As the dust raised by the rash of coups in the West African sub-region is yet to settle, coupled with fears that the problem may spread if not quickly curtailed, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa, Saturday, rose from a meeting with military commanders in Abuja, and declared that the Armed Forces of Nigeria staunchly support the sustenance and deepening of democracy in the country.
The Defence Chief not only declared the support of the Armed Forces for sustained democratic rule in Nigeria, he also vowed to deal decisively with any threat to national security, wherever it may rear its ugly head.
General Musa specifically urged his colleagues and men and officers in the security forces to do their utmost in ensuring the survival and well-being of democracy in Nigeria.
“Democracy remains what we stand for,” Musa declared. “We must do everything humanly possible to sustain democratic rule.
“We have the trust and support of Nigerian people. We must honour that thrust.”
The CDS also promised hotter hell for terrorists, armed bandits, and kidnappers as the security forces will never spare them.
“All threats will be dealt with decisively,” he vowed. “No kidnapper, terrorist, and bandit will be spared.”
The Defence Chief also hinted at the restructuring of military operations in view of evolving threats and the need for new strategies even as he emphasised the compelling need for joint operations of the military and other security forces.
Musa promised that the military high command would look into the issues raised during the meeting, especially inadequate manpower, lack of support weapons, and drones, among others.
His words: “Other challenges like the inadequate manpower, lack of support weapons, gun trucks, and drones, as well as the inadequate tracking equipment and the teams to operate them have been noted. The issue of inadequate personal rifles will also be addressed.
“Another crucial aspect that emerged from our deliberations is the need for innovation and adaptability.
“The security landscape is ever-evolving, and we must continuously assess and improve our strategies, tactics, and capabilities to effectively counter emerging threats.
“Embracing new technologies, fostering a culture of innovation, and promoting a learning mindset is essential for maintaining our operational edge. Let us encourage and empower our personnel to think creatively, to challenge conventional wisdom, and to embrace change as we strive for continuous improvement.”
The disturbing issue of inter-agency rivalry also caught the attention of the Defence Chief, as he charged the commanders of joint task forces to embrace synergy of operations.
“One of the key takeaways from our discussions has been the importance of unity of effort. As commanders, we must foster a culture of cooperation, collaboration, and synergy among our forces.
“By breaking down barriers, sharing resources, and leveraging each other’s strengths, we can maximise our collective impact and achieve our shared objectives.
“Let us bring this spirit of jointness back to our respective task forces and integrate it into our daily operations.
“Similarly, the need to reform the structure of the various operations was keenly noted and will be considered.”
General Musa, according to a report by Thisday newspaper, also implored the commanders to priortise the welfare of personnel and foster cordial relationships with communities in their jurisdictions.
Hear General Musa again: “Furthermore, we must prioritise the welfare and professional development of our personnel. Our greatest asset is our human capital, and it is through their dedication, expertise, and resilience that we achieve success on the battlefield.
“As commanders, we have a responsibility to ensure their well-being, provide them with the necessary resources and support, and create an environment that nurtures their growth and development.
“Let us invest in their training, mentorship, and career progression, recognising that their success is intricately tied to the success of our joint operations.
“I would also like to emphasise the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships with the communities we serve.”
General Musa was not done. He expatiated on the issue of cooperation with local communities, which he described as critical to success, adding that “the trust and support of the local population are critical in our efforts to counter-insurgency, terrorism, and other security challenges.
“We must continue to engage with community leaders, religious leaders, and other stakeholders, listening to their concerns, addressing their grievances, and involving them in the decision-making processes.
“By doing so, we can gain valuable insights, foster cooperation, and build resilient communities that are actively involved in securing their futures.”