Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
A renewed wave of terrorist violence in northeastern Nigeria has triggered urgent calls for a more aggressive national security response, with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso urging the Federal Government to fully empower the country’s armed forces to decisively defeat insurgent groups.
Kwankwaso’s remarks followed a series of coordinated suicide bombings in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, which left at least 23 people dead and more than 100 injured. The attacks, carried out in the evening at multiple locations including the busy Monday Market and areas near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, marked one of the most significant security breaches in the region in recent months.
In a strongly worded reaction, the former Kano State governor described the bombings as “horrific” and warned that they signal a troubling resurgence of terrorism in a region that had seen relative stability after years of sustained military operations. He stressed that the attacks represent a direct threat to the fragile peace built through prolonged counter-insurgency efforts.
Kwankwaso argued that Nigeria’s armed forces must be granted greater operational capacity and logistical support to confront the evolving tactics of terrorist groups. He emphasized that the military has demonstrated resilience and capability but requires enhanced resources, modern equipment, and strategic autonomy to carry out decisive, proactive operations against insurgents.
He stated that the time for incremental responses had passed, calling instead for a comprehensive and forceful strategy to dismantle terrorist networks operating across the country. According to him, both federal and state governments must “leave no stone unturned” in providing the support required for troops to eliminate these threats.
The political leader’s comments align with broader national reactions to the Maiduguri attacks, which have drawn widespread condemnation from government officials, opposition figures, and civil society groups. The coordinated nature of the bombings, involving multiple improvised explosive devices detonated almost simultaneously, has raised concerns about the operational capacity of insurgent groups and their ability to penetrate urban centers.
In response to the attacks, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered an immediate escalation of security measures, including directing service chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to take direct control of operations on the ground. The president described the bombings as “desperate” acts by terrorist elements under pressure from ongoing military offensives, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to defeating insurgency nationwide.
Security agencies reported that emergency responders, including the police, military units, and disaster management teams, were swiftly deployed to secure affected areas, evacuate victims, and prevent further attacks. Hospitals in Maiduguri received large numbers of casualties, with medical personnel working under pressure to treat the injured amid reported shortages of critical supplies such as blood for transfusions.
Kwankwaso’s intervention reflects a growing consensus among political leaders that Nigeria’s current security architecture requires urgent reinforcement. His emphasis on empowering the armed forces goes beyond funding, extending to intelligence coordination, rapid deployment capabilities, and sustained operational momentum in conflict zones.
Stone Reporters note that the Maiduguri bombings are part of a broader pattern of security challenges confronting Nigeria. While the northeast continues to face insurgency linked to extremist groups, other regions—including the northwest and central states—are grappling with banditry, mass killings, and kidnappings, creating a multi-front security crisis.
The resurgence of attacks in Borno has raised particular concern because the state has long been the epicenter of Nigeria’s fight against insurgency. Years of military operations had significantly degraded the capacity of terrorist groups, but recent incidents suggest that remnants of these networks remain capable of regrouping and launching coordinated strikes.
Kwankwaso warned that complacency could allow such groups to regain strength, stressing that decisive action is necessary to prevent further escalation. He urged authorities to prioritize national security above political considerations, noting that continued instability could undermine economic recovery and social cohesion.
His call also reflects concerns about the changing tactics of insurgents, who have increasingly relied on asymmetric warfare methods such as suicide bombings, improvised explosive devices, and attacks on civilian targets. These tactics complicate military responses and require enhanced intelligence gathering and surveillance systems.
Beyond military measures, Kwankwaso acknowledged the importance of addressing underlying socio-economic drivers of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of education. However, he maintained that immediate priority must be given to strengthening the armed forces to restore safety and public confidence.
The federal government has in recent months announced additional funding and equipment procurement for security agencies, as well as intensified operations in various conflict zones. Yet, the persistence of attacks has fueled criticism that existing measures have not gone far enough to deliver lasting security.
Kwankwaso’s remarks add to mounting pressure on the government to demonstrate tangible progress in combating terrorism. With multiple regions experiencing varying forms of violence, the challenge facing authorities is not only to suppress immediate threats but also to establish a sustainable framework for long-term security.
For residents of Maiduguri and other affected areas, the urgency of these calls is clear. The latest attacks have revived fears of a return to the worst periods of insurgency, when daily life was disrupted by frequent bombings and mass casualties.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its complex security landscape, the demand for a stronger, better-equipped military response—combined with broader reforms—remains central to the national conversation on how to effectively defeat terrorism and restore stability.
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