A Nigerian security consultant says the possibility of ending suicide bombings before the end of 2015 is not feasible.
He, however, believes that ending territorial attacks in villages is feasible.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Captain Umar Aliyu (Rtd.), admitted that indeed “there were some improvement and a reclamation of territory when President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration came in”.
“If you look at what we had on ground, there are some kinds of asymmetric situations; when you have conventional forces fighting unconventional forces,” he said.
He commended the achievements recorded by the military in efforts at ending terrorism in the West African country but noted that nabbing just five out of 100 suspected Boko Haram members is not encouraging. “I don’t think that is encouraging. Though, it is a step in the right direction.
“I want to believe that if out of 100 of like minded people, I have five, depending on the method and what you know, each of the five people can give information on the whereabouts of five of their members, the chances are very high. So we should be seeing the number escalate exponentially,” he explained.
He advised the intelligence agencies to work on the five suspects.
Desert Warfare School
Mr Aliyu also gave suggestions on what to be done in order to avert regressive attempt of the Boko Haram members.
“There needs to be a concerted military presence along Nigerian borders. Particularly, I am looking at turning Sambisa into Nigerian Army’s first desert warfare school.”
The security expert said that in ending the menace, there should be a mock attack so as to enter the enemy’s head and build scenarios along the line.
“For every situation, there must be a form of rehearsal which makes the military get a feel of what the battle will be like.
“The simplest and the easiest way to end the menace via biometrics within any given community lies with the land lord which could be done within streets.
“Traditional rulers have a major influence within their enclaves and they will also do well in providing basic information about people residing in their communities.
“The Immigration or Customs can also drive the approach in getting rid of suicide bombings proactively by having representatives in every ward or council or have liaisons with required traditional rulers,” he explained.
He added that the problem the country has, which the insurgents exploit, is that no one is accounted for in the north-east.
