FG to Contain Insecurity and Provide More Support for Military: Yesterday, the federal government reaffirmed its commitment and resolve to address the nation’s complex security concerns, and vowed further assistance for the military in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
This occurred as the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) urged all stakeholders to work together to address the nation’s security concerns.
Maj Gen Edward Buba, Director, Defence Media Operations, stated during a media briefing in Abuja that military measures alone could not eradicate terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.
In addition, at the convocation ceremony for the Cadets of the 70 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented by Minister of Defence Badaru Abubakar, stated that the government was resolved to put an end to insecurity in the nation.
As a result, he urged the graduates to continue playing their constitutional responsibility of protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.
He stated that the expertise gained at the academy should be utilised to support the current administration in carrying out its renewed hope agenda for the citizens.
Shettima emphasized that education remained a critical component of human security, driving the country’s technical progress for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“Education will continue to play a critical role in maintaining and enhancing the nation’s security,” he said
In praising the Academy, he stated that he had closely watched the institution’s efforts and contributions to the training of officers for the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
“I must commend the Nigerian Defence Academy Commandant and Authorities for their great work in this regard.
“We are very proud of the Nigerian Defence Academy for its constitutional role in producing officers with broad-based training in both military and academic subjects designed to serve as a foundation for the future progressive development of officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” he said.
However, addressing at a media conference in Abuja, Maj Gen Edward Buba, Director, Defence Media Operations, stated that military measures alone could not eradicate terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.
Buba emphasized the importance of the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency wars remaining a reflection of society’s overall commitment.
“Our mission against terrorists, insurgents and perpetrators of insecurity in the country is not one that should be seen as the exclusive preserve of just the military alone. Experience reveals that military means alone can not neutralise terrorism and insurgency.
“This underscores the need for our counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency war to remain a reflection of a whole of society’s commitment. The perpetrators of the insecurity are not ghosts, they have families, relations and are from villages and communities in the country.
“Through a whole of society approach, we will suffocate any hope that these groups have of victory through senseless killings and dastardly acts,” he said.
Buba reported that the military had neutralised 191 terrorists, captured 184 terrorists, and 104 BH/ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendered to forces across theatres of action in the previous week, among other important victories.
In terms of ongoing operations, the military has killed 191 terrorists in the last week. soldiers then apprehended 184 terrorists, and 22 oil thieves, freed 91 abducted hostages, and a total of 104 BH/ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendered to soldiers across theatres of operation.
“Troops denied oil theft of an estimate sum of N388,469,650.00. Additionally, troops recovered 209 assorted weapons and 2,894 assorted ammunition,” he added.