By Olayinka Iroye
As Nigeria marked the 2025 Army Day, my thoughts were drawn to the spate of insecurity and unsettling headlines that have continued to dominate the national discourse in recent times.
Across various media platforms, we have seen a barrage of disturbing news:
“House of Representatives raises alarm over influx of bandits into Niger State”,
“Troops neutralize terrorists in offensive operations in Mafa LGA, Borno”,
“Two bandits killed in Borno, arms recovered”,
“Nine returning IDPs killed in fresh Borno attack”,
“Ogoni youth protest against incessant killings by suspected herdsmen, declare enough is enough”.
Even more worrisome, recent reports indicate that kidnappers have now shifted operations to the Lafiagi-Pategi axis in Kwara State, abducting residents from their homes with reckless impunity. This has led to mass relocation as people flee their communities for safety. In response, concerned youths in the area have reportedly begun organizing themselves into a formidable vigilante network to resist these criminals.
While these developments unfold, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to decimating all forms of terror groups, with the Nigerian Army pledging to uphold Nigeria’s territorial integrity and safeguard its citizens. The FCT Commissioner of Police has also emphasized the need for inclusive and coordinated efforts among stakeholders to combat insecurity effectively.
Watching Babajide Ogunsanwo, Channels TV Data Analyst, during a national security half-year review focusing on the North-West and North-East, he asked a critical and piercing question: “Who exactly are behind all these attacks?”
That question struck a chord with me. I align with Babajide’s curiosity and analytical stance. One day, we hear of Fulani herdsmen or bandits; the next, we hear of unnamed terrorists. Interestingly, many Fulani leaders and groups have consistently disassociated themselves from these atrocities, claiming, in fact, to be victims themselves.
It is high time our security agencies moved beyond generalizations and established clearly the identities of those behind these heinous acts. We must know our real enemies if we are ever going to defeat them.
This situation reminds me of an incident from my secondary school days at Government Secondary School, Ilorin. During evening prep sessions, we would often be disrupted by terrifying alarms about an approaching “Egbere” – a mythical, dwarf-like spirit who cried as he wandered. Inspired by D.O. Fagunwa’s legendary works like Igbo Olodumare and Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Olodumare, the fear was palpable and real.
Some brave senior students, however, decided to investigate. The ‘Egbere’ turned out to be a fellow student, playing pranks under the cover of superstition. Once discovered, the fear ended.
In similar fashion, we must uncover the identities behind the ‘Egbere’ of our national insecurity, the real terrorists, their backers, and those who benefit politically or economically from the chaos. There are individuals and groups profiting from this national tragedy, and they will continue to destabilize Nigeria as long as it serves their selfish interests.
Let’s take a cue from Katsina. On 25th June, 2025, armed bandits reportedly invaded a village in Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina State with the intent to kidnap residents. However, in a remarkable show of courage, the villagers mobilized en masse and confronted the attackers using locally available weapons, including cutlasses, dane guns, bows, and arrows. In a swift and coordinated response, the villagers successfully repelled the attack, neutralizing all the criminals. Not a single bandit escaped the scene. The Executive Chairman of Kurfi Local Government later visited the village to commend the residents for their bravery. The community received him with joy and celebration, as he had consistently encouraged them to remain vigilant and defend themselves against criminal elements.
The incident underscores the growing need for community-based security and self-defense, particularly in areas repeatedly targeted by armed groups. Self-defense, when done to protect lives and property, is not a crime.
The time has come for every tier of government to act decisively. Beyond speeches and promises, local vigilantes and community-based security outfits must be supported with funding, training, intelligence, and logistics. Citizens, especially in vulnerable regions, must be empowered to defend themselves lawfully.
Nigeria must not only honour the Army on Army Day, but must also take proactive, practical steps to end the reign of terror. We must boldly name and confront the enemies within and ensure they are not only defeated, but permanently dismantled along with their networks and sponsors.
Let this Army Day rekindle not just remembrance, but real resistant.
Olayinka Iroye is an Educational Administrator, Public Affairs Commentator, PR Consultant, and a Clergy.
