By Tina George, Minna
General Ibrahim Babangida has said for the military to effectively defeat the insurgents, there is need for the top echelons of the military to develop new combat strategies.
According to him, these strategies should be designed to bravely confront the terrorists in the North East.
A press statement issued to commemorate the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Monday said the military has been facing horrific challenges that are heartrending and unacceptable.
“As we prepare to celebrate this year’s Remembrance Day, we should not be oblivious of the fact that our military is presently faced with horrific challenges in the crucial counter-insurgency war, and activities of other blood-thirsty armed groups.
“To say the least, these ugly circumstances are not only heartrending, but unacceptable. Hence, it is high time we seek to consolidate our gains and also fortify our combat strength. This is necessary as our Army is undeniably a professional military establishment that has over the years achieved remarkable successes in protecting our nation’s territorial integrity.
“Indeed, it is pertinent for the top echelons of our military to speedily evolve new combat strategy to bravely confront the callous terrorists who have continued to hold many parts of the North East, and in extension, Nigeria in ransom.”
Babangida then urged the Military to remain apolitical during the electioneering period and discharge their constitutional responsibility.
“The 2019 edition of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day is coming at a critical period, when teeming Nigerian electorates will go to the polls next month to elect their new leaders at various levels of government.
In recent times, elections have tested our unity as a people, while also posing threats to our socio-cultural diversity and challenging our common destiny.
“Nevertheless, I have a strong conviction that our Armed Forces will remain apolitical prior, during, and after the general elections, while focusing only on discharging their constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the country either from the aggression of internal rebels in the guise of Boko Haram insurgents, or from external retrogressive forces,” it read.
While paying special tribute to some of the troops incapacitated at the Theatre of War in the restive parts of the country, IBB saluted the uncommon bravery of the fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in their quest to defend the Nation.
“Let me also commend our Armed Forces for their resilience over the years in maintaining peace in Nigeria, United Nations Missions, African Union and regional interventions.
” I urge all Nigerians to support our military at all times,” he stated.
