In his Easter message on Sunday, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, expressed concerns over the Nigerian government’s approach to combating terrorism and banditry.
Kukah warned against the recruitment of vigilantes, hunters, and untrained individuals, emphasizing that such a strategy could undermine the professionalism and ethics of the Nigerian Army.
Kukah called for a transparent and comprehensive method of recruitment to foster patriotism and combat the entrenched issues of feudalism and prebendalism.
He stressed the importance of clarity regarding national goals and accountability.
The bishop criticized the recurring rhetoric of “rejigging the security architecture,” questioning the militarization of civilian life and its impact on professionalism and integrity.
He highlighted the remarks of General Lucky Irabor, the former Chief of Defence Staff, who described the military’s dilemma as “see finish,” suggesting a blurred line between military presence and civilian governance.
Kukah condemned the trend of pouring trillions of naira into ineffective security measures and emphasized the need to prioritize a sustainable solution.
He argued against the reliance on untrained groups, stating that it exposes the military to ridicule and perceptions of weakness.
The bishop called for a decisive plan to defeat terrorism and restore security, urging the government to set clear deadlines and restore livelihoods, particularly in agriculture.
Kukah emphasized the urgency of addressing insecurity and restoring dignity to the Nigerian people.
