By Umaru Abdulai,
Minna
The former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has appealed to the Nigerian Army to evolve a new strategy to check the insecurity in the country.
He spoke on the background of several killings of Nigerian soldiers and civilians by the Boko Haram and other security challenges bedeviling the country.
He argued that the continued killing of soldiers and cilians was indications that the insurgents had already mastered strategies by the armed forces hence the need to evolve new tactics.
Babangida in a message to mark the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day pointed out that the military was facing horrific challenges in the crucial counter-insurgency war, and activities of other blood-thirsty armed groups.
“To say the least, these ugly circumstances are not only heartrending, but unacceptable. Hence, it is high time we seek to consolidate our gains and also fortify our combat strength,” he said.
Besides, he commended the nation’s Armed Forces for performing creditably giving the kind of support from the government.
His words: “Our Army is undeniably a professional military establishment that has over the years achieved remarkable successes in protecting our nation’s territorial integrity.
“It is pertinent for the top echelons of our military to speedily evolve new combat strategy to bravely confront the callous terrorists who have continued to hold many parts of the North East, and in extension, Nigeria in ransom.
“Let me also commend our Armed Forces for their resilience over the years in maintaining peace in Nigeria, United Nations Missions, African Union and regional interventions. I urge all Nigerians to support our military at all times”.
Meanwhile, the 2019 edition of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day is coming at a critical period, when teeming Nigerian electorate are preparing to go to the polls next month to elect their new leaders at various levels of government.