We Can’t Solely Bomb Banditry, Terrorism Out of Nigeria,.Says Chief of Air Staff

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, has stated that the Nigerian military cannot solely rely on bombing to defeat terrorism in the country. Air Marshal Abubakar, who was represented by Air Marshal Amao, made this statement while speaking at a security conference in Abuja.

According to Air Marshal Abubakar, the complexity of the terrorist threat in Nigeria requires a more nuanced approach, one that involves a combination of military, economic, and social strategies.

He emphasized that while air power can be an effective tool in combating terrorism, it is not a silver bullet that can single-handedly defeat the enemy.

“We cannot bomb terror out of Nigeria. The solution to the terrorist threat in our country requires a more comprehensive approach, one that takes into account the root causes of the problem and addresses the social, economic, and political factors that drive it,” Air Marshal Abubakar said.

Air Marshal Abubakar’s statement is a significant departure from the traditional military approach to counter-terrorism, which has often relied heavily on kinetic operations, including bombing and ground assaults.

Instead, he advocated for a more holistic approach that involves building trust with local communities, providing economic opportunities, and addressing the grievances that drive individuals to join terrorist groups.

The Air Marshal’s comments come at a time when the Nigerian military is facing increased pressure to defeat the terrorist group, Boko Haram, and other insurgent groups operating in the country.

Despite significant military gains, the terrorist threat persists, and the country continues to experience frequent attacks and kidnappings.

Air Marshal Abubakar’s statement has been welcomed by security experts, who have long argued that a more nuanced approach is needed to defeat terrorism in Nigeria.

“The military can only do so much. To truly defeat terrorism, we need to address the underlying causes of the problem, including poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education and economic opportunities,” said one expert.