Terrorism researcher and community-based crimes consultant, Dr. Vahuza Getso has said Nigeria has the capacity to end terrorism and banditry within 17 days if the government acts with honesty, seriousness, and transparency.
Speaking on ARISE News on Thursday amid concerns over possible US military intervention following President Donald Trump’s threat of action against terrorists in Nigeria, Dr. Getso commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s calm and diplomatic response.
“I must commend the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for remaining calm, being quiet, and pursuing diplomatic proceedings,” he said. “Nigeria has allies across all diplomatic lines, just as the U.S. has. I believe the government is working through these channels to resolve the matter amicably.”
Dr. Getso dismissed claims that the violence in parts of the country amounts to genocide against Christians, describing it instead as politically and economically motivated.
“When you look at the theatre of criminality in Nigeria, whether it is bandits, IPOB, ISWAP, or Boko Haram, they don’t separate victims by religion,” he said. “It is therefore wrong to describe the violence as Christian genocide. The reality is that these acts are driven by political and economic circumstances.”
Outlining what Nigeria must do to strengthen its internal response, he said the government should take decisive action against criminals and demonstrate to the international community that it is serious about ending insecurity.
“The government should reach out to the criminals wherever they are and deal with them accordingly to show readiness to end the crisis,” he said. “Nigeria must also collaborate with the US on technical, financial, and operational support to improve the capacity of our security forces.”
He also called for transparency and accountability in managing security resources and the prosecution of those financing or enabling terrorism.
“Nigeria has borrowed more than enough to tackle insecurity. So let’s be realistic — those found complicit must be prosecuted. The government has said several times that it will release the list of terror financiers. Where is that list?”
On the claim that most of the terrorists are foreigners, Getso said the majority of those behind the violence are Nigerians.
“Yes, there are some foreign elements through the Lake Chad Basin, but they are few,” he said. “Most of those operating in the North-Central, North-East, and North-West are Nigerians. I have profiled them by wards and local governments — we know who they are, where they come from, and their communities.”
He insisted that with sincerity and political will, the problem could be contained within weeks.
“If we are serious, honest, and transparent, we can handle this matter within 17 to 32 days,” Dr. Getso said. “Those willing to surrender should be encouraged, while those who refuse should face decisive kinetic action.”
Getso concluded that the key to ending insecurity lies in strong leadership, accountability, and collaboration with international partners — not foreign military intervention.
Boluwatife Enome
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