Insecurity: Don’t underestimate Nigerian military’s capacity -Onovo

A former Presidential Candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Chief Martin Onovo, has warned Nigerians against underestimating the Nigerian military’s capacity and security strategy in ending terrorism in the country.

Onovo, the Head of Policy Positions at the Movement for Fundamental Change, gave the warning in an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday in Lagos.

He spoke against the backdrop of the recent wave of abductions and kidnappings of school teachers and students, especially in Oyo State.

He noted that the fundamental problem in tackling terrorism and insurgency in the country was the absence of political will to decisively confront the challenges.

According to him, we have repeatedly heard military authorities say that they possess the capability to dislodge and defeat these terrorist groups.

“If the military itself says it has the capacity, then the question becomes, why has the problem persisted for so long?

“The answer lies in political leadership. Security agencies operate within the framework and directives provided by the political authorities.

“When senior officials make statements suggesting sympathy or leniency toward terrorists, it raises legitimate concerns about the seriousness of the government’s commitment to ending the insurgency.”

He added that the bottleneck was not necessarily the competence of the military, as Nigerian military personnel had demonstrated courage and professionalism in several operations both within and outside the country.

“These are officers and soldiers who have participated in difficult peacekeeping and combat missions, including operations in Liberia and other conflict zones.

“What is required is clear political direction and unwavering commitment to defeating terrorism.

“If the Commander-in-Chief gives firm instructions and provides the necessary support, the security agencies have the capacity to execute their mandate effectively,” the political activist said.

Onovo said that the current approach of rehabilitating and reintegrating ”repentant” terrorists remained controversial.

According to him, many Nigerians question whether individuals responsible for killings, kidnappings and destruction should simply be reintegrated into society without adequate justice and accountability.

“There are also concerns about the government’s broader strategy. Reports often indicate that security agencies know the locations of terrorist camps and criminal hideouts.

“Where such intelligence exists, citizens naturally expect decisive action to neutralise the threat and rescue victims.

“Nigeria possesses considerable security and military assets. The country has trained personnel, intelligence capabilities and operational experience.

“Therefore, the narrative that Nigeria is helpless without foreign intervention is unhelpful and undermines national confidence,” he added.

According to him, while international cooperation can be valuable, every nation ultimately bears primary responsibility for its own security.

“Dependence on external powers should never replace the pursuit of self-reliance and the strengthening of domestic institutions.”

As 2027 elections approach, Onovo said that the priority should remain the protection of lives, restoration of security and the demonstration of genuine political will to end terrorism and criminality across the country.