President
Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, charged the new service chiefs to synergize with
other nation’s security apparatus and hunt down Boko Haram insurgents within
the next three months.
The
President said that would be the only way the new military helmsmen would
justify the confidence reposed in them by his government.
In a
brief but colourful swearing-in ceremony of the service chiefs at the
Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Buhari noted that the activities of the
insurgents have claimed many lives and destroyed the economic lives of the
people.
His
words: “I want to reiterate that your appointments and subsequent elevation to
these ranks are based on your pedigree as first class senior officers who
identify sterling leadership qualities. Therefore, I have no doubt in my mind
that all of you are equal to the task ahead of you. You must acquaint
yourselves and justify the honour done to you.
“You are
all aware of the various security challenges facing our nation. These
challenges include the activities of Boko Haram terrorists, armed banditry,
kidnapping, militancy of various forms to mention a few.
“The
activities of these misguided groups and individuals have resulted in wanton destruction
of lives and property of our citizens as a disruption of social economic lives
of millions of Nigerians.
“The
increasing incidence of attacks and destructions perpetrated by these
insurgents have led to the deployment of various instruments of national power
in bid to contain their activities and restoring law and order in every part of
the country. Rightly, the armed forces have been in the vanguard of the fight
against terrorism.
“While
commending the efforts of the armed forces so far, you need to brace up and
continue to team up with other stakeholders to come up with a well coordinated
joint effort which will bring a desired end to these insurgencies within three
months.”
Be
accountable to Nigerians
President
Buhari also charged the military to be accountable to Nigerians in the course
of their duty even as he asked them to make judicious use of all resources in
their care. He pledged his government’s readiness to provide all necessary
tools for the anti-terrorism war.
He said:
“In the course of carrying out this assignment, you must be accountable for all
men and equipment placed under your command. Your troops welfare must be
uppermost in your mind, take care of them and make available what is due to
them. Concerted efforts should also be made to make judicious use of resources
that are available to you in search for solution to these challenges.
“On our
own part, we shall be ready to give you the needed resources to achieve this
feat. You will recall I have been to several countries with the sole aim of
canvassing for global support to eliminate terrorism from Nigeria.
These
efforts which include establishment of the multi-national joint task force
should be complimented by you. You should, therefore, re-professionalise your
force and give your troops creditable training so that they can perform their
job creditably
“You
should also ensure that they abide with the newly enforced rules and relations
of international standards while carrying out their assigned tasks. In
particular you must protect innocent civilians.
“This, no
doubt, will bring the support of local communities and the respect of our
allies and support of international community. Get back to work and make
Nigerians proud.”
It will
be recalled that the President, on July 13, appointed the new service chiefs
including a new National Security Adviser, NSA. They were subsequently cleared
by the Senate.
Speaking
to correspondents shortly after the event, Chief of Defence Staff, General
Abayomi Gabriel, said they were committed to fight against terrorism.
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