Former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Nduese Essien, has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately expose and prosecute individuals funding or supporting terrorism in Nigeria, regardless of their influence or social standing.
Essien, in a statement released in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, faulted the appointment of defence ministers who lack experience in security or defence operations. He argued that Nigeria, currently battling highly adaptive terrorist groups, needs leaders with strategic depth and operational competence at the helm of its security architecture.
He stressed:
“Defence is not a political reward; it is the backbone of national survival. Allegations that some officials may have sympathies for terrorist groups or maintain questionable connections are deeply troubling. A nation cannot win the war against terror when parts of its security structure are compromised.”
The former lawmaker called for a more intelligence-driven security strategy, stronger community-based security systems, and improved training and motivation for the armed forces. He also warned that terrorism is being aided by collaborators within security and political circles.
According to him, anyone funding, supporting, or shielding terrorists—no matter their position—must be identified and held accountable.
Essien referenced several recent incidents of kidnappings and killings across the country, noting that these attacks are no longer isolated but have become daily occurrences. He cited cases ranging from the kidnapping and killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba and his men in Borno State to mass abductions in Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, and other states.
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He lamented that Nigeria is “dangerously close to normalising terror,” with schools closing, farmers abandoning their land, families living in fear, and worship centres no longer safe.
Essien emphasized that terrorism has escalated beyond what any responsible government should accept and urged the federal government to take decisive, transparent action before the situation worsens further.
