Enough of fighting terrorists with archaic kits, manpower — by Yemi Adebowale

The ongoing efforts to rescue teachers and pupils abducted last Friday from three schools in Oriire LGA of Oyo State has again exposed the incapability of our security agents to effectively tackle terrorism. Once more, it exposed the deliberate failure of government to do the right things regarding counterterrorism. The security agents mobilised to rescue the Oyo State abductees went after the terrorists with archaic kits and manpower. The strategy adopted for the ongoing rescue is evidently archaic.

Last Sunday, the so-called tactical team of soldiers, Amotekun Corps and local vigilantes deployed, ran into Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), planted by the terrorists on the way to the forest reserve bordering Oriire and the Old Oyo National Park, where the terrorists have built a fortress. Some of them died. The actual figure of dead security agents is still a closely guarded secret.

Haba! How can this happen to our soldiers in this modern era? Why should they fall immaturely to IEDs? The security agents went after the terrorists without appropriate equipment, manpower and strategy. Attack helicopters, drones and missiles are pertinent for this type of operation. They are critical tools that bolster counterterrorism and security operations. They help security agents to deliver decisive airpower in synergy with ground forces.

Modern counterterrorism is not about soldiers running after terrorists with guns. We can’t be doing the same thing over and over again, and expect a different result. If we don’t change, terrorists will continue striking with enhanced venoms. They will continue killing our officers, soldiers and other Nigerians. This year alone, under five months, no fewer than 300 officers and men were killed in a series of assaults on the Nigerian military. Hundreds of civilians have also been killed.

The truth is that our security agencies lack the equipment and manpower for tackling terrorists. Modern counterterrorism is about fighting with drones and missiles. Our security agencies are not in any way close to this fighting capabilities. Technology, intelligence, quality equipment and quality manpower are modern necessities for taming terrorists. Our security agents lack these. They obviously lack the capacity to effectively monitor the movement of terrorists. This is why guerrillas move around in hundreds undetected. This is why they attack with so much impunity. Our security agents also lack effective leadership. Governments over the years have not helped in any way.

In this modern era, a good government must be seen helping security agents to deal with terrorists with drones from a preemptive and properly-staffed control centres. Surveillance with drones and subsequent drone strikes are necessary. Use of drones for intelligence gathering and attacks is vital in modern counterterrorism. Emphasis should also on the use of bulletproof attack helicopters instead of the vague airstrikes by our security agents. With steel-clad attack helicopters that can go as low as 50 metres to the target, precision is guaranteed. With precision strike capabilities, attack helicopters will enable highly targeted operations, reduce collateral damage, and provide timely and effective support to ground forces, ultimately saving lives. My dear President Bola Tinubu, our security agents lack all these.

Because of these security failings, terrorists have continued ravaging beloved Nigeria, killing and maiming. They have been doing this for almost 17 years. I never knew it could be this bad under President Tinubu. Now, five days after the abductions in Oyo State, one of the teachers abducted, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the terrorist last Sunday. The killing was recorded by the terrorists and the video posted in the social video. So much impunity. No fewer than 39 kids, a school principal, Mrs Rachael Alamu and six teachers are still languishing in the dungeons of terrorists.

Last week, because of these same failings of our security agents, terrorists attacked the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Gujba LGA of Yobe State, killing 17 policemen. The murdered cops were undergoing counterterrorism and tactical training. The terrorist entered the facility with so much ease, killed the policemen and went out easily. As at press time, not even one of the terrorists had been arrested.

Also last week, terrorists attacked Junior Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira -Uba LGA of Borno State. A primary school within the compound was also attacked. No fewer than 42 students, including children, were abducted in the schools.

President Tinubu, your much-talked about “change” in the war against terrorists remains an illusion. Nigerians are sick and tired of endless killings by terrorists. You must fix insecurity. You must fulfill the commitment you made to Nigerians in your May 29, 2023 inaugural address to frontally and courageously tackle insecurity.

Mr. President, you must seek help from foreign private military contractors that have successfully tamed terrorists if you truly desire to end the killings, maiming and abductions across Nigerians. They will come with their manpower and equipment, and get the job done. These are the soldiers with capacity for precise airstrikes and drone strikes. I always recommend Canadian military contractors.