Danlami Nmodu is a security administration expert , an alumnus of the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA Postgraduate School and publishes Newsdiaryonline.com in Abuja.In this interview, he Insists the Federal Government should make the return of Chibok girls a matter of national priority.(SATURDAY MIRROR INTERVIEW, JUNE 21,2014 )
In the last one month or so, the US, leading a team of foreign military and intelligence campaign, have been in the country ostensibly complementing Federal Government’s effort at rescuing the Chibok girls. Would you say that there have been any gains from this alliance?
Well, not much is known about what the foreign foreign have done to ensure any categorical statement about the gains from this alliance yet.But we know there have been interactions by Nigerian forces and those who volunteered to help bring back our girls.The truth is that every step that can be taken by Nigeria and her allies to bring back our girls must be encouraged.It is very harrowing to see these girls spending any further minutes in captivity.And addressing the issue of gains, it must be stated that the reality of contemporary global security trend makes it imperative for interagency and international collaboration.It is particularly so as we tackle terrorism.I believe very strongly that these allies and Nigeria will be comparing notes on delicate intelligence matters which may not necessarily be made public.I understand the basic goal is to bring back our girls and the longer it takes to get them out, the more agitated Nigerians will be about the essence of the international collaboration.Also, beyond sharing intelligence, there could be other benefits that Nigerian security forces may gain from this on-going interaction.
Would you say that the reservations observed by experts on this matter are justified in the face of the seeming conundrum of not making any head way as to the whereabouts of our girls?
There is no doubt that Nigerians have every legitimate right to express their reservations about the progress being made sa we have not seen our girls.We insist ,bring back our girls.But I must caution that it is important not to make excessively negative comments .If we make negative statements it could worsen the plight of the families of the abducted girls.We have to encourage our security agencies and the families of the girls to keep hope alive.But we must also keep the pressure on, so that government as a whole will not relax and forget the girls.Government must bring back our girls, well and alive,now!
There has been talks, speculations mainly, that the foreign military contingents have been encountering obstacles, mainly resistance from our army. Would you say that this scenario is possible?
It is difficult to say what sought of obstacles the foreign soldiers are facing .But you must realize that even the foreign continents will have to depend on Nigerians for basic guidance.Yes, some of the foreign troops may have superior intelligence gadgets, there no way they will also succeed without collaborating with Nigerian security forces and the security forces of the neighbouring forces.So let’s not overblow any story of resistance from Nigerian troops.Remember President Jonathan was the one who accepted offer of foreign assistance and Iam sure he will give instructions that the troops and others should give the necessary cooperation and from media reports they have been comparing notes.
With the vast security infrastructure of the US, what with the African Command, AFRICOM, and its drone station in neighboring Niger, do you think that there was any need to send in personnel into the country to assist in the rescue effort of our girls?
If Nigeria’ s President accepted their assistance, we cannot dictate which personnel they should send.I understand the feeling by some Nigerians about Nigeria’s sovereign rights.But these are difficult times and no nation is an island in the face of global terrorism.
What in your opinion will be the long term consequence of federal government not being able to secure or rescue the girls from the insurgents?
Sadly, we have exposed our inability to protect ourselves.It appears over the years nothing has been done to truly empower our armed forces and the security agencies for these kinds of terrorist attacks.We need to take serious interest in security .We must ensure that we spend what is meant for security on security so that Nigeria corporate existence will not be threatened further.Failure to do the needful will continue to expose Nigeria to foreign intervention,which will weaken the country.
What would be your advice to federal government in the handling on the Chibok girls matter hence forth?
Well, the best we can say is to encourage them to ensure that our soldiers and other security forces are effectively mobilized, to encourage them to bring back our girls.In all honesty, this is a very tricky situation and government needs to be encouraged.But government must not politicize this issue.The primary issue here is that the lives of our abducted girls are an in danger and FG should rise above every thing now and make the return of our girls home a priority.In fact, I suggest that FG should urgently make the return of our girls the number one national priority now.Those who are campaigning #BringBackOurGirls should also continue as their efforts keep reminding all of us that this problem has not been solved yet.
