FG: We’ll Contain Insecurity, Provide More Support for Military

*DHQ seeks concerted efforts to tame challenges

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The federal government, yesterday, restated its commitment and determination to bring to an end, the complex security challenges confronting the nation, and pledged more support for the military in discharging its constitutional duties.  

This came as the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) called for concerted efforts of all stakeholders to contain security challenges afflicting the nation.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, said military means alone could not end terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.

Also, at the convocation ceremony of the Cadets of the 70 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who was represented by the  Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, said government was determined to end insecurity in the country.

He, therefore, called on the graduands to continue to play their constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation.

He said the knowledge acquired at the academy should be used in assisting the present administration to actualise its renewed hope agenda for the citizenry. 

Shettima stressed that education remained a key component of human security required to drive the country’s technological advancements for the benefit of every Nigerian.

“Education will continue to play a critical role in maintaining and enhancing the nation’s security,” he said.

Commending the Academy, he said he had followed with keen interest, the works and contributions of the institution for training of officers for Nigerian Army, Navy and the 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, speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, said military means alone could not end terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.

Buba said the need for the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency war to remain a reflection of a whole of society’s commitment.

“Our mission against terrorist, 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.

On the ongoing operations in the last one week, Buba revealed that the militaryhad neutralised 191 terrorists, apprehended 184 terrorists, while 104 BH/ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendered to troops across theaters of Operation, among other notable successes recorded.

“About ongoing operations in the last one week, the military neutralised 191 terrorists. Troops then arrested 184 terrorists, 22 perpetrators of oil theft ,rescued 91 kidnapped hostages while a total of 104 BH/ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendered to troops across theaters 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.