Challenges before the new service chiefs

Permit me to appreciate the out-gone service chiefs for putting in their best to the service of our great country, even though they could not totally contain kidnappings and banditry. In my observation, the two most frightening security issues that face our country are kidnappings and armed banditry. These must be confronted vigorously with fresh […]

Challenges before the new service chiefs

Major-General Leo Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General I. Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral A.Z Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air-Vice Marshal I.O Amao, Chief of Air Staff;

Permit me to appreciate the out-gone service chiefs for putting in their best to the service of our great country, even though they could not totally contain kidnappings and banditry.

In my observation, the two most frightening security issues that face our country are kidnappings and armed banditry. These must be confronted vigorously with fresh ideas and new strategies. The protection of lives and property is the primary responsibility of every government.

However, there is no gainsaying that Boko Haram insurgents have been pushed to the fringes of Lake Chad and Sambisa forest. It has often been observed that the former service chiefs used the strategy of “wait and see” before striking the insurgents. The said strategy must be changed we should take the war to their enclaves.

However, in my view, in confronting our security challenges, the military option is not the only thing required. Socio-Economic issues such as unemployment, poverty and illiteracy must be addressed at all levels.

Nurudeen Dauda wrote from Kaduna.