By Muhammad Mamman
Former National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), has cautioned that Nigeria’s battle against insurgency will remain futile without national cohesion and unity across society.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the launch of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.), Monguno said terrorist groups exploit Nigeria’s ethnic, religious and political divisions to sustain their campaign of violence.
“Without national cohesion, insurgency will not end. Terrorists feed on our fault lines and weaponise them against us. If we remain divided, no amount of military might will deliver lasting peace,” he warned.
He urged Nigerians to rise above parochial differences and embrace patriotism, reconciliation, justice and inclusive governance, stressing that the scars left by Boko Haram were not only physical but also psychological and social.
“The book reminds us that security is not just the work of soldiers. It is the responsibility of leaders, institutions and citizens. Unless we build cohesion, insurgency will continue to mutate in different forms,” Monguno added.
The event drew notable figures, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, diplomats, traditional rulers and senior government officials.
