One Ambush Too Many

It is becoming frequent, even if unusual, for Nigerians to wake up to disheartening reports of attacks on military personnel, resulting in tragic loss of lives. In a most recent incident, 36 soldiers were killed in an ambush in Niger State. This underscores a disturbing trend that demands urgent attention by the military high command.

These soldiers were reported to be conducting an “offensive operation” when they were ambushed by terrorists resulting in the loss of 25 soldiers and three officers. Seven others were wounded. An attempt to evacuate casualties from that attack using a Nigerian Air Force helicopter ended tragically, claiming the lives of 14 more military personnel, including pilots and crew members.

This tragedy in Niger State is not an isolated occurrence. Just a few months ago, in Borno State, three Nigerian soldiers lost their lives, and others were injured by an improvised explosive device planted by militants from the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, known as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). This incident took place along the Damasak/San San highway.

Furthermore, in 2021, 31 soldiers fell victim to an ambush by IS-aligned fighters, emphasizing the relentless threat posed by these terrorist groups. In a stark revelation, a national daily reported that no fewer than 714 soldiers had been killed by terrorists from January 2021 to April 2022, with several others suffering varying degrees of injury.

In the considered opinion of this newspaper, these numbers are staggering and deeply concerning for a nation that is not officially at war. It is a crisis that demands immediate action and a significant shift in strategy.

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The situation begs the question: how can Nigeria, a country with such a proud military tradition, find itself in this precarious position? The answer is complex, but one thing is clear – the time has come for a change in approach.

In our view, the current reactive strategy, where our soldiers are often caught off guard by terrorists, is unsustainable and unacceptable. We cannot continue to mourn the loss of our brave servicemen and women as the nation grapples with insecurity.

It is essential for the military to reevaluate their tactics and embark on a proactive mission to take the battle to the terrorists. The goal must be to reduce insecurity to the barest minimum before the year ends. To achieve this, several critical steps must be taken.

Firstly, intelligence gathering and sharing must be significantly improved. This entails closer collaboration among various security agencies and the utilisation of technology to track terrorist movements and plans. By staying one step ahead of the terrorists, our military can preempt their actions and avoid being caught in ambushes.

Secondly, there is a need for enhanced training for the soldiers as well as equipping them properly to be able to face the challenges of the time. The asymmetrical nature of the conflict requires specialised skills and resources. Investing in the professional development of the troops and providing them with state-of-the-art equipment is not an option but a necessity.

Thirdly, fostering collaboration with neighboring countries is essential. Terrorist groups often operate across borders, and a joint effort is needed to root out these threats. Nigeria should work closely with its neighbors to share intelligence, coordinate military operations, and prevent terrorists from finding safe havens in neighboring territories.

Fourthly, winning the hearts and minds of the local population is vital. Communities living in vulnerable areas must be assured of their safety and protected from terrorist reprisals. This can be achieved through effective community policing and development programs that address the root causes of extremism.

It is gratifying to note that in the wake of the tragic ambush that claimed the lives of the soldiers in Niger State, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has issued a resolute call to action. His order for military commanders and soldiers to exact revenge for the deaths of their comrades reflects the depth of sorrow and outrage felt by the entire nation.

The vow that those responsible for this cowardly act will not go unpunished is a pledge that reverberates with justice. It sends a clear message to the perpetrators of this heinous crime that Nigeria will not tolerate such acts of terror. It reaffirms the principle that those who seek to harm the nation’s defenders will be held accountable for their actions.

Needless to say, the loss of over 800 soldiers in three years, even when the country is not officially at war, is unacceptable. It is high time Nigeria reclaimed its pride on the battlefield and put an end to the reign of terror that has plagued the nation for far too long.

We owe it to the memory of those brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country. Nigeria must rise to this challenge and emerge victorious in the battle against terrorism, ensuring a safer and more secure future for all its citizens. The time for action is now.