Boko Haram: Managing The Anti-Terror Campaign

For some months now, Nigeria and in
deed the world have been inundated with
reports of insurgents known as Boko Haram, which operate mostly in the North Eastern part of the country. Book Haram, which translates to ‘Western Education is forbidden’ and their campaign of terror raised world-wide concern with the recent abduction of more than 200 school girls in Chibok, Borno State.
Following the outrage that greeted the abduction, and the efforts to rescue the girls, disturbing comments over the handling of the Boko Haram insurgency by the authorities have been on the increase. Indeed, it was a cacophony of sorts. Rather than shed light and give direction on the situation, conflicting statements from government officials tend to question the focus of the system.
People want to see that the Federal Government is clear on what to do against the insurgency. That the Director-General  of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mike Omeri and some Ministers would express government’s readiness to dialogue with Boko Haram after President Goodluck Jonathan had foreclosed negotiation and swapping of the Chibok girls with terror suspects was worrisome.
The discordant tunes from the Federal Government simply gave the impression that government was not having a coordinated front in tackling the Boko Haram menace. Both the way, the content and the officers that spoke for government simply left the country guessing.
On the other hand, the rumour mill did not help, as stories about what was happening and not happening engaged public discourse. Some dwelt on the policies, while some dwelt on fears by suggesting that even the government was at a loss on what to do.
While the issue of who is to speak on the insurgency has been cleared with the endorsement of the DG of NOA, Mr Mike Omeri, the failure to manage news men at the epic-centre of the crisis in Borno State is also capable of generating speculations and sensationalism.
While we subscribe to free speech, we recognise the responsibility that goes with that freedom. Comments, mostly unguarded ones from some individuals rather than help the situation added petrol to a raging fire. Many individuals, nonetheless, persons in authority have spoken in ways that compromise the peace and unity of Nigeria.
In fact, we expect the Federal Government to investigate some comments attributed to Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, especially, the alleged statement that if he opened up on the sponsors of Boko Haram, heads would roll. This is too heavy to over look, in fact if it is true, he must be made to open up or be treated as an accessory to the insurgency.
On the other hand, the exposure of the identity of some of the Chibok girls recently is also worrisome. We say so because the development could expose them to more harm and jeopardise the search and rescue efforts. Moreso, in a conservative society like ours, the exposure is capable of adding to their trauma even after their release.
The fight against terror anywhere in the world is not easy. Government must be firm, decisive and have belief in any cause of action chosen to effect the anti-terror campaign. The internationally accepted policy of not negotiating with terrorists should be followed to the letter. Terror is not to be managed, it is exterminated.
We note with surprise the debate in the Senate over the proposed extension of the state of emergency in the three North Eastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. The National Assembly will fail Nigeria if they fail to grant the imposition of a full state of emergency.
It is understandable that the crisis would elicit a lot of emotion among Nigerians, but to add un-guarded comments and panic is un-called for. At the moment, what Nigeria needs is to close ranks, and offer prayers and support the government and security agencies. There is need for faith and confidence in the system and all will be history, soon.