How Nigeria can crush insurgency in 6 months – General Ishola

A former Chief of Defence Training and Planning, General Ishola Williams (retd.), says Nigeria has the capacity to end its lingering security crisis within six months if the right measures are taken.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Williams argued that the government does not need to keep buying new weapons to win the fight against insurgents and bandits.

“All these problems can be solved within six months. Reorganise the security agencies,” he said.

He stressed the importance of maintaining existing military equipment and overhauling the nation’s security architecture.“Develop a new technical system, develop a new intelligence and counterintelligence system and train the people properly.

“You must train the soldiers how to fight. If you ask any soldier in the North-East or South-East, what are you fighting for? Has anybody ever explained to them what they are fighting for?“If they don’t know what they are fighting for, they just take it like an ordinary duty. And if they are tired, they are tired. So there has been cases that soldier run away when Boko Haram attacks.”

Williams also expressed concern that some communities continue to aid terrorists and bandits, undermining government efforts. He questioned whether traditional rulers are doing enough to educate locals on the need to work with security forces.

On the issue of arms smuggling, he urged Immigration, Customs and Police to improve collaboration, warning that corrupt personnel still allow weapons to pass through the nation’s borders.

Recent attacks by bandits have left dozens dead, including more than 30 worshippers killed in a mosque assault in Katsina State. Banditry in Nigeria has been fueled by conflicts over land and resources, with armed groups profiting from cattle rustling, kidnapping and extortion in areas where residents say government presence is weak.