Jihadist terrorism remains the greatest threats to the global communities, more especially in the new age that is fast advancing in technology and knowledge. The problem is not the technology, neither is it the knowledge, but it is the fact that when everything improves, other things (evil inclusive) also improves alongside. This is the real threat the world should dread where terrorism is concerned. Terminating terrorism outright may be a Sisyphean task, but terminating the evil ideology, which is the force that is driving the menace may be the only effective solution to, at least, manage it to the barest minimum.
Moreover, African countries have experienced relatively high levels of terrorism with little or no apparent victory won at the war front. Countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Mali, Uganda and Nigeria have suffered disproportionate terrorism impacts in recent years. But apparently, Nigeria, the African most populous nation, is gradually becoming a haven for global terrorism. In other words, the proliferation of terrorism poses crucial security threats and tremendous challenges to the local-global community due to their national, international and transnational scope. This will not be only considered unfortunate but, more importantly, it is also a premonitory symptom for the world at large.
In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed an upsurge in conflict and violence, mostly occasioned by the ISWAP-Boko Haram insurrection and indiscriminate mayhem, perhaps one of the largest terrorist groups in Africa. Northern Nigeria has been bleeding constantly with no apparent hope that the incessant terrorist insurgence, which is spreading like wildfire across the region, will soon be brought to an end. The north-east, more especially, is being consumed, not only with terrorism, but also banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling, communal clashes etc. ISWAP’s collaboration with Boko Haram terror group has made the intervention of the security forces of little or no effect, and apparently, the federal government is completely overwhelmed:
The northern states, particularly the north-eastern region of the country, have suffered more serious violence due to terrorism and banditry. For instance, the battle to control major local government areas in Borno state has become so intense between the security forces and ISWAP fighters who are apparently making progress in their mission to take over the state and establish their caliphate. In some of the states, some Local Government Areas are now under the control of ISWAP-Boko Haram soldiers who are often said to be imposing taxes on the Locals. For example, Abadam, Gwoza, Guzamala, Kalabalge, Magumeri, Gubio, Marte, Damasak, Mafa and Dikwa are some of the Local Government Areas that have been levied by ISWAP-Boko Haram members. Yunusari and Gaidam Local Government Areas of Yobe state are also said to have had a similar experience in the recent past.
Furthermore, Bauchi state has not been spared in the incessant insurgent activities of the terrorists as Zaki, Gamawa, Darazo and Dambam are Local Government Areas of state that were touched in recent times. Moreover, the north-western states have also had their fair share of the violence erupted by Boko Haram terrorists. For example, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states have all had a bitter insurgence experience of the home-grown terror group. Howbeit, the recent insurgence has affected some states in the region more than others. For instance, incidents of terrorist activities and banditry have pervaded the atmosphere of Zamfara, Kaduna, Jigawa, katsina and Kebbi states in recent times. As a matter of fact, Zamfara state- one of the poorest states in Nigeria, is at the centre of banditry and terrorism. The poor state leads the country’s league of the table of violent insurgency, with over 500 reported killings in five months (i.e. between July to November 2021)! Apparently, this is far more than Borno, where ISWAP-Boko Haram terrorists operate, almost on a day-to-day basis. Zurmi, Anka, Maru and Talata are some of the Local Government Areas of Zamfara state where terrorist insurgence has been incessant. Although, cases of terrorist insurgence may not have been commonly reported in Sokoto state, however the recent reported cases of abduction (of over 25 people) and imposition of levy by ‘bandits’ in Gatawa community in Sabon Birni local Government Area of the state could be a signal of imminent sinister phases to come sooner than expected.
The north-central states are not spared; Benue, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi and Kwara states have all had reported cases of violence in many of their communities. Benue, for example, has suffered incessant extreme violence and insurgence in the hands of a violent group often referred to as Fulani herdsmen. As of May 2021, over 200 people are estimated to have been killed in the various communities in Benue state. Cases of incessant kidnapping of individuals and groups of persons (commuters inclusive), killings, banditry, terrorism, tension, arson, violence, moral panic etc. have also been reported in Plateau, Kogi, Kwara and Nasarawa states. Niger state may have been visited with the influx of ISWAP-Boko Haram members who had reportedly shut down communities/villages in the state:
It is interesting to note that in one of their recent operations in those communities/villages in Niger state, ISWAP-Boko Haram insurgents offered villagers money and other incentives while encouraging insurrection among youths in those communities/villages, inciting them to join in to wage war against the government. The same level of attacks and violence has been reported in other north-central states. However, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja may not have recorded any major violent insurgence or terrorist attacks in recent times, but there is an increased reported cases of kidnapping in which bandits gained access into schools and private homes abducting people and collecting ransoms. Many victims of such attacks are either forced to pay ransom in order to regain their freedom or get killed. As a matter of fact, there are reported cases of kidnapped victims who, despite paying ransom, were found dead.
Therefore, as terrorism proliferates in northern Nigeria, it is quite apparent that collaborations between the home-grown terrorist organization- Boko Haram and other Islamic extremist groups may have fortified the insurgent activities of the sect, more especially in northern Nigeria. The operations of the terrorist organisation now proliferate seamlessly across the entire northern region of the country. The current spate of terrorism in the country is frightening, and of course, this is becoming a global concern! It is often said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Therefore, first, the government should be willing to publicly declare the ‘bandits’ (whose modus operandi and ideologies align perfectly with those of typical terrorists) as terrorists. Then, this singular action may help gather international support to, at least, contain the raging menace in the country. This is because the stability of Nigeria is important to regional and international peace and security as well as global economic interests.
‘Tunde Adeparusi Msyl – An independent researcher and a member of the Security Institute (SI) United Kingdom
Wrote via: tunde.adeparusi@gmail.com
