*Terrorists’ days are numbered, says DHQ
Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja
A former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai (rtd), has said the insecurity in Nigeria is a creation of the political class.
This is just as the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has warned terrorists that their days are numbered as the military thwarted the plots of the criminals in several operations within the last week.
Buratai made this allegation at the weekend while sharing his experience in a lecture he delivered titled: ‘Public Service and the Imperatives for National Security in Nigeria’ in the second stanza 2023 National Public Service Lecture and the 65th anniversary of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association.
He also took a swipe at critics calling for his sack over insecurity in the country while he was in office, saying such calls stemmed from personal biases rather than an objective evaluation of his performance.
He said: “These individuals might have held negative opinions of General Buratai based on subjective factors, such as personal preferences or biases unrelated to his actual capabilities. It is crucial to approach discussions regarding national security matters with a fair and impartial mindset, focusing on relevant aspects rather than personal biases and idiosyncrasies.
“The National Assembly had twice or more passed resolutions calling for the sack of the service chiefs. The President, Muhammadu Buhari had told the Ninth National Assembly to mind their business. If properly interpreted, the call by the Ninth National Assembly was to derail the democracy by the military.
“This should be a lesson for political actors. It was a direct confrontation blaming the service chiefs as if they were the ones who started the insecurity. The insecurity being faced in the country since 2009 was the creation of the political class. With a strong political will, it can be surmounted.”
He advised politicians, public servants as well and civil servants to live above board by eschewing corruption which he said had plagued the country’s political sphere for decades, eroding public trust and hindering development.
According to him, misappropriation of public funds, bribery, and embezzlement have become too common, diverting resources away from essential services and leaving citizens disillusioned.
He also advised politicians to be accountable and transparent.
“Politicians often make lofty promises during election campaigns but fail to deliver once in power. The lack of accountability erodes public confidence and perpetuates the perception that politicians are more interested in the people,” Buratai added.
Chairman on the occasion, former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, (Operations), Oyo State Command, Adejobi Akinade, called on the general public to support the efforts of the police in tackling insecurity challenges in the country.
Meanwhile, the DHQ has warned terrorists that their days are numbered.
Defence Spokesman, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba stated this in a statement at the weekend in Abuja.
“The military will continue to deny the terrorists, insurgents, and violent extremists the ability to achieve their selfish objectives.
“The war is on and their days are numbered unless they surrender,” Defence Spokesman, Buba, said.
He said during the operations, 67 terrorists were eliminated, 190 apprehended, and 47 kidnapped hostages were rescued.
The operations were conducted in the North-west, North-west, and North-central zones and had substantially inflicted casualties on terrorists, insurgents, and violent extremists.
Buba said 112 assorted weapons and 989 assorted ammunition were recovered by troops across areas of the operations.
The ammunition, he said, comprised one GT3, 42 AK-47, and 11 locally fabricated rifles.
The defence spokesman added that seven pump action guns, one locally-made double barrel, pistol, three Dane guns, and two locally-made pistols were also recovered.
According to him, the ammunition recovered included 342 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 321 rounds of 7.62mm special, 190 rounds of 7.62x51mm NATO, 34 rounds of 9mm, 74 live cartridges, 166 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, empty shells and 27 magazines.
Buba added that 23 vehicles, 33 motorcycles, 31 mobile phones, five boafeng radios, four bicycles, cutlasses, axes, a digital camera, and the sum of N3.2 million were recovered.
Giving a breakdown of the operation in the North-east, Buba said troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed 42 terrorists, apprehended 15, and rescued 10 kidnapped hostages within the week.
He said that the troops recovered 41 AK-47s and two locally fabricated rifles, 241 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 57 rounds of 7.62mm special (refilled), 22 magazines, seven motorcycles, three mobile phones, one camel bag, one bicycle and the sum of N2,200.
He added that in the North-central, troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke killed seven terrorists, apprehended 23, and rescued 17 kidnapped hostages.
The defence spokesman said several calibres of arms and ammunition as well as motorcycles, among other items, were recovered.
In the North-west, Buba said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised five terrorists, arrested four, and rescued five kidnapped hostages.
He also said troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralised two terrorists, arrested seven suspects, and rescued two kidnapped hostages.
