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Northern Nigeria Governors Not Serious About Ending Terrorism and Banditry – Retired General Williams

Published by Tope Fakinlede on January 12th, 2025.

Northern Nigeria Governors Not Serious About Ending Terrorism and Banditry – Retired General Williams

Retired General Ishola Williams, a former Commandant of the Army Signals, has criticised the security situation in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region, highlighting the ineffective response to terrorism and banditry. Williams expressed concern over the failure of both military and political leaders to address these issues decisively. He stated that the situation had deteriorated to the point where bandits are freely operating across vast areas, making it clear that the problem now extends beyond mere terrorism and requires a more comprehensive strategy.

Williams argued that the military’s primary role should focus on safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity rather than engaging in internal counterterrorism efforts, a task better suited for specialized forces such as the Mobile Police. He suggested restructuring Nigeria’s security forces, advocating for the separation of the National Paramilitary Force from the police service to make it an independent entity. He also proposed that the Nigeria Police Force be reorganized, with separate divisions for crime intelligence, criminal investigation, and paramilitary policing.

He criticised the ongoing reliance on the military to handle roles meant for paramilitary forces, stressing that the Mobile Police was designed to fight bandits and insurgents, not the regular military. Williams also called for improved coordination between military and paramilitary forces, with a stronger focus on equipping and supporting the Mobile Police.

The retired general also took aim at the political leadership, particularly the governors in the north, accusing them of inaction and even complicity in the worsening security crisis. He pointed to instances such as the turbaning of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji by a traditional ruler as evidence of deeper systemic issues in governance and security. Williams questioned whether the northern governors were genuinely committed to tackling terrorism, pointing out their failure to address local challenges like the Almajiri system and the lack of action against traditional leaders allegedly collaborating with bandits.

Reflecting on the broader security landscape, Williams rejected the notion that Boko Haram’s sophistication is beyond the capabilities of local forces. He criticised Nigeria’s intelligence services for their inability to effectively tackle the insurgency and called for greater accountability in tracking the funding and supplies that sustain terrorist groups.

Ultimately, Williams advocated for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s security framework, urging the government to adopt a more practical and accountable approach to ensure the safety of its citizens.