The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the recent surge in terrorist attacks across the country, warning that the continued killing of soldiers, security operatives, and civilians reflects the failure of the federal government’s security strategy.
In a statement on Sunday, National Coordinator Emmanuel Obwubiko said the spate of deadly incidents from Plateau State to the North-East underscored the collapse of Nigeria’s counterterrorism framework under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He cautioned that without urgent structural reforms, the country risks descending further into chaos.
HURIWA’s comments followed reports of an ambush in Wanka and surrounding communities of the Garga axis in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State, in which about 20 security operatives and vigilantes were killed.
The Kanam Development Association confirmed that the victims included 12 security personnel, among them two senior military officers, and eight vigilante members assisting in community protection.
The joint patrol team was travelling in two vehicles during a routine operation covering Garga, Kyaram, and Gyambau when they were ambushed around 2:00 p.m. on Friday.
A deadly gunfight ensued, leaving many operatives dead.
HURIWA described the incident as a “tragic and alarming national security failure,” stressing that the killing of trained soldiers and senior officers by non-state actors is a red flag for the nation’s counterterrorism strategy.
The group also cited additional reports of targeted attacks in Plateau State, including the brutal murder of traders travelling to the Barikin Ladi market.
Gunmen reportedly set up an improvised checkpoint, interrogated passengers about their identity, and opened fire on those identified as Hausa traders.
HURIWA further highlighted the situation in the North-East, where coordinated raids by Islamic State West Africa Province insurgents claimed at least 65 soldiers’ lives over a two-week period.
The insurgents reportedly overran multiple military bases in Borno State, killing dozens of soldiers, abducting hundreds of civilians, and using sophisticated weapons, including anti-aircraft guns and drones.
“The repeated loss of lives and abduction of civilians shows that the government’s counterterrorism efforts are no longer effective,” HURIWA stated.
“Immediate structural reforms and enhanced security measures are imperative to prevent further descent into chaos.”
