Terrorism has become a constant nightmare in Northern Nigeria, with innocent people losing their lives, homes destroyed, and families displaced. The insecurity is not just a threat to peace but also to development in the entire region. More alarming is the growing sophistication of terrorist groups, who now deploy drones for surveillance and launch daring attacks on military barracks, making it clear that their strategies are evolving.
While the government has made efforts through military action, it is clear that more needs to be done. Security should not just be about soldiers and weapons; it should also involve the communities themselves. People in local communities are often the first to notice suspicious activities, yet many do not speak up due to fear or lack of trust. Building trust between the community and security agencies can make it easier for information to flow and for terrorists to be caught before they strike.
Another important step is to address the poverty and lack of opportunities that make it easy for terrorist groups to recruit young people. If youths have jobs, education, and hope for the future, they are less likely to join these dangerous groups. The government and private sector can work together to create jobs and training programs that will help reduce unemployment and weaken the influence of terrorists.
It is also important for Nigeria to work closely with its neighbours—Niger, Chad, and Cameroon—to stop terrorists from moving freely across borders. Sharing information and working together on security can help prevent attacks and disrupt their plans.
The time to act is now. Terrorism can be defeated if the government, communities, and regional partners work together. Northern Nigeria deserves peace, and it is only through collective action that this can be achieved.