Senator Iroegbu
The retired military Chiefs and veterans have deplored what it sees as the lack of synergy among Nigeria’s security agencies and architecture, describing it as a significant challenge in the fight against terrorism in the country.
This was the highlight of the remarks at the launch of a book by Air Commodore Abayomi Balogun (rtd) on Thursday entitled: “Amidst the Chaos and Uncertainties: Nigeria Can Overcome”. The event at the Nigerian Army War College, Abuja, was themed “Beyond the Current Challenges, Nigeria Can Forge a New Path to Peace, Progress, and Stability.”
Speaking, Balogun explained that Nigeria can overcome its challenges, but this will not happen by accident. He emphasized that many of the issues have been created through collective actions or inactions of Nigerians.
While advocating for both kinetic tactics and diplomatic means of combating insecurity, the former Alpha Jet pilot advised the government to provide necessary amenities for people in rural areas and for security agencies to be more proactive and engage in counter-attacks against the country’s enemies.
“For over 10 years, the military has not operated under one command, which should be under the Defence Headquarters (DHQ). This has led to the difficulty of combating terrorism and other criminal activities across the country,” Balogun said. “Nigerians should understand that the fight against terrorism is an all-inclusive affair,” he stressed.
The author expressed his profound gratitude to God, the chairman of the occasion, and all the guests in attendance, maintaining that Nigeria and Nigerians will surely overcome.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, former Chief of Army Staff, and Madakin Bade, Major Gen. Alwali J. Kazir (rtd), highlighted that Nigerians have faced numerous challenges since Independence. He emphasized the need for cooperative efforts between security agencies and citizens to combat terrorism and other forms of menace across the nation.
According to him, stability is a major weapon against crime, but he lamented the lack of cooperation among the military echelons, advocating for a deeper and more effective form of collaboration.
Kazir also called for the reintegration of some ex-servicemen into the security apparatus to enhance operational efficiency.
The book reviewer, Air Commodore S.A. Zakari, described the book as a canon for strategic warfare tactics for all security architectures and grassroots efforts against insecurity and terrorism. He provided an overview of the book’s 12 chapters, which cover topics such as the roles of the general public, governance complexities, poverty and hunger as root causes of insecurity, steps by state governors in resource management and human rights, and the importance of civic duties and veteran contributions.
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Dignitaries at the event included senior military officers and politicians, such as Lt. General L.O. Adeosun (former theatre commander Northeast), AVMs (rtd) Ade Adekunle, A. Idris (rtd), A.A. Jekenme, Commodore Mohammed Barau, Police AIG Argungu, and Honourable (AVM) Adeniyi Ojuawu. Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency, who represented the book launcher Chief Kayode Fayemi, among many other notable participants.
The event underscored the critical need for improved synergy within Nigeria’s security framework to effectively combat terrorism and ensure national stability.