No quick fixes to combat security challenges in Nigeria, Defence Minister

By VICTOR EDOZIE, Port Harcourt

The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi, (retd) said that there are no quick fixes to combat the present security challenges bedeviling the country.

General Magashi who spoke at the passing out parade of 108 Cadets of Direct Short Service Commission Course 27, DSSC at the Nigerian Naval College, Onne, Rivers State on Saturday said that the military service is operating in a growing complex and ambiguous environment that is difficult to contend with.

Represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, General Magashi said that Nigeria and the entire gulf of Guinea has in the last few years been challenged by asymmetric and emerging security threats emanating from insurgency, militancy, economic sabotage, and anti-democratic forces.

He said that COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest had further demonstrated the frailty and complexity of human security.

He said “It is pertinent to mention that the military service is operating in a growing complex and ambiguous environment that are difficult to contend with, accordingly, our nation and indeed the entire gulf of Guinea has in the last few years been challenged by asymmetric and emerging security threats emanating from insurgency, militancy, economic sabotage and anti-democratic forces.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and the civil unrest has further demonstrated the frailty and complexity nature of human security, apparently, there are no quick fixes to effectively combat security challenges bedevilling our dear nation.

“It is, therefore, germaine to appreciate the untiring support of Mr. President, Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Mohammadu Buhari, as he continues to demonstrate resolve and full support for the Nigerian armed forces through the resourcing of operational requirements and personnel welfare.

“It is against this background, that His excellency recently approved the increase in the manpower intake of the armed forces to comprehensively tackle the multifaceted security threats across the nation.

“I am equally glad to note that in assisting sister services in the north-east operations against Boko Haram insurgents. The Nigerian Navy has continued to spearhead internal security operations in the Niger Delta region against militancy, piracy, sea robberies and crude oil theft.

“It is therefore of utmost necessity that the Nigerian armed forces continuously build institutional capacity, through effective systematic and robust training merged with requisite capacities to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria from both external and internal aggression.”

Highlights of the event were the decoration of the 108 cadets with their new ranks and administration of oath of allegiance by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas to the new cadets. (Daily Trust)