Following the turbulence of insecurity that has continued unabated in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari has given a fresh directive to the Nigerian military to wipe out the terrorist in the country with immediate effect. The President said Nigeria has come under the siege of terrorism in the last 12 years and it has to stop. Northern Nigeria especially, has been under a series of attacks from terrorists and bandits who have grown from bad to worst in the last two years and seem unabated. Communities have come under attack, Kidnapping for ransom, farmer-harder clash of varying dimensions among others have been the order of the day.
In what appeared to be the renewed wave of terror against the defenseless Nigerians, terrorists in March 2022 blew up a rail line that link Kaduna state to Abuja resulting in the fatal crash as eight passengers lost their lives while a score was abducted.
In a similar fashion, Kuje correctional facility came under attack from the Islamic State of West African Province, ISWAP, freeing all 64 Boko haram terrorist commanders that were under detention as well as 400 other inmates.
The incident leads to the loss of lives of an operative of a Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and four other inmates.
The southeastern part of the country is not an isolated case, killing, arson, and war of attrition against the security from the Eastern Security Network, ESN popularly called “unknown gunmen” has become a daily incident.
In a renewed commitment to safeguarding the country, President Buhari and his regional counterpart have reiterated his commitment to making the sub-region safe.
Buhari made these comments at the graduating ceremony of 247 students of the Senior Course 44 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna state.
According to a statement titled, ‘President Buhari lauds combat readiness, the operational capability of the Nigerian military, pledges more support in the fight against insurgency.’
The statement quoted the president saying there is an ongoing collaboration of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger Republic, Benin Republic, and Chad in a multinational operation to combat the Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad region.
Buhari continued, “This occasion provides me another opportunity to briefly reflect on the state of the Nigerian nation, particularly regarding national security.
“The last 12 years have been very challenging for our nation, considering the different security threats that have besieged the country.
He reiterated that “Our government is poised to promote national security and development, as well as to remain committed to promoting a vision of a secure, safe, just, peaceful, prosperous and strong Nigeria.”
While calling the attention of the graduating student, Buhari said, ‘‘It will be part of your duty to confront these terrorists and insurgents and wipe them off the face of the earth and bring peace to our countries.”
The president applauded the Armed forces saying they are “working tirelessly to enhance their combat effectiveness, operational capability, and training necessary to eliminate the threats, in synergy with other institutions and nations.”
Earlier, in his welcoming remarks, the Commandant of the College, Air Vice-Marshall, Olurotimi Tuwase, explained that 111 Army officers, 69 naval officers, 42 air force officers, 10 students from paramilitary organizations and Ministries, Department and Agencies as well as 15 international students completed the 48 weeks intensive training, leading to the award of Pass Staff Course.
He added that the international students on the Senior Course 44 were from countries like Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, and Zambia.
Meanwhile, the commandant thanks Mr. President for his unwavering support of the Armed forces in getting the job done, noting that students from the prestigious school have been sufficiently trained and equipped to cope with most challenges in their career, with the staff and leadership skills acquired in the College.
At the end of the program, Buhari presented PSC certificates and awards to select graduates as well as the best graduating students.
