Experts fault military’s reactionary approach to terrorism

Military high command’s practice of responding to terrorist after attacks has been criticised by security experts, who warned that such a practice could be counter-productive.

They spoke against the background of a reported recent use of a drone by terrorists to carry out serial attacks on troops in the frontline, a development witnessed on December 24, as Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) used armed drones in a coordinated attack against Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wajiroko in Damboa Local Council.

Although, the military high command insisted it was a toy drone and was shot down by vigilant troops, sources disclosed that five soldiers were injured during the drone attack, while one military vehicle was destroyed.

Meanwhile, a security expert, who criticised military’s post-attack response strategy, Mr Dennis Amachree, noted that the future of warfare was changing, and that the Nigerian security forces should be a step or two ahead.

Amachree, a former director of Nigeria’s secret police, said: “Waiting for terrorists to attack before reacting is not a good strategy. There is need not to underestimate their capability. Terrorists and bandits in Nigeria are more sophisticated than they are given credit for. Over the years, they have demonstrated an ability to adapt and evolve, often utilising advanced technology like drones and other special weaponry.

“As the future of warfare is changing, the Nigerian security forces should be a step or two ahead, by taking the fight to them. The Nigerian state should start cutting off the two major arteries of recruitment from the marginalised and disenfranchised, as well as blocking their sources of funding, including kidnapping for ransom, and criminal activities.” Certified Protection Officer, Frank Oshanugor, noted that security agencies were fighting the effect and not the cause.

“With respect to the increase in the activities of terrorists and bandits and the recent use of drone by ISWAP, I am tempted to believe that there are things Nigeria’s political leaders are yet to do. Over time, some analysts have contended that we are fighting the effect not the cause,” he said.

He added that a good number of Nigerians were mentioned during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as suspected sponsors of the terrorists, saying: “Yet up till now, Nigerians have not been told what happened to those suspected sponsors.”