How NGOs And Other Entities Allegedly Fuel Terrorism In Nigeria

Discover how NGOs and international agencies may be fueling terrorism in Nigeria. Learn about the military’s efforts, socio-economic challenges, and proposed solutions to combat insurgency effectively.

Retired military generals and commanders from Nigeria’s Army, Navy, and Air Force have analyzed the ongoing battle against Boko Haram and insurgency in Nigeria, concluding that certain non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international agencies, and vested interests may be indirectly sustaining terrorism and violent crimes in the country.

This assessment aligns with the recent appeal by General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who urged the Federal Government to engage the United Nations in investigating how sophisticated arms continue to reach terrorists and bandits. Despite significant military victories, these groups remain heavily armed, raising questions about the sources of their funding and weaponry.

Investigating Arms Inflows to Terrorists

General Musa’s statement underscores the frustration felt by the military, which has been accused of not justifying the substantial budgetary allocations for counter-terrorism efforts. Critics argue that the continued availability of advanced weapons to terrorists diminishes the credibility of the military’s successes.

Former Generals Weigh In

Retired generals and field commanders provided insights into the factors fueling insurgency:

Non-State Players’ Role: A former General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 1 Division revealed that external and internal non-state actors are instrumental in sustaining violence. Arrests of terror financiers have traced their funding to the Middle East, with pivotal assistance from the UAE government. Unfortunately, political controversies have stalled prosecutions.
Social Vulnerabilities: Socio-economic challenges in northern Nigeria, including joblessness, poor healthcare, and a lack of education, create fertile ground for terrorist recruitment. Millions of out-of-school children and widespread illiteracy exacerbate the problem.
Economic Exploitation: Terrorists exploit local farmers, demanding portions of their harvests as taxes. These goods are then converted into funds through illicit trade, further sustaining terrorism.

The Role of NGOs and International Agencies

A former Air Force operations commander argued that some NGOs covertly sponsor terrorism. He claimed that these organizations disguise their activities under humanitarian aid while indirectly aiding arms inflows. He highlighted intelligence reports of aircraft allegedly dropping arms in remote locations under the guise of humanitarian missions.

Further, the commander stated that NGOs sometimes lobby for foreign mercenaries, particularly when the military gains an upper hand against terrorists.

Tackling Terrorism: A Multi-Pronged Approach

Financial Intelligence: Retired officers emphasized the importance of using advanced technology like AI-based analytics and satellite surveillance to trace and block funding sources.
Regional Cooperation: Collaboration with neighboring countries, Interpol, and international organizations is essential for dismantling transnational terrorist networks.
Improved Governance: Addressing socio-economic disparities through education, job creation, and better governance is critical to reducing terrorist recruitment.
Regulation of Religious Teachings: The retired generals called for stricter regulation of religious teachings to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies.
State Policing: They advocated for the introduction of state police to expand security coverage across Nigeria, citing the inefficiency of centralized policing in a nation of over 250 million people.

Unanswered Questions and the Path Forward

Several issues remain unresolved:

How do terrorists acquire advanced weaponry despite military vigilance?
Why do some foreign nations refuse to sell arms to Nigeria while non-state actors access them easily?
What role do international conspiracies play in destabilizing Nigeria and other Sahel nations?

General Musa’s call for UN involvement is a bold step towards uncovering these mysteries. However, retired officers stressed that this must complement robust domestic strategies, including improved financial intelligence and socio-economic reforms.

Director-General Speaks on the Destruction of Recovered Weapons

The Director-General of the Centre, DIG Johnson Kokumo (retired), revealed that the weapons destroyed by the Centre were confiscated from terrorists and criminal elements by various security agencies across the country.

These arms included unserviceable, decommissioned, and recovered weapons that were seized during operations. By permanently removing these firearms from circulation, the Centre aims to reduce the risks they pose to communities.

Additionally, the Centre is holding other illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) that are currently undergoing tracing, investigations, and legal processes. This includes illegal firearms handed over by the Nigeria Customs Service. Kokumo noted that these weapons would also be destroyed after completing the necessary procedures during future destruction exercises.

“This event demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to ensuring national security and promoting peace both within Nigeria and across the West African sub-region,” he emphasized.

Weapons Recovered in 2024

In the fight against terrorism and insecurity, Major General Edward Buba of the Defence Headquarters disclosed that troops recovered a staggering 8,815 weapons and 228,004 rounds of ammunition between January and December 2024. These recoveries included:

4,332 AK-47 rifles
1,244 locally fabricated guns
838 Dane guns
259 pump-action guns
128,496 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
45,445 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
5,103 cartridges
2,131 assorted arms
29,176 assorted rounds of ammunition

Zone-by-Zone Recovery Efforts

North East (Operation Hadin Kai)
- 120 AK-47 rifles
- 48 fabricated rifles
- 35 Dane guns
- 15 assorted arms
- 2,827 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
- 1,083 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
- 498 assorted ammunition
North West (Operation Hadarin Daji)
- 1,450 AK-47 rifles
- 477 fabricated guns
- 576 assorted arms
- 31,999 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
- 14,960 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
- 6,564 assorted ammunition
Operation Whirl Punch
- 364 AK-47 rifles
- 302 assorted arms
- 12,422 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
- 5,991 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
- 2,818 assorted ammunition

These significant efforts reflect the government’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety of its citizens.

Conclusion

The fight against terrorism in Nigeria is not just a military battle but a national and international challenge. It requires a unified effort involving the military, government, NGOs, and citizens. Addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities, disrupting funding networks, and improving governance are critical to achieving lasting peace and security.