The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Defence Ministry to establish a timeline for ending the war on terror, allowing millions of displaced citizens to resume their daily lives. This call follows the news that over 100 suspected bandits were neutralized by the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) during an air raid on Kuka Shidda Camp in Katsina State’s Faskari Local Government Area.
HURIWA has recommended the formation of a National Guard composed of military and police operatives, coordinated by a military general, to combat terrorism and serious crimes like kidnappings exclusively. This would enable the military to focus on defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
HURIWA recalled a statement from the Katsina State Governor’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Mohammed, noting that the recent NAF operation targeted a group linked to notorious terrorist Yusuf Yello. It added that this airstrike, the third in recent weeks, significantly disrupted bandit activities in the region. Additionally, security operatives foiled a kidnapping attempt in the Kwata area of Jibia Council Area, rescuing three women.
HURIWA emphasized the need for a timeline to conclude the war on terror, which has lasted over a decade and claimed more than 60,000 lives. The organization criticized the commercialization of the war by some top Generals and officials, who allegedly exploited military contracts for personal gain.
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HURIWA cited Transparency International’s findings on corruption in Nigeria’s defense sector, including the seizure of $8.9 million siphoned off by corrupt officials intended for military equipment against Boko Haram.
