Insecurity: Anger, condemnation trail murder of Colonel, 6 soldiers in recent terrorists’ attack
Rising Insecurity Causes Alarm in Nigeria
Nigerians are increasingly concerned about the escalating insecurity across the nation, particularly as military personnel become targets of terrorist attacks.
In recent incidents, the Nigerian Army has come under fire, with terrorists launching assaults on military installations with growing boldness. A military base in Borno State was attacked last week, resulting in the death of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, Commander of the 29th Task Force Brigade. Since then, additional military casualties have been reported.
On April 13, the military confirmed the death of another commanding officer during an ambush in Monguno, Borno State. According to an official statement from Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, six soldiers also lost their lives in the attack.
The circumstances of the ambush involved the commanding officer encountering an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which critically damaged his vehicle. Following the attack, the military retained control of the location, though it mourned the loss of its personnel.
“The Commanding Officer’s actions reflected the highest traditions of military leadership: courage, selfless service, and leading from the front,” Uba said in a statement. He vowed that the sacrifices made by these service members would not be forgotten.
Although the military did not disclose the commanding officer’s name, earlier reports have linked him to Colonel I.A. Muhammad.
In light of deteriorating security conditions, the U.S. Department of State recently issued a travel advisory allowing non-emergency personnel and their families to leave Nigeria voluntarily. The advisory, released on April 8, classified 23 of Nigeria’s 36 states as “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” the highest risk designation. Newly added states included Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba.
The U.S. cited threats ranging from insurgency in the Northeast to banditry in the Northwest and violence in the South and Southeast. In response, the Nigerian government downplayed the advisory, describing it as a standard precaution and emphasizing that most of the country remains stable.
Meanwhile, a recent airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force in Borno State has drawn scrutiny, with reports suggesting over 100 civilian casualties. The Air Force confirmed the intent to target known Boko Haram positions but did not acknowledge the reported civilian deaths or confirm that a market was struck. The presidency defended the operation, asserting that the location had been compromised by insurgents.
Additionally, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed that insecurity in Nigeria would likely resolve after the 2027 general elections, attributing current turmoil to political motivations surrounding the presidency of Bola Tinubu.
Calls for action continue to rise among the public and experts. Human rights attorney James Agbaje expressed frustration over the growing audacity of terrorists against military forces. “The situation calls for serious introspection,” he stated, urging for foreign military assistance to help restore stability.
Security expert Gilbert Olugbenga echoed these sentiments, suggesting that internal compromises within the military have weakened national defenses, particularly with the reintegration of former terrorists into security forces.
The ongoing discussion emphasizes the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address these security challenges and ensure the safety of Nigerians.
