Urgent Action Required Against Terrorism

This period is particularly challenging for Nigeria's fight against terrorism and banditry, marked by a concerning increase in assaults on military installations accompanied by severe repercussions. The number of terrorist attacks soared in early March 2026, marking one of the deadliest spans for the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) since the onslaught on Metele military base in Borno State on November 18, 2018, which saw a significant loss of soldiers alongside the plundering of weapons.

Recent coordinated assaults featuring gunfire, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and drones have led to terrorists overwhelming military positions, setting fire to vehicles and fighting equipment, and raiding arms and ammunition caches.

Numerous soldiers fell victim, including commanding officers such as Lt Col Umar Farouk (Chukka), Lt Col SI Iliyasu (Konduga), Major U. I. Mairiga (Mayenti, Bama), Lt Ismaeel Baba, and Maj Segun Amusan.

On March 13, 2026, bandits ambushed troops from Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) in Plateau State, resulting in the deaths of 14 soldiers, including two senior military officials, and eight members of local vigilante groups.

Amid the breaches and fatalities at military establishments, innocent Nigerians continue to grapple with the dread of kidnappings and destruction. A recent attack by bandits on March 16 resulted in 15 deaths and numerous injuries in the Farun Bala, Falale, and Kadobe villages in Katsina State.

Additionally, last month saw bandits attack the Joint Task Force (JTF) base in Gwana, Alkaleri Local Government Area in Bauchi State, leading to the deaths of two soldiers from the 33 Artillery Brigade and a local vigilante member. In total, over 30 communities have suffered at the hands of bandits in Bauchi.

Furthermore, on March 16, at 7:00 PM, Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, was rocked by simultaneous suicide bombings targeting three populated and strategic sites. The tragic incident claimed 26 lives and left 108 individuals injured. Following the attacks, President Bola Tinubu condemned the violence and instructed the Chief of Defense Staff and Service Chiefs to take immediate command of the security situation.

However, it appears that such directives are not new and often remain largely symbolic. In June 2015 and August 2017, presidential orders were similarly issued directing the relocation of military headquarters to Maiduguri. Additionally, non-directive relocations have occurred, such as the move by former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Olufemi Oluyede to Maiduguri in May 2025 to improve counterterrorism efforts.

Daily Trust asserts that the current situation transcends mere presidential orders and requires substantial commitment. On the same day as the bombings, President Tinubu declared, "There is no place in Nigeria where terrorists will find safety. We will identify, confront, and entirely eliminate them. Nigeria will not yield to fear."

Although this statement was compelling, Nigerians seek concrete measures as they grow weary of the persistent violence, devastation, and kidnappings.

It is acknowledged that the military has successfully repelled several attacks through intensified operations in high-risk areas, leading to the elimination of numerous insurgent commanders and combatants, as well as the dismantling of several major terrorist camps.

While commendation is due for the courage displayed by the troops, Daily Trust strongly believes that a shift towards utilizing enhanced intelligence and firepower while pursuing the attackers in their bases is essential. Merely responding to terrorist assaults is insufficient; they must be forced to experience the wrath of Nigerians in their hideouts.

It is troubling that after 16 years of battling terrorism, Nigerian defense and security agencies seemingly lack the intelligence on the identities and locations of every terrorist.

Now is the time to activate the nation's intelligence network to eliminate the criminal syndicates terrorizing communities nationwide, which also take pleasure in attacking soldiers, police officers, vigilantes, and local hunters.

Daily Trust contends that a critical impediment at the front lines continues to be intelligence shortcomings that enable the covert planning of terror strikes. Therefore, while urging enhanced regional cooperation with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), we also call upon the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Police intelligence units to fulfill their duties without failure.

What Daily Trust seeks from both federal and state governments is to uphold the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), specifically section 14(2)(b), which emphasizes that the protection and welfare of the populace is the foundational goal of government.

There must be comprehensive territorial control and show of force across Nigeria to prevent ambushes and the overrunning of military positions, as well as the incapacitation of commanders, which not only demoralizes troops but also disrupts operations and serves as valuable propaganda for terrorist groups.

Most critically, the days of inadequately fortified, under-resourced, and vulnerable military bases or ill-prepared forces must be behind us. It is promising that troops are beginning to benefit from new presidential welfare initiatives, and that President Tinubu has approved the acquisition of additional military equipment to enhance efforts against terrorism.

Political, defense, and security leaders must elevate their performance above that of the terrorists, ensuring that no further incursions into Nigerian territory occur by non-state actors. Those guilty of negligence should face accountability. Personnel must engage directly on the battlefront rather than remain in office writing memos.

Daily Trust also anticipates positive outcomes following the deployment and establishment of U.S. troops in Nigeria. We encourage the acceleration of achieved intelligence goals and other forms of support to empower Nigeria in halting attacks and defeating the enemy.

It is imperative to note that the current scenario is unacceptable and indicative of a breakdown in command and control. Nigeria cannot allow the loss of soldiers, territory, and civilian lives to terrorist groups.

The Presidency must take decisive action to demonstrate the urgency required to combat terrorism and banditry. The military needs to abandon its apparent lethargy and defeatist approach, and instead employ modern technologies to uplift troop morale.

This is a critical moment to take decisive action against terrorists and extinguish the resources that fuel their assaults, thereby curbing the increasing fatalities among both civilians and military personnel.