Opinion
CDS Christopher Musa Gwabin: Navigating The Changing Tides Of Insecurity
By Bomba Dauda
General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), has elevated the fight against terrorism, armed banditry, kidnappings, oil theft, and pipeline vandalism to unprecedented levels. In the northwest, where banditry and kidnapping have historically posed significant challenges, the military has delivered impressive results. Recently, security forces have successfully eliminated notorious bandit kingpins, including Kachalla Halilu, Buharin Yadi, Dangote, Boderi Isyaku, and Dogo Rabe, further showcasing the military’s effectiveness during General Musa’s tenure.
It is encouraging to witness the substantial progress made by the nation’s security apparatus under General Musa’s leadership in combating insecurity and insurgency. The ripple effects of military interventions across troubled regions are remarkable, as evidenced by the positive trends in oil production data from the oil-rich Niger Delta and the surge in agricultural activities in farming communities during the current season.
The volume of agricultural outputs is expected to rise significantly compared to previous harvests. Many farming communities previously under the control of bandits have now been liberated by security forces and are experiencing an unprecedented sense of peace.
Recently, maize prices in local markets such as Saminaka in Kaduna State have dropped to between N500 and N600 per measure, a notable decline from the pre-farming period when prices soared to N1300 to N1500 in April.
If the exchange rate were more favorable, it would have reduced input costs and overall production expenses, alongside increased farmer participation due to improved security. Additionally, if market interventions to curb the influence of middlemen were implemented, food prices could be significantly lower than current retail rates.
Commercial farmer Mr. Ephraim Joshua, who owns a large farm along the Kaduna-Kachia road, shared that he was unable to cultivate his land during the previous two farming seasons due to rampant insecurity. However, this season, he successfully planted maize on five hectares, yielding approximately 250 bags of produce.
The primary challenge now lies in the government’s ability to prevent the hoarding of agricultural products, which can lead to artificial scarcity and the smuggling of food into neighboring countries. Ensuring food availability in a cost-effective manner is critical. Security plays a vital role in our GDP growth and economic prosperity, and General Musa’s adeptness in tackling the multifaceted nature of insecurity has significantly influenced our short and long-term prospects concerning national and food security.
The government must establish a robust national food program that capitalizes on the improved security situation in many farming communities, fostering increased agricultural output.
The military’s efforts along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, particularly in areas such as Birnin Gwari, Kauru, Zango-Kataf, Zaria, Giwa, Kaura, Sanga, and Kubau in Kaduna State, have effectively curtailed the heinous crimes perpetrated by bandits, mitigating threats to farmers. However, Maro and Kauru remain critical areas where challenges persist.
On October 29 and 30, 2024, General Musa visited the remote community of Maro in the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, furthering his commitment to making the country a safer place. He addressed troops at Kachia and Kafanchan, emphasizing the importance of diligence and assuring them of their welfare.
Maro, an isolated agrarian community, has suffered from persistent attacks due to its geographical vulnerabilities. The Bani Kanwa forest has rendered Maro particularly susceptible to bandit incursions, leading to its classification as an ungoverned space with little to no governmental presence.
In August 2024, the Maro community took proactive measures by raising funds to construct a security post for law enforcement agencies, aiming to address ongoing security challenges that have kept farmers from their fields.
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Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.
In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.
The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.
Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.
“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.
“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.