Follow Us on Google
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
A coalition of 74 civil society organizations (CSOs) in the country have vehemently rejected allegations made by an unnamed former Air Officer Commanding of the Nigerian Air Force, who claimed that NGOs are aiding terrorism in the country.
They described the accusations, published in the Vanguard newspaper on January 16, as baseless and inflammatory.
In a statement issued on Monday, the coalition expressed deep concern over what they termed “cheap blackmail” against NGOs operating in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions. They asserted that these allegations attempt to shift blame from systemic failures that allow terrorism to thrive in Nigeria. “Rather than confronting the genuine threats of terrorism, these claims target organizations that have stepped in to support communities abandoned by the state,” the statement read.
The CSOs highlighted their crucial role in providing life-saving humanitarian assistance, education, and healthcare to millions affected by ongoing violence. “For nearly two decades, NGOs have played an indispensable role in mitigating the devastating impact of insurgency and banditry,” they stated. “These activities are carried out without any intention of gaining pecuniary benefit and operate under strict regulatory frameworks.”
The coalition called for a more constructive engagement between the government and NGOs to address root causes of insecurity, including poverty and corruption.
They emphasised that effective counter-terrorism strategies should strengthen civil society rather than undermine it. “The cost of stifling civil society far outweighs its benefits,” they warned.
In a poignant remark, one CSO leader stated, “Inflammatory statements like those made by the former Air Force officer could lead to attacks on humanitarian actors, further deepening the crises we aim to solve.”
Other News
The coalition urged the Nigerian government to focus on disrupting terrorist funding networks instead of scapegoating civil society.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with severe security challenges from groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, the CSOs reiterated the need for unity and collaboration in combating terrorism. They concluded their statement with a call for caution against unfounded accusations that threaten the safety and effectiveness of humanitarian efforts across the nation.
