The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticised the Federal Government’s approach to national security, warning that the persistent killing of soldiers, vigilantes and civilians across the country signals a major collapse in Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the civil rights group said the wave of attacks across several parts of the country — from Plateau State to the insurgency-ravaged North-East — shows that the security framework under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is failing to effectively contain terrorism and armed violence.
The association said recent incidents involving the killing of security personnel and civilians demonstrate what it described as a dangerous deterioration of Nigeria’s security architecture.
HURIWA was reacting to reports that at least 20 security operatives and vigilantes were killed in an ambush by heavily armed bandits in Wanka and nearby communities within the Garga axis of Kanam Local Government Area in Plateau State.
According to the Kanam Development Association, the victims included 12 security personnel — among them two senior military officers — and eight vigilante members who were assisting security agencies to protect vulnerable communities.
The joint patrol team was reportedly travelling in two vehicles during a routine operation covering the communities of Garga, Kyaram and Gyambau when they were ambushed by a large group of bandits near Wanka on Friday afternoon, resulting in a fierce gun battle that left many of the operatives dead.
HURIWA described the attack as a disturbing sign that non-state armed groups are increasingly emboldened.
“The continued killing of Nigerian soldiers, including senior officers, by terrorists and bandits is a national embarrassment and a clear indication that the current security framework has failed,” the group said.
The organisation also cited other recent killings in Plateau State, including the attack on traders travelling to a market in the Barikin Ladi axis where gunmen reportedly stopped vehicles at an illegal checkpoint and opened fire on passengers after questioning their identities.
In addition, HURIWA referenced reports that insurgents belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) had carried out coordinated raids in Borno State in which dozens of soldiers were killed and several military bases overrun within a two-week period.
According to the group, the scale and sophistication of these attacks indicate that terrorist groups are becoming better armed and more tactically organised than the forces confronting them.
HURIWA said the development raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of the country’s security leadership, particularly the office of the National Security Adviser headed by Nuhu Ribadu.
The organisation called for an urgent review of Nigeria’s security strategy and demanded the immediate replacement of the National Security Adviser with what it described as a more experienced military strategist capable of coordinating a decisive national response to terrorism.
According to HURIWA, Nigeria’s security crisis has become increasingly complex and cannot be addressed through what it described as repetitive and ineffective tactics.
The association also criticised the Federal Government for failing to secure Nigeria’s borders, arguing that the uncontrolled movement of illegal arms across international frontiers is strengthening terrorist networks operating within the country.
It said the collapse of effective border management has allowed criminal groups to transport weapons, fighters and logistics with little resistance.
As part of its recommendations, the group called for sweeping reforms including improved intelligence coordination, strengthened border security, deployment of advanced surveillance technologies and a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security doctrine.
HURIWA also proposed the introduction of structured civil defence training programmes for citizens to improve community resilience against attacks.
The group argued that properly regulated firearms licensing for responsible citizens could help communities defend themselves in areas frequently targeted by terrorists and bandits.
“The reality today is that terrorists possess sophisticated weapons while innocent citizens remain largely defenceless. This imbalance must be corrected if communities are to survive,” the association said.
The organisation expressed condolences to the families of soldiers, vigilantes and civilians who have lost their lives in the recent attacks, describing them as patriots who paid the ultimate price in defence of their communities and the country.
HURIWA urged the Federal Government to urgently adopt a stronger national security doctrine capable of protecting lives and property across Nigeria.
“The survival of Nigeria depends on decisive leadership and a comprehensive war against terrorism. Anything less will only embolden the enemies of the nation,” the group stated.