A former Deputy Director of the Department of State Services, Dennis Amachree, has warned that Nigeria’s insecurity will continue unless the government changes its approach.
Speaking on Hard Facts with Mary-Ann Duke-Okon on Nigeria Info 99.3FM, Amachree said repeated attacks in places like Plateau and Benue states show that the country is “not solving the problem” but only reacting after violence happens.
He described the killings as terrorism, not just communal clashes.
“When people are attacked at night and killed, it is terrorism,” he said.
Amachree explained that many of the conflicts are caused by clashes between herders and farmers over land and water.
He said the government must address the root causes instead of focusing on politics or religion.
He also criticised the idea of allowing terrorists to repent and return to society.
According to him, some people who went through such programs later returned to violence.
“They need to face the judicial system,” he said.
The security expert added that Nigeria’s high ranking on the global terrorism index is affecting the country’s image and discouraging foreign investors.
He said weak border control, poor funding, and lack of proper planning are making the situation worse.
He also noted that security agencies are often understaffed and poorly equipped.
Amachree urged leaders to take stronger action.
“We are in denial,” he said, calling on the government to face the problem directly and prioritise security over politics.
