Reacting to the reported killing of senior Islamic State commander Abu Bilal al-Minuki in a joint operation involving the United States and the Nigerian Armed Forces, Olawepo-Hashim said Nigeria must address poverty, unemployment, and social dislocation if it hopes to defeat terrorism sustainably.

While applauding the successful operation, he noted that it demonstrated the impact of effective international intelligence sharing and military cooperation.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Hashim said the development reinforced earlier concerns that extremist groups in Nigeria have ambitions similar to the Islamic State’s territorial pursuits in other global conflict zones.

He stated that for years, there had been calls for stronger international collaboration in confronting terrorism, adding that the operation showed what is possible when global partners work together genuinely.

However, he cautioned against viewing the elimination of top insurgent leaders as a complete solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.

According to him, Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy must go beyond isolated military strikes and instead adopt a comprehensive, sustained approach aimed at uprooting terrorism entirely.

Hashim warned that while military offensives may eliminate key commanders, they often leave vulnerable rural communities exposed to revenge attacks by insurgent groups.

He described the scale of insecurity in the country as deeply troubling, claiming that thousands of Nigerians have lost their lives to terrorism and related violence in recent years.

He further argued that poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and social deprivation continue to create fertile ground for extremist recruitment, particularly among vulnerable youths in Northern Nigeria.

The party disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.

According to the statement, the screening of National Assembly aspirants will now take place in Abuja due to security concerns in parts of Northern Nigeria.

The ADC added that all affected aspirants will be contacted with updated schedules and further details regarding the new arrangement.

It also expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the adjustment and thanked aspirants and stakeholders for their understanding.

Meanwhile, former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has officially declared his intention to contest the ADC presidential primary.

Amaechi reportedly submitted his presidential nomination forms at the party’s national secretariat ahead of the next general election.

He said his decision to run was driven by a desire to restore dignity to Nigerians and address the country’s economic and social challenges.

Amaechi is expected to face competition from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other aspirants for the party’s presidential ticket.