Residents of North-Eastern Nigeria have strongly condemned the Federal Government’s decision to deploy military forces to Benin Republic and other countries, even as Nigeria continues to face severe security threats from Boko Haram, bandits, Lakurawa militants, and other armed groups.
Speaking in an interview with The News Chronicle on Wednesday, Barrister M. Wakil, a philosopher based in Maiduguri, described the government’s actions as troubling and inconsistent.
He questioned how a country often referred to as the “Giant of Africa” could behave, in his words, “like a nation without leadership, running on the edge of anarchy.”
According to him, the security situation in many parts of Nigeria, particularly Borno State, has become frightening. He lamented that Boko Haram terrorists continue to attack towns at will, with some incidents unreported.
“The situation is very scary, especially in Borno,” he said. “Just this week, Boko Haram attacked some communities, but nobody reported it. Why does it feel like we in Borno and Maiduguri are not important?”
Wakil compared Nigeria’s decision to intervene in Benin Republic to a homeowner who ignores a fire in his own house but runs to help a neighbor.
“Your house is burning, yet you leave it and run to help someone else,” he said. “That is the situation of Nigeria today.”
He questioned why Nigerian fighter jets could execute effective missions in Benin Republic but fail to show the same efficiency against terrorists within Nigeria, where lives and property are lost daily.
“Because of political interests and the desire to maintain power, some leaders would rather act abroad than secure the people they govern,” he stated.
Wakil also referenced recent claims by soldiers in Sokoto that they had neutralized numerous terrorists. He countered this by saying residents reported seeing notorious bandit leader Bello Turji openly moving around with his fighters on Tuesday evening.
“So is Bello Turji more powerful than the Nigerian Army?” he asked. “We are not fools.”
He further criticized the Senate for approving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to send troops to Benin Republic to prevent a coup, even as terrorists continue to operate freely within Nigeria.
Mr. Mohammed urged the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), to rise to the challenge, saying Nigerians still believe in his ability to deliver based on his past achievements as Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State.
He added that residents of Maiduguri remember General Musa’s efforts and hope he will take decisive action to improve national security.
Finally, he called on Nigerians, both Muslims and Christians, to pray, remain united, and support one another during these difficult times.
