The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has declared that the ongoing expansion and restructuring of the Nigerian Army must translate into a decisive military offensive against Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed groups terrorising communities across the country.
The rights group said the creation of four new Army divisions, appointment of fresh commanders and plans to improve troop welfare have raised public expectations that Nigeria’s security forces will now take the battle to criminal elements occupying parts of the country, rather than merely responding to attacks.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA described the Army’s recent reforms as a rare opportunity to reset Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy through stronger command structures, faster troop deployment and improved operational coordination.
The organisation commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Army’s force structure, describing the move as a strategic investment in national security.
It also praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for ordering proactive operations to frustrate planned attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists following intelligence provided by the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to HURIWA, the Army’s swift response underscores the critical role of intelligence-led operations in preventing attacks before they occur, urging security agencies to sustain closer collaboration in tackling insurgency and banditry.
The association also welcomed the Federal Government’s plan to improve the salaries and welfare of military personnel, arguing that better motivation and improved working conditions would strengthen troop morale and enhance operational effectiveness.
HURIWA further applauded the deployment of General Officers Commanding to the newly established divisions, saying the expanded force structure should significantly improve military presence in vulnerable regions and reinforce joint operations against insurgents and other violent criminal groups.
It equally commended the Army Chief’s directive to strengthen security along humanitarian corridors in Borno State, particularly the Dikwa-Gamboru Ngala route, describing the measure as essential to protecting displaced persons, aid workers and relief supplies from terrorist attacks.
The group, however, insisted that the reforms would ultimately be judged by measurable improvements in security, urging the military to intensify intelligence-driven operations, deploy advanced surveillance technologies and sustain relentless offensives until terrorist camps are dismantled and communities reclaimed.
HURIWA maintained that defeating terrorism requires more than increased troop numbers, stressing that continuous political support, adequate funding, improved welfare, cutting-edge technology and effective inter-agency cooperation remain indispensable to restoring lasting peace and securing every part of the country.
The association called on Nigerians to support ongoing military operations by providing timely and credible intelligence capable of helping security agencies prevent attacks and protect lives.