This is an opinion article

The recent unprecedented happenings in Afghanistan and the devastating taking over of government by the Taliban has unfortunately put many Nigerians on the edge, prompting questions and leading some to falsely prophecy doom, speculating that the nation’s domestic terrorists comprising Boko Haram, ISWAP and their variants could be emboldened by the good fortune and audacity of the Taliban to launch a renewed offensive against our troops and the entire country.

Accepted that the manner with which the Taliban captured Kabul with ease is most worrisome, especially with the way the President Ashraf Ghani and his family fled the country without even informing his ministers, the way Americans themselves scampered, there are however many lessons for Nigerians to learn and live by.

Before I get to the lessons I will like to mention that Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister like other Nigerians falsely prophesied that what is happening in Afghanistan will eventually happen in Nigeria. He said terrorism will take over if Nigerians fail to stop fighting themselves and unite against insurgency. He added that Afghanistan tops the list on the World Terror Index, with Nigeria coming third, rather than condemn I believe we should be preaching that all Nigerians, must stand with our military and support our troops with useful information and intelligence. We cannot afford to surrender our country to terrorists, marauders, kidnappers, rapists and the likes of them.

Lauretta Onochie, President Muhammadu Buhari’s aide, while reacting to a social media post on 17th August, 2021post showing dangerous scenes at Kabul Airport where Afghans swarmed a U.S plane in desperation to leave the country, she warned that we must stand by our country, jealously. She said Afghanistan has a population of only about 38 million and Nigeria has close to 200 million people. Let’s guard our utterances.

Some Nigerians in reaction to the report that Uganda said it has agreed to a request from the US to temporarily take in about 2,000 fleeing Afghanistan refugees, have called on President Buhari not to consider such a move arguing that the country cannot add to the number of IDPs to the ones in Benue, Borno.

This is not about President Buhari or APC or PDP. This is about our homeland. Some Nigerians believe just like the Americans go to other countries, create a mess and scamper away, that our rich politicians who apparently have Plan B for themselves will do the same and flee. What about the ordinary folks where do we escape to if, God forbid, this country goes up in flames? Who will accept us? Who will accommodate us? Who will feed us? The devastation and peril in Kabul in the past few days show just how horrible and unimaginable war can be. The above is among the reasons why I hate the idea of secession, why am vehemently against IPOB and all every other group calling for breaking up of this country.

This country has survived perilous times. The military is on top of its game. This is evidenced by the increasing numbers of Boko Haram and ISWAP members surrendering to troops in their numbers almost every day. In just the past 8 days over 1,000 of the terrorists laid down their arms owing to intense pressure from troops’ sustained offensive actions. Key leaders of the groups renounced their membership.

I am not oblivious of the security problems Nigeria is facing. The government has spent billions of Naira and lost thousands of civilians and military men and women in the last 12 years while fighting against terrorism, but then never for once have our troops surrendered, shown cowardice or any form of fatigue like the one in Afghanistan. This is despite being underfunded. There have been cases of mutiny, internal sabotage and betrayals by some unscrupulous soldiers, but overall, Nigerian troops have been professional in their operations, patriotic, heroic and loyal to the Constitution and civilian authorities of the nation.

We must applaud them for their bravery and a sense of patriotism, this will encouraged them to defend us with their lives even more.

We survived the Nigerian civil war fought between July 6, 1967 and January 15, 1970, we survived the ENDSARS protests in October 2020, we can survive anything.

Accepted that terrorists may appear resilient, and because there usually is an ideological war, they typically fight to their death. This still doesn’t mean our security challenges cannot be surmounted. Our military is strong and capable, our intelligence agency is always working round the clock to prevent total breakdown of law and order, our police is not the best in the world but they are tirelessly fighting crime daily, there are challenges sure but our security agencies have continued to defend the country for years with limited foreign help. Our hope continues to rise especially with the recent procurement of Super Tucano Fighter Jets.

Among other issues of concern this period is the spreading of false and misleading reports. A viral picture surfaced online alleging that a Taliban's flag was hoisted at the office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in solidarity with the Islamist group. The trending image posted on August 16, around 9:53 pm by Twitter user, @OlufemiSP, with the caption “Nigeria has a terror-loving Pantamias minister, pampers Boko Haram terrorists, and pays murderous herdsmen. As if that’s not enough, look at the office of the NEMA DG.” “Taliban Would be proud,” attracted massive condemnation from many social media users who lampooned the agency and the Federal Government, alleging that it was encouraging 'terrorism'.

Fact check however proved that the picture was a misrepresentation and a false post. It was proven that the flag with Arabic inscriptions is not that of Taliban or any religious organisation but Saudi Arabian Flag. Because of a bilateral meeting with representatives of the Saudi Arabian Government it was used for only few minutes during the occasion to show appreciation to the government of Saudi Arabia because of the high profile representation of the government.

Such deceptive publications can only hurt the country. We must desist from fake news spreading.

This is the time to give government more support to strengthen its effort towards safeguarding Nigerians and not distract it with unnecessary pressure.

WHAT WE NEED TO DO

In view of the numerous lessons which could be learnt from the Afghanistan saga it has become necessary for Nigeria to prosecute the war against terrorists in Northern Nigeria with a single-minded fervor.

Nigeria should develop its strategic national interest and pursue it vigorously in the context of its foreign policy.

It is also vital conduct the business of security with limited expectation of foreign assistance.

The government should recognize and encourage local research and development of weapons, there are a lot of talented Nigerians whose potential can be harvested to develop defence weapons to boost our military’s capacity.

Nigerians, Corporate organizations must show support to our troops materially and psychologically.

“When life gets blurry adjust you focus” focus more on positive
Nigerians need to keep a positive mind set.


By Amos Dalyop

Mr op if you hear say Boko and bandits invade Lagos today,will you run or stand and resist them?

Op na ur own be dat
dont forget we have chief of terrorist as president