Retired Major General John Enenche criticises Nigeria’s security efforts, saying bandits, kidnappers and terrorists must be treated as enemies of the nation amid recent abductions in Oyo and Borno states
Major General John Enenche Calls on FG to Treat Bandits, Kidnappers and Terrorists as Enemies of Nigeria
Retired Major General John Enenche, former spokesman of the Defence Headquarters, has urged the Federal Government and Nigerians to treat bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists as outright enemies of the country, stressing that current security efforts are being overwhelmed by the scale of violence.
Enenche made the strong remarks while appearing on Channels Television’s Launchtime Politics on Thursday, as he lamented the recent wave of high-profile abductions in Oyo and Borno states.
He warned that despite claims of progress, the reality on the ground paints a different picture, saying security agencies need to intensify their operations significantly.
“You will think that we are winning but what is on the ground does not show it, I’m speaking objectively as a child and man of God to say the truth,” Enenche said.
“How can we say that we have won the war against insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and Kidnapping, how do you separate war and peace in what we are seeing? I want every Nigerian, policy makers, strategic Nigerians, elders, people to forget about that and draw it into the dustbin because the war is still there.
“The other day I was sitting down and the officer that handed over to me was kidnapped, a few days before that we were hearing that of relations to a former Minister, school children in Ibadan, and Borno State.
“Of course I commend the efforts of our law enforcement agencies, however, it’s like the madness is overwhelming our efforts that we are putting in. We can’t fold our hands and sit down. Let us treat them as enemies of Nigerians simple.”
The outspoken retired general’s comments come as Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent insecurity, with recent kidnappings highlighting the vulnerability of both civilians and security personnel. His call reflects growing frustration among many Nigerians who believe a more decisive and uncompromising approach is needed to restore peace and stability across the country.
