If indeed Shekau is dead, now is the time for the government to move on full steam and mop up with a comprehensive security policy that looks something like this

Ayo Akinfe

[1] Disarmament centres shall be opened in every single one of our 774 local government areas where illegal weapons can be handed in without prosecution under a 30- day amnesty programme. Disarmament centres will also be opened at six mega cattle ranches established across the country

[2] The Nigerian Army shall undertake a five year programme to plant trees along Nigeria's borders to demarcate the nation's boundaries. Such trees shall be painted in the country's colours and the programme will involve the employment of ex-bandits will be employed into a National Border Guard

[2] Nigeria's maritime borders will also be marked out with cones along out Atlantic coastline

[3] Each state capital shall house at least one battalion of the Nigerian Army

[4] The ministries of defence, police affairs and internal affairs shall be overseen by the office of the vice president in what will be the Super Security Ministry. It will have overall responsibility for combating terrorism

[5] The minimum qualification for being employed in any of the security services shall be five O'Levels

[6] Members of the security forces aiding and abetting terrorism will face statutory treason charges with the mandatory death penalty being the maximum punishment

[7] Armed forces commanders convicted of embezzling funds meant for defence will face statutory treason charges with the accompanying mandatory death penalty being the maximum punishment

[8] Nigeria will enter into bilateral defence agreements with friendly nations aimed at getting their equipment manufacturers to establish factories in the country

[9] All members of the armed forces will be registered for a national compensation programme that will pay their dependents their full salaries and grant their children scholarships up to university level should they lose their lives during the course of duty

[10] Specialist unit if the armed forces like the engineering corps of the Nigerian Army will be free to bid for government contracts in their areas of expertise.