By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Chris G. Musa has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has graciously approved the procurement of new sophisticated military operational equipment for the troops to fight insurgency and terrorism across the country with the mandate to end the war.
He also assured that the Nigerian military will continue to foster better and cordial collaboration and bilateral relations with the country of Nigeria Republic despite its exit from the Multi National Joint Task Force.
The CDS, who stated this on Thursday evening in Maiduguri during an interactive session with journalists at the Theater Command Headquarters Operation Hadin Kai Maimamalari Cantonment Maiduguri, noted that efforts are being made by the military to resuscitate the Lake Chad Basin region and boost its agricultural potentials and international trade.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, visited Maiduguri on Thursday to assess the damage caused by a recent explosion at Giwa Barracks. During his visit, he held meetings with top military officers and the Theater Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, and inspected the damage.
Speaking to journalists at the Theater Commander’s Headquarters, General Musa said, “I came to Maiduguri to see for myself and assess the level of destruction with a view to finding appropriate ways and means of addressing the problems and issues on ground.”
On the explosion, he stated, “What happened at Giwa Barrack was quite unfortunate. Nobody expected it. However, it was a trying moment and it will soon be over by the grace of God. Thank God that no life was involved.”
General Musa attributed the explosion to excessive heat causing the military armory to ignite, saying, “What happened was explosion from the military armory packed at the warehouse due to excessive heat from the weather.”
He emphasized the importance of community cooperation in fighting terrorism, saying, “We need intelligence and cooperation from the communities… Security is everybody’s business. The military cannot be everywhere and you expect them to give everybody security going by the number of the military personnel.”
The CDS also highlighted the need for collective efforts, stating, “We need also the media to do the needful through their reportage. It is a collective effort in the interest of the nation.”
On the military’s strategy, General Musa said, “A new operational technique and methods would be adopted to ensure total victory and return of peace back to the theater… Fighting equipment and well-trained professional soldiers in special assignment or squad are being deployed to complement the efforts of those on the ground.”
He assured that the situation is under control, saying, “The situation all over the country is still under control and efforts are being made to eradicate all security challenges in any part of the country.”
Regarding the recovery of stolen equipment, General Musa vowed, “The military will not relent on its efforts to recover them with the new equipment being procured and also rescue all civilians in their captivity… It is a fight to finish and end soon.”
