Is The Nigerian Government Really Serious In It’s Fight Against Terrorism? -By Enoch Samson Peri

Since it’s campaign, the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration promised to make terrorism a thing of the past in Nigeria. At that time, no one knew the kind of plans and Idea the president has, to inject into the Nigerian security architecture. But since terrorism is a problem that has bedeviled the country, especially the North Eastern part, everyone was ready to go with him because he seemed to have the cure that can give Nigerians hope once again!

With the current happenings in the country, one would begin to ask if the government is really serious about it’s commitment to fight terrorism or it is just another campaign propaganda! Lives are lost on daily basis, properties stolen and destroyed, people living in fear and uncertainty and the hope seem to have fled! And the government is doing little or nothing to fulfill it’s promise!
The security operatives in the fore of fighting terrorism are not provided with sophisticated weapons to make their fight against the violent extremist easier, the welfare of these brave Nigerians is not given priority! After putting their dear lives on the line for our nation it is only right that they are properly taken care of and given handsome remuneration.

The percentage of Nigerian budget allocated to defense, is too small to reflect the readiness of the government to end terrorism! The fight is against a giant monster, hence, good resources must be injected in to the fight to make victory sure.

Persons actively involved in terrorism, when arrested are not prosecuted on time, which gives room for irregularities leading to them escaping their criminal responsibility. Some are pardoned by the government and some are used for the dangerous romance of being exchanged for the freedom of hostages.

‘It is easier said than done!’ they say! With the way the Nigerian government is going about the fight against terrorism one will be right to say that, if at all the Nigerian government is not a fuel to terrorism, it condones it. Therefore, to prove that it’s promise of bringing terrorism to an end is not a lip service, it must provide adequately for it’s gallant security operatives and formulate good policies that will enhance the security architecture of Nigeria.