Kabba/Bunu, Kogi State — The Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area has urged the Federal Government and the Nigerian Armed Forces to adopt a more proactive and offensive strategy in tackling terrorism and banditry across the country.
In a statement made available to Okun Reporters, the Chairman expressed concern that the current reactive security approach — where troops respond only after attacks — has failed to protect communities from recurring assaults by criminal groups.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces must adopt a more proactive and aggressive strategy in dealing with terrorists and bandits rather than waiting to be attacked,” he said. “It is no longer effective to operate on a defensive approach when the enemies of our nation continue to launch surprise assaults against innocent citizens and communities.”
The Chairman called for a decisive shift in Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy, emphasizing the need for the military to take the battle directly to the hideouts of terrorists and bandits. He said such a move would help disrupt their plans, weaken their operational capacity, and send a clear message that Nigeria will no longer tolerate insecurity.
A Three-Pronged Approach
According to the Chairman, a renewed strategy should focus on three critical areas:
- Intelligence-driven operations
- Modern equipment and inter-agency collaboration
- Improved troop welfare
He stressed that operations must be guided by credible intelligence and carried out in a precise and coordinated manner to minimize civilian casualties while maximizing impact against criminal networks.
He further highlighted the importance of equipping security forces with modern tools and ensuring seamless cooperation between the military, police, and intelligence agencies. Such collaboration, he noted, would help deny criminals freedom of movement and access to safe havens.
Troop Welfare and Motivation
The Chairman also emphasized the need to prioritize the welfare of security personnel on the frontlines. He urged the Federal Government to ensure prompt payment of allowances, proper medical care, and adequate logistical support for troops actively engaged in combat.
“The morale of the troops must be kept high through prompt payment of allowances, proper medical care, and adequate logistical support,” he said. “Such measures are essential to sustain an effective counter-insurgency campaign.”
Call for Decisive Action
Concluding his statement, the Chairman stressed that winning the war against terrorism requires more than rhetoric, calling for decisive, coordinated, and sustained military action.
“Nigeria must take the fight to the enemy, reclaim every inch of its territory, and restore confidence among the citizens,” he stated. “The war against terror and banditry is one that must be won — not through words, but through continuous and determined military effort.”
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