KIDNAPPING, TERRORISM AND BANDITRY: IS NIGERIA A FAILED STATE?

 Samuel Olomu

Today the heightened cases of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other social vices has ravaged the Nigerian atmosphere in recent time thereby leaving the direct answer ringing in all hearts that Nigeria is a failed state in failing to protect her citizens and indeed the very existence of the Nigerian state. This article examines the act of terrorism in Nigeria in a bid to understanding the continual existence of the menace despite strong measures adopted by the government to counter this acts. 

Terrorism under Nigerian Laws remains undefined. The absence of a strong Anti-Terrorism Act or measure to address terrorism has been a clog on the path of justice, and even in the advent of one, the Terrorism Prevention Act of 2011, this problem is still on the upswing. Going by the definition of terrorism by the Act, motive is one of the predominant reason why terrorism, banditry, kidnapping or whatever we might call it is treated differently from other criminal acts. Motives of which may include; religious motives, which infact is being witnessed in Nigeria today and the legal and political motives. Nigeria is a State which has about 250-300 ethnic groups which are subdivided into three main ethnic groups of Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. Each ethnic group  has its own predominant religion. The Northern part of Nigeria is known majorly for Islam: the belief of which they hold  in high esteem. The religious motive sets in, in a bid to protect ones religion or brotherhood. The Muslims claims: Islam is a religion of peace. Not all Muslims main, but some of them do. To generalise, will land us in stereotype. If anyone in the northern part of Nigeria kills, people tend to take the matter up and regard it as: "Islam is Violence".The love of the brotherhood now or the religious motive sets in at this stage when the entire ummah will rise to defend the person. A case study is the recent allegation leveled against the Nigeria's Communication Minister, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami claiming support for terrorist  groups like:Taliban, Al-Qaeda and not Boko Haram. Angry Nigerians took up the matter and calls for his resignation. This met unsavory reactions from the Muslims who supported him and gives him assurance.

The government inability to protect its citizens is part of a growing list of state security failures. Many of the land borders in Nigeria, especially in the North lacks control measures and thereby becoming illegal routes and hibernation ground to terrorists to move dangerous weapons into their dominated areas. In 2013, in an interview with the Nigeria's Minister of Interior. Estimations of 1500 illegal trafficking routes known to the government, and about 84 legal entry routes into the country. The illegal routes serves the purpose of illegal importing and exporting of goods, arms and weapons. Hijacked or stolen oils in pipelines are exported via these routes which may also in a way affect the Nigerian economy.

In April 2014, Boko Haram kidnapped: 276 students; the Chibok girls. On 6th July 2013, Boko Haram attacked Government Secondary School in Mamudo, Yobe State, killing at least 42 people most of which were students with some staff members. Also, on 29th September 2013, Boko Haram kills forty-four teachers and students in the male hostel in the College of Agriculture in Gujba, Yobe State. Recently, another kidnapping incidence unraveled in Northern Nigeria in which 317 girls from the Government Girls Secondary School in Jagebe, Zamfara State were kidnapped. Are we to talk of the now rampant Fulani herdsmen attacks and incessant clashes with farmers. Last year, at least 76 farmers were fired upon by Boko Haram. Regrettably, the government who was unable to protect its citizens from vicious attacks has taken it upon the Military to fire the End SARS protesters and later denied the whole scenario. We cannot quench fire by setting more place ablaze.

The issue of inter-ethnic rivalry is yet another issue which is now on the increase. It was recently I heard about a market burnt and looted in Ibadan after a misunderstanding between a Yoruba and an Hausa man which eventually led to the riot. Five people were reported being killed as a result.

Nigeria has failed to support the military with needed arms which will supercede that of the terrorists. The military has been fighting a lost battle against the Boko Haram. The government has lost control of the country's security. It is now the belief of many that soldiers are 'candidates of death'. The NY Times reported the Boko Haram to be better equipped than the Nigerian military and able to carry out any attack in any part of the country, especially North,without any reprisals.Also, based on a research I made as regard the Armed Conflict and Location Event Database (ACLED),  the Boko Haram group has been responsible for over 40,000 deaths since their start in 2009.

Apart from the foregoing land incidences, there are a number of sea insecurities too. Sea security according to Solace Global is affected by a myraid of causes worldwide., Including territorial disputes, conflicts, environmental degradation and severe crimes. Modern piracy remains a pressing issue affecting Nigeria's sea trade despite years of counter proliferation efforts. The extreme fluctuations in market price of oil, however, caused the Nigerian pirates to transit to the more profitable kidnap for ransom operations thereby adding to the wave of insecurity in Nigeria.

A country that has no control over its economy is a failed State. A country where poverty has governed many is a failed State. Buhari:who has illegally retained military leaders for over 5 years despite their continued failure against Boko Haram has reinstated his stances. The whole story changed in January this year after the Kagara school boys mass kidnapping in Buhari's home town of Katsina which later made him change the military leadership. Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru was appointed the new Army Chief and staff General Lucky Irabor was appointed new Chief of Defence. Illegal retainment of political office holders is an evil to democracy and the corporate existence of the state.

There are pressing questions we need to ask ourselves. Why is Nigeria loosing the war against terrorism? Why is Boko Haram not vindicated? Until we can answer all these questions. At least President Muhammad Buhari still have two years before the expiration of his stay in power. It is possible he can still address this menace in the remaining period he has but improving the country's security at first will be a good start.