Retired General Ishola Williams Slams NIA, DSS, and DIA, Advises Their Closure if Unable to Eradicate Boko Haram

Retired General Ishola Williams has raised concerns over the inefficacy of Nigeria’s intelligence agencies, including the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Department of State Services (DSS). According to him, these agencies have failed to uncover and dismantle the financial networks fueling Boko Haram and other insurgent groups. Retired General Ishola Williams stated, “If these agencies cannot find where the Boko Haram terrorists are getting money from, the government should close them. Is Boko Haram getting money from heaven?”

He further highlighted the need for intelligence agencies to address community support for terrorist groups. According to him, understanding why certain communities back insurgents is critical to eradicating terrorism. The retired general’s comments underscore a broader call for the restructuring of Nigeria’s security framework to effectively address the ongoing insurgency.

The Nature of Insurgency in Northern Nigeria

Retired General Ishola Williams dismissed claims that Boko Haram is a nationwide threat, insisting that the group’s focus remains on Borno State. “Anybody that is telling you they are interested in other places is not telling the truth,” Retired General Ishola Williams remarked. He also criticized the misuse of the term “terrorism” to describe criminal acts such as kidnapping and ransom collection, emphasizing that these activities have escalated beyond conventional terrorism.

Retired General Ishola Williams argued that the military and intelligence agencies’ inability to address the insurgency has emboldened criminal elements. Citing notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, Retired General Ishola Williams noted, “Turji openly taunted the military to attack him, yet no action has been taken. This is a significant failure of both intelligence and operational execution.”

Allegations of Collusion and Inefficiency

Retired general Ishola Williams pointed to alleged collusion between security agencies and bandits, referencing statements by northern governors and cleric Sheikh Gumi. Ishola Williams questioned the sincerity of security forces in combating insurgency, stating, “Even the northern governors have said the security agencies are in collusion with the bandits. Is anybody serious about bringing the security situation to an end?”

This assertion raises critical questions about the integrity and competence of Nigeria’s security institutions. Retired General Ishola Williams stressed that without a resolute effort to eliminate such compromises, any progress in securing the country would remain elusive.

Contrasting Security Strategies Across Regions

Drawing a comparison between northern and southwestern Nigeria, Retired General Ishola Williams commended the effectiveness of Amotekun, a regional security outfit in the South-West. While the region experiences occasional kidnappings, he believes its proactive approach has largely curbed insecurity.

In contrast, the North continues to grapple with pervasive violence, exacerbated by weak intelligence and operational lapses. “When you have situations like these, it means our security intelligence is not working as it should,” he said, emphasizing the need for a more cohesive and effective national security strategy.

Military’s Challenges and Questions of Willpower

Despite the Federal Government’s investment in sophisticated weaponry, Retired General Ishola Williams criticized the military’s inability to maintain and effectively utilize these resources. He raised concerns about the soldiers’ morale and commitment to combating insurgency. “Do they have the will to face the bandits and defeat them? For me, if they don’t have the will, it simply means they are useless,” he remarked.

According to him, military success hinges not only on equipment but also on the resolve of soldiers to confront and defeat adversaries. He likened the situation to a boxer without the will to win, emphasizing that skills and resources are futile without determination.

The Way Forward for Nigeria’s Security

Retired General Ishola Williams proposed a comprehensive reassessment of Nigeria’s security framework, starting with the accountability of intelligence agencies. He called for the government to address systemic issues within the military and security sectors, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and that personnel are motivated to deliver results.

Furthermore, he advocated for a community-centric approach to counterinsurgency, emphasizing the importance of understanding local dynamics and building trust with affected populations. “If the people in the terrorized communities do not support them, they will get them out,” he concluded, stressing the need for collaboration between communities and security forces to restore peace and stability.