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Kukah says military operations alone cannot end insurgency, stresses soft power approach
Kukah says military operations alone cannot end insurgency, stresses soft power approach
By: Zagazola Makama
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has said Nigeria cannot defeat insurgency through military operations alone, stressing the need to embrace soft power and address root causes of insecurity.
Kukah made this known in Abuja on Thursday while reviewing Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).
He said the country’s reliance on military doctrines and repeated counter-insurgency operations had failed to produce lasting peace because Boko Haram represented an ideology, not just an armed threat.
“For years, we have had Operation Lafiya Dole, Operation Restore Order, Operation Hadin Kai, Operation Safe Haven, and many others. Yet, when one operation fails, another is launched. These operations have not ended the insurgency because you cannot fight an idea with weapons alone,” Kukah said.
The cleric argued that describing the insurgency only in military terms forecloses other sources of information and non-kinetic solutions that are critical to peacebuilding.
According to him, Boko Haram’s struggle is framed as a jihad, and many of its fighters see death as martyrdom, making them indifferent to conventional deterrence.
“The challenge before us is not merely about defeating insurgents on the battlefield, but about understanding the soft issues of life and death. Guns cannot build peace; soft power must complement military power,” he said.
Kukah pointed to chapters 11, 12 and 13 of Irabor’s book, which emphasise reconciliation, good governance, justice, and national healing as critical conditions for security.
He praised the author’s reflections for going beyond military strategy, describing them as “the writings of a priest” that call for dialogue, reforms and moral renewal.
The bishop added that Nigeria must prioritise structural reforms, political inclusion, patriotism, and judicial integrity to tackle grievances that feed extremism.
“The urgency now is to invest in soft power – in human development, reconciliation, and building trust in institutions. Military operations can only create space; it is ideas and justice that will sustain peace,” Kukah said.
The event attracted former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, senior government officials, service chiefs, diplomats, and other dignitaries.
End
Troops intercept 11 youths with donkeys during patrol in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 68 Battalion have intercepted 11 youths during a routine patrol in Mallam Fatori area of Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the interception occurred along the Bulagana–Cheisa axis on April 2 during ongoing clearance operations in the area.
According to the sources, the individuals were found moving in the area with 12 donkeys when they were stopped and briefly interrogated by troops.
The sources added that the youths were later handed over, alongside the animals, to relevant authorities in a neighbouring country for further necessary action.
The military said the patrol was part of sustained efforts to maintain security dominance and prevent exploitation of border communities by criminal elements.
Troops intercept 11 youths with donkeys during patrol in Borno
Troops recover ammunition, logistics items in Kwara patrol operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 22 Brigade have recovered ammunition and other logistics items during a fighting patrol in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
A security source disclosed that the operation was conducted at about 4:00 p.m. on April 2 at Daban Lema, where troops of the brigade, operating from the Patrol Base, encountered signs of suspected terrorist activities in a deserted location.
According to the source, the troops immediately carried out exploitation of the area, leading to the recovery of four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one empty PKT ammunition belt link.
Other items recovered include four mobile phones, two head warmers, two small solar panels, and assorted repair tools believed to have been used by the suspected terrorists.
The source added that the recovery indicates the presence and movement of suspected criminal elements within the area, noting that troops have intensified surveillance and patrols to deny them freedom of action.
Troops recover ammunition, logistics items in Kwara patrol operation
Troops foil attack by Criminal Youths, rescue victims, arrest suspects in plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled an attack on residents at Dutse Uku in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A security source said the troops responded swiftly to a report of sporadic gunshots in the area at about 11:50 p.m. on April 2.
According to the source, upon arrival at the scene, the suspected criminals fled, abandoning their operation due to the prompt intervention of the troops.
He said the troops rescued two victims who sustained gunshot wounds during the incident and immediately evacuated them to a hospital for medical attention.
The source further disclosed that two suspects, dressed in black attire, were arrested at the scene.
Items recovered from the suspects include a cutlass and a knife.
He added that the suspects are currently in military custody and undergoing preliminary investigation, while efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the group.
Zagazola report that despite heightened security, there has been report of pocket of attacks in some communities.
The source reassured residents of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged the public to continue providing timely information to security agencies.
Troops foil attack by Criminal Youths, rescue victims, arrest suspects in plateau
Troops intercept suspected Boko Haram logistics convoy conveying 13 persons in Borno
Troops intercept 11 youths with donkeys during patrol in Borno
Troops, CJTF arrest three suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in Borno
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