Insecurity: CSOs fault calls for sack of service chiefs

The Conference of Civil Society Organisations for Peace, Security and National Development has faulted the call by the National Assembly and other pressure groups for the sack of military chiefs saying it will not be in the interest of the nation to remove the service chiefs at this time.

The CSOs at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday jointly addressed by its conveners, Hon Mike Msuaan and Comr Adamu Kabir Matazu, insisted that the call was ill-timed and diversionary considering the achievements the military has recorded in securing the nation.

They argued that the military deserves support from all strata of society considering the complexity of fighting insurgency.

“We were all witnesses to the reaction that greeted the pronouncement by the Federal Government of plans to withdraw the military from the North East.

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“The whole nation was unanimous of the need for the military to stay longer in the troubled region. This is a testimony that significant feet have been recorded in the fight against insurgency.

“There is no denying the fact that the criminals seem to be regrouping and restrategising as there have been reports of a rise in criminal activities in the NorthEast, in particular, leading to loss of several lives and destruction of property.

“However, the call for the head of security chiefs is not the solution. The least expected of patriotic citizens at the moment is to show solidarity with the military.

“Recently, the governor of Benue State was quoted to have applauded the Army for saving him from bandits who shot at him. The same governor who is noted for criticising the Army in the past recounted the efforts of the Army in returning security to the troubled land and urged the army to stay much longer,” the group stated.

Continuing, the CSOs explained that they have been involved in peace efforts in the country and most recently the in the NorthEast and can, therefore, appraise the performance of the security agencies.

“We want to commend the vision, and determination of Lt Gen Buratai and the Nigerian Army for his commitment to dismantle any edifice of criminality and insecurity anywhere in Nigeria.

“Across the country, from Boko Haram to farmer/herders crisis, to the ethnic killings in Taraba to banditry to cattle rustling and others, Lt Gen Buratai has frustrated and destroyed their safe heaven.

“We call on the army to intensify this onslaught on criminals across the country. The Nigerian Army must sustain their gallantry within the rules of engagement never to allow criminals to frustrate the success recorded so far.

Security is the concern of all Nigerians, we, therefore, appeal to Nigerians not to dampen the morale of the Nigerian military especially when criminals attack. We must show solidarity with the Army believing that they are out to protect our communities.”