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Tag: General Christopher Musa

  • CDS to troops: Respect citizens’ rights during operations

    CDS to troops: Respect citizens’ rights during operations

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa has re-emphasized the importance of respecting and protecting citizens’ human rights, especially for troops involved in internal security operations across the country.

    According to him, members of the Armed Forces were trained to protect lives and properties as well as to respect the citizens’ human rights.

    Musa said this when he visited frontline troops of OPERATION SAFE HAVEN in Kaduna and Plateau states.

    The defence chief reminded them that their primary role is to protect lives and properties, and that respecting human rights was a crucial part of that responsibility.

    The CDS statement was seen as a great step towards promoting a culture of respect and accountability within the Armed Forces.

    Read Also: Why we had to remove fuel subsidy, by Tinubu

    The statement came against the backdrop of criticism by an international human rights organisation of alleged human rights abuse by the military, amidst the Armed Force’s efforts and achievements in improving security in Nigeria.

    In a statement yesterday, by the Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau, General Musa tasked troops to approach with renewed and greater vigour, the fight against insurgency in the new year. He, however, warned them to desist from anything that would bring the military into disrepute.

    The statement said: “General Musa further called on troops to take the fight to the criminal hideouts and flush them out completely. He also said he wants to see a renewed and greater vigor in the fight against Insurgency in the year 2025.”

  • Don’t transact business with terrorists, non-state actors, CDS cautions Nigerians

    Don’t transact business with terrorists, non-state actors, CDS cautions Nigerians

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa yesterday warned against transacting with terrorists, bandits, and other non-state actors.

    He noted that unpatriotic elements have been trading with these groups, thereby sabotaging the efforts of the military and other security agencies.

    The CDS spoke with reporters after visiting patients at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Medical Centre as part of the Christmas celebration which coincided with his birthday.

    The Defence Chief said the military and other security agencies have made significant progress in the fight against terrorism and insecurity.

    He said: “There is a remarkable improvement in the security situation, and we are going to take that further.

    Read Also: CAN to FG: prioritise food security

    “Next year is defining, which means that we will do everything possible to ensure that Nigeria is peaceful.

    “The mistakes that were made in the past when this thing (terrorism/banditry) started was that we did not nip it in the bud. We allowed it to get to where it is.

    “But we are getting a lot of support from Nigerians, a lot of prayers, a lot of information. We must continue to do that.

    “I want to also call on those few ones that think they are making money by trading with those terrorists and bandits. Those terrorists and bandits have no respect for anybody.

    “Once you think you are trading with them they are going to come after you.

    “If they don’t come after you, they will come after your relations – your brother, your sister, your wife, your husband. So, please nobody should trade with those guys.

    “If we do not encourage them, we do not trade with them, they will not survive. That is the important thing we are saying.”

    Army Chief: we’re winning war against oil thrives

    Also yesterday, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said the army was winning the war against oil thieves and economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta.

    He spoke at the Headquarters of the 6 Division during a Christmas luncheon he organised for the frontline troops of the division.

    Gen Oluyede, represented by the Commander, Training and Doctrine, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, recalled that some months ago, 1.4 million barrels were produced per day, but production has increased to a little above 1.8m barrels per day.

    He said: “The work we have done underscores the importance the government attaches to the need to ensure that income of the government continues to flow in.

    “In a couple of months back we were probably doing less than 1.4m barrels per day but now we are a little above 1.8m barrels per day, which is a significant increase and it bears testament to the efforts the troops are making.

    “Since they have raised the bar to that level, they will take it to the next level and we are winning the war on that.

    “To achieve exactly what we want, we need the cooperation of the people of the Niger Delta across the various creeks where we have the pipelines.

    “The collective efforts of our troops to secure lives and properties are well-appreciated by well-meaning Nigerians and friends of Nigeria overseas”.

    Oluyede asked the troops to remain focused, disciplined and loyal to the constituted authority while ensuring full commitment to achieving their constitutional responsibilities.

    He hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and strategic guidance of the army pledging his unalloyed support for President Tinubu.

    He said: “The army will ever remain committed and focused on winning all land battles in defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria, protect our national interest and accomplish other tasks.”

    General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdulssalam, said the last 12 months had been particularly challenging for the troops following the activities of oil thieves, pipeline vandals and other criminals attempting to thwart the achievement recorded by the division.

    He said: “I am happy to say that your hard work and resilience have resulted in significant achievements so far recorded.”

  • Yuletide: CDS felicitates troops on Christmas

    Yuletide: CDS felicitates troops on Christmas

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged members of the Armed Forces to use the Christmas period for introspection and sober reflection of the immeasurable love of God to them as individuals as well as members of their families.  

    He also urged Nigerians to abide by the teachings of love, forgiveness and togetherness as exemplified by Jesus Christ. 

    The CDS, in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau, on Wednesday, December 24, noted that the birth of Jesus Christ was evidently the heralding of good tidings and hope to the hopeless. 

    The statement said: “The CDS noted that the year has been eventful, dotted with few incidents. Despite all these, Almighty God has been gracious and merciful unto us as we are alive to witness another Christmas celebration.  

    “We do remember with a heavy heart that some of our colleagues who started the year with us, lost their lives in the process of keeping our nation safe from all forms of insecurity occasioned by the activities of terrorists, bandits and other non-state actors. 

    “As a mark of respect to our colleagues who paid the supreme price, the CDS urged our troops to ensure the year 2025 is defined by positive changes in the security narratives in all our theatres of operations.”

    Read Also: CDS Musa sets high bar for newly-decorated Major Generals

    General Musa also acknowledged troops’ resilience, and highly impressive will to fight in various theatres of operations across the nation. 

    He saluted their courage and sacrifices in securing the lives and prosperity of our dear country, and assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    The CDS also pledged the military unalloyed loyalty to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    As the CDS, General Musa has been leading the Armed Forces with a focus on unity and cooperation, emphasizing the importance of working together to address the security challenges facing the country. 

  • CDS Musa sets high bar for newly-decorated Major Generals

    CDS Musa sets high bar for newly-decorated Major Generals

    • ‘Make 2025 decisive in fight against terrorism, insecurity’

    • Terrorism trials: Fed Govt disposes 1,743 cases, secure 742 convicts in four year

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged 35 newly decorated Major-Generals to make 2025 a determining year in the fight against terrorism and insecurity across the country.

    Gen. Musa, who spoke at the decoration ceremony of the Major-Generals at the Command Officers Mess in Abuja, said their elevation indicated that there is always a reward for hard work in the Armed Forces.

    He said: “We have been dealing with insurgencies, terrorism, and banditry for 15 or 16 years and still counting. I think it is high time we dealt with it finally. I know we can do it. So, I want to call on all of us to put on our thinking caps and make that great sacrifice that 2025 should be a determining year for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    “Having reached the peak of your careers, always remember that the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces will continue to rely on the leadership and expertise of individuals like you to safeguard our country and its people. Nigeria is looking up to us. We must do everything to defend democracy in Nigeria and across the sub-region. It is a duty and a task for all of us to perform.

    “Our nation is going through so much and it takes men of steel and character for us to succeed, and that is what we aim for. The rank of Major-General signifies not only a high level of responsibility but also a deep sense of duty towards our country and its people.

    “I, therefore, congratulate you and your families on achieving this laudable feat. Today is, however, not only a day for celebration but also a clarion call to the tasks ahead.”

    Read Also; How to tackle corruption, by President Tinubu 

    The CDS urged the newly decorated Major-Generals and other officers of the Armed Forces to remain committed in the task ahead, not thinking of self but the nation, and uphold democratic governance and loyalty to constituted authority.

    The COAS, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, reminded the newly promoted Major-Generals that with higher rank comes higher responsibilities.

    “From now onwards, more accountabilities will be required and demanded of you. As Major-Generals, what you do or fail to do matters a lot to the system, and particularly the national security.

    “Therefore, I charge you all to always keep your new status in mind to avoid embarrassing the military establishment and profession and particularly to justify the confidence that has been imposed in you,” he said.

    Also, the Federal Government has said it disposed of 1,743 terrorism cases and secured 742 convictions in the past four years.

    It said 880 suspected terrorists were discharged or acquitted by the court, while 92 cases were adjourned within the period.

    The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF) and that of the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Mohammed Baba Doko, gave the update at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) yesterday in Abuja.

    The director said the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration had made significant progress in the trials of suspected terrorists.

    He said: “Between the year 2017 and till date, a number of suspects were prosecuted at Wawa in Kainji (Niger State). At the first phase of the trial, 282 cases were disposed of, 50 of which got convictions, 203 discharged for want of evidence, and 28 adjourned to Abuja for continuation of trial.

    “At the second phase of the trial in 2018, a total number of 804 suspects or cases were disposed of, out of which 203 got convictions, 582 were discharged for want of evidence, and the other cases were adjourned to Abuja for continuation of trial.

    “At the third phase of the trial, between July 9 and 12, 2018, a total number of 224 cases were disposed of, out of which 113 got convictions, 97 were discharged for want of evidence, five were acquitted, and nine other cases were adjourned for continuation of trial.

    “At the fourth phase of trial in December 2023, a total number of 25 cases were listed for trial, 14 got convictions, one was ordered to be sent to Operation Safe Corridor for DDR rehabilitation and reintegration, and 10 cases were adjourned for continuation of trial.

    “At the fifth phase of the trial in July 2024, a total number of 253 cases were disposed of, out of which 125 got convictions, 85 were about terrorism financing cases, 22 were related to International Criminal Court (ICC) criminalities; that is, crimes against humanity; and 22 were adjourned for trial.

    “Now, at the sixth phase of trial, two weeks ago (December 2024), a total number of 237 cases were disposed of, about nine were adjourned for continuation of trial.”

    According to the DPP, some of the cases include acts of terrorism, terrorism financing, ICC criminalities, for which some of the defendants were sentenced to terms of imprisonment.

    “Now, it’s important to note that within the last one year of this administration, about 515 cases were disposed of, and over 800 clients – we call them clients. Those that have served terms or were discharged or acquitted at the final stages of trial were moved to Operation Safe Corridor for rehabilitation and reintegration in accordance with the orders of the court and the policy of the Federal Government.

    “So, all of these steps were taken in conjunction with relevant stakeholders to ensure accountability for the crimes committed by violent people across the country, not just Boko Haram.”

    He said the suspect kept and tried at the Wawa military cantonment in Kainji in Niger State was due to security considerations.

  • We’ll continue to prioritise troops’ welfare, says CDS

    We’ll continue to prioritise troops’ welfare, says CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has assured that the military high command would continue to prioritise the welfare of personnel, especially those on the frontline.

    He said the leadership of the country and that of the military appreciate the troops’ sacrifices to keep the country save and secured.

    The CDS said this on Wednesday during a press conference launching the “Tribute to Our Troops,” an event commemorating Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Celebration 2025.

    Represented by the Director of Civil-Military Relations at the Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Anthony Epe, Gen. Musa, said the event was a testament to the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to foster unity, showcase resilience, and celebrate the valour of servicemen and women who had dedicated their lives to safeguarding our country.

    He said: “The third edition of “Tribute to our Troops” is not just an event, but a movement that combines the power of music, culture, and philanthropy to honour the selfless sacrifices and bravery of the armed men and women of the Armed forces of Nigeria, while offering a unique platform to connect the military with the civilian population, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and collaboration for the progress of our great nation.

    Read Also: CDS urges media to promote military’s counterinsurgency efforts through development journalism

    “It also highlights the cultural richness and unity that defines us as Nigerians, serving as a beacon of hope and patriotism.

    “We are confident that this third edition of Tribute to our Troop will inspire a deeper sense of national pride and solidarity among Nigerians. We urge you, gentlemen of the press, our esteemed partners in nation-building, to amplify this message of appreciation for our troops and their roles in ensuring the peace and stability of our nation.

    “This year’s edition is proudly endorsed by me and supported by the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Naval Headquarters, and the Nigerian Air Force. And this reflects the enduring spirit of teamwork within our Armed Forces.”

    Earlier in her remarks, the Founder of Tribute to Our Troops, Princess Olivia Ava Adom, this year’s edition would inspire and engage Nigerians through new and exciting features such as the Hall of Fame – where families and communities can honour fallen heroes, Podcast conversations focused on enhancing civil-military relations, mummy market-style exhibition, and an hour live podcast to share the spirit of “Tribute to Our Troops” with Nigerians.

  • IEDs informants our biggest challenges in terrorism battle, says CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has said that the increasing use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorists, as well as the support provided to them by informants, are significant obstacles in the fight against terrorism in the country.

    General Musa said this on Tuesday, November 26, at a two-day symposium on Security and Justice for the military and security agencies organized by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Abuja.

    The CDS said that the country’s security challenges could better be addressed by ensuring that every citizen has a sense of belonging.

    He said: “All the challenges we are facing today have to do with justice, securing peace, ensuring justice, protection, conduct, and accountability. There will not be peace if there is no fairness, equity, and justice anywhere in any society. So I’m happy this has been brought here, and I’m sure the discussions will bring out the relevance of these issues that we will tackle.

    “Nigeria is going through so many challenges, and I feel we will be able to address this if everybody feels a sense of belonging, a lot of the security challenges we are having, I am sure, will go down.

    “For us in the Armed Forces during our operations, the challenges we are facing, IEDs. IEDs have been the major challenge since the beginning of the insurgency. So we are looking at aspects of how we handle this, what solutions, and what new things can we do.

    “Because you have to be creative. To fight this insurgency, you have to be creative and innovative every day. Because they are not relenting.

    “The issue of Informants. We have to look at how we tackle this issue of informants. Because these are the people who have created the issue.

    “Those supporting the terrorists by giving them logistics, we have to look for the oxygen. Where is the funding? How are they getting the logistics across? As the theatre commander in the Northeast, we found out that if we are able to deny them this logistics, this oxygen, they will not survive. We did that, and that’s why you have almost 200,000 that have surrendered.

    “So, I think if we replicate that all over, we will have very good results. It is also very important that we work together as a team. All security agencies.”

    General Musa emphasized the strategy of all of society’s approaches to end terrorism and violent extremism in the country.

    He said: “We cannot do it alone without the public. So the citizens must be sensitized, and that comes about the issue of strategic communication.

    “I have observed that with asymmetrical challenges we are facing if you don’t communicate, you might be doing the right thing, but the perception might be different. And the enemy is working on that. So it’s important that we get that part of that.

    “And we cannot work in isolation as a country. We need our international partners working together with us. Our neighbours are also very relevant to us.”

    Earlier in his opening remarks, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the symposium was a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration among security and justice institutions with the objective “to delve into the successes, challenges, and opportunities for growth within the realms of security and justice.”

    According to the NSA, the symposium would provide an avenue to review and map existing frameworks, evaluate institutional practices, establish collaborative mechanisms, and chart a course towards a safer and more just society for all.

    Ribadu said: “As we embark on this journey of critical analysis and discussion, let us keep in mind the noble goals set before us, from analyzing and strengthening the intricate relationship between military operations and law enforcement to enhancing the protection of civilians (very important) and fostering a culture of justice and accountability to promoting a unified approach in countering improvised explosive devices.

    “Each objective is poised to make a significant impact. Our intended achievements are ambitious, of course, yet entirely within our reach.”

    Read Also: Ondo 2024: CDS assures parties of impartiality

    The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, emphasized that security challenges in Nigeria and across the African continent are complex and, hence require a multifaceted approach.

    He commended the leadership of Nigeria for prioritizing both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in fighting terrorism.

    He said: “This symposium was part of a security and defence partnership that was first initiated some years ago but was renewed under the National Security Adviser leadership in February this year.

    “I think we have had a good dialogue on the fact that we all face complex security challenges in many parts of the world, certainly in the West Africa region and even in Nigeria. And these complex challenges require a multifaceted approach.

    “I am really delighted to hear General Musa, talk about the nexus between civil and military collaboration, between kinetic and non-kinetic action, and this is an area where we have seen some really important lessons for us emerge from the Nigerian security architecture and from Nigeria’s leadership today, and it’s inspiring to be working along with them.”

  • CDS reaffirms synergy with traditional institution for national stability 

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed the military’s commitment to collaborating with traditional institutions for national stability. 

    He said the partnership was crucial as traditional institutions possess valuable insights into local dynamics and community relationships, essential for promoting peace and security.

    General Musa said this when he received the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, Dein Keagborekuzi Benjamin Gbenoba 1, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

    The CDS described the traditional rulers as vanguards for national stability, emphasizing its crucial role in national unity and stability.

    Read Also: CDS, IG hailed over rescue of journalists

     He thanked the First Class Chief for finding time to visit him in his office, and assured him of the military’s readiness to protect the nation’s territorial integrity to ensure peace and stability.

    The CDS maintained that the military was willing to address all forms of insecurity in the country. 

    Earlier in his remarks, the Dein of Agbor thanked the military for its dedication and “great services” to the nation and beyond. 

    He commended the sacrifices by members of the military, and thanked the CDS for “accepting the apology tendered by the people of Okouma over the killing of military personnel” in March, 2024.

    He described the military as the “pinnacle of the nation”, and thanked the members of the Armed Forces for protecting the country from all forms of adversaries. 

  • CDS urges senior officers to increase dedication to national security

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged senior military officers to demonstrate increased dedication to the safety and security of the country.

    General Musa spoke yesterday in Abuja at the opening of this year’s joint Strategic National Security Exercise (STRANEX) organised for participants of National Defence College (NDC) Course 32 and those of the service’s war colleges by the NDC.

    The CDS, who was represented by the Director of Peace Keeping Operations at the Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Hilary Mabeokwu, said the exercise marked a turning point in their shared resolve to protect the security and residents of Nigeria against new threats.

    He said the main goal of STRANEX was to thoroughly test and certify the national security plans in the context of crisis simulations, adding that the exercise “offers a priceless chance for top level decision making and leadership growth”.

    General Musa said: “Our goal in conducting this exercise is to evaluate our preparedness in every area of national defence.

    Read Also: Police minister: protest a threat to national security, prosperity

    “All aspects of our national security infrastructure will be examined for military readiness and intelligence capabilities to civil-military coordination and strategic communications.

    “Crucially, STRANEX provides a forum for promoting interagency collaboration and coordination.”

    The CDS said the Armed Forces, law enforcement, intelligence, community and emergency responders could build their ties through such exercise to confront the complicated risks and hardship facing the country.

    According to him, beyond its short-term goals, STRANEX emphasises a longer term commitment to ongoing national security posture modification and enhancement.

  • CDS to soldiers: we’re committed to your welfare, capacity development

    CDS to soldiers: we’re committed to your welfare, capacity development

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has reassured military personnel of the government’s commitment to provide improved welfare and capacity development for them.

    The CDS told them that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was working to provide enhanced salaries, allowances and operational support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    He urged the personnel to always protect innocent civilians and respect their rights.

    General Musa spoke during his maiden visit to the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) at Oshodi in Lagos where he emphasised the centre’s significance in preparing troops for retirement.

    “I want all of you to hold your heads very high, be proud of who you are as members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Whether they like it or not, we will continue to succeed. Nigeria will continue to survive, and no evil shall befall any of us. Is that clear?

    Read Also; Tinubu most gender-friendly president since independence – APC women leaders

    “We must continue to do the right thing; we must avoid anything that puts our name in dispute, anything illegal.

    “I promise you that as long as I remain the Chief of Defence Staff, I will safeguard the welfare, training, and wellbeing of our personnel,” he said.

    Expressing gratitude to the soldiers their service to the nation, Musa stressed the importance of equipping retiring personnel with skills for reintegration into civil life.

    The CDS acknowledged the challenges in transitioning from military to civilian roles, praising NAFRC for its role in making such transitions less traumatic through the provision of opportunities for new skills for retiring personnel.

    “We realise that before joining the military, we were civilians. If you’re lucky, you serve for 35 years in the system. We prepare them for the future because on retirement, it’s a different ball game entirely. That’s why we want them to be happier than when they were in service.

    “This centre gives them the opportunity to learn skills they were not used to. Over time, they’ve been trained in shooting and other military tasks. Now, they have to think of the future, and this is what this centre presents to them: the ability to prepare for the future,” he said.

    On the complaints by soldiers about overstaying at various theatres of operations, Musa promised that rotation would be adhered to in order to prevent prolonged deployments.

    Responding to questions about restoring peace, particularly in Okuama Community of Delta State, the CDS reiterated the military’s commitment to protecting civilians and targeting only criminal elements.

    He emphasised professionalism, respect for human rights, and accountability for any misconduct among personnel.

    Musa also acknowledged the government’s support for military development and the collective efforts of commanders to address security challenges nationwide.

    NAFRC’s Commandant, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Herbert Adeniyi Amensilola, sought further support to ensure that the centre could continue to meet global trends and maintain its status as a first-class training institution.

  • CDS’ warning

    CDS’ warning

    We cannot ignore General Musa’s warning about subverts behind insecurity in the country

    It is as though we are a nation in a trance. The spate of abductions has stunned the country, with its citizens wondering if this is now a nightmarish normal. But a context came from the lips of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, who blamed it on elements in the country who want to bring down the government.

    This is a grave statement if it is made by anybody in the polity, it is ominously weightier because it was Nigeria’s first soldier who uttered it. He said the bad eggs among us want to “cause rancour and mayhem,” and are targeting underdevelopment. What it implies without much elucidation is that Nigeria is not just battling hordes of criminals who kidnap persons, loot, murder and destroy. The hoodlums are committing crimes of subversion. It means they are political.

    We do not believe General Musa is flippant, and he uttered those words with a sense of gravity and urgency. It is therefore important for the nation and its intelligence forces to be at work to ferret out all those who have hands in these waves of violence. It has started by releasing some names behind terror in our country.

    For a country just out of the turmoil of an election season, it implies the bitterness of the past year that involved tribal and religious reverberations and personal baiting has not abated. It has been converted into a spasm of revenge by taking a toll on innocent boys and girls in schools, helpless old men and women in remote, apparently ungoverned spaces and markets and highways. It is a set of dedicated hoodlums with riches and political motives weaponising jobless youths and making them rich through plunder.

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    President Bola Tinubu has been warning that there are persons who are fighting the state, and the top military officer only reinforced what the president might have been saying when he spoke of corruption and smugglers fighting back.

    Yet, the situation is dire and calls for the government to summon its imagination and resources to tackle this present danger.  Only recently, Kaduna State has been in the crosshairs of fear and trembling. The rapidity of the incidents is so staggering, it is hard for citizens to keep pace of events and numbers. While we thought the Chibok girls macabre plot was the limit, the number is now beaten by the kidnap of 287 students, not in Borno but in Kaduna. We witnessed a few years ago when, in defiance of the then President Muhammadu Buhari, the goons whisked boys into the forest for long hours of trekking. We also witnessed recently over 80 persons kidnapped after the 287 agony from Buda community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. In Sokoto, 16 Koranic pupils were abducted while in Borno, many women were ferreted away from an Internally Displaced Persons’ camp.

    General Musa has reiterated the efforts of the military to stop this crimson plot. But it must be said that the rapine and swagger of this goons will not have been so bad if the communities helped the army. These criminals are not ghosts. They eat, and therefore they have cooks, suppliers of food stuff. They drink water, and so they either buy them or go to streams or enjoy the facilities of borehole. They cannot acquire all these themselves without the help of society. When they kidnapped hundreds of children, they must have crossed hamlets and villages. Their motorcycles were not soundless and the communities are not earless.

    Yet for them to thrive in such communities, is a failure on two fronts. One is the lack of civic input and commitment to the safety of the communities, especially in the north. Two, we must stress that the

    Department of State Services (DSS) ought to step up its game. It is obvious that it requires an overhaul.

    If the army is looking overwhelmed, it is because the key inputs of intelligence and civic cooperation are lacking. Perhaps hence the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced that the Federal Government is weighing the option of enlisting the help of the United States and other unnamed countries to tackle this existential problem.

    “We’re aware that it is not just the U.S. that has offered to help,” he said. “Other countries have also offered to support Nigeria. But what we can tell you is that the government is still reviewing these offers and the position of government will be made known.”

    This is not a time for bitterness but for all to work together for the Nigerian commonwealth. If the economy is in the process of repair, it does not pay us for some to exploit for discontent and subversion.

    If the U.S. and other nations would help, we must prioritise the use of technology. Warfare today is less about brawn but brains, less about men in boots but the software of intelligence, especially artificial intelligence. That is what can upend the foes in the land.