Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has criticised Nigeria’s approach to tackling insecurity, arguing that the country’s counterterrorism efforts have failed to deliver meaningful results.
Speaking during an interview with Arise TV on Friday, Dalung said the government lacks the political will, coordination, and comprehensive strategy needed to effectively confront terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes across the country.
Expressing concern over the growing influence of armed groups operating in forested areas, Dalung questioned whether criminal networks had effectively created an alternative system beyond the control of the Nigerian state.
“Are we now having a forest economy independent from the Nigerian economy?” he asked.
According to the former minister, Nigeria’s inability to contain insecurity stems from two major shortcomings: a lack of political commitment and an uncoordinated response by authorities.
“So, the summary of it all is that there are two things lacking. The political will to deal with the situation and the uncoordinated approach to insecurity,” Dalung stated.
He further argued that the government has yet to develop a broad and adaptable strategy capable of responding to the evolving nature of terrorism and criminal activities across different regions of the country.
“And then the absence of a comprehensive approach to deal with the dynamics of terrorism. So, we are yet to begin,” he added.
Dalung also questioned the effectiveness of international support in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, particularly reports of American involvement in security operations.
“If the Americans are here with us, what have they been doing? We have not felt their impact,” he said.
The former minister claimed that terrorist attacks often intensify after official statements suggesting security agencies are gaining the upper hand, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current strategies.
“All we know is that the moment government issues a statement that they are on top of the situation, the terrorists become emboldened and attack aggressively. So, what actually is happening?” he asked.
As part of his recommendations, Dalung urged the government to move beyond assurances and consider policies that would allow citizens and local communities to play a greater role in protecting themselves.
“I think they should stop assuring Nigerians and allow Nigerians to bear arms to deal with the situation,” he said.
He maintained that local communities possess a deeper understanding of their environments than centrally coordinated security structures and should be empowered to take greater responsibility for safeguarding their areas.
Dalung also expressed scepticism that proposed initiatives such as forest ranger programmes alone would be sufficient to address the country’s security challenges.
“Whether forest rangers or whatever they are saying, they cannot address this issue. Every community knows the environment better. Every community that is in Nigeria, we are not conquered,” he stated.
