Insecurity: Nigeria Is In A Critical Situation, Says Defence Minister

…DHQ Mulls Kinetic Approach To Tackle Insurgency,
Banditry

The Minister of Defence, Major General Salihi Magashi (rtd),
Monday, hinted that Nigeria is in a critical situation following
resurging terrorists’ attacks, banditry and abductions across the
nation.

He however opined that the security challenges require support
and collaboration of the civilian populace and critical
stakeholders in the national task of securing the country.

According to the Minister who spoke at a National Defence and
Security Summit organized by the Defence Headquarters with the
theme ‘Promoting Kinetic Operations as a Major Plank for Counter
Terrorism and Counter Insurgency in Nigeria’, “we are in a critical
situation that requires the understanding, buy-in, support and
collaboration of important stakeholders and key players in this
strategic option and national task. This is important to minimize
distractions and maximize civil support in order to facilitate
operational success and mission outcomes.”

He added, “this Summit is coming at a sobering time in the life
of our dear nation. A time, when merchants of violence are
threatening to tear the very foundations of our nation; a time when
diverse manifestations of security threats dot the landscape and
impact individuals, communities and almost all sub-national
entities in disconcerting ways; a time when fear and uncertainty
pervades the land; and a time when global indicators of national
insecurity give room for serious concern.”

“Physical insecurity in Nigeria unexpectedly, has both forward
and backward linkages to different shades and forms of national
security. Indeed, it is linked to political instability, economic
under-development and social inequalities. Others are food
insecurity and cumulative environmental degradation. These indicate
the multi-dimensional nature of national insecurity.

“In view of these realities, the Federal Government of Nigeria
has over the years applied a multi-lateral approach with our
contiguous neighbours and multi-dimensional efforts domestically.
In Southern Nigeria, the security approach include, but not limited
to: the convening of various stakeholder dialogues in the Niger
Delta; mounting of Single-Service, Joint and Special Task Forces;
establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC);
establishment of the Ministry of Niger Delta; declaration of the
Presidential Amnesty Programme for repentant Niger Delta militants;
proscription of the Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB); and the
establishment of the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre
Zone E in the Gulf of Guinea.”

…DHQ Mulls Kinetic Approach To Tackle Insurgency,
Banditry

The Minister of Defence, Major General Salihi Magashi (rtd),
Monday, hinted that Nigeria is in a critical situation following
resurging terrorists’ attacks, banditry and abductions across the
nation.

He however opined that the security challenges require support
and collaboration of the civilian populace and critical
stakeholders in the national task of securing the country.

According to the Minister who spoke at a National Defence and
Security Summit organized by the Defence Headquarters with the
theme ‘Promoting Kinetic Operations as a Major Plank for Counter
Terrorism and Counter Insurgency in Nigeria’, “we are in a critical
situation that requires the understanding, buy-in, support and
collaboration of important stakeholders and key players in this
strategic option and national task. This is important to minimize
distractions and maximize civil support in order to facilitate
operational success and mission outcomes.”

He added, “this Summit is coming at a sobering time in the life
of our dear nation. A time, when merchants of violence are
threatening to tear the very foundations of our nation; a time when
diverse manifestations of security threats dot the landscape and
impact individuals, communities and almost all sub-national
entities in disconcerting ways; a time when fear and uncertainty
pervades the land; and a time when global indicators of national
insecurity give room for serious concern.”

“Physical insecurity in Nigeria unexpectedly, has both forward
and backward linkages to different shades and forms of national
security. Indeed, it is linked to political instability, economic
under-development and social inequalities. Others are food
insecurity and cumulative environmental degradation. These indicate
the multi-dimensional nature of national insecurity.

“In view of these realities, the Federal Government of Nigeria
has over the years applied a multi-lateral approach with our
contiguous neighbours and multi-dimensional efforts domestically.
In Southern Nigeria, the security approach include, but not limited
to: the convening of various stakeholder dialogues in the Niger
Delta; mounting of Single-Service, Joint and Special Task Forces;
establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC);
establishment of the Ministry of Niger Delta; declaration of the
Presidential Amnesty Programme for repentant Niger Delta militants;
proscription of the Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB); and the
establishment of the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre
Zone E in the Gulf of Guinea.”