Leadnaija
General Ishola Williams (retd.), a former commandant of Army Signals, commander of Training and Doctrine, and Chief of Defence Training and Planning, provided his insights to The PUNCH in a comprehensive interview regarding the rising wave of banditry and terrorist-related violence in Nigeria.
He discussed the growing challenges posed by these criminal groups, the wider consequences for the country, and potential solutions to the escalating security crisis.
When asked about the resurgence of terrorist activities in Nigeria and the increasing boldness of bandits, Williams expressed his thoughts on the situation. He pointed out that what is happening in the country cannot be classified as terrorism in the true sense.
The attacks, in his view, have evolved far beyond conventional acts of terror, as the perpetrators are no longer focused solely on political or ideological motivations.
Instead, the bandits, who are primarily engaging in kidnapping for ransom and intimidating villagers into paying hefty sums of money, have reached a stage where they have effectively established territorial control. They now possess the audacity to claim dominion over any part of Northern Nigeria and hold it without fear of retaliation.
Williams referred to a significant statement made by Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader. Turji openly declared that the military was aware of his whereabouts and challenged them to take action against him.
He said: “They are now at a particular stage where they can claim any part of the North and stay there. Bello Turji (the notorious bandit kingpin) said one important thing. He said, “The military knows where I am. Come and attack me.” After that, he said, “Okay, since you don’t want to come, I am coming.”Tap Here for the Full Story
