Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, the federal lawmaker representing Ondo South, has declared that Nigeria's fight against insurgency will remain ineffective unless citizens develop a profound love for the country and actively participate in security efforts.
Why Military Force Alone Cannot Defeat Insurgency
In a significant statement released on Friday, November 21, 2025, Senator Ibrahim, who holds a PhD in Modern War Studies, presented a compelling case that patriotism demonstrated through trust, cooperation, and collective vigilance serves as a more powerful weapon than pure aggression in combating identity-based conflicts.
The senator firmly maintained that the battle against insurgent groups cannot be delegated solely to the military. He emphasized that citizen commitment is equally as crucial as any tactical military operation. Insurgents primarily thrive by exploiting societal divisions, and only a united population can effectively cut off the support networks these groups desperately seek.
The Critical Role of Civil-Military Cooperation
Senator Ibrahim elaborated that modern warfare strategy heavily depends on Civil-Military Operations designed to build credibility and legitimacy within communities affected by violence. He pointed out that local communities ultimately hold the power to determine whether terrorists gain sympathy or see their influence diminish.
"You cannot win a war when the people are not emotionally aligned with the mission of that war," he stated, highlighting the psychological dimension of conflict.
The experienced lawmaker issued a stark warning that relying on excessive force without meaningful community engagement risks alienating civilians. Such an approach, he cautioned, provides insurgents with a ready-made narrative for recruitment and propaganda purposes. Drawing from global counter-terrorism experiences, he added that public trust often proves more decisive than sheer firepower in achieving lasting peace.
A Call for National Unity and Vigilance
Senator Ibrahim passionately urged all Nigerians to deepen their affection for the nation, explaining that genuine patriotism fortifies national resilience against both internal threats and foreign interference. He stressed that unity is not merely a symbolic gesture but a strategic necessity in counter-terror operations.
He further cautioned citizens against taking the country's current relative stability for granted, insisting that insecurity flourishes precisely where people detach themselves from national security endeavors. The senator identified several critical tools for defeating terrorism:
- Intelligence sharing with security agencies
- Community vigilance and awareness
- Active support for security operations
Despite the challenges, the lawmaker expressed optimism about Nigeria's future. He affirmed that Nigeria will overcome its current security challenges, but only if the government, security agencies, and citizens close ranks and work collaboratively.
"We shall overcome," he declared, "but only if we act together and put the country first."
