In response to the recent surge in kidnappings and terrorist attacks in parts of North-Central and North-West Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued decisive directives for a full security cordon over forests in Kwara, Kebbi, and parts of Niger State.

Chief Sunday Dare, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, announced on Tuesday via his verified X handle (@SundayDareSD) that the Nigerian Air Force has been tasked with expanding aerial surveillance “across the innermost parts of the forests” where criminal groups are believed to be hiding.

Under the new directive, the Air Force is to maintain uninterrupted 24-hour monitoring over the troubled zones, synchronizing operations with ground troops already deployed for rescue missions and counter-terrorism operations. The same operational intensity is being applied along the Kebbi–Niger corridor, where multiple ongoing rescue efforts are focused.

The measures come amid escalating insecurity, including the mass abduction of worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, and violent attacks in parts of Kebbi and Niger, which have raised national concerns. While several victims have been rescued, security agencies continue to work to free others believed to be held deep inside forested areas.

President Tinubu, receiving continuous updates from frontline commanders, has insisted that all military and security formations adopt an “all-out, no-retreat posture” until every perpetrator is neutralized and abducted citizens are safely returned.

Communities in the affected states have also been urged to provide timely intelligence on unusual gatherings or suspicious activities to support the intensified operations. This directive complements recent security measures, including the withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs to reinforce community-level policing and earlier joint operations across the North.

Security analysts describe the new full-spectrum cordon as one of the federal government’s most aggressive responses to rural and peri-urban insecurity, signaling the administration’s commitment to restoring stability and sending a stern warning to armed groups terrorizing communities.

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Nigeria and the United States have taken steps to deepen their security cooperation, pledging expanded support for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and stabilization efforts.

The agreements were reached during a series of high-level engagements in Washington, D.C., led by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The Nigerian delegation met with senior officials from the U.S. Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of Defense.

During these meetings, the delegation emphasized that violent attacks in Nigeria affect all religious and ethnic communities, countering narratives of targeted persecution.

U.S. officials affirmed continued partnership, committing to technical support, humanitarian assistance for communities affected by Middle Belt violence, intelligence cooperation, and faster processing of defense equipment requests.

Discussions also included the potential provision of excess defense articles to support Nigeria’s fight against terrorists, bandits, and violent extremist networks.

Both nations agreed to implement a non-binding cooperation framework and establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate and ensure follow-through on commitments.

Experts have recommended that Nigeria adopt advanced drone technologies as a primary strategy for tackling terrorism and violent extremism. Aviation specialist Femi Adeniji, CEO of Nigame Aircraft Consult, highlighted the importance of drones like the Resolute Eagle, which can operate remotely, carry ITAR-approved arms, record live activities, and provide real-time surveillance in conflict zones.

Adeniji emphasized that relying solely on traditional manpower-heavy intelligence methods is insufficient, especially amid mistrust and corruption. He noted that modern drone technology has proven effective in reducing terror attacks in other countries, offering rapid deployment, endurance, and discreet operational capabilities.

The partnership and adoption of advanced technology aim to strengthen Nigeria’s national security framework, enhance rapid response mechanisms, and improve early-warning systems, ensuring better protection for citizens against terrorism and violent extremism.

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The summit, organized by Nigeria with the support of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, will run from Monday to Tuesday, April 23, 2024, under the theme ‘Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Institution Building to Address the Evolving Threat of Terrorism.’

The Presidency announced on Sunday that the summit aims to bolster multilateral counter-terrorism cooperation and reshape the international community’s response to terrorism in Africa.

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Among the esteemed guests attending the summit are Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism; Ms. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; H.E. Patrice Talon, President of the Republic of Benin; H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana; H.E. Faure Gnassingbe, President of the Republic of Togo; Yusuf Tuggar, Foreign Affairs Minister of Nigeria; General Hanana Hanana, Minister of National Defence of Mauritius; and Mr. Moussa Faki Mahmat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, among others.

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