Reactions have continued to trail the recent multiple suicide attacks by insurgents in some strategic areas in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Some legal practitioners who expressed concern over the renewed attacks called for a review of counter-terrorism strategies and stronger investment in youth empowerment.

The lawyers spoke in separate interviews on Friday in Lagos.

They were reacting to the attacks which had raised fresh concerns about security in the region.

A partner at Justification Chambers, Ikeja, Chibuikem Opera, described the renewed violence as “appalling and devastating,” noting that earlier successes against insurgency were not deeply rooted.

According to him, security forces may have won battles, but underlying causes were not addressed, enabling new extremist groups to emerge.

Mr Opara who commended the Federal Government’s swift relocation of security architecture to the North cautioned against complacency.

“There is a need to go beyond military action by empowering young people, especially through education, to tackle root causes,” he said.

Also, Ademola Owolabi of Adetokunbo Ademola Chambers, Lagos, attributed the development to a predominantly defensive military doctrine.

“Our military is fighting defensively and that is the foundation of the problem. There is a need to adopt a more offensive strategy rather than remaining reactive,” he said.

Mr Owolabi urged the media to project military successes instead of amplifying insurgent narratives.

He also called on the military authorities to set clear timelines for ending insurgency.

Another lawyer, Julius Ayoola of Ayoola Chambers, Bariga, Lagos, stated that the resurgence was not unexpected, stressing that entrenched terrorism is hard to eradicate.

Mr Ayoola noted that even advanced nations struggled with insurgency due to complex socio-economic and ideological factors.

He advocated a balanced “carrot and stick” approach, combining military action with social and economic interventions.

“The carrot represents hope through livelihoods and infrastructure, discouraging involvement in criminal activities,” he said.

He emphasised the need to identify, expose and prosecute sponsors of terrorism.

According to him,  addressing poverty and hopelessness will also reduce recruitment into extremist groups.

He added that strengthening social infrastructure would help shrink the recruitment base.

Mr Ayoola also called for a review of firearms laws that would enable citizens act as first responders, with security agencies providing backup support. 

(NAN)