Former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd), has called on the federal government to equip military with modern weapons, train them on how to use them to decisively resolve insecurity across Nigeria.
Speaking on a BBC Hausa programme monitored on Sunday in Kaduna, Gen. Babangida said the Nigerian military is doing a lot to address the multi various security challenges such as banditry, kidnapping and insurgency, while calling on Nigerians to rally behind them to find lasting solutions to insecurity across Nigeria.
According to the former head of state, he has been proffering advice to government quietly on the insecurity ravaging the country, which has crept into Niger state, and he believed the issue will soon be resolved once the right thing is done.
He said it has become necessary for citizens and government to synergies and work together.
Asked if he believes the Nigerian soldiers need modern weapons, he said, “yes, they do. They also need to be trained on how to use the modern weapons, not to get weapons and just hand over to them. They should be trained.
“It is important to rally round the soldiers and other security agents, support them and let them know the citizens are behind them. Provide them with all they require and let them know this is their country, they have no other country better than this.
“This problem of insecurity, every government had its experience but if we unite we will overcome it. I remember how we fought the civil war for three years, the people supported the government, the government did its best, bought what was necessary, those who fought were made to understand that this country is the best for them.
“It’s not only in Nigeria, many countries encountered this kind of problem, some had it for 10 years but through concerted effort, they are out of it. I believe we can get out of this problem.
“We should unite, we should support those in power. We are all working towards achieving the same goal. Between the leaders and citizens, we need peace and a harmonious relationship. Both citizens and those governing are trying, but we should know that it is not an easy task,” he said.
Speaking on whether Nigerian politicians are playing the desired role in bringing an end to insecurity, IBB said “there are many things they’ve to put right. If they agree to sit down and think over, I believe success will be achieved”.
