The Unconventional Warfare

It is a a phenomenon prevalent in the twenty-first century, though it started in late twentieth century.Nowadays, nations don't go to full-scale war with each other. Instead nations have to deal with the threat of terrorism from extremist group within their shores.The IRA, al Qaeda, al Shabaab, Hizbollahs and Boko Haram all use terror to achieve their aims.The rules of engagement do not apply in this new state of play, because suicide bombers like to prey on the innocent.It is a cowardly and barbaric act, that has been a scourge to the peace of the post-Cold War world.
Friday morning's blast on the UN building in Abuja is a wake-up call not only to the Jonathan administration, but also to all Nigerians.We are at war with a monster that has reared its ugly head in our culture of tolerance.This is a sect that has devoted its time and resources to the destruction of our way of life, be it Western or traditional.It shouldn't be allowed to stand.Once again an act of barbaric inhumanity has further tainted our image in the international scene.Only this time the world is with us.What this signals is for our leaders to grab the group by the horns and rise to the challenge.The saying that "Evil prevails when good men fail to act" should serve as a spur to our leaders.Therefore action is what we need from our leaders to curb this ugly trend.Moreso, failure to act would jeopardise the unity of the nation,as we know that Nigeria is a highly polarised state.
With a seventy million strong Muslim population, mostly situated in the North, there is an unlimited source of personnel for this group tocontinue in business.The challenge is for the government to make that kind of business highly unattractive to the youths.With unemployment rampant in the country, most of these youths are idling away, seeking for an avenue to vent their anger.It is the job of the government to keep these youths' mind off crime and religious extremisms by giving them a source of livelihood. This whole approach involves all members acrosss the board, from the National Council Security chiefs to the local Islamic cleric.While that is going on, concerted efforts should be made to flush out sponsors or masterminds behind this outfit.The claims of the NATVC should be taken seriously.It is with heavy likelihood, that the Boko Haram is getting support from al-Qaeda.This where the assistance of the US and UN is needed to stop that channel of support.Also, our security outfits need to be upgraded and put in high alert for now, plus additional funding for the Ministry of Defence to fight this phenomenon.
The fight against terrorism would be long and arduous, but if we showed commitment and bravery, this storm would definitely pass.It is up our leaders to lead by example.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share

Sign up here with your email