Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs addressing State House correspondents after the National Security Council meeting on Monday.
A group, known as Northern Nigeria Bridge Builders (NNBD), has faulted calls for the removal of the Service Chiefs, insisting that the military top brass are making significant progress in the fight against insecurity across the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, the Convener, Archie Sheyin, and Secretary, Dr. Joshua Madaki, dismissed recent criticisms by Mr. Dominic Alancha, Convener of the “Northern Ethnic National Forum,” who accused the Service Chiefs of professional incompetence.
The group described Alancha as “a featherweight Abuja politician without grassroots base,” whose views, they said, do not reflect the true security situation in the North or the country at large.
According to NNBD, Alancha’s position is ill-timed, coming at a period when many Nigerians have commended the efforts of the military in restoring relative peace in troubled communities.
“It is unfair to blame the Service Chiefs whenever security challenges arise without examining the broader situation,” the group said, pointing to the September 8 progress report which highlighted nationwide military operations that neutralized terrorists, oil thieves, kidnappers, and armed robbers across different regions.
The group stressed that the Service Chiefs possess the requisite training and experience, but require sustained support, ammunition, and motivation to consolidate on the gains already recorded.
They further alleged that calls for the sack of the Service Chiefs were politically motivated, linked to what they described as the schemes of “self-acclaimed New Kaduna Mafias” seeking power ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The desperation for power, even at the cost of lives, is not hidden. As concerned northerners, we say no to any form of evil machinations against the region and the country at large. Enough is enough,” the group declared.
The NNBD commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing what they called “a perfect match for the security challenges of our time,” and also lauded Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna, Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara for their consistent efforts against terrorism and banditry.
The group urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military and security agencies with encouragement rather than discouragement, noting that “the Service Chiefs, police, and paramilitary leaders are square pegs in square holes, working tirelessly to restore peace and security across the nation.”
