When will the war against terrorism and terrorists  be won?

The recent vigor which the Nigerian military put into the fight against  terrorists in the northern and other parts of the country and the stunning success it recorded is commendable. It rekindled hope that the war is winnable afterrall. Nigerians want the tempo of the onslaught against the terrorists to be sustained until they are completely vanquished. 

However, sustaining the war against terrorists means a lot on the part of the federal government,the fighting troops and the Nigerian citizens. It’s the responsibility of government to provide welfare to the troops and the necessary military hardware needed for the fight while the military is expected to double its efforts in the fight. The citizens on the other hand are expected to give moral support both to the military and government. The recent failed assassination  attempt on President Donald Trump showed how very important a government should take security and how professionally prepared security agents should be at all times. One of the security officers guiding  President Trump was shot at close range by the gunman but  did not die because he was wearing a grade one bulletproof vest which was provided by his government. Metaphorically speaking, a father should thoroughly equip the children he sent out on special, dangerous assignments. In fairness to him,  President Bola Tinubu has been doing his best in this regard but more needs to be done. The recent progress report from the war front where Nigerian soldiers neutralised over a thousand bandits while many others were rounded up is heartwarming and sure, gladdened the President’s heart.

Nigerians are very appreciative people, they can sacrifice anything to encourage both the government and troops battling the terrorists.I recall when the infamous notorious armed robber, Lawrence Anini was arrested in Benin by a team of crack police officers led by DSP Kayode Uanreroro,  Nigerian trooped out in their thousands to appreciate the police. Such spirit of appreciation is still with us. So, Nigerians will always support and encourage the military in its fight against terrorism and terrorists. Just as  they openly rejoiced on the street when Anini was captured, Nigerians are eagerly praying and waiting the total eviscration of terrorists by the Military so that they can troop out to the streets to celebrate.  However, caution must not be thrown to the winds while anticipating an end to the insecurity. Our security forces must be conscious of recent developments in our neighbouring countries. Reports shows that recent insecurity developments in Mali and the Republic of Cameroon could threaten the overall security of our country . Mali is 1512 kilometres from Nigeria which is an equivalent distance from Lagos to Kano. According to report Mali is experiencing intense, coordinated attacks by al-Qaeda-linked militants (JNIM) and Tuareg rebels, resulting in high casualties, including the reported death of the country’s Defence Minister during an assaults on key military bases in Bamako, the capital and the city of Kidal. Recall that the Tuaregs rebels had collaborated with ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists in the past. 

As of early 2026, Cameroon faced a multifaceted security crisis characterized by food emergency, escalating separatist violence in Anglophone regions of the country, and persistent jihadist attacks in the Far North, affecting nine out of ten regions. This forced millions into a humanitarian crisis. The security situation is severe, with over 2.2 million people migrating into Nigeria and other neighboring countries. According to an Igbo adage,  “a man surrounded by enemies does not sleep”. So we must be vigilant and ready at all times to deal with jihadist threat our neighbours are battling and  which we are also battling at home. The earlier the war against terrorism and terrorist is won and brought to an end the better. That is when the country can plan progressively. But the big question is, when will the war be won? Nigerians are eager to celebrate victory.

A worthy visit

The recent official visit of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunde Disu to The office of the Commandant-General of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi at its headquarters, Abuja is a step in the right direction. According to Dr, Audi that was the first  of such visit since the establishment of the corps in 2003 by the President Oluṣẹgun Ọbasanjọ administration. The corps has experienced rough times, especially the lost its officers. Records show that between 2025 and early 2026, at least 10–12 Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officers were killed in ambushes incidents, including eight in Edo State in September 2025 and two in Benue State in July 2025. Another officer was killed in a training accident in early 2026

An organisation that has passed through tough times needs such counseling visit by both the police, the Army, the DSS and other sister security agencies.  Barely few weeks in office as IGP, Tunde Disu has surprised many security observers by his utterance and demeanor. He exhibits a character of a statesman and a well trained security leader. It is not a surprise that Nigerian police under his leadership is becoming better focused with impressive reports coming out from state commands across the country. 

Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in charge. IGP Disu has exhibited unbelievable candor and for him to visit the Commandant -General of NSCDC means that they are of like minds, sort of  iron sharpening iron!