Insurgency: FG Courts Military Retirees to Partner the Armed Forces

Chiemelie Ezeobi

As part of measures to conquer insurgency, especially in the North-east, the Federal Government in Friday tasked military retirees from the three arms of the Armed Forces to partner their serving colleagues notwithstanding their retirement.

While addressing 464 retirees drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Airforce and Nigerian Navy, the Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Mohammed Dan-Ali (Rtd.), made the appeal at the passing out ceremony at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Lagos.

The minister who was represented by Mrs. Iro Ikenga, the Director, Army, Ministry of Defence, told the 449 retirees from the army, two from the navy and 13 from the air force, that much was still expected from them despite retirement.

He said, “You all know that the issue of security of our country in recent times is at its critical stage, as the military is now contending with insurgents in the North-east.

“As retiring members of the armed forces, a lot is still required of you wherever you find yourselves in the aspect of collaborations with serving members of the Armed Forces.

“You might also be required to collaborate with other security agencies of our father land to completely eradicate this threat of insurgency and other criminal activities in our society.”

While adding that President Muhammadu Buhari was committed to ensuring that service personnel were properly resettled after years of meritorious service to the nation, he said a policy to that effect is in place.

He said. “The government has continued to vigorously pursue a policy of due process, aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and rule of law. This in no doubt will culminate in the transformation of all spheres of our national life.”

Further details later