Facts are emerging on futile efforts by the nation’s security agencies to track down the bandits and their collaborators who have been terrorising the country for over the years now
According to findings by the Nigerian Tribune, significant investments in high-tech solutions, manpower and technology seem not to yield the desired results in curbing the escalating issue that has continued to keep the country on its toes.
On its part, the Federal Government had, on December 16, 2020, introduced the SIM-NIN synchronisation initiative meant to enable security agencies to track criminals.
The synchronisation involves validating the NIN with the National Identity Management Commission and matching the subscriber’s NIN records with the SIM registration information (verification) to ensure proper subscriber identification.
However, despite the precautionary efforts, these bandits have continued to carry out their nefarious activities unabated and even display them on social media using telecommunication facilities in the country.
This raises the question about the efficacy of the synchronisation.
However, the effort has yielded some results, as one of their key Commanders has been neutralised by the gallant troops in the ongoing military operations against insurgency activities in the various theatres of operations.
Speaking with Tribune Online on why the military might have been finding it difficult to end insurgency activities in the country despite efforts by the various stakeholders, a top Military officer who did not want his identity in the print disclosed that the menace required the collaboration of all the citizens
According to the military officer, “Some may argue that the synchronisation process has not been as effective as it should be because there may be some numbers that are operating outside the net.
“This inadequate database integration, some observers posit, may be responsible for the gaps through which these criminals operate.
Also, this lack of proper integration of the database makes it difficult to access and share information across agencies
“Also another challenge is limited coverage and connectivity: Rural areas, where bandits often operate, may have poor network coverage, hindering real-time tracking and communication.
“Also there is the human factor, which borders on inadequate training, corruption, or complacency among security personnel and can hinder effective use of technology.
“The issue of distrust and suspicion is also a major contributing factor despite the efforts to address the situation. The bandits live among the people, but in most cases, the people are unwilling to expose them for various reasons.
“For some of the communities, the bandits provide basic amenities, which they lack; hence, they feel a sense of loyalty and for the benefit they enjoy.
“Some fear for their lives if they are fingered as informants in the community, while others do not trust the security agents.”
On the way forward, the source continued, “How to win the locals over completely to work with security agencies on addressing the problem is a major challenge; it is key to dealing with the unending banditry activities
“Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including improved database integration, expanded network coverage, ongoing training, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
Corroborating on this position, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, declared that the Armed forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in the country were determined more than ever before to end the menace with the total support of the citizens, giving the military the needed credible information about the criminal elements and their collaborators
DMO explained the ongoing operations across the country have significantly diminished the military capabilities of terror groups and denied the terrorists the ability to carry out major offensives.
According to him, “The situation experienced mostly these days are low-level skirmishes and attacks on soft targets.
“We are aware that we are dealing with a shrewd, ruthless, and brutal enemy that must be stopped from their acts of terror.
“Accordingly, the armed forces are prepared to act with the relevant level of force that would be needed to dismantle these terrorist group
“Troops strategy is to undermine the abilities of these terror groups and create conditions whereby they cannot carry out acts of terror or harm citizens.
“Accordingly, the military has prioritised targeting the terrorist leaders, commanders, and foot soldiers, as well as their collaborators.
“Several terrorist leaders and commanders were taken off the battlefield as a result.
“Those in the North East include Munir Arika, Sani Dilla (aka Dan Hausawan Jibilarram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, Bakoura Araina Chikin, Dungusu, Abu Darda, and Abu Rijab.
“Others in the North West include Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama, Kachalla Dan Mani Na Inna, Kachalla Basiru Zakariyya, Sani Baka Tsine, Inusa Zangon Kuzi, Ibrahim, Tukur, and Kamilu Buzaru, among others.
” Troops have significantly dismantled these terror groups in the North East, where they are a diminishing but active threat. Troops are also intensifying operations in the North West, North Central, South East and South South to defeat and dismantle the threats in these areas.
He urged for credible information about the bandits for the gallant security forces to work with, assuring that the menace of insurgency activities in the country would soon be history sooner than later
According to him, “These criminals are not spirits, they are real human beings, like us, they have families.. wives, brothers, sisters, children and what have you and operating in the various troubled communities, the mighty needs adequate information on their activities, you see something and say something so that the military can act promptly
“As we are now, the lives of the troops are in danger because they are operating without the necessary information about the criminals.”
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