We are coming after bandits, terrorists — CDS
5 min read
Military officers
The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, has said that the military will flush out bandits and terrorists from the country.
The CDS made the commitment on Friday in Kaduna when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Uba Sani at government house.
He said, “for terrorists and bandits, it’s just a matter of time. We are coming after them and we are going to get them to leave the country completely.”
According to him, “we are re-assessing our theatres of operation to make them more robust and more result oriented.”
He explained that the military is expanding its operation to close the gap while changing its mode of operation which could be both kinetic and non-kinetic.
“As military officers, you must take the two operations together, deploying more troops to close the gap in other to make it more difficult for terrorists to move about freely,” he noted.
The CDS also appealed to everyone to be security conscious and report any suspicious movements, adding that everyone has a role to play in security.
Mr Musa reiterated the desire to make Kaduna peaceful, following its strategic nature, and the fact that people regard Kaduna as a home to all.
He assured that the military will come out successful from all the security and economic challenges.
On his part, Gov. Uba Sani renewed the state government’s appeal for the prolonged stay of the Special Forces in the ongoing campaign against banditry and terrorism.
He also requested that Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna general area be expanded due to the challenges around Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Kauru and Sanga Local Government Areas (LGAs).
He said such an expansion will go a long way in containing threats and consolidating ongoing efforts in those areas.
The governor also noted that measures are required in the Birnin Gwari general area, to restrict bandits and terrorists from using the Kudaru, Kuyanbana and Kamuku forests as their hideouts.
He said there is also the need to further constrict the corridors connecting Birnin Gwari with neighboring States like Zamfara, Niger and Katsina, and stop criminals from using the corridors.
According to him, “we have stepped up efforts towards inter-state collaboration in the fight against banditry and terrorism.”
Mr Sani said he is in constant touch with his colleague Governors and strategies are being finetuned to deny criminal elements safe havens or hideouts in any of the neighbouring states in the North West or North Central.
He also assured of the state government’s commitment to sustain the cordial relationship with the military.
“Remember that you can always count on our earnest prayers, sincere support and best wishes as you lead the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.
NAN
You’ll regret your life if we catch you celebrating Nigeria’s independence — IPOB
The proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra—IPOB, has warned individuals who intend to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence in the Southeast region.
The separatist movement in a statement made by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, said that events in Nigeria has proven that 63 years after, the Southeast appears not to be part of Nigeria.
Emma noted that “anyone seen celebrating the Nigeria flag Independence in Biafraland will regret his or her life”.
The separatist movement however, called on the governors of the region and other political leaders to shun the exercise, saying no “Nigerian flag will be hoisted in the zone” on October 1.
The statement read, “The global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), ably led by the Supreme leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu hereby call on Biafrans both home and in diaspora to shun participation in the Nigeria Independence Day Celebration on 1st October 2023.
“Every sensible Biafra citizen must understand that Nigeria detests Biafrans, particularly Ndigbo. Nigeria has rejected all our efforts to be treated as equal citizens. Nigeria has marginalized Biafrans politically and economically. Since Nigeria has rejected us, we have also rejected Nigeria and her celebrations. The Nigeria Government and Nigerian citizens have time after time demonstrated that we are not part of them; and therefore, we must do everything possible to liberate ourselves from the bondage of Nigeria. Even a fool would have come to the realisation that Nigeria is not for Ndigbo and Biafrans after the shenanigan that they called the 2023 elections.
“As Nigeria’s government plans to celebrate her flag Independence from Britain, we advise Eastern Region Governors and Political leaders to shun the October 1st Independence celebration in our region. Moreso, we advise Biafrans not to attend any Independence celebration anywhere within Biafra territory or outside of it.
“Hence, IPOB has banned the Independence Day celebration and flying of Nigeria flags in any part of Biafraland on October 1st, 2023.
“After 63 years of flag independence of Nigeria from Britain, there is nothing to show for it. Ordinary electricity, security, or good roads Nigeria can’t provide for her citizens. As little as conducting free and fair elections has been impossible in the most fantastically corrupt nation in the world called Nigeria. Every institution in Nigeria has been polluted and corrupted by bribery and stealing.”
It further maintained the leaders of the country were paying lip service towards the protection of lives and property, adding, “Nigeria is a destiny destroyer for all nations inside it and every citizen therein.”
“Other smaller African nations can boast of providing a safe, secure, and productive country for their citizens, but Nigeria keeps going from bad to worse. Nigeria is a destiny destroyer for all nations inside it and every citizen therein.
“Ndigbo has gotten nothing from Nigeria but destruction, mass murders in cold blood without provocations. Since 1945 till date Ndigbo have always been killed, and their properties have been destroyed in every part of Nigeria. Nigeria is a pain to Ndigbo, and we do not want to continue in this British-imposed pain and suffering. How can you continue to celebrate a nation that murdered your ancestors and keep murdering detaining and discouraging your people with so much hatred?
“Anyone seen celebrating the Nigeria flag independence in Biafraland will regret his or her life. Once again, we maintain that there will not be any celebration of Nigeria’s flag Independence in our Local Government Councils and states.
“No school principal or head should not mobilise Biafran children to celebrate the evil Nigeria Independence on October 1st, or they will have themselves to blame.
“Every Biafran is expected to stay at home and refresh him or herself or go about their daily business on October 1st, 2023. No Nigeria flags are allowed to fly in Biafra territory. If you want to go to the market or business on October 1st, you are free to go without molestation as long as it has nothing to do with the Nigeria Independence celebration.
“IPOB is a child of necessity for the birth of Biafra, and nothing will stop us from pursuing Biafra Independence via a referendum and diplomatic engagements.”
