Boko Haram: Group Scolds FG

Abuja. Sequel to the insurgency in the north eastern part of the country, the Governance Watch Initiative, has berated the Federal Government, saying the nation is in a strategic stalemate. Having gone through the efforts of the Federal Government in trying to combat the insurgency, the group concluded that the government in its response, and Boko Haram in its continued strikes, have reached some form of parity.

 Recall that in spite of the state of emergency declared by the Federal Government in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, Boko Haram, had consistently carried out series of attacks in the states, the latest being in some schools in the affected states. Briefing journalists yesterday in Abuja, the National Coordinator of the Governance Watch Initiative, Rotimi Ogunwuyi, noted that the security forces have achieved some successes, limiting the ability of Boko Haram to carry out the kind of spectacular attacks it carried out on the Force Headquarters and the United Nations building, both in Abuja. 

The group however said the security forces have been unable to deal a death blow against the sect, which is presently focusing on soft targets like schools, remote villages and the likes. The Governance Watch Initiative, called on the government to “develop and/or publish a counter-terrorism strategy,” saying that “this is necessary to clarify the key objectives and principles underlying government-led responses to terrorism in Nigeria.” “Thus far, beyond preventing attacks, the objectives of government and principles of countering Boko Haram, are unclear. They are ad hoc, chaotic and poorly coordinated. “A robust counter terrorism strategy will identify clear identification of multiple means (tools) for preventing, responding and defeating terrorist groups, including the synergistic alignment of political, military, social and economic instruments and objectives,” the group said.

Amongst other issues, the group called for improved intelligence and force enablers, saying deploying even a million troops will not by itself prevent Boko Haram attacks. It said there was the need to improve intelligence and increasing force enablers, which are the resources, equipment and support needed by security agencies to project effective force and make maximum impact