The negative effects of terrorism and banditry on a growing economy and urgent need for community policing (Kwara in focus).

Nigeria Armed Forces recently declared "Operation india" as a counter terrorism measure to checkmate the rising insecurity ravaging across the length and breadth of Kwara state.

In the effort of the Kwara state government and Federal Republic of Nigeria to displace terrorist from their hideouts and camps in forest areas, a combined team of Nigeria army, Nigeria police, Civil joint task force, members of vigilantes and a team of airforce were unleashed across southern part of Kwara to eliminate the rising threat across the local government areas in order to restore hope without been afraid of living and doing business in the locality.

The recent attack by terrorists on the 3rd of February, 2026 (Tuesday) led to massacre of over 150 people in kaima Local Government with the palace of a traditional ruler razed to the ground with fire, lifeless bodies of citizens lying on ground across the town, bush paths, in house and on the farm.

According to locals, the terrorist numbering over 100 launched the attack on the communities (Woro & Nuku) without been provoked, the porous road that leads to the town where the attack took place affected the timely response of the Nigeria Army, which gave opportunity to the terrorists to operate for hours before the arrival of Nigeria armed forces.

Although, many people believe that the assailants are on a revenge and expansionist mission because of the flushing activities Nigeria airforce is carrying out in forest areas of the state, and also to pass a message to the government that they cannot be defeated except through negotiations.

Some sources are claiming that the death toll has risen to 162 including children, men and women who have been residing peacefully in the area for many years, carrying out their business activities and cultivating their farmland without been afraid of kidnapping not till the arrival of Fulani herdsmen.

The revelation of Nigeria Army indicted some members of Miyetti Allah cattle breeders association (Kwara state chapter) of abetting and sponsoring banditry activities in the state, with some influential members arrested due to their connections to arrested terrorists and other kingpins.

The silence of mainstream media channels on this recent massacre is a call for concern, the under reporting of this issue is not helping the image of the government but sending an indirect message that the government doesn't care about the pain, loss and deaths of the electorates whose vote brought them into power.

Community and State policing are key component of true federalism, intelligence gathering is very important in policing any community and inhabitants of community knows the terrain more than outsiders. The work of security should not rest on the government at the centre alone, but should be decentralized to the Communities and States, for the purpose of trust, effectiveness, timely response.

Decentralizing policing duties doesn't mean the central police officers will be retrench or layoff from active service, the community police officers can serve as first responder in the case of emergency while working with already existing police structure in intelligence sharing and joint mission to secure the local governments, states and the country at large.

By: Hon. Samuel Adesegun Egunjobi MBA

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_aKtXmbE9E