Military strikes alone cannot end terrorism, says Gbenga Hashim

By Luminous Jannamike

Former presidential candidate Gbenga Hashim cautioned that Nigeria cannot defeat insurgency solely through military operations, arguing that the nation must address poverty, unemployment and social breakdown that fuel violent extremism.

He made the remarks following the reported killing of senior Islamic State commander Abu Bilal al‑Minuki in a joint operation between the United States and Nigerian Armed Forces, noting that the operation demonstrated the outcomes achievable when international intelligence and military coordination function effectively.

In a statement released Saturday, Hashim said the operation confirmed long‑standing warnings that Nigerian extremist groups were pursuing ambitions comparable to the Islamic State’s attempts to create territorial enclaves in conflict zones.

“For more than 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.

Although he praised the operation, Hashim cautioned against viewing the killing of senior insurgent figures as a complete solution to Nigeria’s escalating security crisis.

“Nigeria’s counter‑terrorism approach must go beyond periodic strikes. It must be deliberate, sustained, and focused on eliminating terrorism at its roots,” he said.

He added that military offensives aimed at top commanders often leave rural communities vulnerable to retaliatory attacks by armed groups.

Hashim described the scale of insecurity across the country as alarming, noting that more than 18,000 Nigerians had been killed by terrorism and related violence in the past three years.

He said that widespread poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and social deprivation continue to create conditions that extremist organisations can easily exploit, especially among vulnerable young people in Northern Nigeria.

Highlighting the long‑term danger posed by Nigeria’s out‑of‑school population, Hashim said more than 18 million children were vulnerable to indoctrination and recruitment by terror groups.

“Addressing terrorism requires not only military action but strong governance capable of confronting the socio‑economic realities that sustain violent extremism,” he added.

Hashim further argued that only decisive, uncompromising leadership could implement a comprehensive counter‑terrorism strategy capable of restoring peace and stability across the country.

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