Tinubu Has Approved More Air Assets To Combat Insurgency—CDS
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, assured Nigerians on Friday that the military is dedicated to dealing with the current surge in insecurity.
He stated that President Bola Tinubu has approved the acquisition of new air assets to strengthen the fight against insurgency.
General Musa announced this while briefing State House correspondents immediately following a closed-door meeting with President Tinubu and defence officials at Aso Rock Villa.
He claimed that more equipment has already been procured to boost the fight against terrorists, who have increased their attacks recently, notably in the country’s north.
“Mr President has given us a direction on what to do next, which is to reinforce our efforts and coordinate with all of our sister countries around us, because the porous nature of the border is exacerbating our own problems on the ground.
“So all of our theatres have been upgraded, equipment has been purchased, and Mr President has given us great authority for air assets and other parts of security; as we previously stated, the non-kinetic aspect is the most crucial.
“The president is also considering discussions with governors about their support, aiming to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach the community in order to address the issue of insecurity, and we are collaborating on this effort,” added Gen. Musa.
The CDS attributed Nigeria’s recent spike in instability to a global effort by terrorists and Islamists across the Sahel area, stating that Nigeria’s vulnerability is partly owing to its porous borders.
He claimed that the meeting with President Tinubu was convened to assess the country’s overall security situation, adding that the president is distressed about current occurrences and is determined to see them resolved.
He also stated that the security officials informed the president of their dedication and continuous efforts to get the situation under control.
The Chief of Defence Staff also urged Nigerians to continue to support security agencies in their fight against insurgency.
He also warned residents to be aware of fake news, giving examples of films from other countries being disseminated on social media as if they were about happenings in Nigeria.
The CDS expressed alarm over these behaviours, questioning why some individuals seem to take pleasure in the nation’s troubles. He cautioned that if Nigeria collapsed, everyone would suffer.
“We must all work with members of the military forces and security agencies. Please report any issues you find across the country, and our personnel will take appropriate action.
“If we see them doing what is not supposed to be done, we should report, and action will be taken,” he told me.