Insecurity: Lessons from Idris Deby's Chad!
By Abdullahi D Mohammed



That Idris Deby Itno, the late Chadian strongman is Dead, is no news, what is news, could be the vacuum his demise has created in the regional and global effort in combating islamist terror groups.
Born some 68 years ago, his life and time was characterized by guerilla warfare, armed struggle, conflicts and military exploits. After successfully dislodging his boss and benefactor, Hissené Habre, in 1990, he took over power seamlessly. Soon after, he was able to consolidate power and authority. Between 1990-2021, he had survived numerous coup attempts, and crush multiple uprising against his country. In March, 2006, rebels shot down his plane, and staged a deadly insurrection near the Capital, N'djamena. Deby survived the onslaught, which he accused Sudan of masterminding. In the midst of such tribulations, he had a formidable ally in France, who provided him an unflinching support for most of his Presidency.

Idris Deby means many things to different people. To some, he was a repressive and authoritarian leader. While others see him as a nationalist, passionate about the sanctity of lives of his citizens and strive to protect its territories. What is symbolic, therefore,is he died while defending his Country against foreign interest, which use proxies to incite or fight their wars. Many would agree, he was a warrior-General.
Uncommon with many African leaders who live within the coziness of their Presidential palaces, while their country is on fire. Oftentimes, they delegate responsibilities to few inept and corrupt-filled Military commanders, who continue to benefit from insurgency and war merchandising.

Take for instance, Nigeria, scores are killed daily across the country while leaders are seemingly lost on how to halt the senseless killings. A retired Army Chief, told Senators a couple of months ago, insurgency as witnessed today would last another 20 years. What a pathetic remark, as it was coming barely few months after he held sway as Army Chief before retiring.

Would Idris Deby's Chad had condoned such reckless remark? In April, 2020, when Boko Haram attacked and killed Chadian Forces, Deby led from the Frontline, and, together with his troops gave Boko Haram a bloody nose, killing close to a thousand in a fierce battle around the lake Chad. His exploits and heroism was applauded by regional and world leaders, which symbolizes resistance against global terroism.

Nigerian leaders need to adopt the Deby effect in combating criminality and insurgency in the country. Nigerians, especially in the Northern region are constantly living in despair, and increasingly loosing faith in the authority and government. The country's Defence Minister, was quoted as asking Nigerians not to be cowards, and brace up to face armed terrorist whom the country's military could not confront, or defeat. With the new farming season fast approaching, farmers in the region, are lost, given the precarious situation they found themselves.

Lacking a C-in-C in the mould of Idris Deby, Nigerians, especially in the North has resorted to self-help. Indigenes of Zamfara, who had their territories taken over by bandits, had, dared the Gunmen, using locally made Dane-guns last week. Villagers in Dansadau, irked by incessant killings, and abductions, successfully repelled attacks on their community, killing about 12 armed assailants.

But, communities/villages which include Maradun, Bakura, Magami and a host of others weren't so lucky. Over 83 persons were reportedly massacred by bandits last Wednesday. The bloodshed has become one too many. The pattern of such attacks or Modus operandi of the bandits are quite similar, which, questions the efficacy of the country's divers intelligence unit. Intelligence gathering is obviously the first step in defeating insurgency.

It is an established fact that, these bandits/terrorist are known, at least, the identity of some of their most brutal members are known. Why then, has it been difficult to accost and annihilate them?

Seemingly, amnesty program is not working. Negotiating with bandits, which had features of full blown terrorist, that lack ideology, focus or leadership, is an exercise in futility. The unavailability of a central, or rallying figure within the bandits camp, makes negotiations even more unrealistic. Hence, the option open, is to engage them fire for fire, route them from their hideout and expose their sponsors.

Huge amount has been expended on Defence and security, for years. Nigeria, with a population ten times greater than Chad has numerous security and intelligence outfits. Notable amongst are, DSS, FIB, NIA, NSC, including all intelligence units of military and paramilitary outfits. The question is, what are the key responsibilities and functions of these units? They are solely established to gather, analyze, and provide intelligence and security update to relevant security agencies in the country. Synergistically, these outfit could act as a buffer for any attack on innocent citizens. Remarkedly, a critical analysis of the intelligence circle in the country proved it lacked the efficiency for which it was established. Monies sunk in the sector could not be justified.

The world, is moving swiftly toward artificial, and human intelligence in prosecuting a 21st century warfare. Every intelligence officer would, no doubt, agree, the success or, otherwise of any operations depends largely on information about an adversary or enemy. It keeps you a step ahead. The process also, reduces the preponderance of large human casualties on the part of government forces.

A major challenge which seem to overwhelm the security operatives in the country, is the rise of regional and ethnic Militia groups. Like in Tibesti, in Northern Chad, where a group of dissidents, or rebelsome Militias rose, since 2016, to challenge the authority, in Eastern Nigeria, the IPOB, and Eastern Security Network, ESN, are increasing their tempo and spate of attacks on security forces and government buildings.
Few weeks ago, there were coordinated attacks and arson across the Southeast. Only recently, the country home of the Imo State Governor was attacked, killing security operatives attached to the house. The trajectory of such attacks, is a stark reminder of how failed States operates, which, is a recipe for full blown anarchy. Proponents of a separatist State, anywhere in the world, are a threat to peace and stability of the country, as, such struggles were hitherto never peaceful.

No nation surrenders her territory and sovereignty, or, willfully succumb to internal threats from whatever groups or individual. Idris Deby's Chad, as a model has demonstrated that, in a clear and unambiguous manner. Since assuming office in 1990, despite multiple challenges, economic and political turmoil, he was able to hold tight, his belief in the unity and oneness of his country. Nigerian leaders must borrow a leaf from the late Chadian strongman on how to tame internal and external insurrection

Killings across the country had unfortunately become a daily routine, with Government spokespersons, subtly, justifying the slow and lackluster disposition of government in combating the menace.
Many analysts and policy experts would agree, Nigerians, has never been this insecure. Had those in position of authority prioritize security and governance, the situation would have been different. At the moment, allegations of malfeasance in arms procurement, by immediate Service Chiefs has been substantiated. Bizarrely, they were rewarded with ambassadorial nominations, and cleared by the 9th Senate. Nigeria's National Security Adviser, insist, huge amounts was misappropriated, as arms were not procured. House of Representatives committee, probing the allegations should do the needful by inviting the culprits fingered in the deal to tell their side of the story. Sweeping the matter under the carpet is doing a great disservice to the nation, and insult to the Dead, who died as a result of the corrupt few.

Take away the tyrannical tendencies of the late Idris Deby, Nigerian leaders need to learn from his exploits, heroism and patriotism, in securing and defending his Country, which he died doing. He was a dependable ally in the fight against Boko Haram.

As it were, the life of an average Nigerian is worthless. Last week alone, over 240 innocent citizens died as a result of insecurity. Until Government rethink its strategy and give premium and value to human life, many innocent souls would be lost. It seems, the country is on autopilot, heading precariously for doom -- Terrorism, Banditry, Kidnapping, and weak economy!
The menace is one too many, only a resolute, focused and purposeful leadership could steer it right into the path of peace and tranquility.

Abdullahi D Mohammed is with the Department of Political Science and International Studies at the Ahmadu Bello University-Zaria.
He writes from Kano