President Muhammadu Buhari has lamented that Nigeria had been under the siege of massive security threats, but gave the assurance that his administration was determined to reverse the trend through promotion of national security and development.
Buhari, who identified the threats challenging Nigeria as Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, militancy, kidnapping as well as activities of secessionist and armed militias among others, said his administration would employ all elements of national power in ensuring security of the country.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Senior Course 43 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji Kaduna state on Friday, as the Special Guest of Honour, Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Defence, Maj. – Gen. Bashir Magashi (retd.), said the response of the Nigerian Armed Forces to the Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and others had been commendable.
He gave the assurance that the federal government would continue to provide the required guidance and support to ensure that the desired end state was achieved.
“Most security challenges facing the world today are both asymmetric and trans-border in nature, involving mainly non-state actors in different sub-regions and regions. The West African sub-region and indeed Africa are not immune to these threats.
“Combating these prevalent security threats effectively demands that African countries continue to work together at all levels; be it tactical, operational and strategic. Take for instance the collaboration of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger Republic and Chad in a multinational operation to combat the Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad region.
“The synergy achieved in operating together must have no doubt been enhanced by an understanding of the doctrines of the cooperating forces.”
Speaking to the 226 graduating students of Nigerian Armed Forces and those of eight other countries, who are in the rank of Major and its equivalent, President Buhari said, “This occasion provides me another opportunity to briefly reflect on the state of the Nigerian nation, particularly regarding national security. The last 12 years have been particularly challenging for our nation, considering the plethora of security threats that have besieged the country.
“Our government is poised to promote national security and development, as well as remain committed to promoting a vision of secure, safe, just, peaceful, prosperous and strong nation. Indeed we shall be employing all elements of our national power in ensuring security, a just society, peaceful coexistence, national unity and sustainable development while promoting our good standing abroad.
“It is noteworthy that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is working tirelessly to enhance its combat effectiveness, operational capability and training necessary to eliminate the threats, in synergy with other institutions and nations.”
The commandant of AFCSC, AVM Ebenezer Alade, in his welcome address, said the Course had 10 international officers from Tanzania, Chad, Togo, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo and the Gambia, as participants.
