Arewa group warns against politicising insecurity, lauds service chiefs

The Arewa Youth Assembly has warned politicians against politicising insecurity in the country, while commending Nigeria’s service chiefs for what it described as strategic gains recorded in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality. The group gave the commendation during a press conference in Abuja yesterday, where it expressed support for the […]

The Arewa Youth Assembly has warned politicians against politicising insecurity in the country, while commending Nigeria’s service chiefs for what it described as strategic gains recorded in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality.

The group gave the commendation during a press conference in Abuja yesterday, where it expressed support for the leadership of the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, Wahidi Shaibu, and the Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke.

Speaking through its Publicity Secretary, Aliyu Muhammad Sanni, the assembly said the country had witnessed relative peace in many communities previously affected by insurgency and banditry due to the current security leadership.

The group said the security situation before the current administration was characterised by widespread insurgency, banditry, militia attacks and separatist violence across different parts of the country.

According to the assembly, the North-East was under severe attacks from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province insurgents, while the North-West experienced deadly attacks from bandit groups led by notorious kingpins.

It also cited security challenges in the North-Central, South-East, South-South and South-West regions, including activities of armed militias, separatist groups and oil vandals.

The group, however, said that the Armed Forces had adopted an intelligence-driven offensive strategy that led to the elimination of several insurgent and bandit commanders across various theatres of operation.

It listed military operations such as Operation HADIN KAI, FANSAN YAMMA, SAFE HAVEN, WHIRL STROKE and DELTA SAFE as examples of coordinated efforts that had weakened criminal networks in the country.

The assembly particularly praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Shaibu, for what it described as his frontline leadership style and reforms aimed at improving troop welfare and morale.

It noted that initiatives such as renovation of barracks and schools, settlement of insurance claims and affordable housing schemes had boosted the fighting spirit of personnel.

The group also commended efforts to strengthen collaboration between air and ground forces, as well as policies aimed at reviving the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria to enhance local production and maintenance of military equipment.

While acknowledging that insecurity had not been completely eradicated, the assembly said the current trajectory gave hope that Nigeria would overcome terrorism, banditry and other security threats.

It called on citizens to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence and urged political actors not to politicise the sacrifices of military personnel engaged in various operations across the country.