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 strong indication of the effectiveness of genuine international cooperation in combating terrorism and violent extremism.
According to him, the successful military operation validates concerns that terrorist groups operating within Nigeria have long harboured ambitions of establishing an ISIS-style enclave in parts of Northern Nigeria.
He said that for over five years, he had consistently advocated stronger international collaboration in tackling insurgency and terrorism across the country.
“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,” Hashim stated.
While commending the Nigerian Armed Forces and their international partners for the operation, the former presidential candidate warned against depending solely on the elimination of top insurgent leaders as a long-term security solution.
He noted that such military successes, though significant, often leave vulnerable rural communities exposed to retaliatory attacks by insurgent elements seeking revenge.
According to him, Nigeria’s counter-terrorism framework must evolve beyond periodic offensives and focus more on sustained, intelligence-driven and preventive measures capable of dismantling terrorist networks permanently.
“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.
Hashim described the current security situation in the country as deeply troubling, noting that over 18,000 Nigerians had reportedly lost their lives to terrorism and related violence within the last three years.
He identified poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, and social exclusion as some of the major factors fueling insecurity and radicalisation across many communities.
The former presidential candidate also expressed concern over the growing number of out-of-school children in the country, warning that the situation creates a fertile ground for extremist recruitment.
According to him, Nigeria’s estimated 18 million out-of-school children remain highly vulnerable to manipulation by violent extremist groups if urgent interventions are not implemented.
Hashim stressed that defeating terrorism requires more than military strength, insisting that strong governance and people-oriented policies are equally essential in addressing the root causes of violent extremism.
He maintained that governments at all levels must invest heavily in education, youth empowerment, job creation, and community development as part of a broader national security strategy.
The politician further argued that insecurity cannot be permanently resolved without a leadership structure that is patriotic, decisive, and free from compromise.
He said only a committed and transparent leadership can successfully coordinate a holistic counter-terrorism programme capable of restoring peace and stability across the country.
“Addressing terrorism requires not just military action, but strong governance capable of confronting the socio-economic realities that sustain violent extremism,” Hashim added.
Security analysts have repeatedly emphasized the importance of combining military operations with economic and social interventions in tackling insurgency, particularly in conflict-affected areas of Northern Nigeria.
The renewed call by Hashim comes amid ongoing efforts by Nigerian security agencies and international allies to intensify operations against terrorist groups and restore lasting peace in troubled regions of the country.
