A few weeks ago this column talked about the need to become deliberate in decision-making and taking action against terrorism of all forms. Barely two weeks after, President Bola Tinubu launched a new National Forest Guard, showing a major response to the nation’s extending security crisis. The corps is to be an armed and trained force that reflects the urgency of restoring the nation’s authority in vast ungoverned spaces across the nation.
“These insider activities weaken the morale and effectiveness of the armed forces, as troops may be unknowingly battling enemies armed with weapons sold by their own colleagues.”
Among other things, the corps is tasked with reclaiming over 1,129 forests under the control of insurgents. These ungoverned spaces are particularly dangerous as they provide safe havens for criminals, leaving citizens vulnerable and at the mercy of insurgents. This has further eroded public confidence in state security institutions and contributed to the rise of informal armed groups and local vigilantes, fuelling a cycle of violence and lawlessness.
The impact on rural communities has been severe, with food security threatened and livelihoods destroyed, and prices of food items that get to the markets above the roofs. The inability of state authorities to restore order has emboldened criminals and perpetuated instability. Nigeria now faces the urgent challenge of reclaiming these territories, restoring the rule of law, and providing basic services to affected communities.
Sadly, beneath this initiative of President Tinubu lies a complex web of political power dynamics and intentional sabotage that continue to shape and often undermine security strategies. The government hopes to mobilise over 130,000 operatives to secure the forest reserves, but the true challenge may not only be criminality. There are innumerable entrenched political interests and rivalries that have allowed these lawless territories to persist.
Read also: Two years on, Tinubu is ‘fixing’ the problems he created; no kudos there!
As of today, Nigeria is grappling with the problem of occupied ungoverned spaces in at least 23 of its 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. These areas, where government presence is minimal or entirely absent, have become breeding grounds for insurgents, jihadists, bandits and kidnappers, and other non-state actors. The absence of governance allows these groups to establish their own authority, undermining national security and complicating development efforts.
It could be recalled that a few days before President Tinubu launched the Forest Guard, moved by frustration caused by deliberate sabotage, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State highlighted the political power dynamics fuelling insecurity in the northeast and beyond. Governor Zulum precisely pointed at informants and collaborators within the armed forces and political establishment who aid Boko Haram, undermining government efforts and sabotaging attempts to restore order. He warned that Borno was losing ground to jihadists, citing frequent attacks and the withdrawal of military forces from several local government areas. He criticised federal authorities for insufficient support, inadequate equipment, and inconsistent policies, particularly regarding the deradicalisation and reintegration of ‘repentant’ Boko Haram members, many of whom have returned to violence after their release.
Corroborating Governor Zulum, Nigeria’s military authority admitted the involvement of security personnel – 18 soldiers and 15 police officers – in illegal arms trade, with severe consequences for the fight against insurgency in the northeast. Arms diversion to insurgent groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP with firepower makes them more lethal – prolonging the conflict. These insider activities weaken the morale and effectiveness of the armed forces, as troops may be unknowingly battling enemies armed with weapons sold by their own colleagues.
This further echoes the betrayal of trust Governor Zulum lamented, which erodes public trust in the security institutions meant to protect them, potentially leading to reduced cooperation from local communities in intelligence gathering. These actions indicate deeper systemic issues within the security forces, including poor oversight, lack of discipline, and corruption, all of which hinder the broader counter-insurgency strategy.
It would be fair to say this did not start with this government, as former President Goodluck Jonathan also admitted to having Boko Haram supporters and sympathisers within his cabinet, illustrating the depth of the issue within Nigeria’s political system.
Since both a sitting governor and the military authority have said the same thing about the same period, and the Federal Government had claimed at several fora before this administration that they know the supporters, backers and sympathisers of insurgency. The way forward is to revisit the issue as it was done by Justice James Omo-Agege, who presided over the trial of Lawrence Anini, one of Nigeria’s most notorious armed robbers, and his gang, including Deputy Superintendent of Police George Iyamu. The trial at the High Court of Justice in Benin City followed Anini’s arrest in December 1986.
During the proceedings, Anini, confined to a wheelchair due to a leg amputation, accused DSP Iyamu of collaborating with his gang. Iyamu denied the allegations, prompting Anini to retort, “You are a shameless liar!”
Anini implicated 10 police officers in his operations; five were convicted. Justice Omo-Agege sentenced Anini, Iyamu, and other gang members to death by firing squad. In his judgement, he said, “Anini will forever be remembered in the history of crime in this country, but it would be of unblessed memory. Few people, if ever, would give the name to their children.”
The executions were carried out on March 29, 1987, marking the end of Anini’s reign of terror, and sudden peace returned to the then Bendel State and environs.
This also agrees with what former President Jonathan said during the launch of the book written by IBB: that Nigeria should have a building with a ‘Hall of Shame’ where those that contributed to the problems of Nigeria would be showcased for their children and grandchildren to see.
For too long, the nation has treated this group of individuals as sacred cows. Not until the backers of this illegality are named and shamed, prosecuted and sentenced will they think it is business as usual. Not that we are in support of capital punishment, but something drastic should be done, which we believe can bring a reduction to these mindless attacks on innocent Nigerians because of the greed of a few.
