A group of retired Nigerian military generals has highlighted a key obstacle in the ongoing battle against insecurity plaguing the nation. According to a retired Airforce General, the absence of direct and definitive orders from the President or commander in chief since the advent of democracy in 1999 has hindered progress. The general emphasized that open-ended directives without clear timelines and consequences contribute to the persistent insecurity issues.
To address this, the retired officer suggests that President Bola Tinubu, as the Commander in Chief, should issue a decisive order to the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Service Chiefs, and the Inspector General of Police, demanding an end to insecurity within a specified timeframe. Additionally, failure to achieve this goal should result in the removal of the Minister, CDS, and Service Chiefs, creating accountability for the nation’s security.
Scotch Egg Approach’ Proposed for Strategic Military Operation: Insecurity
Another retired army general presents an alternative strategy to combat the rising insecurity in Nigeria. He proposes a ‘Scotch Egg Approach,’ involving a comprehensive military operation to box adversaries, including terrorists and criminals, into a dead end for elimination. Using the example of the Birnin Gwari forest infested with terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers, the general suggests mobilizing all personnel in a designated division area of responsibility.
This would involve closing offices, arming everyone, and, led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), moving simultaneously from different axes to encircle the targeted area. The retired officer argues that this approach would not only protect innocent civilians but also address the rising toll on Nigerian officers and soldiers. He asserts that such decisive steps, if taken by President Tinubu and the Chief of Defence Staff, could lead to a significant reduction in insecurity within six months.
Insecurity: Urgent Need for Strategic Measures to Protect Lives and Restore Security
The retired generals collectively emphasize the urgency of implementing strategic measures to curb the escalating insecurity crisis in Nigeria. They underscore the unacceptable loss of innocent lives and military personnel without commensurate consequences for the perpetrators. By calling for clear and definitive orders and proposing a proactive military approach, these seasoned military leaders aim to instigate a fundamental shift in the nation’s security landscape.
The proposal aligns with the growing public demand for effective action to safeguard lives and restore stability. As Nigeria grapples with these security challenges, the retired generals believe that adopting their recommendations could bring about tangible results within a six-month timeframe, signaling hope for a more secure and stable future for the nation.
Nigerian Military Calls for Comprehensive Reorientation of Security Forces
In a recent statement, an Airforce general shed light on the long-standing challenges faced by the Nigerian military. Expressing concern over a persistent mistake in the country’s approach to security, the general emphasized the fundamental role of the military in defending territorial integrity. He pointed out that the police should be primarily responsible for maintaining law and order within the nation. This assertion challenges the conventional belief that the military is indispensable for internal security, urging a reconsideration of the current operational dynamics.
The general proposed a substantial reorientation of the police force, advocating for the removal of the term ‘Force’ from their title. Instead, he suggested renaming it the “Nigerian Police Service,” aligning it with global standards that emphasize service to the community. Emphasizing joint combat training, he called for collaborative efforts involving the police, military, NSCDC, Immigration, Customs, and other para-military agencies. The goal is to foster better understanding and cooperation among these entities. Notably, he proposed the establishment of a Joint Counter Terrorism Training Centre for all para-military personnel, addressing the current lack of synergy among lower-ranked personnel and the strains on the military due to increased involvement in internal crises.
Strengthening Security Through Comprehensive Reorientation
The proposal for a comprehensive reorientation of the security apparatus aligns with a broader vision for strengthening national security. Advocates argue that renaming the police force to emphasize service rather than force reflects a commitment to community-oriented policing. This shift in nomenclature carries implications beyond semantics, aiming to reshape the perception of the police as protectors rather than enforcers.
Furthermore, the call for joint combat training responds to the challenges faced by lower-ranked personnel in working collaboratively across agencies. Establishing a Joint Counter Terrorism Training Centre would not only enhance coordination but also address the disciplinary concerns arising from the military’s extended involvement in internal crises. By redirecting the focus towards specialized training and cooperation, the proposal seeks to optimize the capabilities of each security force, ensuring a more effective response to internal and external threats.
In conclusion, the Airforce general’s insights underscore the need for a paradigm shift in Nigeria’s security architecture. A comprehensive reorientation, as proposed, holds the potential to redefine the roles of various security agencies, fostering a more cohesive and disciplined approach to safeguarding the nation. As debates on security reform gain momentum, the implementation of these suggestions could mark a pivotal moment in shaping Nigeria’s security landscape for the future.
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