Claims of failing anti-terror campaign unfounded, IMPI defends Tinubu

The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has defended the Federal Government’s ongoing war against terrorism, arguing that claims that President Bola Tinubu’s security strategy is failing are not supported by available facts.

In a policy statement signed by its chairman, Omoniyi Akinsiju, the policy think tank said recent criticism of the administration’s counter-terrorism efforts, particularly following a resurgence of kidnappings in some parts of the country, overlooked significant gains recorded by security agencies.

According to IMPI, more than 8,000 terrorists and bandits have been neutralised since 2023, while over 11,600 criminal suspects have been arrested through coordinated military and police operations across the country. The group also noted that thousands of weapons had been recovered during the operations.

The organisation cited several recent rescue missions as evidence of progress, including the June 6 rescue of 360 kidnapped victims by troops of Operation HADIN KAI from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State. It also referenced successful rescue operations in Kogi, Kwara, Kaduna, Kebbi and Niger states.

“From our study of the federal administration’s counter-terrorism efforts, it is indisputable that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has recorded notable tactical successes in the fight against banditry. Between 2023 and now, the police and military offensives have led to the neutralisation of over 8,000 bandits and terrorists, with 11,600 criminals arrested, and the recovery of thousands of weapons,” the group stated.

IMPI said security agencies have increasingly relied on intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, precision air strikes and aggressive pursuit missions to secure the release of kidnapped victims and disrupt criminal networks. It added that these strategies have enabled troops to rescue hostages without paying ransom in several instances.

The think tank attributed the successes to the Tinubu administration’s investment in military hardware and personnel development, highlighting the acquisition of fighter jets, attack helicopters, surveillance aircraft and other military assets, alongside specialised training programmes for members of the armed forces.

While commending the progress made so far, IMPI maintained that more investment was needed in technology, intelligence gathering and socio-economic development in vulnerable communities to further strengthen security operations and address conditions that enable criminal activities to thrive.