Military
Fighting Insurgency: When Journalists Compare Notes over Opinion and Interest in Military Strategy
Fighting Insurgency: When Journalists Compare Notes over Opinion and Interest in Military Strategy
By: James Bwala
At least in the last 15 years, Nigerians have seen efforts put forth by successive governments to put out the spirit that guides certain individuals, who are bent on crushing the oneness of the larger society we live in by their ideology of sectism. We have seen the rise of Boko Haram in northeast Nigeria and its devastating effects. We were moved to tears by the rise of banditry in the northwest and central Nigeria and continued to count the number of deaths.
The kidnapping cases in southern Nigeria and the continued agitations by the indigenous people of Biafra and IPOB, particularly in southeast Nigeria, have attempted to change the way we live. The government has continued to reassure Nigerians of its efforts in fighting many crises, and it has continued to do so. But Nigerians seemed to be getting impatient with certain attitudes displayed by key actors in the fight against insurgency in Nigeria, especially strategies adopted by the military and police in dealing with these phases of internal wranglings.
I was moved to look into the issue of compelling results from many reports and read the minds of many reporters on many platforms to which I belong. Speaking on the current trend of security activities in the country, many believed that nothing much has been done to ensure that the strategy being put in place by security agencies in the country is working as expected by Nigerians.
I read about many suggestions, which include a high time for the handlers of security issues in the country to look inward to these suggestions if we are truly reasoning along the lines of fighting to end the insecurity situation in the country. One of the contributors to the debate suggested that a swap of military commanders as well as intelligence personnel be carried out. In practicality, it is suggested that field commanders of northern extraction be moved to the operational bases in the south, while the same be taken from the south to the north, as well as intelligence officers.
His opinion is that many of these commanders and intelligence officers are at home with many of these terrorists and bandits in the north, as well as those in the operations in southern Nigeria, who continue to leak information to these criminals, making every effort by the government to look more like a political interest than the opinions of the people.
Speaking on a video in circulation about the operations of the bandits in northwest Nigeria, a discussant on one of the platforms and a reporter with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, state that facts still remain that bandits are still around and conduct such acts as they do almost on a daily basis with impunity.
According to the reporter, “If you listen or read media reports, many villages in Niger, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina states are still under siege, paying taxes to bandit groups that occupied primary schools as residence while subjecting the villagers to slavery.”
One of the participants, also a journalist, said, “I think it matters if we want to rule out the possibility of peddling fake news. I agree that there are activities by bandits in the NW and NC regions, but that doesn’t mean there are no counterterrorism activities by the Nigerian military. These kinds of conflicts are ubiquitous and pre-existential; they only keep evolving. So yes, they are happening, and efforts are being made to checkmate them; maybe they are happening at a pace that can be done better.”
While his opinion was worth looking at, another counter to the argument revealed that, “Of course there is counterterrorism, but the outcome is not encouraging, as bandits will kidnap victims, keep them for months while communicating with their relatives and collecting ransom until the last victim, then go for another round while security agencies are like watching helplessly or overwhelmed. Such victims even include security agents!”
More sad is seeing overwhelmed state governments trying to negotiate with bandits out of fear! The bandits hideouts are well known to the government, which has jet fighters, artillery, APCs, and other heavy arms, yet the bad elements are getting bolder on a daily basis.
A reporter confirmed that the Islamic cleric Sheikh Gumi even took some security personnel along to meet with the bandits in their hideouts, and the bandits talked boldly, looking down on the Nigerian authorities as weak.
One of the reporters agreed that the government needs to change tactics in its approach to handling the threat that keeps growing because it keeps using the normal tactics that make the whole thing look like treating leprosy with panadol. “Chinua Achebe said a strange disease (like bandits) cannot be cured with everyday herbs.” He added.
Another observation was that the government should think of something like mobilizing 50,000 to 100,000 youths in each of the affected states to be led by security agencies to sack all identified hideouts, just like youths in Maiduguri did to sack boko haram. There is no dangerous security threat like that of food insecurity, and that is where Nigeria is heading as bandits and other terrorists continue to threaten agriculture in the North.” He added.
On the reeling facts, one of the discussants said, “I agree your points are valid; the nemesis that is happening isn’t being treated the way it should. But do you think this combat approach is resolute enough to totally eliminate banditry and kidnapping? Do you think the way ‘youths in Maiduguri sacked Boko Haram’ is finite and brought an end to the insurgency? Imagine if bandits or BH say they want to have a faceoff with the military, let them meet at a point and fight off to the last blood, and assume the Nigerian military won them over and killed every last one of them. Do you say this is a victory that we will not see anything again like BH/Bandits?” He asked.
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“While everyone who knows history of conflict will attest Nigeria’s is novel and multifaceted, hence needs a tactical approach; instead of killing people who are hungry, why not find them what to eat, a job to do, or the healthcare they need? Instead of policies drawn and argued by politicians who take humongous salaries for nothing, why not make the lives of the poor easy? The problem as I see it, not wholly but majorly, lies in 1) democratic governance, which, for instance, values a more constitutional approach to solving problems than traditional leadership. 2) policies that are good on paper but not in the daily life of a common Nigerian. 3) the puppeting of the military by greedy politicians who don’t give absolute autonomy to security with a non-kinetic approach.” He stressed.
“It is a common understanding that when you can’t feed yourself, the one you rely on will feed you what he wishes. Farming for cash or food is not easy. 1) Farmers rely on loans, which they oftentimes suffer from not repaying. 2) They cannot do large-scale farming, for example, in the NE, due to insecurity. 3) Fertilizers and other farming logistics that the government can actively support are not provided in the case scenario: the tractors in Maiduguri’s Farm House some years ago and the Industrial Park beside BOSU.
“So, why won’t the government, for instance, take all of these to fruition? For example, it provides a large-scale farm with mechanization (since the government can), hires farmers for farming (job creation), makes industrial processing of the harvests, and sells them back at a subsidized amount to locals. But the government won’t do it and will say it’s not feasible. I’ve seen this done here in Nigeria. WFP has implemented the same in Kano, and rice was farmed. Truckloads of food from Nigeria were shipped to Burkina Faso. This happened just last year.” He said.
Another replied that “if people are busy doing what they can to feed themselves, nobody will have time to fight or kill each other just to survive. If you think fighting or killing bandits or BH by airstrikes or sustained gunfights will kill the elements, what will you say of the ideologies in the minds of their wives and children who have survived the fight, saw the military kill their fathers, and vowed to take vengeance?
“In years to come, they will fight harder and with more sophistication than their parents. So the bottom line for me is that Nigeria is trying—not enough, for sure—but approaches for such need to be all-encompassing. We can see propaganda videos of bandits testing their armor. How much of the strength of the military do we know? They don’t even show it; their successes aren’t as loud as the day-to-day abductions of bandits. Soldiers die on the frontlines. And also, it is easy to commit a crime, like kidnapping and demanding a ransom; it is the prevention of such kinds of intentions that is difficult. Still, I am not detesting your facts; I am attributing a wider picture for a more balanced understanding.
“The issue is that the military should dominate the fight. We record military formations being sacked by terrorists who are bold enough to attack convoys of troops! That’s not an encouraging signal. They need to receive successive bloody noses and many surprises from the military to keep them busy looking for where to hide instead of waiting to repel them. They need to be kept on the defensive. It’s a pity, and that is why the issues keep growing rather than dwindling. The entire approach to banditry, as well as other criminal networks, is not as pragmatic and holistic as it should be. Some of us have started suffering from the terror activities that discourage massive farming due to death threats posed to them by criminal elements across the states.”
Fighting Insurgency: When Journalists Compare Notes over Opinion and Interest in Military Strategy
COAS urges stronger unit training and weapons proficiency to boost operational readiness
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has urged Nigerian Army personnel to intensify unit-level training, emphasising weapons handling, tactical proficiency, and operational readiness to enhance combat effectiveness.
Addressing troops of 82 Division in Enugu on Thursday, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu highlighted the critical role of senior non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and unit leaders in preparing soldiers for active operations and future security challenges.
Shaibu commended troops deployed in Enugu State for their professionalism during the recently concluded Anambra State elections, urging them to continue upholding Army core values, obey lawful orders, and exercise due diligence in all assigned tasks.
He congratulated the division for ensuring the successful conduct of the elections, noting that the outcome would not have been possible without their discipline and commitment.
“Are you promising me you will uphold that?” the COAS asked, receiving affirmations from the troops.
The COAS also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to the welfare of all personnel, highlighting the “soldier-first” concept. He assured that the well-being of every officer and soldier would be properly safeguarded, and urged troops to remain resolute and focused in the execution of their missions.
The COAS urged troops to remain committed and resolute in the execution of all missions, highlighting the direct impact of their presence on maintaining security and enabling normal civic activities.
He encouraged soldiers to take pride in their work, noting that their dedication directly contributes to maintaining operational effectiveness and security stability.
“Operational readiness is more than mere presence; it is about consistent unit training, basic tactics, and supervision at every level,” he said. “Senior NCOs must ensure that all soldiers are thoroughly trained on the fundamentals of weapon handling, minor tactics, and operational principles.”
The COAS specifically stressed the importance of weapons proficiency, instructing troops to know the effective ranges of their arms, including the SLR and AK-47.
“If you see an enemy at 300 or 400 metres, you should be able to neutralise them. This is not theoretical; it is what makes a soldier effective in combat,” he added.
Lt.-Gen. Shaibu also encouraged officers and NCOs to supervise closely, mentor younger soldiers, and instil discipline and operational competence at the unit level.
He pointed out the pivotal role of NCOs in ensuring that soldiers are capable of responding decisively during crises or skirmishes.
“You are the key link in preparing soldiers for operations. Take unit training very seriously. Your supervision determines the operational effectiveness of your troops,” he said, seeking and receiving verbal commitments from all senior NCOs and young officers present.
The COAS further reiterated the Army’s “soldier-first” philosophy, stressing that the welfare of officers and soldiers would continue to be a priority, ensuring that personnel remain motivated and mission-ready.
The RSM Convention, attended by senior officers, Regimental Sergeant Majors, formation commanders, and representatives from other security agencies, featured interactive lectures and practical sessions designed to strengthen regimental standards, leadership, discipline, and operational efficiency.
Lt.-Gen. Shaibu said the insights and best practices shared at the convention should be taken back to individual units to sustain combat readiness, improve morale, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
He noted that all enablers have been provided to the troops and urged them to ensure professionalism in their operations while assuring them that their welfare will be well taken care of.
COAS urges stronger unit training and weapons proficiency to boost operational readiness
Sudanese War Could Spiral Across Africa, Envoy Warns Nigeria, Others
By: Michael Mike
The Sudanese authorities have called on Nigeria and other African countries to support the ongoing efforts at ending the war in Sudan, warning that the war is a siege and could spiral across Africa if actions are not taken to halt it.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the Sudanese Charge d’ Affairs in Nigeria, Ambassador Ahmed Omer Taboul said no one should be deceived that the war is between two generals or among Sudanese ethic groups, but rather it is a proxy war for the resources of Sudan.
He appealed that there must be conscientious efforts by the international community to stop the onging Rapid Support Forces (RSF) genocide against the people, adding that the international community must pressure United Arab Emirates to end the war.
The envoy alleged that UAE are the major sponsor of the RSF, insisting that it is scramble for Sudan’s gold and rich mineral deposits.
Taboul, who was speaking ahead of the United Nations Security Council meeting on Sudan, said the war is about scavenging for resources by identified external forces.
He stressed that the war in Sudan is nothing but a proxy war, “It is a proxy war. This militia is fighting on behalf of others. On behalf of some Arab countries like UAE. On behalf of Israel. On behalf of some other Western countries.”
He said: “The main pressure the international committee can do is to stop the support and the feed of the United Arab Emirates. If they stop them, the war will stop in no time,” warning that it might affect the peace and security of the entire continent.
He stressed that “it will not stop only in very close neighbouring countries. This will go deep to the western part of Africa, through the Sahel and Sahara states.”
The envoy therefore urged Nigeria and other friendly countries to stand up for them.
He said the international community must endeavour to push for the implementations of resolutions of the UN Security Council.
“So what we need actually is full support from our brothers to be with us, to be very close to us. And to support the people of Sudan. They need a lot of things, we need a lot of things in Sudan.
“And we need the support of our brothers like Nigeria. We need the support of them in the international organisations, in the EU, in the United Nations. tomorrow or the day after tomorrow there will be a meeting for the Security Council on Sudan issues.
“We need the support there. Because I’m quite sure they are going, they are trying to adopt something against Sudan. They are trying to mandate themselves and others to come to Sudan”.
He said previous resolutions were never implemented by the RSF and that is why the war is still going on.
He said: “I have told you this just about the resolution adopted by the Security Council last year. Asking the militia to lift the siege on al-Fashir. But nobody imposed this, nobody pushed the militia to do so. Then after two years the militia invaded the city and killed within two days 3,000 women and children.”
He emphasised that the people of Sudan are not waiting for others to fight their battles but only needed their understanding and support.
He said: “Actually what we do, really, and this is very clear to everybody. We are fighting our own war. We don’t need anybody to fight with us. We don’t need any troops, we don’t need anything from anybody. We are able to do this ourselves. Our National Defence Army with the people of the Sudanese.
“Because now, if you see the news, the government of Sudan are mobilising the people. And now they are fighting with the National Defence Army. thousands of young Sudanese people are fighting and defending themselves, their families, their places, their entities, their everything. We are able to do this with ourselves.
“And we don’t want to involve any sisters or brothers or foreigners in our own war. What we need from our brother, for example, Nigeria is to know well what is going on in Sudan. And to accept our narrative. Because we are telling the truth. We are saying the truth, what is going on in Sudan. We told this to our brother in Nigeria, frankly.”
He also gave reason for the expulsion of two United Nations officials from Sudan. He said
the UN officials were given false report about happenings in Sudan.
“And yesterday (Wednesday) we expelled two of the United Nations officials from Sudan. Because unfortunately, they were reporting about the situation in Sudan. I mean, they were giving very, very false report and it was not real at all.
“So we expelled them out and we said, still, we have a good relation with the United Nations agencies. They are able to work, but these two people, we don’t like them in our country. They have to go bring any other instead of them.”
Sudanese War Could Spiral Across Africa, Envoy Warns Nigeria, Others
Troops neutralise four ISWAP logistics suppliers in multiple ambushes in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised four Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics suppliers in a series of coordinated ambush operations conducted across multiple locations in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources revealed on Monday, that the ambushes were part of Operation Desert Sanity IV/Diligent Search.
The sources said that the troops carried out three separate ambushes on October 25, 2025, at different terrorist crossing points around Kukauku, Delta Company Kawuri, and Alou Dam, all within Konduga axis.
“At about 11:35 a.m., troops of 222 Battalion conducted an ambush at Kuka Uku crossing point in Delta Company Kawuri, where one terrorist logistics supplier was neutralised,” the report stated.
It added that another ambush team positioned ahead of Charlie Company in Konduga LGA successfully neutralised one more terrorist logistics supplier.
“In a separate operation, an ambush team lying in wait at a crossing point in Alpha Company, Alou Dam, neutralised two additional terrorist logistics suppliers,” the sources said.
The operations were conducted without any casualties on the part of the troops, while the four neutralised suspects were confirmed to be affiliated with Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The sources added that the general security situation in the area remained calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining high morale and combat readiness.
The sources further noted that the coordinated ambushes were part of ongoing clearance and interdiction operations aimed at cutting off terrorists’ supply routes and denying them freedom of movement within the North-East theatre.
Troops neutralise four ISWAP logistics suppliers in multiple ambushes in Borno
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