By George Mgbeleke

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the escalating wave of terrorist attacks across the country, declaring that the continued killing of soldiers, security operatives and civilians is incontrovertible evidence that the current security strategy of the Federal Government has failed.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the civil rights advocacy group said the recent spate of deadly attacks (from Plateau State to the North-East) demonstrates that Nigeria’s counterterrorism architecture has collapsed under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning that the country risks descending further into chaos if urgent structural reforms are not implemented.

HURIWA was reacting to reports that no fewer than 20 security operatives and vigilantes were killed in an ambush by heavily armed bandits in Wanka and surrounding communities of the Garga axis in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State. According to the Kanam Development Association, the victims included 12 security personnel, among them two senior military officers, as well as eight vigilante members who were assisting security forces in protecting vulnerable communities.

The joint patrol team was reportedly travelling in two vehicles during a routine security operation covering the communities of Garga, Kyaram and Gyambau when hundreds of bandits ambushed them near Wanka at about 2:00 p.m. on Friday, resulting in a deadly exchange of gunfire that left many of the operatives dead.

HURIWA described the development as a “tragic and alarming national security failure,” noting that the killing of trained soldiers and senior military officers by non-state actors should serve as a serious red flag that the country’s counterterrorism strategy is no longer working.

The group further cited additional reports of targeted killings in Plateau State, including the brutal murder of traders travelling to a market in the Barikin Ladi axis. In that incident, gunmen reportedly stopped vehicles at an improvised checkpoint and interrogated passengers about their identity before opening fire on those who identified themselves as Hausa traders.

HURIWA also referenced reports indicating that at least 65 Nigerian soldiers were killed in coordinated raids by insurgents belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province in the North-East within a two-week period. The insurgents reportedly overran several military bases in Borno State, killing dozens of soldiers and abducting hundreds of civilians while deploying sophisticated weapons including anti-aircraft machine guns and drones.

According to HURIWA, the scale, frequency and sophistication of these attacks show that terrorist groups are increasingly better armed and tactically superior to the security forces tasked with protecting Nigerians.

The association said the situation represents a clear indictment of the current leadership of Nigeria’s security establishment, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser headed by Nuhu Ribadu.

HURIWA therefore called for the immediate removal of the National Security Adviser, arguing that the country urgently requires a far more experienced military strategist capable of coordinating a comprehensive and decisive war against terrorism and organised armed violence.

“The continued killing of Nigerian soldiers, including senior officers, by terrorists and bandits is a national embarrassment and a glaring signal that the current security framework has collapsed,” the group stated.

According to HURIWA, a competent and battle-tested military general should be appointed to replace the current National Security Adviser in order to restore strategic coordination among the armed forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions.

The association said Nigeria’s security challenges have become multidimensional and require a radically new approach rather than the “repetitive and ineffective tactics” that have allowed terrorist groups to expand their operational capacity.

HURIWA also accused the Federal Government of failing to secure Nigeria’s porous borders, arguing that the steady flow of illegal arms into the country is directly fueling the expansion of terrorist networks.

The group said Nigeria’s border management system has effectively collapsed, enabling criminal groups to move weapons, fighters and logistics across international boundaries with little resistance.

According to HURIWA, the failure to secure the country’s borders has allowed terrorist organisations to access military-grade weapons with alarming ease while ordinary citizens remain largely defenceless.

As part of its recommendations, the association called for the introduction of a more liberal firearms licensing regime that would allow law-abiding Nigerians to legally acquire weapons for self-defence.

HURIWA argued that citizens should not be left completely vulnerable to heavily armed terrorists who operate freely in rural communities and along highways.

“The reality on the ground today is that terrorists and bandits possess sophisticated weapons while innocent citizens remain completely defenceless. This imbalance must be corrected if communities are to survive,” the group said.

The association further recommended the introduction of structured military training programmes for adult citizens as part of a national civil defence strategy aimed at strengthening community resilience against attacks.

According to HURIWA, countries facing similar security threats have adopted civilian defence systems that equip responsible citizens with basic training in self-protection and emergency response.

The group added that the Federal Government should consider policies that would allow properly vetted and trained citizens to carry higher-grade weapons for self-defence, especially in rural areas that experience frequent terrorist invasions.

HURIWA said the objective of such reforms would not be to militarise society but to ensure that communities are no longer left helpless in the face of heavily armed attackers.

The group stressed that the increasing number of attacks on military formations and patrol teams indicates that terrorist groups now possess operational confidence that must be urgently dismantled through a comprehensive national security overhaul.

According to the association, the country’s counterterrorism strategy must include stronger intelligence coordination, enhanced border security, modern surveillance technology and decisive leadership capable of anticipating and neutralising threats before they escalate.

HURIWA warned that unless bold and innovative reforms are introduced, Nigeria could face an even more dangerous phase of insurgency that threatens national stability.

The group expressed condolences to the families of the slain soldiers, vigilantes and civilians who have lost their lives in the recent attacks, describing them as patriots who paid the ultimate price in defence of their communities and the nation.

HURIWA concluded by urging the Federal Government to urgently adopt a new national security doctrine capable of protecting lives and property, stressing that safeguarding citizens remains the primary responsibility of the state.

“The survival of Nigeria depends on decisive leadership, a new security doctrine and a comprehensive war against terrorism. Anything short of this will only embolden the enemies of our nation,” the association stated.

*Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko*
National Coordinator,
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
Sunday, March 15, 2026

Senate passes FCTA’s N2.2trn 2026 Appropriation Bill to second reading

By George Mgbeleke

Senate, on Wednesday at plenary passed for second reading the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA 2026 Appropriation Bill, authorizing the issuance of N2.2 trillion from the FCT statutory revenue fund.

The passage of the Bill followed consideration of the lead debate presented by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central) during plenary.

Bamidele explained that out of the total budget, N165.8 billion is allocated for personnel costs, N378.2 billion for overheads, and N1.657 trillion for capital projects.

According to him, the capital projects allocation is expected to drive development in the Federal Capital Territory, and improve the quality of life for residents.

He highlighted Abuja’s unique role as the nation’s capital and emphasized that the budget seeks to support infrastructure, social services, public utilities, health facilities, educational institutions, and transportation networks to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.

The bill also mandates monthly and quarterly reports to the National Assembly to ensure transparency and value for money in project execution.

Bamidele added that the FCTA 2026 budget is expected to focus on key areas such as infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and security, among others.

Contributing, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau (APC Kano North) praised the N1.6 trillion allocation for capital projects, saying it shows the seriousness of the FCTA in the physical development of the Territory.

In his remarks, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio commended President Bola Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike for their commitment to the Territory’s development, especially in terms of roads infrastructure, public buildings, and other social amenities.

The Senate President referred the bill to the Committees on the Federal Capital Territory and Area Councils for further review before returning to plenary in one week.

By George Mgbeleke

Ahead of 2027 election,the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to support Nigeria’s electoral process through airlift logistics, security operations, and aerial surveillance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Chief of Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke dropped this hint during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, where both institutions discussed strategies to strengthen collaboration for credible elections.

Speaking during the visit, Aneke assured that the Air Force remains “willing, able and ready” to provide rapid airlift of electoral materials and personnel across the country, particularly to remote and difficult terrains where transportation challenges could delay deployment.

He explained that the Air Force has already begun preparations to ensure operational readiness ahead of the elections.

“We are working ahead to ensure that all our heavy haulage aircraft and medium-level aircraft undergo periodic maintenance so that when they are required, they will be ready,” he said.

The Air Chief noted that the Air Force has historically supported INEC with the transportation of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials and is prepared to expand that role in future electoral operations.

Beyond logistics support, Aneke noted that the Air Force is also deploying its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to enhance election security across the country.

He explained that advanced aerial technologies, including drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), will be used to monitor areas of interest, track potential threats, and support rapid response by security agencies.

According to him, some of the surveillance assets can remain airborne for extended periods, enabling real-time monitoring of sensitive locations before and during elections.

The Air Chief also stressed the importance of joint planning and simulation exercises between security agencies and INEC, noting that rehearsals and coordinated preparation significantly improve operational efficiency during elections.

He further assured the Commission that the Air Force will continue to work closely with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to protect electoral infrastructure such as INEC offices, collation centres, and logistics hubs nationwide.

Earlier,INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan welcomed the partnership, describing the visit as a reassuring step as the Commission intensifies preparations for upcoming elections.

He disclosed that under the revised timetable issued pursuant to the Electoral Act 2026, the presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections are scheduled for February 16, 2027.

Amupitan emphasised that logistics remains one of the most critical determinants of successful elections.
“An election can only be as good as its logistics,” he said, noting that the strategic logistics capacity of the Air Force will significantly strengthen electoral operations across the country.

He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for its support during previous elections, including the Anambra State Governorship Election, which he said contributed to the smooth conduct of the polls.

The INEC chairman further disclosed that the Commission will soon conduct governorship elections in Ekiti State in June and Osun State on August 15, describing them as important tests ahead of the 2027 general elections.