That Commitment to Secure Nigeria
By Abdulsalam Mahmud
The issue of insecurity in Nigeria has been lingering, just as it is terribly worrying. Criminal elements and gangs have since declared war on Africa’s Giant, vowing not to allow peace and order reign supreme.
It is however, the tireless efforts of security agencies, especially the Nigerian military, that have greatly assisted in stemming the tide of pervasive insecurity, hallmarked by massive killings across the country.
According to data compiled by SBM Intelligence using multiple sources of which Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) was one, the number of people killed in Nigeria surged year-on-year by 47 percent to 10,366 in 2021.
The Africa-focused geopolitical research firm noted that civilians formed the bulk of the casualties, but the military and other law enforcement agents also felt the heat.
Last year had several cases of mass abductions, kidnappings, and violent crimes in Nigeria, surging to its highest in at least a decade.
The kidnap for ransom business is booming across northern Nigeria, and schoolchildren are its hottest commodity. Data from the ACLED shows that about 1,200 people have been kidnapped in the first half of 2021 from 45 in 2010.
Likewise, nearly 900 students have been taken from schools in mass abductions since December 2020, data from the United Nations shows.
A report by SBM Intelligence shows that N10 billion ($19.96 million as of June 30, 2021) was demanded as ransom for kidnapped victims by criminal gangs.
The Nigerian military troops are currently involved in several combat operations across the country, fighting terrorists, armed bandits, kidnappers, ritualists, secessionists and sundry criminals.
There are fears that the nation’s military cannot effectively tackle insecurity. And this is because its troops have taken over the job of quelling virtually most internal unrests, saddled the Nigerian Police and its sister security agencies.
Nevertheless, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Lucky Irabor, has reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to tackling the prevailing security challenges bedevilling the country.
Irabor gave the assurance at the 40th Anniversary Dinner/Award Night of the 32 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), on Saturday in Abuja.
He commended the members of 32 Regular Course Alumni Association for their services to the nation while in service and after retirement.
The CDS said that the armed forces still need their advice and suggestions to redress the security situation in the country.
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“Please keep in mind that you have a part to play and we will be ready to support you in ensuring that whatever information and advice you give to us is put to good use,” Irabor assured.
He urged the retired senior officers to also help educate citizens on the need to support the military as they strive to ensure peace and stability in the country.
“They should know what contributions they need to give to members of the armed forces, the police and security agencies across the country.
“The responsibility of securing the nation lies with every one of us.
“It is only when information or intelligence is provided regarding those who are living amongst us but are more of a problem to us, that potent action can be taken,” Irabor said.
The CDS said the retired officers should not relent in the good work they were doing to the country, particularly the military.
“I would like to assure us that the armed forces will not disappoint you and the situation that we find ourselves will be reversed to the good of the nation.
“Every one of us will be secured; every one of our properties will be secured and I thought that it’s necessary to bring that reassurance this evening.
“When the heat is on, it’s only an indication that an end has come. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that we redress the insecurity in the country,” he said.
Irabor also commended members of the association for their continuous support to widows of their colleagues who paid the supreme price while serving the nation.
He assured them that the armed forces would also continue to support the families of all fallen heroes.
The outgoing president of the 32nd RC, retired Maj-Gen Iliya Abbah, said the 40th-anniversary celebration was to celebrate members and some of their trainers.
Abbah said they were still willing to offer services to the nation even in retirement, adding that they will continue to offer necessary advice to address the security challenges facing the nation.
He appreciated God for keeping them alive and healthy as well as prayed for the repose of their departed colleagues.
Abbah said that the association has continued to take care of the families of their departed colleagues to the best of their ability.
The new president of the association, retired Rear Adm. Apochi Suleiman, said the anniversary celebration provided them with the opportunity to interact and reminisce on their days at the academy as cadets and their time in service.
Suleiman promised to build on the legacy of his predecessors in ensuring adequate welfare of members and families of their deceased colleagues.
He also expressed their readiness to continue to serve the nation even in retirement.
Mahmud is the Deputy Editor of PRNigeria.
