Vice President Kashim Shettima has strongly denounced the recent suicide bombing in Konduga, Borno State, which claimed multiple lives at a local eatery on Friday night. In a statement released on Saturday, Shettima condemned the attack, labelling it a gruesome act of terrorism targeting innocent civilians in the northeastern region. The Vice President urged security and intelligence agencies to deepen investigations into the incident, emphasizing the urgent need to support the victims and the bereaved families affected by the tragedy. Shettima, a former governor of Borno State, extended his heartfelt condolences to both the families of those killed and the broader Borno community. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to apprehending and prosecuting those behind the attack. He stressed that the government would remain steadfast in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice and held accountable. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families mourning the loss of loved ones due to this horrific and senseless act,” Shettima stated. “The government stands firmly by them during this painful period and will extend every necessary support.” He reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to securing long-term peace in the Northeast and other regions of Nigeria. Shettima vowed that the Federal Government would not allow hostile forces to reverse the gains already made in counter-terrorism operations. “We will not permit our adversaries to sabotage the progress we’ve made in reducing their capabilities,” he concluded.
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: 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 Unanswered Questions and the Path Forward Several issues remain unresolved: 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: Zone-by-Zone Recovery Efforts 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. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
