Rights Activist Calls for Public Execution of Captured Terrorists

Following the tragic death of Brigadier General Uba during operations against terrorists in Northern Nigeria, a human rights activist, Comrade Ighotegwolor Bezi, based in Aladja, Delta State, has made a controversial and forceful demand, urging the Nigerian military to resort to the public execution of any terrorists apprehended in the field. Bezi asserted that such drastic measures are necessary to instill fear and deter those who have become “emboldened to strike at will.”

Speaking in Warri, Bezi extended his call beyond active fighters, insisting that anyone caught providing material support to the terrorists—including the supply of arms and ammunition, food, fuel, and other essential items—should also be immediately executed. He opined that the current approach, which he described as handling the terrorists with “kid gloves,” is precisely why they have grown so audacious.

The activist also cast suspicion on the efficacy of government efforts to de-radicalize captured militants, suggesting that the so-called “repentant bandits are the ones sabotaging the efforts of the troops” from within. Bezi expressed profound sadness over the death of Brig. Gen. Uba, calling the news both “very painful and nauseating.” He insisted that the government must not allow the soldiers who died in the ambush to die in vain, declaring that ISWAP, Boko Haram, and other Islamic terror groups “must be made to face the rage of the people.”

In addition to advocating for capital punishment for captured terrorists and their suppliers, Bezi offered specific strategic advice for the military’s ongoing counter-insurgency efforts, particularly regarding external assistance and local engagement. He was adamant that the Government of the United States of America should not intervene directly in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. Despite acknowledging the “ragtag state of our military,” he stated, “I will still not support the idea of America coming to fight our fight for us.”

Instead, Bezi proposed a localized command structure: he suggested that military personnel who are natives of the ravaged areas in the North should be given command over the units operating in those specific regions. Furthermore, he argued that these local units must be granted the full support of local security outfits, including the vigilantes, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and other volunteer groups. To maximize their effectiveness and morale, Bezi strongly advised that the military should “arm the vigilantes, CJTF, and other volunteer security outfits with AK rifles.” He believes this measure would surely boost the morale of the volunteer troops and significantly strengthen their capability to engage the insurgents in battle.

Bezi concluded his remarks by extending heartfelt condolences to the families of all soldiers who perished in the recent ambush, reinforcing his demand that the government must adopt a far more uncompromising and localized strategy to finally defeat the terrorist threat in the North. His comments highlight the depth of public frustration and the desire for decisive, albeit extreme, action in response to the persistent and costly security crisis.