Security
Empowering Nigerian Army To Overcome Security Challenges: A Legislative Commitment
Support from the House Committee on Army ensures the Nigerian Army can rise above security challenges.
In a momentous visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja, the House Committee on Army, led by Honourable Mamuda Abdullahi, emphasized the pivotal role of legislative support in enhancing the Nigerian Army’s ability to tackle the nation’s security challenges.
The House Committee on Army, inaugurated on the 7th of November 2023, embarked on a crucial mission to engage with the Nigerian Army, recognizing the importance of synergy between the legislative and military forces.
This visit aimed to identify areas where legislative support could be instrumental in bolstering the Army’s efforts.
Honourable Mamuda Abdullahi praised the remarkable dedication of the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lieutenant General Lagbaja.
He expressed his astonishment at the Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s citizens, underscoring the importance of their mission.
“Our visit today is motivated by the necessity to acquaint ourselves with the Headquarters. We have received insightful briefings from the Chief of Army Staff, which will guide us in our oversight role to assist the Nigerian Army.”
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, extended his gratitude to the House Committee for their continuous support in the Army’s operations and training programs.
He highlighted the Nigerian Army’s unwavering determination to ensure peace and stability across the nation, addressing security concerns in all geopolitical zones.
“We are resolute in working collaboratively with institutions like the National Assembly, leveraging the House Committee on Army to fulfill our constitutional duties.
The challenges we face can be surmounted with your dedicated efforts. Our country is grappling with numerous security issues, and together with the National Assembly, we are poised to overcome them.”
Lieutenant General Lagbaja also acknowledged the valuable role played by the House Committee as representatives of the people, providing essential feedback that has contributed to refining the Army’s operations and aligning them with the expectations of the nation.
This legislative commitment to support the Nigerian Army ensures that the nation can confront its security challenges with a united front.
Together, they are working towards a safer and more secure Nigeria, where the Army’s dedication is bolstered by legislative backing.
The National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has expressed the Federal Government’s determination in finding a lasting solution to the incessant attacks and killings in Plateau State.
Speaking at Operation Safe Haven headquarters in Jos during an operational visit in the aftermath of attacks in some communities of the Bokkos Local Government Area LGA) of the state, Ribadu promised to end the killings.
Over fifty persons were killed within a week in attacks over five communities that left over three hundred houses burnt by suspected herdsmen.
The Plateau State Government, through the Secretary to the Government Samuel Jatau, also visited some of the affected communities to ascertain the extent of damages and also donate relief materials to affected victims.
Adu expressed the Federal Government’s determination in finding solutions to the incessant attacks and killings.
Also, speaking about the killings, the District Head of Manguna wants the government to provide more security personnel in the affected communities to curb rural-urban migration.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed sadness over the recent frightening attacks by terror groups on defenseless communities in Plateau State, which resulted in the tragic deaths of several people, including children.
The forum calls on the federal government to be constitutionally responsible for the protection of the lives and properties of citizens. It said this will ensure that such renewed attacks and killings on the Plateau and other communities in the Northern region and other parts of the country are stopped immediately.
In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, it asked the Federal Government to declare a state of security emergency on vulnerable and banditry-prone communities and to initiate effective early-warning and early-response strategies that incorporate the participation of community members.
“ACF reiterates its long-standing stance that every new such experience is one too many. Clearly, the people are in great pain, with their situation compounded by existential economic challenges. The killing spree on the Plateau must be stopped immediately, and peace must return to the State,” it said.
It also called on intensified efforts in actionable intelligence gathering, processing, and deployment by all relevant security agencies to establish the immediate and remote causes of the latest skirmishes, as well as for security agencies to investigate, identify, arrest, and prosecute perpetrators and enablers of the attacks.
Furthermore, ACF demanded full compensation for the victims of the attack and the extension of relief to those injured by the attackers.
“ACF deeply mourns the dead and unequivocally condemns the attacks. The Forum particularly extends sympathy and condolence to the affected communities, the Government, and the people of Plateau State,” part of the statement read.
“The Forum identifies with the deep pains of families of the victims, prays to God to grant the deceased eternal rest, for surviving victims to be fortified with strength to bear the losses and for quick return to full health for all who suffered injuries.”
It also asked the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government to empower community leaders, elders, clergy, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to embark on community dialogue for conflict resolution, reconciliation, and cooperation.
“Citizens should avail the security agencies with credible information on the activities of insurgents and criminals; and members of the National Assembly to do more to hold the FGN and the national security agencies to account and to demand concrete evidence of a firm resolve to exterminate the current terror on citizens,” the statement added.
The police have confirmed the abduction of Blessing Adagba, the coordinator of Ngbo Central Development Centre in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The incident occurred on Thursday, sending shock waves through the community.
The Police spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, while confirming the incident, said that the Anti-Kidnapping Squad is working hard to secure the victim’s release.
Channels Television gathered that the abduction took place around midnight in the Okposhi Eheku community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
“Around 12 a.m., a group of men disguised as soldiers invaded the residence of Hon. Blessing Adagba. They demanded she open the door, but she refused, questioning why soldiers would come at such an (odd) hour.”
“The kidnappers brandished firearms, overpowered the coordinator and abducted her to an unknown location”.
Residents and security operatives in Ohaukwu are reportedly making efforts to ensure the safe return of the victim.
Community leaders have expressed concern over the rise in abductions in the area. They are calling for increased security measures to protect residents.