Retired General Ishola Williams, former Chief of Defence Training and Planning, has expressed strong belief that Nigeria’s security crisis can be resolved within six months, if the right strategies are implemented.
Speaking during an interview on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme aired on Friday, Gen. Williams said Nigeria does not need to continuously invest in new weapons to win the war against insurgency.
Instead, he called for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s security architecture.
“All these problems can be solved within six months. Reorganise the security agencies,” he said.
He advocated for improved use of existing weapons, better intelligence and counterintelligence systems, and rigorous training of military personnel.
“You must train soldiers how to fight. Ask any soldier in the North-East or South-East what they’re fighting for—has anyone even told them?” he asked.
“Without clarity of mission, they treat the battle like routine duty. And if they’re exhausted, they’ll retreat. That’s why we see cases of soldiers fleeing during Boko Haram attacks.”
Williams also criticized communities that continue to support terrorists and bandits, warning that such collaboration hampers national security efforts.
He called on traditional rulers to take an active role in educating and mobilizing their people to support government initiatives.
On arms trafficking, the retired general urged tighter coordination among Immigration, Customs, and the Police, stressing that illegal weapons still make it across Nigeria’s borders due to internal collusion.
“We need better synergy between agencies. Some officers are complicit, and that’s how arms continue to flow in,” he stated.
His comments follow the latest wave of violence in the country, including a tragic attack on a mosque in Katsina State, where over 30 worshippers were killed.
Banditry, often linked to disputes over land and scarce resources, has evolved into a lucrative enterprise involving cattle theft, kidnapping, and the extortion of rural farmers. Many affected communities lament a lack of adequate government presence and protection.
