Dennis Amachree, a former DSS Assistant Director, urges redeploying military troops from Rivers to Borno to combat escalating insurgency.
He stresses Borno’s critical security crisis demands urgent attention.
During a Channels Television interview on Wednesday, Amachree expressed concerns about prioritizing troop presence in stable Rivers over the besieged Borno region.
He argued that resources should be strategically redistributed to address more pressing threats.
Moreover, he questioned, “Why keep soldiers in peaceful areas while terrorists ravage Borno?”
This pointed inquiry highlighted the need for a reassessment of military deployments across the country.
Notably, he emphasized Nigeria’s limited military capacity, urging for a more effective allocation of troops.
In addition, he recalled that past state-of-emergency measures had successfully stabilized the region, underlining the importance of appropriate responses to threats.
Governor Babagana Zulum recently alerted that terrorists increasingly encroach on Borno communities.
Amachree endorsed his concerns, urging federal collaboration without suspending Zulum’s governance. “He’s tackling crises commendably,” he emphasized.
Borno State, plagued by Boko Haram and ISWAP for over a decade, witnesses daily attacks displacing thousands.
IDP camps now house countless families stripped of homes and livelihoods.
Amachree proposed military forces assume operational control while retaining Zulum’s leadership. “Combine governance and combat expertise to crush insurgents,” he advised, rejecting politicized interventions.
Nigeria’s security challenges—banditry, kidnappings, separatist agitations—strain resources nationally.
Critics argue concentrating efforts on acute zones like Borno could yield faster resolutions.
Rivers State’s relative peace, Amachree noted, hardly justifies its heavy military occupation.
Redeploying personnel could reinforce Borno’s defenses, curbing terrorists’ territorial advances.
He dismissed claims that withdrawing troops risks Rivers’ stability, asserting proactive measures prevent backlash.
“Security isn’t static—priorities must adapt to emerging threats,” he clarified.
Survivors in Borno recount harrowing escapes from raids, pleading for reinforced protection.
“We sleep fearing attacks,” shared one IDP, echoing widespread desperation for government action.
Amachree’s appeal aligns with security experts advocating localized strategies over blanket approaches.
Tailored operations, they argue, address unique regional dynamics more effectively.
The former official highlighted the reputational risks associated with terrorism, which significantly tarnish Nigeria’s global image and undermine credibility.
Moreover, he cautioned that ongoing insecurity not only deters investment but also erodes public trust in institutions over time.
In contrast, Zulum’s administration is actively building schools and clinics in safer areas, striving to restore a sense of normalcy.
However, without robust military backing, that progress remains fragile, putting the advancements at risk of being jeopardized.
In the past, national security councils declared emergencies in Borno, which temporarily curtailed violence and provided a momentary sense of security.
Consequently, these measures highlight the ongoing challenges that the region continues to face despite previous efforts.
Replicating this model, Amachree insists, could disrupt insurgents’ momentum decisively.
Analysts warn delayed action empowers terrorists, enabling recruitment and arsenal expansion.
“Swift redeployment saves lives,” countered a defense strategist, supporting Amachree’s stance.
As debates intensify, families in Borno await relief.
“We pray the soldiers arrive soon,” the mother whispered as she guarded her children in their makeshift shelter, fearing another attack.
Amachree’s proposal underscores a pivotal choice: redistribute forces to protect millions or risk prolonged carnage.
For Borno’s traumatized residents, the answer feels agonizingly clear.