to the state, local and community, from security and law enforcement agencies led by the military to non-state actors including civil society, media and development partners. Through a united front, the tide of terror can be turned back, ensuring a safer and more secure future for Nigerians at large.

 

 

 

 

Peter Maduoma

Acting Executive Director

CLEEN FOUNDATION