Femi-Adegbulu

Nigeria’s federal government must look beyond defeating Boko Haram insurgents in military combat to be able to deal with the problem of terrorism within its territory, Professor Femi Adegbulu, a security expert has advised.

Professor Adegbulu, Lagos State Secretary of the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS), described the three-month ultimatum issued by President Muhammadu Buhar to the country’s new military commanders to wipe out Boko Haram as a mere political statement, albeit well-intentioned as public relations.

He, however, suggested that for the country to overcome the insurgency challenge, the Buhari-led government should undertake a holistic security action plan that would go beyond military combats. His words: “It is a political statement expected of a leader who desires quick results. However, focus should be placed on all centres where radicalization and extremism take place. The security agencies should look out for oddities in people’s behaviour.

“There is also the need to increase intelligence gathering (among the security agencies). There should be emphasis on anti-terrorism and to some extent profiling. All these will go a long way in reducing the incidence of Boko Haram (attacks).”

He cautioned that Nigeria will never completely annihilate the Boko Haram: “We have always had it (Boko Haram) and will continue to have it on a smaller scale. In terms of (Boko Haram) capturing territories and hoisting their flags, which may not happen again. But in terms of guerrilla tactics of hit-and-run, you can’t eliminate that. It has come to stay.

Professor Adegbulu also supports the planned expansion of CCTV deployment in the country for security purposes. “Closed Circuit TV and other intrusion and detection systems are a necessity when it comes to fighting crime in the country,” he said.

By Olisemeka Obeche

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