By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for the establishment of an independent judicial commission of inquiry to investigate what it described as persistent security failures that have allowed terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes to thrive despite huge government spending on defence and security.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA expressed concern over recent comments by political actors linking the resurgence of terrorist attacks to political calculations, electoral interests or alleged plots against opponents.

The rights advocacy group also condemned attempts by some political leaders and public officials to politicise terrorism, warning that such narratives could distract from efforts to address the root causes of insecurity across the country.

According to the group, such claims are speculative and risk diverting national attention from the urgent need to protect lives and dismantle terrorist networks.

“Terrorists are not politicians. They are mass murderers, enemies of humanity and enemies of the Nigerian state,” HURIWA stated.

The association argued that viewing terrorist attacks primarily through a political lens was both dangerous and counterproductive.

“The suggestion that terrorist attacks should be interpreted mainly as political manoeuvres undermines the seriousness of the threat and weakens the collective resolve needed to defeat terrorism,” the statement added.

Call for judicial inquiry

HURIWA maintained that Nigeria already possesses adequate legal instruments to combat terrorism, including the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and other national security laws.

According to the group, the challenge lies not in the absence of laws but in implementation, accountability and operational efficiency.

The organisation therefore called for the immediate establishment of an independent judicial commission of inquiry to examine factors responsible for the country's prolonged security crisis.

Specifically, HURIWA said the proposed panel should investigate the effectiveness of intelligence gathering and intelligence sharing among security agencies, the deployment of modern surveillance technologies, and allegations of sabotage, collusion or negligence within security and intelligence institutions.

The group further urged the commission to scrutinise defence procurement processes and determine whether corruption has compromised operational effectiveness.

“The proposed judicial panel should thoroughly investigate whether procurement corruption, institutional weaknesses or deliberate compromise have contributed to the inability of security agencies to effectively tackle terrorism and banditry,” Onwubiko said.

Demand for accountability

HURIWA stressed that any individual found to have collaborated with terrorists or undermined national security from within government institutions should face the full weight of the law.

“Where evidence establishes deliberate sabotage, collaboration with terrorists, or actions that undermine Nigeria's national security, those responsible should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the group stated.

It added that public officials entrusted with safeguarding national security must be held accountable for any acts of betrayal or negligence.

“Individuals found to have aided terrorist organisations from within government institutions must face severe legal consequences for endangering millions of citizens,” HURIWA said.

Politicians urged to focus on governance

The association advised political leaders to concentrate on effective governance rather than engaging in public speculation about the motives of terrorist groups.

According to HURIWA, the primary responsibility of elected officials is to ensure that security agencies are adequately funded, professionally managed and equipped with modern technology.

“Politicians should focus on providing effective leadership instead of engaging in public speculation over the motives of terrorists,” the statement said.

“Their duty is to ensure that security agencies are properly funded, professionally managed, technologically equipped and free from corruption.”

The group argued that terrorism could not be defeated through political rhetoric but through competent governance, effective intelligence gathering, professional security operations and strict accountability.

‘Nigeria deserves results’

HURIWA noted that Nigerians have endured more than a decade of terrorist attacks, kidnappings and violent crimes, resulting in thousands of deaths, injuries and displacements.

The organisation observed that such attacks have occurred during both election and non-election periods, suggesting that terrorist groups are driven by violent extremist objectives and criminal interests rather than partisan political agendas.

“The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that terrorist organisations pursue violent extremist objectives and criminal enterprises rather than the programmes of any political party,” the statement said.

HURIWA consequently urged political leaders across party lines to avoid introducing partisan considerations into national security matters.

“Terrorism is a national emergency that demands seriousness, responsibility and unity of purpose,” the group stated.

The association further called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to identify, arrest and prosecute terrorists, their financiers, informants, collaborators and sponsors.

It also urged authorities to tackle corruption within military and security establishments to ensure frontline personnel receive adequate equipment, intelligence support and welfare.

“Nigeria cannot afford endless excuses. Nigerians deserve security. Nigerians deserve accountability. Nigerians deserve a government that treats terrorism as the grave national security threat that it is,” Onwubiko said.

“The time has come for action, transparency and measurable results.”