Time for Nigeria to Declare Full-Scale War on Terrorism, Banditry as Gunmen Kill Over 50 in Katsina
By Taiwo Olapade
It is exactly one week since unknown gunmen, as they are often described, invaded a mosque in Malunfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing nearly 30 worshippers in a brazen and senseless attack. The assault also claimed the lives of more than 25 other residents within the community, bringing the death toll to over 50.
Tragically, as of the time of this report, there has been no official statement from the Federal Government or any security agency confirming that even one of these enemies of the state has been arrested. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has made strong declarations since the incident, but the absence of arrests undermines Nigeria’s image as a country genuinely committed to combating insecurity.
The attack came barely 72 hours after the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in the presence of the nation’s top security chiefs, announced the arrest of wanted terrorist leaders during a press briefing in Abuja.
Those behind this dastardly act are not merely “gunmen”; they are terrorists, and they must be tracked down, arrested, and made to face the full weight of the law. Twenty-four hours is already too long for perpetrators of such heinous crimes to remain at large. Swift justice would not only provide some comfort to grieving families but also send a strong message that no offender in Nigeria will go unpunished.
This is the right time for the Federal Government to declare a full-scale war on terrorism and banditry. Such a move would signal that the Tinubu-led administration is taking bold and decisive steps to end the reign of terror and ensure that it is no longer business as usual for those who seek to destabilize our country.
Equally important is the urgent need to review Nigeria’s counter-terrorism policies to ensure they align with current realities. What has happened to intelligence gathering and proactiveness on the part of our security agencies—the DSS, SSS, and NIA? Why are these institutions seemingly reactive instead of preventive?
Modern technology, including drones and other advanced surveillance equipment, must be prioritized in the fight against terrorism. In addition, Nigeria must strengthen its porous borders. It is equally concerning that the Federal Government’s plan to deploy Forest Guards has yet to be implemented despite frequent attacks on border communities.
The government should also consider constructing military barracks and police stations in strategic border towns to check the influx of terrorists. At the same time, state governors in the North must invest massively in education to reshape the mindset of youths and prevent them from being lured into extremist ideologies. The National Orientation Agency must urgently launch aggressive enlightenment campaigns highlighting the value of education and its role in national development.
The high level of killings has alarmed many Nigerians. In an open letter to President Tinubu, a group of Concerned Leaders cutting across party and religious lines lamented that over 10,000 Nigerians have been killed in the last two years. They described the country as “bleeding” and urged the establishment of a Presidential National Task Force on Security to coordinate strategies for reducing insecurity to the barest minimum.
One of the group’s leaders, former Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka, noted that the military is overstretched with multiple operations across the country. He stressed that this is not the time for blame games, but rather a moment for unity and collective resolve to end the war against Nigeria.
Taiwo Olapade, Broadcast Journalist, writes from Lagos.
