Nigeria: Security Has Never Been This Bungled in Nigeria

10 April 2021
opinion

Eleven days after a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet crashed in Borno State, the military is still struggling to locate the crash spot. The Alpha light attack jet was on a mission to support troops fighting the terrorists when it lost radar contact. Many are hoping Boko Haram's claims that it shot the jet would turn out to be false. If the jet the terrorists were seen dancing around turns out to be the missing plane, then this country is in serious trouble. It means the range of equipment now in their possession is a big threat to the capabilities of the Nigerian military. The failure of the military to locate the so-called true crash site reflects the level of decay in Nigeria's security. Modern search and rescue is about technology, equipment and quality manpower. This country lacks capacity for these and unwilling to seek help from abroad.

Scores of Boko Haram terrorists celebrating on our soil with video of alleged triumph, while wielding AK-47, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) and other artillery equipment, is depressing. Let's hope that the picture of the crashed jet is not genuine. But the massive military equipment displayed by these terrorists is real. It is dizzying seeing non-state actors with such equipment. This must not persist in a country with a legitimate government. The outlaws are evidently waxing stronger and controlling territories while the Buhari government goes about with trickery that no Nigerian territory is under the control of the terrorists.

...

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.