The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, stated that terrorism serves as a cover for various other crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and violent acts. He made this assertion during the 3rd Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Seminar organized by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.
Represented by the Deputy Chief of Operations (Army), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, Lagbaja delivered a paper titled “Over a Decade of Terrorism, Insurgency, Counter-Terrorism and Counter Insurgency in Nigeria: An Appraisal.” He highlighted that Nigeria faces multiple forms of insurgencies across its six geo-political zones, with terrorist groups using terror tactics to pursue their agendas.
Lagbaja referenced a report by Statista in 2023, noting that Nigeria is among the countries with the highest terrorism threat levels globally. He pointed out that groups like Boko Haram, Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have been central to this threat, with their activities exacerbating insecurity and providing cover for other criminal activities.
“Terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria have created cover under which other crimes and violence are perpetrated by criminal gangs,” Lagbaja said. He explained that terrorists often generate funds locally through smuggling, kidnapping, extortion, and drug trafficking, and operate largely outside the formal financial system, making it difficult for security agencies to trace illicit funds.
Lagbaja called for enhanced synergy among agencies, improved governance, a stronger sense of patriotism, and increased capacity for security and law enforcement agencies to tackle these challenges effectively.
