DEFENCE
Inter-agency Rivalry and Internal Security
The rot, lack of intelligence and interagency cooperation in the nation’s security apparatus which many have observed and complained about was recently exposed in the clash between the army and police, which left about 6 people dead, including some police officers attached to the IRT of the police headquarters and the mysterious escape from custody of an alleged notorious kidnap kingpin, Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume in Ibi, Taraba State.
According to accounts by the police, some of its special operatives from Abuja were in Taraba where they effected the arrest of a kidnap suspect and were on their way to Jalingo, the state capital, when soldiers at an army checkpoint opened fire on the vehicle they were travelling in, killing three police officers and a civilian and leaving others injured. The arrested kidnap suspect, who was in handcuffs, was allegedly freed by the soldiers, the police have said. The army had in its defense, in the wake if the incident, said that soldiers from the 93 Battalion got a distress call that kidnappers had come to operate in their community, leading to the hot pursuit that culminated in the unfortunate killings.
But this was countered by the police in another statement wherein it raised some posers: “Where is the notorious kidnapper, Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume ‘rescued’ by the soldiers? How could a kidnap suspect, restrained with handcuffs by the police, escape from the hands of his military rescuers? If Hamisu Wadume is a ‘victim of kidnap’ as claimed, and properly rescued by soldiers, why was he not taken to the Army base for documentation purposes and debriefing in line with the standard operating procedure in the Nigerian army? Why were the police operatives shot at close range even after they had identified themselves as police officers on legitimate duty as evident in the video now in circulation?”In raising these posers, have accused the soldiers of working in cohorts with the notorious kidnapper, hence their move to save him at all cost after he was arrested.Rising criminality across the country, from cattle rustling and kidnapping in the North West to insurgency in the North East, herders and farmers clashes in the North Central, Kidnapping and armed banditry in the South East and South West and oil bunkering in the South South, has seen the increased involvement of the army in matters of internal security. Soldiers are now deployed to jobs that should ordinarily be handled by an already demotivated police force and what you find is cases of alleged abuses against citizens by the soldiers and deep seated rivalry and resentment between the soldiers and the police. Soldiers have often been accused of going all out to enrich themselves when posted on such assignments as indicated in reports which have alleged the involvement of an unnamed army captain in the Taraba incident.
The incident, as disgraceful as it is, presents an opportunity for thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances behind the instant case and to find the bad eggs in the system, as the incidence has lend credence to allegations of the existence of fifth columnists within the system who will stop at nothing to give cover to criminals to perpetrate their nefarious activities and work to get them off the hook if they are apprehended.
While we admit that the Police does not have the personnel to enforce security and the laws in the entire country as it ought to, the current development makes it imperative for military involvement in civil Affairs and matters of internal security to be reviewed to reflect that we are truly a democratic state.
With the pertinent issues raised by the police, we call on the military authorities to spare nothing in providing answers to those posers and also call on the federal government committee investigating the matter to do a thorough job and that when the report of the committee is presented, it should not be swept under the carpet.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa has restated commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to end security challenges in the country.
Musa stated this during a condolence visit to the Emir of Zazau, Malam Ahmed ed Bamalli, on Friday evening in Zaria, Kaduna State.
He assured that the security challenges facing the country would soon be a thing of past, and sought for prayers for the military to succeed.
Musa accompanied by some top military officers commiserated with the over the death of eight worshippers, who died in a mosque collapse.
The CDS conveyed the condolence of the Armed Forces and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.
He said: “I am in Kaduna for the Passing-out parade at Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, but felt I should take time out to pay you this condolence visit.
“As a father to me and the entire north, I count on your support and prayers so that we succeed in our various operations.
“I was here severally, I was in here in Zaria as the Commandant, Nigerian Army, Depot, and now as a Chief of Depence Staff, to God be the glory”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Aug. 11, eight worshipers died and 25 others sustained injuries sequel to the collapsed of a section of the 150-year-old Zaria Central Mosque during a congregational prayer session.
Responding, Bamalli expressed gratitude for the visit and commended President Bola Tinubu for finding Gen. Musa worthy of the appointment.
Bamalli noted that though the appointment was strictly base on merit, Mr President however deserves applaud from the entire people of Kaduna State for choosing a competent military officer from the state to serve in such capacity.
He expressed hope that security challenges in parts of the country would be addressed under the present administration.
The royal father said the council and the people of the state would continued to pray for the CDS and the government to succeed. (NAN)
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of Operation UDO KA II, has destroyed several hideouts of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its Eastern Security Network in Anambra and Imo States.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Gabkwet said the strikes were carried out on Tuesday at Mother Valley Orsumughu in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra and Aku Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo.
He said it was part of efforts aimed at dislocating their nefarious activities while denying them the liberty to carry out their destructive acts and killing sprees on innocent and law-abiding Nigerians.
According to him, the strikes at both locations achieved their intended outcome and were deemed effective.
“Acting on credible intelligence that IPOB/ESN terrorists had perfected plans to disrupt civic activities lined up in the coming days in Anambra and other southeastern states.
“The air strikes were authorised in conjunction with ground troops and other security agencies on the location believed to also house some of their weapons and ammunition.
“The strikes hit the target and were deemed successful following the ball of fire, fleeing terrorists at the location as well as feedback received,” he said.
Gabkwet said that other air strikes were conducted same day, in close coordination with surface forces at IPOB/ESN hideout camps in Aku Ihube in Imo after a detailed analysis of intelligence on the terrorists converging for a likely rendezvous at their hideout.
He said the air strikes were also authorised to take out the hideout where the targets were acquired and attacked in succession, with a high degree of success.
According to him, efforts by the NAF and other security agencies to ensure all Nigerians, irrespective of where they reside, are safe and free to conduct their activities without fear or being threatened will continue.“While the determination of the security agencies is unwavering, the support of all Nigerians to the security agencies remains critical to defeating these criminal elements whose only intent is to sow fear and division among the citizenry,” he said.
…Prioritize Nigeria’s unity
Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has admonished military personnel in various offices to prioritise loyalty to Nigeria’s unity and democracy.
AbdulRazaq advised the military to take cognizance of the fact that democracy remained key for Nigeria as a country, which forms a part of the global village.
The governor gave the advice on Tuesday while speaking at the 45 Basic Medical Qualifying Course, Nigerian Navy College of Health Sciences, in Offa, headquarters of the Offa Local Government Area of the state.
He noted that Nigeria cannot be isolated from the larger space, adding that loyalty to constituted authorities must be unadulterated as discipline is the bedrock of the military.
Represented by his Deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi, the governor urged the graduands to exhibit deep respect for the rule of law and fundamental human rights.
He also enjoined military personnel to shun partisan politics and all acts that are prejudicial to the interest of the service and the nation at large.
“As you celebrate today, all graduands must bear in mind that a lot has been invested in your training by the College, the Nigerian Navy and by extension our dear country Nigeria.
“I am also mindful of the fact that the College has continued to update its course contents and programmes in line with global practices.
“All these efforts should be evident henceforth in the discharge of your duties as naval personnel and medical professionals,” he advised.
AbdulRazaq, however, commended the commandant, instructors and entire staff of the college who have put in their best to improve the welfare and infrastructure in the college, within the limits of available scarce resources.
The governor assured of the government of Kwara to supporting the college as deemed necessary to meet up with its requirements for both training and operations.
In his remarks, Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu, charged the graduating students to contribute to the vision of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
AbdulRazaq Returns Four Commissioners in New Kwara Cabinet
Nwatu said the vision of the Chief of Naval Staff is to implement a highly motivated professional Naval Force capable of shaping the security outcomes within Nigeria’s maritime domain and littorals, including land-based engagement in fulfillment of Nigeria’s national interest.
In her address, the Commandant, Nigerian Navy College of Health Sciences, Capt. Anastasia Ossai, observed that training is at the core of the Chief of the Naval Staff’s strategic directives.
Ossai added that the aspiration of the college as an institution is to train highly skilled, disciplined and dedicated medical staff capable of responding to the health care needs of the Nigerian Navy for optimal performance.
She charged the graduands to be ready to make vital inputs towards the attainment of safe medical practice, national growth and unity for the country.
The Ness Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 61 students from the basic medical qualifying course and 48 students from the professional course graduated at the event. (NAN)
…Prioritize Nigeria’s unity
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