Salihu Dantata: Kwara Requires Permanent Security Measures to Combat Increasing Terrorism

In light of escalating incidents of terrorism in Nigeria, particularly affecting Kwara and Katsina states, security expert Salihu Dantata has voiced urgent concerns. He has called for the establishment of enduring security frameworks to effectively safeguard vulnerable regions, asserting that temporary security operations are inadequate for community protection.

In a recent interview with ARISE News, Dantata emphasized the growing dangers posed by non-state actors, referencing the recent Mahmouda terrorist attack. He lamented, "Rescue efforts were delayed until numerous lives were lost. The death toll is nearing 300, with funeral services still being conducted, as local residents, reliant on minimal military presence, failed to respond effectively."

Dantata linked the sluggish response to the region's inadequate infrastructure, stating that travel times between critical locations, such as from Woro to Kanji, where the Air Weapons School and 101 Battalion are situated, can take about three hours over severely deteriorated roads. Moreover, he noted that routes from Wawa to Kayama can take five to six hours, even for vehicles like SUVs.

He also raised alarms about possible local collaboration with terrorists, revealing that some attackers were heard speaking local dialects during their assaults, thereby hinting at potential cooperation between militants and nearby communities.

Critiquing systemic shortcomings, Dantata noted the limited engagement of security forces, stating, "The security personnel primarily execute protective measures for high-profile individuals. Their seriousness is usually only apparent when a governor is scheduled to visit or when they are summoned. After the Mahmouda incident, there was a lack of a complete battalion presence in Kiama or surrounding villages."

Dantata emphasized that while short-term initiatives such as Operation Savannah Shield may offer some assistance, they fall short of the level of security needed. He stated, "What is required are permanent mobile police units or full deployments of army or air force personnel. Many of these areas remain without governance. Unless we establish permanent frameworks, militants can consistently evade capture before authorities arrive."

The expert pointed out intelligence failures and logistical hindrances, noting that militants had cautioned local communities of their planned assaults and that locals had previously shared critical information which was not acted upon. "Even with air support and battalions positioned nearby, the combination of poor road conditions, delayed deployments, and some level of local complicity allows attacks to be successful," he commented.

In conclusion, Dantata urged the government to implement more than just reactive responses, stressing that establishing permanent security infrastructure is essential to prevent further tragedies and to restore public faith in the safety of at-risk communities.