Amanze Chinonye
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the rising wave of terrorist attacks across Nigeria, saying the continued killing of soldiers, security operatives and civilians shows that the Federal Government’s security strategy has failed.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the civil rights advocacy group said the recent spate of deadly attacks in parts of the country demonstrates that Nigeria’s counterterrorism framework has weakened under President Tinubu.
HURIWA warned that Nigeria risks sliding further into instability if urgent structural reforms are not implemented.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe group was reacting to reports that no fewer than 20 security operatives and vigilantes were killed in an ambush by heavily armed bandits in Wanka and surrounding communities of the Garga axis in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to the Kanam Development Association, the victims included 12 security personnel, among them two senior military officers, as well as eight vigilante members who were assisting security forces to protect vulnerable communities.
The joint patrol team was reportedly travelling in two vehicles during a routine operation covering the communities of Garga, Kyaram and Gyambau when hundreds of bandits ambushed them near Wanka at about 2:00 p.m. on Friday.
The attack triggered a deadly exchange of gunfire that left several of the operatives dead.
Describing the incident as a “tragic and alarming national security failure,” HURIWA said the killing of trained soldiers and senior military officers by non-state actors should serve as a red flag that the country’s counterterrorism strategy is no longer effective.
The group also cited additional reports of targeted killings in Plateau State, including the murder of traders travelling to a market in the Barikin Ladi axis, where gunmen reportedly stopped vehicles at an improvised checkpoint and opened fire on some passengers.
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HURIWA further referenced reports that insurgents linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) killed dozens of Nigerian soldiers during coordinated raids on military formations in Borno State within a two-week period.
According to the association, the insurgents reportedly overran several military bases, killing soldiers and abducting civilians while deploying sophisticated weapons including anti-aircraft machine guns and drones.
HURIWA said the scale and frequency of the attacks indicate that terrorist groups are becoming increasingly better armed and tactically organised.
The association also criticised the country’s security leadership, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser headed by Nuhu Ribadu.
It called for the immediate removal of the National Security Adviser, arguing that Nigeria requires a more experienced military strategist capable of coordinating a comprehensive response to terrorism and organised armed violence.
“The continued killing of Nigerian soldiers, including senior officers, by terrorists and bandits is a national embarrassment and a glaring signal that the current security framework has collapsed,” the group said.
HURIWA also accused the Federal Government of failing to secure Nigeria’s porous borders, saying the unchecked inflow of illegal arms has strengthened terrorist networks.
The group recommended stronger intelligence coordination, improved border security, modern surveillance technology and a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s counterterrorism strategy.
It also advocated a more liberal firearms licensing regime that would allow law-abiding citizens to acquire weapons for self-defence, particularly in rural communities frequently targeted by armed groups.
The association further proposed structured military training programmes for adult citizens as part of a national civil defence strategy to strengthen community resilience against attacks.
HURIWA expressed condolences to the families of the slain soldiers, vigilantes and civilians, describing them as patriots who paid the ultimate price in defence of their communities.
The group urged the Federal Government to urgently adopt a new national security doctrine capable of effectively protecting lives and property across the country.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
