We Must Understand That Terrorism Is Essentially Psychological Warfare – Buhari

 

Speaking through Vice President Yemi Osibajo at the launch of the revised National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), in Abuja, President Muhammadu Buhari has described Boko Haramand others who who kill the innocent and shout ‘God (Allah) is great’, as mentally unbalanced people. President Buhari talked about terrorism in Nigeria, its fight and impact.

What the war on terrorism means 

“There must be an understanding that the war against terrorism is the most unconventional one. They (terrorists) do not respect any rules of engagement; kill the defenseless including prisoners, use children and humans, girls and consider the killing of anyone at all at a victory.Therefore as we think through our strategy we must remember that to permanently win the physical battle, we must win the battle of the minds of even the most impressionable young men who sign up to join Boko Haram and other violent extremist groups. We must understand that terrorism is essentially a psychological warfare and as such is psychologically sophisticated and we must educate the youth through the leadership of our faith that neither Islam nor any other religion that we know endorses the slaughter of anyone.

What terrorism has done to Nigeria 

“In the past few years our nation faced the threat of terrorism characterized by mindless killing of our people including children. The massacre of the Buni Yadi boys in their hostels’ at night; the bombing of churches, mosque and market places, the kidnap of the Chibok girls and many others. The sheer recklessness of the killings, the shootings and the executions were meant to terrorize and produce maximum fear.

“To further establish the reign of terror in the territory and the terrorists hoisted their terror flags in almost 27 local governments in the north east. “Sadly because of the disgraceful deed and the wickedness of some in governance and some in high office in the armed forces at the time, funds meant to equip soldiers to continue the fight against terror was embezzled. “The incredible selfishness caused the nation thousands of lives, extended the reign of terror and strengthened the enemy.

 

What is government is doing about terrorism 

“Since May 29, 2015, we have committed ourselves as a government to the absolute defeat of the terrorists and to quicken and emboldened the morale of our armed forces. But like evil, the vestiges of the activities and the warped ideologies still linger. “Through personal contacts, social media, capture, and intimidation, men, women and even children are induced, persuaded or forced to engage in acts of terrorism. “We must work hard to provide opportunity to educate these young men and women who for years have lacked education and the mere chance of doing well. “Our social investment programmes are designed to create real opportunities for our young people.

As of today 

“Today as many as are begin released from captivity, we are faced with serious problem of malnutrition, I have asked the Vice President to chair an inter-ministerial team to quickly review the challenges and work with our development partners and other CSOs to handle this particular problem. “Every single Nigerian is a priority, this is why I have repeatedly ordered our law enforcement agents to ensure that the perpetrators of violence in any shape or form are arrested and made to face the law. “The activities of armed herdsmen, kidnappers and criminal militants all threaten our security and the sovereignty of our nation. We will not allow anyone under any guise whether it is politics, culture or religion to violate the physical persons, lives or property of other citizens. This is the oath to which I swore and I will uphold it at all cost. “Achieving success in combating terrorism is contingent on a well-articulated strategy and effective counter terrorism coordination with all stakeholders and must be devoid of inter-agency rivalry. “In this regard, MDAs must henceforth adhere to their respective roles as stipulated in the statute and complimentary document. “This is why a robust and counter terrorism strategy is crucial in fight against terrorism and must be constantly reviewed for relevance to contemporary challenges. “Today, we are gathered to launch such a policy, the reviewed counter-terrorism strategy. That it is a revised strategy underscores the fact that it recognizes that terrorism has numerous ideologies; is not static and our response must be dynamic and versatile. “I wish to confirm that this policy is fit for purpose to adequately respond to the current, eminent and future challenges.