Every time we hear that another military base has been attacked or more soldiers have been killed in an ambush, like what happened recently in Borno State, one question comes to mind: after more than two decades of fighting insurgency, why are we still struggling to defeat these terrorists? First and foremost, nobody can question the courage of the Nigerian military. Our soldiers have sacrificed immensely for this country, and many have paid the ultimate price. However, bravery alone cannot win a war. Strategy, intelligence, planning, and coordination are equally important. Nigeria once demonstrated its military strength in peacekeeping missions in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Yet at home, we continue to lose personnel to insurgent attacks, with no lasting solution in sight. One concern many Nigerians have is whether lessons are being learned after each setback. In warfare, when a strategy repeatedly exposes troops to danger, it must be reviewed and adjusted. ...
LThe Oyo State Police Command has debunked eports alleging that one of the schoolchildren abducted during the recent incident at Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, has d!ed while in captivity. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command categorically stated that the report is false, misleading, mischievous, and without any factual basis whatsoever. The statement says at no time has the Oyo State Police Command nor any other recognized security agency involved in the ongoing rescue efforts, confirmed such a development. ‘’The publication is a fabrication carefully crafted by individuals whose objective is to arouse unnecessary public sentiment, create panic, spread fear, and undermine ongoing security operations.’’ The command assured members of the public that concerted efforts by security agencies remain ongoing and that all operational activities concerning the incident are being pursued with the utmost professio...