Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who is the National Security Adviser, has announced at a recent African Counter-terrorism Summit in Abuja that the Federal Government has restarted the trial of Boko Haram suspects nationwide. He confirmed the resumption of prosecutions during the two-day summit, emphasising the government’s commitment to combatting terrorism in Nigeria. He said that Nigeria is actively monitoring the actions of Boko Haram and the Islamic State–West Africa Province (ISWAP) in order to confront them directly.
According to Ribadu, the summit showcases Nigeria’s dedication to the UN Counter-terrorism agreement, underscoring the country’s strategic stance on the matter. He pointed out that Africa is confronted with a series of terrorist organisations taking advantage of local weaknesses. He also mentioned that Nigeria has expanded its strategies to combat the changing security challenges posed by Boko Haram and ISWAP, which now includes leveraging digital resources. The individual mentioned that Nigeria is taking firm action against the root causes of violent extremism, such as economic and social factors.
Collaboration between agencies and the public will enhance the effort.
They are also improving intelligence gathering by fostering better collaboration between agencies and building trust with the public. Furthermore, he mentioned that Nigeria is taking steps to enhance its legal system to address terrorism cases more efficiently and has set aside resources to enhance counter-terrorism measures. Also, addressing the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty, inequality, and marginalisation, is crucial in preventing radicalisation and recruitment. By investing in education, economic opportunities, and social programs, Nigeria can offer alternative pathways to vulnerable individuals susceptible to extremist ideologies.
Vladimir Voronkov, the Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism at the United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism, emphasised the importance of African countries working together to create solutions specific to Africa to ensure the success of the United Nations. The upcoming two-day summit aims to address the complex security challenges facing Nigeria and Africa. President Bola Tinubu, Nana Akufo-Addo, and Faure Gnassingbé, the leaders of Nigeria, Ghana, and Togo, respectively, were all present at the summit. Delegates from Chad, Niger, and over four hundred other representatives from African nations gathered for the event, where the Presidents’ representatives were also in attendance.
An intelligence-led approach can help disrupt terrorist operations.
To curb terrorism in Nigeria, it is essential to strengthen intelligence among security agencies. By improving information sharing and coordination, security forces can better identify and prevent potential terrorist threats before they materialise. This intelligence-led approach can help disrupt terrorist organisations’ operations and dismantle their networks within the country. Another crucial aspect is enhancing border security to prevent the infiltration of terrorists and illicit weapons. By implementing stricter border control measures, Nigeria can minimise the flow of weapons, funds, and foreign fighters that may support terrorist activities within its borders.
This proactive approach can help cut off the supply lines of terrorist groups and prevent them from carrying out attacks on Nigerian soil. Moreover, community engagement and partnership play a vital role in combating terrorism. By building trust and cooperation with local communities, security forces can gather valuable intelligence on suspected terrorist activities and individuals. Empowering communities to report suspicious behaviour and providing platforms for open communication can help in identifying and neutralising terrorist threats before they escalate.
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Tackling these underlying issues can help reduce the appeal of terrorism and foster a more resilient society that is less susceptible to radicalisation. Implementing strict measures to track and disrupt the financing of terrorist organisations is imperative in curbing terrorism in Nigeria. By cutting off their financial resources, terrorist groups are limited in their ability to carry out attacks and recruit new members. This includes monitoring financial transactions, cracking down on money laundering activities, and cooperating with international partners to track and freeze assets connected to terrorism.
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