Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized the limitations of relying solely on military solutions to address the prevailing insecurity and insurgency in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region. Speaking at the Kano Government House, Shettima underscored the need for a holistic approach to tackling these challenges. He also revealed that President Bola Tinubu’s government is preparing to unveil an initiative aimed at addressing insurgency, poverty, and other pressing issues affecting Nigerians, especially those residing in the north.
Shettima’s remarks come in the wake of a statement from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) indicating the killing of 22 terrorists across various operational areas in the north, as well as the surrender of 240 insurgents and their families to troops within one week. Additionally, the troops discovered and destroyed 22 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta during the same period.
During the press interaction in Kano, Shettima emphasized that relying solely on military means would result in an endless war of attrition and is not a viable solution to the crises in the North-west. He praised President Tinubu’s determination to redefine modern governance, which aims to address the root causes of banditry and insurgency plaguing the country.
“The President is determined to redefine the meaning and concept of modern governance. The crises we have in the North-west, associated with poverty and social exclusion, are challenges that the President is determined to confront,” stated Shettima. He also disclosed that Tinubu plans to unveil the “Fulaku” solution in the coming weeks, which will address the grievances and social exclusion experienced by Fulani communities in the North-west, directly targeting the underlying causes of banditry and insurgency.
Shettima, accompanied by Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, visited the Kano Government House to extend condolences to the government and people of Kano State on the passing of elder statesman Alhaji Abubakar Galadanci. They also expressed Tinubu’s condolences during a visit to the Emir of Bichi, HRH Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero, and the family compound of the late Alhaji Abubakar Imam Galadanci.
In a separate development, the Directorate of Defence Media Operation (DDMO) reported that troops have made significant strides in countering the insurgents. Within the reviewed period, 67 terrorists, economic saboteurs, informants, and logistics suppliers were apprehended. Additionally, over 120 kidnapped civilians were rescued, caches of arms and ammunition were intercepted, and a substantial number of illegal refining sites were discovered and destroyed.
The Vice President’s call for a comprehensive approach to insecurity echoes growing recognition that military efforts alone cannot achieve lasting peace. As Nigeria grapples with various security challenges, the forthcoming “Fulaku” initiative, set to be introduced by President Tinubu’s government, will be closely watched as a potential step toward addressing the underlying causes of instability and building a more secure and prosperous nation.
