Insecurity: Nigeria’s current security architecture not working- SMBLF

Laments growing terrorists’ boldness, operation with impunity

.Says situation worsening, terrorism expanding into urban centres

By Gabriel Udeh, Kaduna

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) says it is deeply alarmed and troubled by the growing boldness of terrorists now operating with shocking impunity across Nigeria.

The forum also noted that the frequency, spread, and brutality of these attacks shows clearly that the situation is getting worse, not better, lamenting that Nigerians are getting more unsafe, whether in rural villages or in major towns and cities, categorically declaring that Nigeria’s current security architecture is not working, and must be urgently overhauled.

“There must be a new strategy that prioritizes intelligence, accountability, and strong deterrence. Security agencies must be properly equipped, motivated, and held responsible for results”, it suggested.

These assertions are contained in a statement signed by leader of SMBLF and leader of Afenifere HRM Oba Oladipo Olaitan, MIddle Belt Forum President Dr. Bitrus Kogu, President -General Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide Sen. John Azuta -Mbata and PANDEF National chairman Amb. Godknows Igali respectfully, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday.

According to release lamented that, the recent mass murder of innocent citizens on Palm Sunday in Unguwan Rukuba, in Jos metropolis, Plateau State and Kahir Village, Kagarko Local Government Area in Kaduna State resulting in deaths, was a painful typical example.

The forum added that, “No less than 40 harmless Nigerians were killed in cold blood by cowardly gunmen. A week later, Gwer community in Benue State was attacked, killing not less than 17 people on April 5-6; Nyago Gyel community in Plateau State leading to 3 deaths; Akyawa and Udege Kasa in Nasarawa State, resulting to 11 deaths”. 

The Forum stated that the attacks were not only a desecration of two sacred Christian days (Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday), but also a dangerous signal that terrorism is expanding into urban centres.

“These are only a few of many violent incidents happening across the country, many of which go unreported just within two weeks. Quite worrisome, what was reduced to mostly rural violence some years back is now creeping back into cities.

“Sadly, these were not long after Ngoshe town, in Gwozah in Southern Borno, was sacked by Boko Haram and bombs detonated in three locations in Maiduguri town. Scores were killed in the violence, many more injured.

“Around the same period, Kautikari, a community near Chibok in Southern Borno, was invaded, and at least twelve innocent villagers were slaughtered by Islamist terrorists.

“This was followed by attacks on Nuku and Woro communities in Kwara State in which 170 people were reported to have been killed”, it lamented.

The forum sincerely commiserate with the affected communities and people of Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Borno, and Kwara States over these painful and provocative killings, at this difficult time, while it also commended the residents of these areas for showing restraint and not taking the law into their own hands despite the deep anger and grief.

“However, sympathy alone is no longer enough, saying these kinds of heinous crimes must not go without accountability and justice. Heads must roll.

While the forum commending men of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the theatres of operations for their gallantry, it also note with dismay that it’s becoming increasingly clear that sections within the Federal Government are too soft on terrorists.

The stated that the softness to terrorists is seen not just in actions, but also in public statements by top officials, referencing the recent comment credited to the Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, which described terrorists as “prodigal sons” who should be welcomed back.

“Similarly, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu has referred to bandits and terrorists as “our brothers that we must live with.”, adding that these statements sent a very dangerous message — that those who kill innocent Nigerians are to be treated with sympathy rather than firmness once they show remorse.

“This mindset has led to policies that pamper criminals while their victims suffer. A clear example is the so-called Operation Open Corridor, under which billions of naira are spent rehabilitating hardened terrorists. These same individuals have destroyed communities, killed thousands, and displaced millions. Yet, they are fed, clothed, trained, and sent back into society.

“Meanwhile, their victims are left to rot in overcrowded IDP camps across the Northeast and the Middle Belt with no government support. Many of these victims live in subhuman conditions, without proper food, shelter, healthcare, or security. This situation is not only unjust, it is deeply insulting to those who have suffered”, it lamented.

The forum leaders therefore called for the immediate abolition of Operation Open Corridor, highlighting that no nation that is serious about security, rewards mass murderers while neglecting their victims.

The SMBLF also strongly condemned the practice by some state governments of granting pardon or amnesty to bandits, pointing out that, there is no evidence that such actions have brought peace, “Instead, violence continues, and in many cases, it has worsened. Criminals interpret these pardons as a sign of weakness, not goodwill”.

“It is now clear that Nigeria’s current security architecture is not working and must be urgently overhauled. There must be a new strategy that prioritizes intelligence, accountability, and strong deterrence. Security agencies must be properly equipped, motivated, and held responsible for results.

“Furthermore, we must confront a hard truth: if the government is unable to fully secure the lives and property of its citizens, then it has a duty to empower them to defend themselves.

“We therefore call for the liberalization of access to legal weapons under a strictly regulated system. There should be provision for the mass production and controlled distribution of such weapons to responsible citizens and community-based security groups.

“This will allow communities to become the first line of defense against invading terrorists and bandits. No community should be left helpless while waiting for distant security forces that often arrive too late.

Forum decried that Nigeria stands at a dangerous crossroads, saying “the current approach is failing, and time is running out.

“The government must act decisively, rethink its policies, and place the safety of innocent citizens above all else. Anything less will only embolden the enemies of peace and further endanger the unity and survival of our nation”, it stated.

In a related development, suspected Boko Haram insurgents killed several troops including a brigadier general in an assault on a military base in Borno State, local government and intelligence sources told AFP on Thursday, the second killing of a high-ranking officer in five months.

Four sources, including the military confirmed the overnight attack, with one intelligence source putting the death toll at 18.

Unidentified jihadists overran the military base, killed 18 soldiers and torched vehicles in Benisheikh, about 75 kilometres (47 miles) from Borno state capital Maiduguri, an intelligence source told AFP.

“Unfortunately, the brigade commander, Brigadier General O.O. Braimah, lost his life,” Kaga local government chairman, Zannah Lawan Ajimi told AFP on the phone.

Two intelligence sources confirmed Braimah’s death to AFP.

His death follows the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba by ISWAP in November. He was the highest-ranking military official to die in the long-running conflict since 2021.

“They overran the brigade,” one of the intelligence sources said, giving the death toll as “at least” 18.

The second intelligence source said that “the terrorists killed several troops” and “burnt vehicles and buildings before they withdrew”, without giving a toll.

Nigeria’s military said that “insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation” but were “decisively engaged and forced to retreat in disarray”.

The statement, from Major General Michael Onoja, a defence headquarters spokesman, said that the attack “resulted in the loss of a few brave and gallant soldiers”, without disclosing a toll or who was killed.