By Victor Akaa.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and security agencies to address the numerous challenges facing the nation, reiterating that they are determined to end insecurity in the country.
During a meeting with service chiefs and heads of other security agencies at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, General Musa emphasized the people-centric approach of his operations, stressing the importance of informing Nigerians about the measures being taken to address the security situation.
He acknowledged the successes achieved so far but also noted that there is still much work to be done.
The CDS expressed his gratitude to the troops and Nigerians for their perseverance, commitment, and sacrifice in the face of security challenges.
General Musa emphasized the need for collective action, urging all stakeholders to come together as one people, one country, to tackle the menace of banditry, terrorism, cultism, armed robbery, separatism, pipeline vandalism, and other criminal activities.
He assured Nigerians that the armed forces and security agencies are determined to address these security challenges, and despite their seeming intractability, he expressed confidence that they will be overcome in the shortest possible time.
“In line with the course of my operations, which is people-centric, we want to inform Nigerians on what it is that is being done to address the security situation.
“So many successes have been achieved. But yet, there is still work to be done. We are not where we want to be, but we’re heading there and we are on the right path.” Gen Musa emphasised.
The CDS also commended the media for their steadfast support in the drive to address Nigeria’s security concerns. He announced that a general overview of all operations and achievements would be provided.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Defence Training and Operations (CDTOP) at the Defence Headquarters, Major General Emmanuel Onumajuru, provided a comprehensive update on the state of military operations across Nigeria’s geo-political zones.
Major General Onumajuru commended the troops and other security agencies for their hard work and commitment to addressing the country’s security challenges.
He highlighted the successes achieved in the North-East, where relative peace has been achieved, and over 170,000 locals have returned to their homes in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States.
In the North-West, the CDTOP acknowledged the challenges posed by banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities. He assured Nigerians that a holistic review of operations is underway to address these issues, involving stakeholders and security agencies.
Major General Onumajuru also touched on the South-South, where operations have led to increased oil production, and the South-East, where the situation is stable, with a noticeable reduction in IPOB activities.
He emphasized the importance of community engagement, citing the success of operations in the Niger Delta, where a joint intelligence fusion centre and monitoring team have been established.
The CDTOP addressed the recent debris incidents, assuring that measures are in place to prevent such occurrences and mitigate civilian casualties. He also vowed to bring perpetrators of the Guamar killings to justice.
In conclusion, Major General Onumajuru assured Nigerians that the military remains committed to protecting citizens and upholding its constitutional duties, despite challenges. He urged cooperation and support from all stakeholders to address Nigeria’s security concerns.
Enugu Reporters have learnt that the CDS, in its commitment to a people-centric approach and collaborative efforts, has been holding regular meetings with service chiefs and heads of other security agencies nationwide. This initiative seeks to foster greater cooperation and coordination in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.
