On Nigeria’s Counter-Terrorism Gains
By Khadijah Lawan Muhammad
Blueprint’s July 16, 2025 editorial, “The Military’s Counter-Terrorism Breakthrough,” rightly acknowledges the remarkable progress of our Armed Forces against terrorism and insurgency. Nigeria has reclaimed territories, reopened supply routes, and neutralized high-value targets. For these achievements, our troops deserve gratitude.
But a sober truth remains: the war is not over. The threat has evolved. While large-scale attacks have declined in some areas, insurgents and bandits have pivoted to asymmetric tactics—hit-and-run strikes, mass kidnappings, and economic sabotage—designed to keep communities on edge. Declaring victory too early risks repeating a cycle we know too well: short-term gains followed by renewed violence.
Military power is essential, but insufficient on its own. Durable peace demands confronting the drivers of extremism—poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, radicalization, corruption, and weak local governance. Without targeted investments in education, jobs, and justice, battlefield gains will struggle to translate into lasting security.
Equally urgent is the welfare of those who fight for us. Reports of delayed entitlements, substandard accommodation, and inadequate support for families of fallen personnel undermine morale and operational effectiveness. Sustained success requires a well-equipped, well-trained, and well-motivated force—backed by predictable logistics, mental-health support, and prompt benefits.
Trust with communities is another decisive front. In rural theatres, historic neglect and misconduct by a few officials have frayed relations. Rebuilding confidence through community policing, credible grievance redress, protection of civilians, and respectful engagement will improve intelligence flows and deny insurgents the cover of silence or coercion.
Government transparency also matters. Citizens deserve clear, regular updates on threats, the condition of Internally Displaced Persons, and reconstruction plans. Candour—rather than propaganda—strengthens public cooperation and accountability.
On rehabilitation and reintegration, Nigeria must balance justice, security, and reconciliation. Programmes for surrendered fighters are necessary to reduce recidivism, but they must be victim-sensitive, community-driven, and conditioned on verifiable disarmament, deradicalization, and monitored reintegration. Victims require psychosocial support, restitution pathways, and a visible commitment to rule of law.
Finally, strategy must target the systems that sustain violence: illicit financing, porous borders, arms trafficking, political protection networks, and online/offline recruitment pipelines. That means stronger financial intelligence, border management, prosecution of sponsors, strategic communications that counter extremist narratives, and regional cooperation.
Nigeria has made commendable progress. Let 2025 be the year we lock in those gains—by pairing military pressure with economic renewal, community partnership, and political accountability. Our Armed Forces have done well; they cannot do it alone. A whole-of-society response is the only path to a safer, more stable Nigeria.
Khadijah Lawan Muhammad is a Mass Communication student at Nile University and an intern with PRNigeria. Contact: [email protected].