Nigeria, Jan. 6 -- Nigeria stands at a decisive crossroads in counterterrorism. As this article goes to press, coordinated attacks continue across multiple regions. Bombings, kidnappings, and targeted killings persist, despite international signalling and episodic foreign interventions. External force did not deter violent networks in late 2025. Nigeria must therefore act with clarity, resolve, and sovereign purpose.

One of the most consequential steps taken in 2025 was the proposed designation of terrorist groups and affiliated individuals. Nearly forty entities were identified, spanning financiers, facilitators, protectors, and legitimisers. This approach reflects the modern counterterrorism doctrine. Violence collapses when money, log...