Minister of Defence Major-General Bashir Magashi (rtd) Wednesday asked Nigerians to stand up and confront gunmen threatening the nation’s security, just as he opposed the bearing of arms in self-defence.
He said this at a media parley on the sideline of the screening of Service Chiefs by the House of Representatives Abuja.
The defence minister tagged abductors of students of Kagara College in Rafi local government area of Niger state Wednesday as cowards.
“Well, is it the responsibility of the military alone? It is the responsibility of everybody to be alert and ensure safety when necessary. We shouldn’t be cowards. Sometimes the bandits come with about three rounds of ammunition and when they fire shots, everybody will run. In our younger days, we stand to fight any form of aggression.
“Why should people run away from minor aggressions? We should stand and face them. If these people know that the people have the competence and capability to defend themselves, they will run away,” Magashi said.
But when asked whether Nigerians be allowed to bear arms in self-defence, the minister said: “It is an issue currently even in the developed country. They are still debating on whether to continue (to allow people bear arms) or stop. But I don’t advise Nigerians to bear firearms for internal use.”
Service chiefs on agenda
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari’s newly nominated service chiefs have outlined their plans of action in tackling the lingering security challenges facing the country.
They unveiled the plans Wednesday while appearing before an Ad hoc committee constituted by the House of Representatives under the leadership of Chairman of the Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, for the purpose of screening and approval of their appointments as requested by President Buhari.
In attendance were Major-General Lucky Irabor; Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Ibrahim Attahiru; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Auwal Gambo; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Ishiaka Amao, in the company of the defence minister.
In his remarks, Minister Magashi told the panel the nominees were still wearing their old ranks instead of those of their various offices, as they wait for their confirmation by the National Assembly as a demonstration of subjecting themselves to civil authority.
He said they would don the new ranks after their confirmation by the lawmakers.
Addressing the committee, Chief of Defence Staff nominee, Major-General Irabor who spoke first said: “If confirmed, my intention is to foster better Armed Forces that are capable of making effectively the imperatives of the constitution. By so doing, I intend to have some pillars that are allied to this broad focus of leadership. This may not come out as a vision because I believe that visions are meant for institutions and not individuals.
“As a military commander, I intend to have leadership focus in outlining the broad areas. To this, I intend to build a very professional armed forces that is effective, agile, result-oriented and of course, one that is loyal to constituted authority.”
In his submissions, the Chief of Army Staff nominee, Major-General Ibrahim Attahiru said he would be working towards a Nigerian Army re-positioned to professionally defeat adversaries, adding that his “style would be an integrative approach that would involve every Nigerian in providing adequate security for the country.”
Also speaking, the Chief of Naval Staff nominee, Rear Admiral Gambo pledged to ensure loyalty, cooperation, commitment, knowledge and skills of all officers, ratings and civilian staff of the Nigerian Navy.
He said his goal is to optimally harness these for the benefit of the service and the nation.
“If confirmed as Chief of the Naval Staff, I intend to leverage on all factors of national location, technology, training, teamwork and synergy to re-energize the Nigerian Navy and enhance her as a well-motivated and ready to discharge her constitutional mandate and other tasks in fulfillment of the national security objectives,” Gambo said.
On his part, the Chief of Air Staff nominee, Air Vice Marshal Amao said his focus for the Air Force would be to enhance and sustain critical airpower capability required in pursuit of national security imperatives, adding that he would also focus on doctrinal development and joint military operations amongst others.
Troops neutralise bandits
In a related development, troops have killed several bandits following an attack and kidnapping of a woman and three children at Ungwan Danko village, Birnin Gwari local government area, close to Kidandan town in Giwa local government area of Kaduna state.
Kaduna state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Samuel Aruwan said in a statement Wednesday that all the four victims were safely rescued.
He said: “Troops of the 2nd Battalion, Nigerian Army have neutralized several armed bandits in Ungwan Danko village, Birnin Gwari local government area. The village is close to Kidandan town of Giwa local government area.
“The bandits had earlier invaded the village, abducted four persons (one woman and three children) and attempted to retreat from the village. However, the troops mobilized to the location, laid ambush and intercepted the bandits, cutting off their escape.
“In the ensuing fire fight, several bandits were neutralized, and others escaped with bullet wounds. One AK47 rifle and some rounds of ammunition were recovered. All four victims were rescued. They are: Halisa Aliu, Idris Ilyasu, Amina Sahaibu and Shaaban Aliu
“Governor Nasir el-Rufai noted the report with thanks, and received with elation the news of the rescued victims. He commended the troops warmly for executing the successful ambush.
“Residents of the general area are by this notice advised to report anyone found seeking medical attention or with suspicious wounds to the nearest military and police formations, or reach the Kaduna State Security Operations on these numbers: 09034000060 08170189999
“Vigorous patrols will continue in the general area.”
