By Adamu Yusuf
Former presidential candidate, Gbenga Hashim, has called for a more comprehensive and coordinated counter-terrorism strategy following the reported killing of a Senior Islamic State Commander, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, in a joint operation involving the United States and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Hashim, in a statement issued on Saturday, described the development as a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of genuine international cooperation in the fight against global terrorism.
According to him, the successful operation validates long-standing concerns about the growing ambitions of terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.
“For over five years, we have consistently advocated for this level of collaboration. This operation underscores what can be achieved when global partners work together sincerely,” he said.
While commending the joint military operation, he cautioned against relying solely on the elimination of high-profile terror leaders as a long-term security strategy.
He observed that such operations often leave vulnerable rural communities exposed to retaliatory attacks by insurgent groups.
“Nigeria’s counter-terrorism approach must go beyond periodic strikes. It must be deliberate, sustained, and focused on eliminating terrorism at its roots,” he stated.
According to him, addressing terrorism requires more than military force, stressing the need for strong governance and policies aimed at tackling the socio-economic conditions fueling violent extremism.
“Addressing terrorism requires not just military action, but strong governance capable of confronting the socio-economic realities that sustain violent extremism,” Hashim added.
