The loss of Nigerian lives as a result of Boko Haram militias attacks has reached a distressing total of 5,873 individuals, between December 2020 and May 2023, report reveals.
In a report published on Friday, SBM Intelligence disclosed that the recorded number of fatalities occurred across 430 incidents.
In terms of fatalities, Borno state ranked at the top, followed by Yobe, Niger, Kastina, and Adamawa states, as reported. Taraba, Kogi, Kaduna, Kano, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Ondo state were also impacted by the tragic loss of life, according to the findings.
While the military had made significant strides in combating the terrorists, the report highlighted that the war was still far from its conclusion.
The statement reads in part, ‘Nigeria’s longest-running insurgency entered its 13th year at the start of 2023. Over the past two years, the military has made significant strides against the terrorist group, aided by modern military hardware, including Tucano jets.’
The report pointed out that the terrorist group’s infiltration into the North-Central and North-West regions indicated that there was still unfinished work ahead.
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In light of the insurgency, Tony Ofoyetan, the Director-General of the International Institute of Professional Security, emphasised the need for President Bola Tinubu’s new administration to devise a specialized strategy to tackle the situation.
He said, ‘There is something with the call signature of terrorists. This is when terrorists carry out attacks to show they are still in control, but a sensible government will not rush to attack them. A sensible government will carefully look at the signature and pattern of terrorist attacks and find out why previous governments failed.’
Timothy Avele, a security expert, delivered a resolute message to the President and the newly appointed service chiefs, urging them to end terrorism promptly. He pointed out the alarming rate of attacks and casualties and described the fight against terrorism as a challenging one.
He added, ‘So far the security, intelligence agencies and the military have greatly improved compared to about three years ago, but there is still a lot to be done to bring the terrorists to their knees.’
‘Perhaps, this new set of service chiefs will work together, backed by the President to end it once and for all or at least reduce their potency to the barest minimum. It can be done once the political will is there and they work together instead of working at cross-purposes. Sadly, it’s easier said than done, simply because terrorism is one of the most powerful political tools available.’
Citing the alarming number of casualties, the report stresses the importance of swiftly addressing terrorism. Success requires collaboration and the adoption of a specialized strategy.