As Nigeria grapples with an increasingly complex security landscape, particularly in its northern regions, it is clear that military might alone cannot stem the tide of violence.
The recent tragic killing of Sarkin Gobir, Isa Bawa, in Sokoto State by bandits who had held him captive for over a month underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift in the nation’s counterterrorism strategy.
The calls from prominent groups, such as the Northern Elders Forum and the Arewa Consultative Forum, for a new approach beyond traditional military tactics reflect a growing recognition that the roots of terrorism run deep into the social fabric of communities.
These developments have sparked widespread discussion about how the country can address terrorism and build resilient communities.
Some argue that Nigeria should embrace a soft approach to counterterrorism, focusing on preventive measures that address the root causes of violence.
No doubt, engaging local communities is paramount to winning their hearts and minds.
In our view, this approach can discourage radicalisation and the recruitment of youth into terrorism.
A lack of awareness at the community level often hampers the collective ability to monitor and respond to warning signs of potential threats. It is vital to foster vigilance and cooperation among citizens.
The security situation in Nigeria, especially in the North, has become increasingly complex, with various non-state armed groups consolidating power and terrorising the population, particularly in the North West, North Central, and North East.
To combat this, we must enhance community resilience and promote systems that contribute to overall well-being.
Community inaction in the face of suspected threats allows for the infiltration of violent extremism, which is exacerbated by globalisation and the ease with which incendiary rhetoric spreads.
The federal government must address the critical drivers of terrorism and violent extremism: social exclusion, the over-politicisation of policies, marginalisation, human rights violations, environmental degradation, and social inequality.
It is time to implement a comprehensive strategy at the policy level that challenges radical ideologies through targeted counter-narratives aimed at preventing the spread of terrorism and violent extremism.
To achieve this, Nigeria must build synergy among communities and response institutions, particularly the armed forces.Mutual respect and understanding are essential for effective intelligence gathering and coordinated responses.
Also establishing community reporting mechanisms, supported by well-informed Community Observers, is vital for identifying and reporting threats promptly.
The country’s efforts to build community resilience must shift from reactive to proactive approaches, particularly in the North West, North Central, and North East.
We believe that a broad range of policies encouraging active participation from various actors in development, conflict prevention, education, culture, and diplomacy is now needed.
Recent engagements by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), with support from GIABA-ECOWAS, highlight the necessity of appropriate policy measures to address the socio-economic conditions and grievances that contribute to radicalisation.
Building resilience entails developing our communities’ ability to adapt, recover, and thrive despite adversity.
The country must also prioritise de-radicalisation activities that provide psychosocial support to at-risk populations, fostering a sense of ownership, inclusion, and responsibility among traditional institutions.
Inclusive dialogue and sensitisation at the community level, alongside respect for human rights and the rule of law, are critical to our success.
Local governments must be strengthened to ensure efficient service delivery and security. This includes thorough monitoring of Local Government Autonomy for maximum accountability, as well as promoting human rights, diversity, and a culture of global citizenship in our educational institutions.
Citizens must be vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious activities through established channels, such as the Community Security Architecture and the Nigeria Police Complaint Response Unit.
This newspaper believes that Nigeria can build a resilient society that stands firm against the threats of terrorism and violent extremism.
Consequently, as Nigeria stands at this critical juncture, the choice is clear: Continuing down the path of militarisation risks perpetuating a cycle of violence. Embracing a soft power approach, while challenging, offers the best hope for long-term peace and stability.
It is time for Nigeria to rewrite its counterterrorism playbook, placing communities at the center of the fight against extremism.
