Professor Akhaine Warns of Fifth Columnists and Trojan Horses in Nigeria's Security Forces
In a scathing critique of Nigeria's security apparatus, Professor Sylvester Odion Akhaine has highlighted the presence of fifth columnists and Trojan horses within the nation's security forces as a primary impediment to winning the war against terrorism. The political science lecturer from Lagos State University delivered this message in his latest presidential monologue, addressing the ongoing insurgency and the tragic loss of soldiers due to alleged betrayal by those entrusted with national security.
Sheik Gumi's Revelations and Government Inaction
The professor pointed to a recent interview with Sheik Gumi on DR Television as evidence of systemic failures. According to Gumi, the Nigerian government possesses detailed intelligence about terrorists, including their names and locations, yet has failed to act decisively. "The government knows every terrorist by name and by location," Gumi stated, adding that he never engages with terrorists alone but always coordinates with police, security agencies, and local emirs. Akhaine emphasized that this transcript reveals a troubling reality: the state has the intel for mop-up operations but lacks the will to execute them.
Why has the government not acted? Akhaine questioned, pointing to incidents in Benue and Kwara where actionable intelligence was allegedly undermined. He lamented the transformation of the war on terror into what he called a "flourishing enterprise," where security lapses lead to the slaughter of soldiers, with over 100 reportedly killed in recent operations in the North-East alone.
Ransom Payments and Contradictory Policies
Further compounding the crisis, Akhaine cited reports of a $7.6 million ransom paid by the government to secure the release of abductees in Niger state, despite official claims of a "no ransom policy." This contradiction, he argued, underscores a pattern of living a lie that undermines national security efforts. "If we truly want to build Nigeria, we must stop living a lie," he asserted, stressing that solutions are not far-fetched but require genuine political will.
Technological Solutions and Community Empowerment
Akhaine proposed several high-tech solutions to overcome insurgents, including an AI-driven National Cybernetic Grid, Automated Thermal Geotagging for real-time monitoring, and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems to detect explosives and weapons. He also advocated for a fleet of High-Altitude Long-Endurance drones to maintain a 24/7 "kill zone" over terrorist enclaves. With a defence budget of approximately N5.4 trillion, he argued these measures are feasible.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of empowering communities at the receiving end of violence. "If allowed to bear arms, they can vanquish the roving bands of terrorists across our country," he suggested, highlighting the need for local defense mechanisms alongside technological advancements.
The Call for Political Will and National Interest
In conclusion, Akhaine placed the responsibility squarely on the government's shoulders. "The buck stops at your table," he directed at the President, urging a shift from self-interest to national interest. Without political will, he warned, Nigeria cannot overcome the nightmare of insurgency. His monologue serves as a stark reminder that those minding the country's affairs are often the problem, and only through decisive action can security be restored.
