On Nigeria’s Prolonged Insecurity

For nearly two decades, Nigeria has been plagued by a myriad of security challenges, including the Biafran war, Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, ritual killings, ethnic crises, and political debacles. These protracted security challenges have left Nigerians in a state of perpetual fear and disquiet. It is imperative that the government explores innovative solutions to address these challenges, and one possible approach is to engage retired military and security personnel to provide valuable insights and expertise.

The recommendation to engage retired security personnel is not new, as many public individuals have expressed their conviction that this approach should be embraced by the Federal Government. These retired personnel have decades of experience and possess a deep understanding of the security landscape in Nigeria. By tapping into their expertise, the government can gain valuable insights into the root causes of the security challenges facing the country and develop effective strategies to address them.

The security challenges facing Nigeria are complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive and nuanced approach. The Boko Haram insurgency, for instance, has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and the displacement of millions more. The group’s ability to launch attacks on soft targets, including schools and markets, has created a sense of insecurity and fear among Nigerians. To address this challenge, the government needs to develop a comprehensive strategy that takes into account the root causes of the insurgency, including poverty, unemployment, and social inequality.

In addition to the Boko Haram insurgency, Nigeria is also grappling with other security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and ritual killings. These crimes have created a sense of insecurity and fear among Nigerians, particularly in rural areas where the presence of security agencies is minimal. To address these challenges, the government needs to develop a comprehensive strategy that takes into account the root causes of these crimes, including poverty, unemployment, and social inequality.

The engagement of retired military and security personnel can provide valuable insights into the security challenges facing Nigeria. These personnel have decades of experience and possess a deep understanding of the security landscape in Nigeria. By tapping into their expertise, the government can gain valuable insights into the root causes of the security challenges facing the country and develop effective strategies to address them.

Furthermore, the engagement of retired military and security personnel can also provide an opportunity for the government to tap into their network and expertise. These personnel have established relationships with various stakeholders, including community leaders, traditional rulers, and other security agencies. By leveraging these relationships, the government can gain valuable insights into the security challenges facing Nigeria and develop effective strategies to address them.

It is imperative that the government takes immediate action to address the security challenges facing Nigeria. The continued insecurity in the country has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of millions of people. The government needs to develop a comprehensive strategy that takes into account the root causes of the security challenges facing the country, including poverty, unemployment, and social inequality.

In addition to the development of a comprehensive strategy, the government also needs to take immediate action to address the security challenges facing Nigeria. This includes the deployment of security personnel to areas affected by insecurity, the provision of support to victims of insecurity, and the development of programs aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and social inequality.

The quote by former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Ozor Kalu, “If the problems you have this year are the same problems you had last year, then you are not a leader. You are rather a problem on your own that must be solved,” is apt in this context. The government needs to take immediate action to address the security challenges facing Nigeria, rather than simply paying lip service to the issue.

The gruesome massacre of patriotic Nigerians must be deterred in any way possible. The government needs to take immediate action to address the security challenges facing Nigeria, rather than simply paying lip service to the issue. The engagement of retired military and security personnel can provide valuable insights into the security challenges facing Nigeria and help the government develop effective strategies to address them.

In conclusion, the security challenges facing Nigeria are complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive and nuanced approach. The engagement of retired military and security personnel can provide valuable insights into the security challenges facing Nigeria and help the government develop effective strategies to address them. It is imperative that the government takes immediate action to address the security challenges facing Nigeria, rather than simply paying lip service to the issue.

Hafsat Adamu Sambo, Department of Mass Communication, Borno State University.