By Damilola Omosebi
The persistence of terrorism in Nigeria—whether through Boko Haram, banditry, or separatist violence—demands a radical shift in strategy. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration must move beyond reactive measures and implement a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach to dismantle terror networks, cut off their funding, and restore lasting peace.
Here’s what the Tinubu government can and must do to end terrorism in Nigeria:
- Strengthen Intelligence and Security Reforms
~ Overhaul Military and Police Structures*
- Purge compromised officers: Investigate and prosecute security personnel colluding with terrorists.
- Enhance inter-agency collaboration:
- Ensure seamless intelligence sharing between the military, police, DSS, and NSCDC.
- Local intelligence networks: Work with vigilante groups and community leaders for grassroots intelligence.
~ Modernize Surveillance and Technology
- Deploy drones and satellite tracking to monitor terrorist movements in forests and border regions.
- Establish a National Crime Database to track terror suspects, financiers, and arms traffickers.
- Cut Off Terror Financing
~ Target Financial Backers
- Freeze accounts of suspected terror sponsors politicians, businessmen, and foreign actors.
- Strengthen the Terrorism Financing Prevention Unit under the EFCC and NFIU.
~ Block Ransom Payments.
- Enforce strict penalties for paying ransoms (as per the Terrorism Prevention Act).
- Create a Victims Support Fund to help families without resorting to ransom.
~ Disrupt Illegal Arms Trade
- Track arms smuggling routes from Libya, Chad, and Niger.
- Blacklist corrupt customs and immigration officials aiding weapon trafficking.
- Address Root Causes: Poverty, Unemployment, and Injustice.
~ Economic Empowerment in High-Risk Zones
- Launch job programs for ex-militants and vulnerable youths in the Northeast and Northwest.
- Invest in agriculture and vocational training to reduce recruitment by terror groups.
~ Education and Deradicalization
- Reform Almajiri schools to integrate Western education and prevent radicalization.
- Expand deradicalization programs for repentant terrorists (like Operation Safe Corridor).
~ Address Farmer-Herder Conflicts
- Revive grazing reserves and ranching policies to reduce clashes.
- Prosecute violent herders and militias fueling banditry.
- Political Will and Accountability.
~ Prosecute High-Profile Terror Sponsors
- Declassify names of arrested financiers and ensure speedy trials.
- Pressure neighboring countries (Chad, Niger, Cameroon) to extradite wanted terrorists.
~ End Political Exploitation of Insecurity
- Investigate politicians using terror for election manipulation.
- Withdraw security cover for politicians linked to terror groups.
~ State Policing and Community Defense.
- Accelerate state police creation*to improve local response.
- Regulate vigilante groups* (like Civilian JTF) to avoid abuses.
- Regional and International Collaboration*
Strengthen the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF)
- Increase funding and coordination with Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.
- Request U.S./EU intelligence support in tracking terror financing.
Diplomatic Pressure on Foreign Sponsors
- Petition the UN to sanction countries harboring terror financiers.*
- Work with Interpol to track illicit funds moving through Dubai, Turkey, etc.
A Defining Challenge for Tinubu’s Legacy
President Tinubu has a historic opportunity to end Nigeria’s terror crisis; but only if he acts decisively. Half-measures, corruption, and political compromises will only prolong the bloodshed.
Key Takeaways for Immediate Action:*
✅ Clean up the security forces – Remove saboteurs.
✅ Follow the money – Crush terror financing.
✅ Invest in the people – Jobs, education, justice.
✅ Hold collaborators accountable – No sacred cows.
If Tinubu’s government fails to act now, terrorism will continue to fester, and Nigeria’s unity will remain under threat. The time for bold, uncompromising leadership is now.
