Progress against insurgency not final victory, Shettima warns

Vice President Kashim Shettima has issued a crucial reminder that Nigeria's significant strides in combating insurgency, while commendable, do not signify the end of the conflict. Speaking at the unveiling of a book on counterterrorism operations, Shettima, represented by Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, emphasized that the nation's security challenges are a testament to its resilience and determination, not a sign of weakness.

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What Nigeria has endured in recent years is not evidence of a nation overwhelmed by danger, but rather a reflection of the resilience and courage of Nigerians who continue to stand firm in defence of a shared destiny.

Shettima stressed the importance of sustained vigilance and continuous adaptation in counterterrorism efforts. He articulated that military action alone is insufficient to defeat terrorism and insurgency, advocating for a holistic strategy that integrates intelligence gathering, technological advancements, diplomatic engagement, community involvement, and development initiatives. This multi-faceted approach, he believes, is essential for achieving lasting peace and stability in the affected regions.

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While significant progress has been made in degrading terrorist capabilities, progress must not be mistaken for final victory. Terrorism requires sustained vigilance, continuous adaptation, and strengthened collaboration among all stakeholders.

The Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to bolstering the capacity, welfare, and morale of the Armed Forces. He urged for increased investment in military capabilities, intelligence infrastructure, and civil-military cooperation to consolidate the gains already achieved. The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, lauded the book as a vital contribution to military scholarship, highlighting the author's extensive field experience. This emphasis on preserving knowledge and learning from past operations underscores Nigeria's dedication to refining its counter-insurgency strategies.

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Knowledge preservation is essential to institutional growth, and works such as this ensure that valuable lessons from the field are not lost but passed on to future generations.