President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described military officers serving Nigeria as the best group of people out of the over 200 million citizens of the country.
He said this while assuring Nigerians that his administration will focus lots of energy on providing adequate security for all citizens in every part of the country.
He gave the assurance while speaking at the graduation of Course 45 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State.
The President, who pledged more support for the military, commended them for protecting the territorial integrity of the nation.
He also said Nigeria and the neighbouring countries in the Lake Chad region must display courage in reforming their military doctrine and practices.
The President noted that the change in tactics had become necessary because the countries in the region are battling a ‘mobile and elusive irregular force’ that disregards established rules of warfare.
The Nigerian leader, who encouraged African countries to work together against common threats, acknowledged the multinational efforts of Nigeria, Cameroon, the Niger Republic, and Chad to bring peace to the Lake Chad region.
He reinforced his message that the collaboration should serve as a commendable example to be emulated and improved on wherever necessary.
”We must also be brave enough to reform military doctrine and practice. We do not face a conventional army on the traditional field of battle. No, we contend against mobile, elusive irregular forces that disdain the normal rules of warfare.”
”We must adjust accordingly to subdue the menace. This shall require a change in mindset, in strategy, in tactics in equipment and in gear.
The President also used the occasion to spell out his National Security Objective, saying it would focus on ensuring security, justice, and democratic prosperity through state power.
While acknowledging the commitment of the immediate-past government in enhancing the combat readiness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the President pledged to ‘pick up the pace’, by providing the necessary support to the military.
”As Commander-in-Chief, I have given myself the following charge: to deploy the entire machinery of state power to ensure security of our people and property in a just and democratic society.
”Under my predecessor, the Armed Forces worked tirelessly toward necessary reforms to enhance combat effectiveness and operational capability. We must now pick up the pace,” he said.
President Tinubu described the role of the armed forces in combatting Africa’s greatest challenge of violence and exploitation as crucial, urging them to defend the continent from geopolitical changes and resource competition.
”We live in a moment of flux. Geopolitical change is afoot. Old alliances and assumptions are being tested as new ones are being shaped. Trade and global economic activity are fast, yet fragile and easily disrupted by war, weather or pandemic.
”Underlying it all is the often unspoken but urgent competition for precious resources. Water, food, gold, oil and other items have all been placed in contest.
”In too many instances, the contest turns violent. Areas that should blossom into economic prosperity and hope become factories of pillage and oppression. In Africa, this condition is perhaps our greatest challenge and harshest injustice. ‘Your role combating this grave evil is crucial. For we call on you to defend not only our land and resources but our people and their democratic existence.”
Present at the occasion were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, all the Service Chiefs and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
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