John Alechenu, Abuja

A United Kingdom-based counter terrorism expert, Dr. Joseph Ifedinma, has said, a lot of intelligence driven synergy was required among the various security services in Nigeria in order to curtail emerging terror threats. 

He said terrorism in Nigeria is finding expression in banditry, armed robbery and kidnappings across the length and breath of the nation as such, the security services must of necessity up their game by being a step ahead of terrorists who have turned insucurity into a multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise. 

Ifedinma, who served as a private adviser to the late National Security Adviser, General Andrew Azazi, said this in an interview on Sunday. 

He explained that the current security situation in the nation contrasts sharply with  what the nation dealt with in Niger Delta, in the early 2000s 

The security expert who is currently the Director, Africa Countet Terrorism and Security Academy in the United Kingdom, said, “Honestly the two situations are glaringly different. 

“Then, it was purely an agitation for participation in the sharing of resources, obtainable from the Niger Delta by the youths and Elders of the zone. 

“Wanton destruction of properties and killings were involved but not on this scale. There were leaders of these groups which provided directions, people like Asari Dokubo, Ateke Tom, Tompolo, and others. 

“But the prevailing terrorism type and scale in the country now comes with commercialization and glory hunting interests. 

“ Unfortunately, leadership is totally lost as clusters of these terrorists are emerging daily. 

“Right now, it is no longer news that terrorism is on the increase, but it has also increased in brutality and lethality, thereby producing more casualties than ever before in the history of Nigeria.”

Speaking on the way forward, he said, “There is no magical formula to solving the problems of terror Conglomerates and allied critical criminals in Nigeria. 

“There are however actions that can be taken to improve the situation and protect people all over Nigeria. Some of these actions are already in the operational packages of the Nigerian Armed Forces. 

“All options have not been fully exhausted, as it is still possible to pursue different policies that will give Nigerians opportunities for a better future, combat terrorism and stabilize the chaotic regions of the North, South, West and East of Nigeria. 

“The Nigerian Armed Forces and other Security Agencies must act in total synergy and professionalism to achieve a stable and hopeful future because this is achievable. 

“The urgency of the moment is what has necessitated this interview session, and I hope Nigerians will find it useful at this critical time. This is even more compounding with the recent repeated invitations of the Service Chiefs by the Senate.”