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
Remembering a soldier’s soldier: The life and legacy of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army on Monday paid tribute to the life, service, and enduring legacy of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tariq Abdul Abiodun Lagbaja, describing him as a soldier whose courage, dedication, and leadership left an indelible mark on the nation. The homage coincided with the unveiling of his biography, A Life of Service, at the 2025 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference held in Lagos.
The biography, meticulously compiled by Major General H.G. Wesley (retd.), former Chief of Special Services and Programs, Army, chronicles the extraordinary life of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, capturing not just his professional achievements, but also the personal values that guided his service.
The project was championed by Professor C.B.N. Ogbogbo, President of the Association of African Historians and Vice-Chancellor of Admiralty University, Delta State, alongside 21 other historians and elder scholars from the Nigerian Army.
The publication was complemented by a documentary produced by the Nigerian Television Authority, providing a visual narration of the former Army Chief’s life.
President Bola Ahmed-Tinubu, described Lt. Gen. Lagbaja as “one of my best appointments.” The President recalled the impact of Lagbaja’s leadership on the Army and the nation, stating, “This nation, our armed forces, the army, and everyone acquainted with him are better for that choice. He embodied courage, dedication, and unyielding loyalty to the nation.”
Born in 1968 in Ilobu, Oshun State, and raised in nearby Oshobo, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s discipline and commitment were evident from an early age. He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, as part of the 39th Regular Course, graduating in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography before commissioning into the Infantry Corps. His first posting as a platoon commander in the 93rd Battalion, Borno State, revealed a leader who was never behind the lines but always at the front, sharing in the hardships and risks faced by his soldiers.
Rising through the ranks, Lagbaja commanded brigades in Lagos and Oyo States, where he tackled urban insecurity and oil bunkering. He later led as General Officer Commanding 82 Division in the South East and 1 Division in the North West, earning the respect and loyalty of his troops for leading by example and demonstrating unwavering commitment to operational success.
In 2022, as Chief of Operations, he consolidated decades of battlefield experience to guide strategy across multiple theatres of operation. His appointment as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff in June 2023 marked the pinnacle of a career defined by integrity, vision, and a leadership philosophy he called the “Six Cs,” emphasizing training, innovation, civil-military engagement, and strategic foresight. Under his guidance, the Nigerian Army strengthened its operational readiness, improved civil-military relations, and projected Nigeria’s stature internationally.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja received numerous national and international honors, including the Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Field Command Star, and Grand Service Star. Internationally, he was posthumously inducted into the United States Army War College International Hall of Fame in 2025.
General Christopher Musa, who paid tribute to the late Chief, described him as a courageous, exemplary leader whose significant contributions against terrorism and banditry left a lasting void in the military and nation, urging troops to honor Lagbaja’s sacrifice by defeating state enemies.
Muhammed Badaru, described Lagbaja as a “gallant hardworking officer” and a “warrior” who had served commendably in all theaters of war. He hailed the late general’s courage, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the service of the nation.
The COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, described the late Army Chief as “a soldier who never asked his men to face danger he would not face himself. He was a commander in the truest sense, walking alongside his soldiers in the theatre of operations, sharing their risks and their burdens.” Shuaibu further praised Lagbaja’s dedication to the welfare of personnel and the strengthening of institutional frameworks, noting that his leadership style blended courage with compassion.
“His legacy is firmly rooted in selfless service and exemplary leadership,”he said.
The biography, A Life of Service, captures the personal values that defined Lt. Gen. Lagbaja unpretentious simplicity, moral courage, empathy for soldiers and their families, loyalty, and patriotism.
The project, General Wesley noted, aimed to ensure that the lessons of his life and leadership could inspire both serving and retired military officers, as well as inform future policy and operational strategies.
Professor Christopher Ogbobo, one of the historians involved, stressed the importance of documenting military experiences for posterity. “Given the quality of training and the diverse experiences of our warriors, it has become imperative to document their lives,” he said. “Those who can, both retired and serving, owe Nigeria that duty. Their experiences are rich and instructive for future generations and policymakers alike.”
The ceremony also highlighted the human dimension of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s life. Beyond the battlefield, he was a devoted husband and father, often playing with his children at dawn and supporting his family after long hours in uniform.
His favorite Christian hymn, Only Remembered by What We Have Done, encapsulated the guiding philosophy of his life, emphasizing legacy, service, and tangible contributions.
His story, from the streets of Ilobu to the highest ranks of the Nigerian Army, exemplifies courage, discipline, and visionary leadership, ensuring that his memory will inspire generations to come.
“Before the medals, before the rank, before the history books, there was this man, Lieutenant General Toareed Abiodun Lagbaja. A leader forged in the dust and fire of service,” a speaker remarked. “Nigeria will remember his heart; history will remember his duty.”said the speaker.
The speech ended with an unveiling of a Book on the life and legacy of Lt. Gen. Toareed Abiodun Lagbaja
Remembering a soldier’s soldier: The life and legacy of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja
Military
Troops dislodged bandits camp as security forces rescue hostages in coordinated FCT operations
Troops dislodged bandits camp as security forces rescue hostages in coordinated FCT operations
By: Zagazola Makama
A coordinated joint operation by the Nigerian Army, police and the Department of State Services (DSS) has led to the dislodgement of kidnappers’ camps and the rescue of multiple abducted victims across communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following a series of overnight attacks by armed criminals.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation, which unfolded between Dec. 5 and 6, was initiated after gunmen invaded Zone D community behind LEA Primary School, Ushafa, at about 11:30 p.m., abducting Mrs Patience Uzor, 49, and her 27-year-old son, Mr. Friend Obinna John.
In a swift response, a combined troops swiftly mobilised to the scene, rescuing Mrs Uzor as the kidnappers fled into the bush with Obinna.
But the gang continued its onslaught, storming a Fulani settlement owned by Mallam Jibrin Usman at the outskirts of Zuma I and Zuma II villages around 1:30 a.m., where they abducted four other residents identified as Abubakar Ibro Jibrin, Lukman Ali Jibrin, Ibrahim Jibrin Sale and Abdussalam Idris.
Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, directed the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to lead a joint operation comprising the Police and DSS to ensure the victims’ safe rescue.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives tracked the kidnappers to the Mpape Daji Forest via Kagarko LGA, bordering Bwari, where the criminals opened fire on the security team upon sighting them behind the Mpape hills.
During the gun duel, operatives successfully rescued Abubakar Jibrin.
The team immediately reinforced and sustained the pursuit, following the kidnappers’ trail through difficult terrain. Hours of coordinated pursuits led the operatives to Kweri Forest, where another fierce engagement ensued.
The encounter resulted in the rescue of the remaining three victims Lukman Jibrin, Ibrahim Jibrin and Abdussalam Idris while the kidnappers reportedly fled with suspected bullet wounds.
Security forces thereafter dislodged the criminals’ camp, recovering the area and preventing further regrouping of the bandits. No casualties were recorded among the security team throughout the engagements.
All rescued victims were evacuated to Bwari General Hospital for medical examination before being reunited with their families.
Sources said that police authorities have urged community members and other security stakeholders to report any person seen with suspected gunshot wounds to the nearest police formation, stressing the need for timely intelligence to aid the arrest of fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, the FCT Command has deployed strategic personnel along identified routes and vulnerable corridors to prevent further incursions by criminal elements into the territory.
The authorities assured residents of continued efforts to rescue the remaining abducted victim and to sustain offensive operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks within the FCT and neighbouring states.
End
Military
NSCDC Intensifies Anti-Corruption Fight, Inaugurates New Heads of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit
NSCDC Intensifies Anti-Corruption Fight, Inaugurates New Heads of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reinforced its commitment to combating corruption by inaugurating new heads of its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) and unveiling a robust Corruption Prevention Strategy.
Commandant General (CG) of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi on Wednesday charged the newly inaugurated ACTU heads to lead by example, enforce compliance without fear or favour, and resist undue pressure by upholding the values of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
The CG, represented by the Deputy Commandant General (Administration), DCG Adeyinka Ayinla, delivered the keynote address at a one-day sensitization workshop, inauguration ceremony, and integrity award event held at the Corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja.
Audi stated that the new NSCDC Corruption Prevention Strategy is designed to reduce misconduct, promote due process, and reinforce internal discipline within the Corps. He applauded the support of President Bola Tinubu, through the Minister of Interior, Honourable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, stressed that corruption undermines service delivery, erodes public confidence, distorts development priorities, and weakens the security architecture of a nation.
Aliyu, represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, assured the NSCDC of the Commission’s continued partnership in championing preventative measures across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and appreciated the Corps for its strong anti-corruption posture.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NSCDC ACTU, Acting Commandant Audrey Obeh, described the gathering as a “transformative moment” and a testament to the Corps’ dedication to integrity and national development. She commended the Commandant General for his visionary leadership, which has provided an enabling platform for the ACTU to thrive.
“The inauguration of ACTU Heads, integrity awards, and unveiling of the NSCDC corruption prevention strategy all demonstrate how we are intentionally strengthening the pillars of accountability within our system,” Commandant Obeh stated.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of integrity awards to deserving officers and staff.
The CG of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi, received the Integrity Champion and Visionary Award.
The erstwhile Chairman of NSCDC ACTU, Commandant of Corps Remi Ekundayo, bagged the Distinguished ACTU Chairperson Emeritus Award.
Other recipients included ASCII Amanze Abraham Onyedikachi (ACTU Integrity, Ethics and Compliance Award), and CSC Aremu Rafiu (Kwara State Command), CSC Akinwande Adesola Comfort (Oyo State Command), SC Umar Abubakar Ladan (Borno State Command), and SC Yusuf Ibrahim Yusuf (Jigawa State Command), who all received the ACTU Outstanding Performance and Distinguished Service Award.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by representatives from sister agencies, including the Controller General of Immigration, the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
NSCDC Intensifies Anti-Corruption Fight, Inaugurates New Heads of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit
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