At a meeting of the North-East Governors Forum held in Bauchi last week, the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, raised the alarm that repentant Boko Haram are renouncing their de-radicalization and serving as informants to their leaders. So the idea of de-radicalization as currently practised needs to be reviewed. I want to suggest that the best option is to prosecute the terrorists according to the Terrorism Act.
It was also revealed that the insurgents and bandits are being supplied with weapons by helicopters. The Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Chief Audu Ogbe, in a statement on Wednesday, pleaded to the government to extend the no-flying ban imposed on Zamfara to other states like Benue, Taraba and Borno based on the rumour that helicopters frequently dropped arms to bandits and insurgents operating there. In addition, stories told by freed Boko Haram captives usually include the spotting of planes dropping something at the insurgents’ camps.
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The constitutional and fundamental responsibility of any serious government is to first and foremost safeguard the lives and properties of its citizens. As of now, we have the problems of safety in our homes and even outside which is a serious challenge not only to the government but also to the citizens.
We must rise up to defend ourselves and also to assist those defending us. The security situation around the country laid a hopeless foundation in the hearts of the citizens but the Nigerian Armed Forces have shown a commendable act of bravery in carrying various operations against the insurgents.
For sure, the government is fighting in so many places and the burden seems to be getting heavier by the day hence the need for the entire citizens to also wake up to assist in whatever way possible. That is what is being done in other countries of the world.
Robust steps must be taken to place our airspace on surveillance in a bid to track any invading or spying flying objects and Governor Zulum’s suggestion of prosecuting the terrorists according to the Terrorism Act must be viewed with all the seriousness it deserves. Above all, political will and citizens actions must prevail.
Balami is of the League of Veteran Journalists, Borno State
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