Former Interior Minister Abdulrahman Dambazau yesterday reflected on the worsening insecurity in the country, warning that terrorism and banditry may threaten next year’s general election.
He urged security agencies to intensify the war against terror and kidnapping by taking the battle to the criminals in their hideouts.
Gen. Dambazau, a former Chief of Army Staff, who delivered a paper at the yearly Public Lectures and Impact Series/Awards of the Blueprint Newspaper Limited in Abuja, lamented that terrorists were creating cells close to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
He called for the review of security strategies and reforms to combat criminality, while also warning against ethno-religious politics..
The Blueprint Lecture Series which was organized to commemorate its 11th anniversary were attended by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, his Kogi counterpart, Yahaya Bello, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, and the Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, Alhaji Mohammed Barrau II.
Danbazzau urged security agencies to take the war against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping to criminals, who are building their cells close to Abuja.
He said:” From the recent attacks on the Abuja-Kaduna train; the Shiroro mining site; the Kuje prison; military patrol in Bwari; and the attack on soldiers deployed at Madallah checkpoint, it is evident that Boko Haram insurgents are gradually establishing cells close to the Federal Capital, specifically in the neighboring states of Kogi, Kaduna and Niger.
“Terrorists are inching closer to the seat of power. So, also the motorcycle bandits whom had almost taken control of the Abuja-Kaduna Road; and to some extent, the Abuja-Lokoja Road, and Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road.
“These roads or highways must be constantly dominated by security activities, and the terrorists and/or bandits must be pursued with adequate firepower aimed at eliminating them.