Following the escalating insecurity, which has resulted in the killings of military officers, soldiers and ordinary Nigerians in the past few weeks, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, retd, yesterday summoned all service chiefs to his office in Abuja to review ongoing strategies across different operational areas in the country.
The meeting came as Zaki Sughter Agamber, the traditional ruler of Mbajiir in Tongov, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State was murdered by armed men.
This is even as Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, yesterday announced measures to stem the frequent abduction and killing of people in the state.
Such measures include the ban on the operations of motorcycles at night, and prohibition of cart pushing in major areas, among others.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives yesterday raised serious concerns over the escalating wave of kidnappings, killings and violent attacks in several communities in Ekiti State, particularly in Ekiti North I (Ikole/Oye) federal constituency, just as the Senate urged the military to intensify ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East by strengthening intelligence gathering, surveillance and operational capabilities to end insecurity in the region and across the country.
Those present at the meeting summoned by the defence minister included the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Olufemi Oluyede and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu. Others were the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass; and representatives of National Intelligence Agency, among others.
Recall that in recent weeks, terrorists have launched coordinated assaults on several military bases, leading to the deaths of soldiers and commanding officers who paid the supreme price while confronting the attackers.
Speaking after the brief strategy meeting with service chiefs, General Musa assured Nigerians that the military remained fully committed to restoring peace and security nationwide.
He said the meeting was convened to review ongoing military strategies across different operational areas in the country.
“We had a quick, short meeting with members of the services to review our strategy in all our theatres within the country. We’re all aware of the issues on the ground, but I want to assure Nigerians that members of the armed forces are working tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure,” he said.
He acknowledged that the military had recorded casualties in recent engagements but stressed that the terrorists were suffering greater losses.
“We are aware that we have suffered some casualties, but I can tell you the terrorists and bandits are taking more. We’re taking more commanders out, we’re taking more of their assets out, and we will continue to do that,” he added.
Musa urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by misinformation circulating on social media, noting that false narratives could undermine the morale of troops.
He said: “We know because of the issue of social media, there are a lot of falsehoods being spread. The Armed Forces are on top of their game and we are putting in every effort to ensure the country is secured.’’
The minister called on citizens to support security agencies by providing credible information and reporting suspicious activities.
