SIR: The scourge of terrorism tearing almost all parts of Nigeria especially the north apart has seemingly defied all strategies devised by the federal government to tackle it. The government continues to invest a larger portion of Nigeria’s resources into a sector that continually blatantly refuses to deliver.

There are ceaseless procurement of heavy security gadgets running to several billions of dollars all in the bid to achieve lasting peace in the country but all the effort of the federal government has never been different from pouring water into a basket. While funds meant for procurement are regularly siphoned by the top hierarchy who can never be questioned, most of the few items on the ground are never deployed for any convincing effective use.

If the truth must be told, the difficulty encountered in the bid to combat this nagging cankerworm is simply owing to the fact that the insects killing Nigeria’s vegetables are also living on it and until such friendly-enemies are unmasked and exposed, the nation’s quest to find adequate solutions would always end up in a wild goose chase. As it were, the only way out now is for the federal government to seek partnership with foreign troops.

Let the federal government enter into agreement with foreign soldiers who should even be allowed to take charge of key positions for at least two years and let’s see what would happen. Those killing Nigeria will, however, never agree to such arrangements and some may even start arguing about the sovereignty balderdash.

Of course, those perpetrating these various crimes will never think such arrangement between Nigeria and other advanced countries is ever possible. Even the federal government itself may promptly rule it out as tantamount to exposing the nation’s security to outsiders. The choice is Nigeria’s. The country can choose to continue reporting the theft of fried meats to the cat.  
Jide Oyewusi is of the Ethics Watch International, Nigeria.