HURIWA Criticizes Tinubu and Military for Lack of Effective Strategy Against Terrorism

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s military leaders, accusing them of failing to develop an effective strategy to combat terrorism and banditry.

In a statement released on Monday, HURIWA expressed outrage over the worsening security situation in Zamfara and Niger states, where terrorists have continued to target local communities and capture military equipment, highlighting the deficiencies in Nigeria’s security system.

The group particularly condemned President Tinubu’s decision to send a delegation, led by Minister of State for Defence Bello Muhammed Matawalle and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to Sokoto, to address the ongoing violence. HURIWA dismissed this move as mere political showmanship, arguing that it does not tackle the root causes of insecurity or provide a concrete plan for resolving the crisis.

Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, criticized the approach of deploying high-profile officials without a clear, actionable strategy. He stated, “Sending a Minister or the CDS to Sokoto is not a strategy; it is a political stunt. Are these officials expected to lead military operations themselves? Nigerians need a genuine strategy, not political gestures.”

HURIWA also denounced what it views as the incompetence of current military leadership, accusing the President of appointing leaders based on political considerations rather than merit. The group pointed to recent events, including the capture of an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) by terrorists in Zamfara, as evidence of the military’s ineffectiveness and the dangerous impact of poor leadership.

The organization highlighted the lack of effective intelligence, noting that over 1,056 Nigerians were killed in kidnap-related incidents between July 2023 and June 2024, with kidnappers demanding N10.9 billion in ransom. HURIWA criticized the intelligence community for its inability to intercept terrorist communications despite substantial resources.

Calling for a major overhaul of military leadership, HURIWA emphasized the need for appointments based on competence rather than political or ethnic considerations. The group also urged President Tinubu to prioritize the security and well-being of Nigerians through decisive leadership and a coherent strategy.

“The government must act decisively to protect lives and property,” HURIWA stated, warning that without significant changes, Nigeria risks further instability.