Nigeria’s Insecurity: Time for Our Leaders to Wake Up and Fight Back

By Anthony Ada Abraham

This declaration by Donald Trump designating Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ over Christian genocide claims should worry everybody.
I still think our politicians have handled this insecurity childishly, and they must take much of the blame. If they had matched them gun for gun, we wouldn’t be where we are. Some people even politicised the problem and according to reports ,allowed terrorists to be integrated into our security forces. Those bloodsuckers who should have been dealt with were allowed to mingle with sane people.

Our borders are open to Fulani herders from other countries, and that has become a major security threat. They’re armed and display weapons recklessly. In our towns you see them moving herds of cattle, causing disturbances and accidents. They raid people’s farms without regard for tribe or religion, destroying crops so their cattle can feed.

This declaration by Trump was avoidable, but we folded our arms and watched things deteriorate. The leaders who should stay put and confront the problem travel from place to place even while killings continue. Our nonchalant attitude toward ending insecurity has landed us here.

I hate that we keep crying for something our soldiers could end. In the past, thieves attacked vehicles, took property and left. Today they don’t even bother to steal again , they kidnap people for ransom, which was isn’t normal. The trend became widespread after those bloodthirsty morons kidnapped the Chibok girls. Even with notorious criminals like Shina Rambo, Lawrence Anini, Dr. Ishola Oyenusi, Okwudili Ndiwe (Derico), Monday Osunbor, Isiaka Busari (Mighty Joe) and others, our lives were less threatened. We used to travel the roads without fear.

What has Nigeria become? A place where travelling by road depends on the grace of God. If you arrive, you thank God. It’s time our politicians wake up and face insecurity with courage. I’ve been to our border with Niger and I can categorically say it’s porous. The untamed land is a threat. Something must be done. If we could put an electric fence like what the USA did around those borders and forests, it would go a long way to reduce insecurity.

I also think Nigeria should begin deporting illegal aliens from the countryside, many of them pose threats to our unity and security.

Those who sponsor or abet kidnapping, banditry and other forms of insecurity should face the full weight of the law. We’re far too lenient with criminals in Nigeria, and that gives them the courage to act. Our soldiers die every day from insufficient ammunition and weapons, while these morons have more sophisticated arms.

What are drones for? They’re to monitor dangerous targets and strike them. The president must not allow anyone to interfere with security financing.

Many people are benefiting from the ongoing insecurity because it lines their pockets. If our leaders show seriousness and match words with action, the people making billions from violence won’t be able to keep it going when they’re dragged in the public and sent to hell.

Herders should be encouraged to embrace ranching, and anyone herding on the streets should lose their cattle. If we show real resolve, those profiting from insecurity will be undermined.

Finally, Nigeria is ours; we must not allow outsiders to destroy it for political or selfish interests.

Anthony Ada Abraham,