Security specialists in Nigeria have said the government is aware of many terrorists and where they operate but has not taken firm action to stop them.
The position was shared during a discussion on Channels Television where a retired United States Army officer, Captain Bishop Johnson, and intelligence and security consultant Yahuza Getzo spoke about the rising insecurity across the country and possible solutions.
The conversation took place as concerns continue to grow over the rising number of deaths linked to terrorism and bandit attacks in different parts of Nigeria. The two experts said the problem has many causes and requires a broad approach that addresses both internal and external factors.
Johnson explained that several issues are contributing to the violence, including weak border control and the movement of armed groups from neighbouring countries into Nigeria. According to him, Nigeria is surrounded by countries where militant groups operate, and the country’s borders allow people to cross easily.
He said this movement of people creates an environment where criminals and armed groups can enter the country and carry out attacks such as kidnapping.
He added that ransom payments from kidnappings have turned the crime into a profitable activity for criminals. In his view, the money obtained from kidnapping victims has made the act attractive to armed groups who believe they can easily benefit from it.
Johnson also linked insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria to illegal mining activities. He explained that many areas with mineral resources have become centres of violence because different groups are competing for control of those resources.
According to him, some foreigners and local collaborators are involved in the illegal mining of minerals without proper government oversight. He said such activities often lead to conflicts between armed groups struggling to dominate those locations.
He further stated that kidnapping is sometimes used as a distraction while illegal mining continues in those areas. Johnson said similar situations have occurred in other countries where illegal economic activities created violent conflicts among groups fighting for territory.
According to him, Nigeria’s response to terrorism has often been inconsistent, with authorities reacting to attacks rather than preventing them. He said the country must address the problem from the borders inward and deal with external influences before focusing on the internal networks that support the attacks.
Getzo also discussed the issue and pointed to the role of Nigeria’s borders with Niger, Benin, Cameroon and Chad. He said cross-border trade routes, including long-distance trade across the Sahara, have created opportunities for illegal movements of arms and other criminal activities.
While acknowledging that Nigeria possesses equipment and intelligence tools, Getzo questioned whether authorities are properly using them. He said security personnel sometimes lack the logistics needed to carry out their assignments even when such resources exist.
Getzo also spoke about attacks in the North-West and North-Central regions, saying some armed groups are targeting security institutions such as police stations, immigration offices and customs posts.
According to him, there are reports that certain groups are supporting illegal mining operations and cooperating with foreign actors involved in those activities.
Both experts also commented on recent statements made by Islamic scholar Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, who had said the government knows the identities and locations of terrorists. Johnson agreed that the authorities likely have information about many of the people behind these attacks.
He pointed out that past negotiations for the release of kidnapped victims would not have succeeded without knowledge of those responsible.
Johnson also argued that the government should seek more information from individuals who have direct contact with the armed groups instead of focusing on punishment. He said people like Gumi could provide intelligence that may help security agencies better understand how the groups operate.
Getzo, however, expressed doubts about dialogue with armed groups. According to him, attempts to reconcile with criminals would not solve the problem. He said the country already has enough information about those involved in terrorist activities and their locations.
He also claimed that authorities could identify many of the individuals linked to attacks through detailed profiling across local governments, wards and polling units in affected areas. Getzo said he had previously shared information on these issues with members of Nigeria’s National Assembly during different legislative sessions.
He added that during visits to several states in the North-East, he observed locations where armed groups operate and believed many of their hideouts could be identified and dealt with if authorities chose to act.
Getzo also called on the Federal Government to review its security strategy and fulfil its responsibility to protect citizens.
He referred to earlier commitments by President Bola Tinubu to address insecurity and urged the government to return to those plans and strengthen efforts against terrorist groups operating in different regions of the country.