Insecurity: It’s Time To Train, Equip Military — Babangida

Former military President, Gen.Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, IBB, has expressed concern over the state of insecurity in Nigeria, asking the Federal Government to urgently equip the military with modern arms and training to adequately confront the problem.

Babangida also said he often advises government on the matter but was not making noise about it.

While the Pan-Yoruba socio-political and cultural organisation, Afenifere, its counterpart in the north, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, and the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, concurred with the former military President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, however, disagreed, saying unless the country security’s architecture is restructured, no amount of arms will resolve the insecurity problem.

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However, the former President, who spoke in an interview with BBC Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna yesterday, said it has become imperative for citizens to support government and soldiers in order to bring an end to the crisis but not without adequately equipping the military with modern weapons and training.

Asked if he believed Nigerian soldiers needed modern weapons, he said: “Yes, they do. They also need to be trained on how to use modern weapons, not to get weapons and just hand over to them. They should be trained.”

On whether he has ever advised the Federal Government on ways to end insecurity, which has now crept into his state, Niger, Babangida said: “ We give advice as we can..but we don’t make noise about it. We don’t announce that this is what we say.

“We should unite. We should support those in power; we are all working towards achieving the same goal. Between the leaders and citizens, we need peace and a harmonious relationship.

“This problem of insecurity, every government had its experience… but if we unite…I remember how we fought the civil war for three years, the people supported the government, the government did its best, bought what was necessary. Those who fought were made to understand that this country is the best for them.

“It’s not only in Nigeria, many countries encountered this kind of problem. Some had it for ten years but through concerted efforts, they are out of it. I believe we can get out of this problem.

“Both citizens and those governing are trying, but we should know that it is not an easy task.”

On whether politicians are playing the desired role to bring an end to insecurity, Babangida said there are many things that had to be put right, noting that “if they agree to sit down and think over, I believe success will be achieved.’’

On what to put right, he said it is important to rally round soldiers and other security agents, support them and let them know the citizens were are behind them.

“Provide them with all they require and let them know this is their country, they’ve no other country better than this.”