Nigeria’s Security Crisis: A Call for ECOWAS Intervention and Reassessing Northern Strategies

Bashir Dalhatu, head of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), recently stated that Boko Haram and bandit groups have essentially “declared war on Nigeria.” His comments have reignited debates about the country’s multifaceted security challenges and how best to address them.

The situation is undeniably complex. For over a decade and a half, Nigeria has wrestled with escalating violence, starting with Boko Haram’s insurgency in the Northeast. This then expanded into banditry plaguing the Northwest and North-Central regions. Government efforts have, by all accounts, yielded limited success.

The core problem is how we define the enemy. Boko Haram initially presented as a religious extremist group with ideological goals. Their goal was establishing an Islamic state and it drove their violence. Bandits, especially in the Northwest, seemed motivated primarily by financial gain, a criminal enterprise focused on kidnapping and extortion. Yet, both groups now pose existential threats to the Nigerian state.

Dalhatu raises a critical point: these threats aren’t confined within Nigeria’s borders. They spill over into neighboring West African countries. A unified, ECOWAS-led military strategy, he suggests, could be a more effective response. I’ve seen similar cross-border operations yield positive results in other contexts, though implementation is always fraught with logistical and political hurdles.

His suggestion to quickly reinforce security forces by re-enlisting retired personnel carries weight. These veterans possess invaluable experience and intimate knowledge of the terrain. Streamlining this process could provide a short-term boost while longer-term recruitment efforts take shape.

The ACF, as Dalhatu explains, acts as an advocacy group, a platform for voicing concerns and collaborating with northern governors and leaders. While not a decision-making body, it offers a crucial avenue for dialogue and problem-solving. Insecurity cripples everything; farms are abandoned, livelihoods vanish, and instability spreads.

Dalhatu openly acknowledges the shortcomings of northern leaders. The failure to manage population growth and address the issue of out-of-school children is especially glaring. A staggering 15 million children roam the streets without access to education, which creates an environment ripe for recruitment by criminal elements. Their current focus on skill acquisition is a welcome step. It directly addresses a significant vulnerability by offering alternative paths to productivity.

The question of negotiating with bandits remains highly contentious. Dalhatu suggests a hybrid approach, blending military action with dialogue. He points to the Niger Delta amnesty program as a potential model, where militants were offered amnesty, education, and reintegration. However, it’s vital to remember that bandits are engaged in criminal activities. Any negotiation must be carefully calibrated to avoid rewarding criminality and fueling further violence. There has to be clear messaging that such actions have consequences.

It’s true, a purely military approach rarely solves deep-seated conflicts. Successful resolution often requires addressing underlying socio-economic grievances and offering pathways to legitimate livelihoods. This demands a long-term strategy combining security measures with development initiatives.

Dalhatu firmly rejects the notion that northern elites are shielding criminal groups. Such accusations are understandably met with outrage. The violence affects everyone, and it defies logic to suggest that any sane person would tolerate or support such activities.

Comparisons between different forms of violence are tricky. Dalhatu notes that killing is a higher evil than kidnapping. Both are, of course, reprehensible and should be combatted with equal force. This is not about ranking atrocities; it is about recognizing the different layers of harm inflicted on victims and society.

Sheikh Gumi’s views, while controversial, highlight the diverse perspectives within the region. Freedom of expression is vital. Yet, these opinions should be scrutinized and debated openly. The ACF’s stance on the sanctity of life, irrespective of religious affiliation, offers a counter-narrative to those promoting divisive rhetoric.

Moving forward, a multi-pronged approach is paramount. Strengthening security forces, fostering regional cooperation, addressing socio-economic inequalities, and promoting inclusive dialogue are all essential components. This requires strong leadership, unwavering commitment, and a willingness to learn from past mistakes. The situation remains precarious, but acknowledging the complexity of the challenge is the first step towards finding lasting solutions. Only time will tell if the current “resurgence of government determination” will indeed be different, or merely a repetition of past efforts.

Read Original

Keywords: Nigeria security crisis, Boko Haram, banditry, ECOWAS intervention, Northern Nigeria strategies, Arewa Consultative Forum, Nigerian violence, insecurity