10/13/2026
No doubt, the President has provided the security agencies with the necessary support to fight and crush these terrorists. But the question is, why are we still struggling to achieve the desired results?
What exactly is the problem? Is it a lack of weapons, intelligence, manpower, logistics, coordination or, more importantly, leadership and strategy? Because providing resources is one thing; getting results with those resources is another.
What I would have done differently is introduce a strict six-month performance review for the entire security leadership.
Every six months, I would assess the performance of the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, the service chiefs and other relevant security leaders. I would want to know what has changed on the ground. Have kidnappings reduced? Are terrorist attacks declining? Are communities becoming safer? Is the military responding more effectively to threats? Are the resources provided by the government translating into measurable results?
I would not rely on briefings, press conferences or assurances. I would demand evidence, conduct independent assessments and identify the actual reasons for any failure. If the problem is inadequate equipment, intelligence or manpower, address it. If it is poor coordination, change the system. But if the evidence shows that the failure is due to incompetence, poor leadership or a lack of results despite adequate support, then those responsible must be shown the way out.
And I would not hesitate to replace them, starting from the top, where necessary.
National security is too important to be treated as a political appointment where people can remain in office indefinitely while Nigerians continue to pay the price for their failures. Every day, families are thrown into mourning, communities live in fear, and innocent people are kidnapped or killed. The people responsible for protecting them must understand that their positions come with serious responsibilities.
Of course, no serious security strategy can promise to eliminate terrorism overnight. But there must be clear targets, measurable progress and consequences for persistent failure.
My position is simple: if you have the resources, you must account for the results. If you are failing, explain why. If the failure is yours, make way for someone who can do better.
The lives and safety of Nigerians must matter more than political loyalty, personal connections or the comfort of those occupying positions of authority.
Leadership is not about how many times you assure the public that you are winning the war. It is about whether Nigerians can actually see and feel the difference in their daily lives.
