On Thursday, December 25, the United States carried out airstrikes against IS-linked militants in Nigeria's Gulf of Guinea region, sparking debates on the best way to tackle terrorism. Dr. Oluwole Ojewale, a senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies in Dakar, says military force is just one piece of the puzzle. 💥🧩
"These strikes weren't a surprise given the strong security partnership between the U.S. and Nigeria," Dr. Ojewale explains. "But we need more than bombs to win this fight."
So what else is on the wish list? 🤔
- Intelligence Boost: Sharpening data-gathering tools to track down terror cells before they strike.
- Cutting Finances: Disrupting money flows that keep extremist networks running.
- Stronger Borders: Reinforcing checkpoints to stop weapons and fighters moving across porous frontiers.
Ojewale stresses that Nigeria's sovereignty was fully respected – this wasn't a foreign intervention trip. 🇳🇬🤝🇺🇸 The Nigerian authorities shared intel and gave the green light for the operation.
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar also clarified: "These strikes hit terrorist targets, not any religion." His statement underscores the careful line between targeting extremists and respecting Nigeria's diverse communities.
While airstrikes can disrupt militant hideouts, experts agree lasting peace demands a mix of tech-driven intelligence, financial tracking, and local community engagement. It's a team sport, and everyone from civil society to regional partners has a role to play. 🌍⚽
What do you think? Can strategic support tip the scales in Nigeria's fight against terrorism? Drop your thoughts below! 👇
Reference(s):
Expert: Military action alone cannot defeat terrorism in Nigeria
cgtn.com
