Retired Major General John Enenche has warned that Nigeria cannot defeat terrorism and banditry unless the country tackles internal collaborators who aid criminal groups within communities.
Enenche, a former Director of Defence Information, who spoke on ARISE News on Thursday, stressed that terrorists depend on support networks in rural communities and that rooting out these local collaborators is essential. “They share the ransom with them,” he said, urging the development of community-based defence systems.
He welcomed the United States’ decision to impose visa sanctions on individuals linked to sponsoring insecurity in Nigeria, describing it as “the right step” given the country’s current security challenges.
He also endorsed the Defence Minister’s position against paying ransom to kidnappers, insisting that criminal groups are never sincere in negotiations. “They will ask for more… and at the end they end up killing the people,” he said.
Drawing from his field experience, Enenche argued that Nigeria must develop “indigenous homeland security” capable of tracking criminals into their hideouts, insisting that these criminals are trackable and traceable. He maintained that ransom payments must be eliminated entirely. “Ransom payment is out of it,” he warned.
Commenting on the performance expectations for the new Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, Enenche urged for patience, saying six months was too short to judge. “There has to be a convergence of political management for national security and military management,” he said, adding that measurable improvements may take one to three years.
On delays in establishing state police despite worsening insecurity, Enenche argued that the real obstacle is a lack of leadership consensus. While he agreed that state policing “is very, very vital,” he however noted that political leaders are not coming to terms with the reality on the ground.
Reacting to the National Economic Council’s approval of ₦100 billion for security and police training, he questioned its sufficiency. “It is a lot of money, but what impact will it make? It is not sufficient,” he said.
Enenche also acknowledged concerns about infiltration of the security services by criminal networks, saying betrayal exists in every sector. “In every 12 disciples, there will always be a Judas,” he said. He noted that arrests of personnel involved in selling arms to criminals highlight the need for deeper investigation.
Addressing reports that fewer young people from southern Nigeria are enlisting in the military, he described the trend as historical. He said northern states have traditionally produced the highest number of recruits.
He revealed that his company is already working on models for civil security services and expressed readiness to partner with government authorities.
Enenche concluded that Nigeria will only overcome insecurity when political leaders and the military align fully and implement coordinated national and grassroots strategies.
