In the face of Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, the Nigeria Reawakening Initiative has expressed its support for the recent decoration of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as a four-star General even as it called for public support to end insecurity.
The civil society group commended the well-deserved promotion, believing it signifies a call to duty that General Musa is fully prepared to take on.
The group, in a press release signed by the Convener, Bashir Bello, hailed the leadership concept released by General Musa last week, which has brought hope that the country’s security struggles may soon become a thing of the past.
The release highlights the effectiveness of synergy among the various services, attributing it to the successes achieved in the various theatres of operation.
The Initiative points to recent accomplishments by the Nigerian Armed Forces under the new leadership.
The group said, “The various services have keyed into the leadership concept of the CDS, hence criminals across the country are having it rough.
“Recently, several terrorists loyal to the notorious terrorists’ kingpin, Alhaji Nashama, were eliminated by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD).
“Similar airstrikes were also conducted on terrorists’ enclaves at Hanawanka in Shiroro LGA and Palele, a village on the borders of Shiroro and Munya LGAs of Niger State.
“In the Northeast, air strikes were also conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on 25 July 2023 at a terrorists’ hideout located about 1.5Km East of Arra in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
“Between 28-29 July 2023, air strikes by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft were conducted in various locations in Zurmi, Tsafe, Faskari and Jibia Local Government Areas (LGA) in Zamfara and Katsina States.
“Specifically, in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State, the air component obliterated at least 16 terrorists in enclaves believed to belong to terrorist Kingpin Dankarami.
“Just recently, troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army (NA), operating in 6 Division Area of Responsibility, in conjunction with operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as operatives of Tantita Security, have uncovered and invaded a major illegal oil refining site at Owahwa community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
“Also, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe conducted air interdiction missions at Degema and Krakrama in Rivers. Over the locations, the active illegal refining sites were engaged with rockets, damaging some equipment.
““Troops destroyed 42 illegal refining sites, 36 wooden boats, 68 storage tanks, 77 ovens, 19 dugout pits, 4 speed boats and 5 outboard engines. N388,441,660.00 was denied the oil thefts by troops operating in the Niger-Delta.
“In the course of operations, troops of Operation Delta Safe recovered 498,650 litres of crude oil, 168,145 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, and 4,400 litres of dual purpose kerosene
“Similarly, troops of Operation Hadin Kai conducted offensive operations against the terrorists’ enclaves in Gwoza, Konduga, Bama and Mafa local councils of Borno State
“Troops are also making sure there is peace in the South-East. Troops of Operation UDOKA raided camps/hideouts of suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network gunmen at Oroma, Umuemu and Umuewelum villages in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“Similarly, troops raided gunmen hideouts in Mmiata Anam Forest in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State. And, Garki and 9th Mile in Enugu East and Udi Local Government Areas of Enugu State.”
According to Nigeria Reawakening Initiative, “all these and several others not mentioned coming just a few weeks after assumption of office by the CDS and the service chiefs is an indication that they are up to the task ahead of them.
“We therefore urge to give the Armed Forces of Nigeria maximum support to tackle the security challenges,” the group added.
