Solo military action is insufficient to eradicate terror, says Gbenga Hashim

Nigeria's struggle against insurgency cannot be won through military might alone, according to Gbenga Hashim, a former presidential candidate, who emphasizes the need to address the underlying issues of poverty, unemployment, and social breakdown that fuel violent extremism.

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Hashim's remarks came after the reported killing of Abu Bilal al-Minuki, a senior Islamic State commander, in a joint operation by the United States and the Nigerian Armed Forces, which demonstrated the potential of effective international intelligence and military coordination.

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This operation, Hashim noted, reinforced previous warnings that extremist groups in Nigeria are seeking to establish territorial enclaves similar to those of the Islamic State in conflict zones.

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Hashim stated that his team has consistently advocated for this level of collaboration over the past five years, and the recent operation highlights the achievements possible when global partners work together sincerely.

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While commending the operation, Hashim cautioned against viewing the killing of senior insurgent figures as a complete solution to Nigeria's worsening security crisis, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach.

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According to Hashim, Nigeria's counter-terrorism strategy must be deliberate, sustained, and focused on eliminating terrorism at its roots, rather than relying on periodic strikes.

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He warned that military offensives targeting top commanders often leave rural communities vulnerable to retaliatory attacks by armed groups, exacerbating the security crisis.

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Hashim described the scale of insecurity across the country as alarming, citing the killing of over 18,000 Nigerians by terrorism and related violence in the past three years.

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Widespread poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and social deprivation continue to create an environment that extremist organizations can easily exploit, particularly among vulnerable young people in Northern Nigeria, Hashim claimed.

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He highlighted the long-term danger posed by Nigeria's out-of-school population, with over 18 million children remaining vulnerable to indoctrination and recruitment by terror groups.

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Hashim stressed that addressing terrorism requires strong governance capable of confronting the socio-economic realities that sustain violent extremism, in addition to military action.

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Only decisive and uncompromising leadership, Hashim argued, can implement a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy capable of restoring peace and stability across the country.