In a startling revelation, security consultant and defence strategist, Col. Hassan Stan-Labo (rtd.) has claimed that former president Muhammadu Buhari exacerbated the fight against terrorism in Nigeria, making it harder to win the battle against the insurgent groups.
Col. Stan-Labo made the damning statement in an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday. He emphasized that rather than making significant progress in the fight against terrorism, the administration of President Buhari only worsened the situation.
“President Buhari’s approach to tackling terrorism in Nigeria was ineffective and flawed,” Col. Stan-Labo stated. “Instead of adopting a comprehensive strategy, the counter-terrorism efforts during his tenure appeared disjointed and lacked a clear direction.”
The security consultant further expressed concern over the lack of coordination among security agencies during Buhari’s administration, which he believes hindered progress in eradicating terrorism.
“Coordination among security agencies is vital in any counter-terrorism operation. Unfortunately, during Buhari’s tenure, these vital agencies often worked in silos, leading to a lack of synergy and an ineffective response to terrorist threats,” Col. Stan-Labo remarked.
He also criticized the inadequate provision of resources, such as necessary equipment, training, and intelligence, which are crucial for successful counter-terrorism operations. Col. Stan-Labo argued that these shortcomings significantly compromised the ability of security forces to effectively combat terrorism.
Furthermore, Col. Stan-Labo went on to emphasize the need for a holistic approach to dealing with the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education. He noted that under Buhari’s leadership, there was a failure to address these underlying factors, allowing terrorism to persist in the country.
“In order to win the fight against terrorism, we need to tackle not only the symptoms but also the root causes that breed extremist ideologies. Unfortunately, the previous administration failed in addressing these issues effectively,” he lamented.
The remarks made by Col. Stan-Labo have sparked a contentious debate among Nigerians, with some expressing agreement with his views, while others vehemently defend the previous administration’s efforts in combating terrorism.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the persistent threat of terrorism, it becomes crucial to critically evaluate and learn from the mistakes of the past. With the recent change in administration, the fight against terrorism in Nigeria will undoubtedly undergo a new phase, raising hopes for a more comprehensive and effective approach under President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor.
