Defence chief blames renewed attacks on Sahel crisis, porous borders

Defence chief blames renewed attacks on Sahel crisis, porous borders

 Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff, says
terrorists are intensifying attacks across the Sahel region.

 

Musa spoke on Friday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu,
the security chiefs and the inspector-general of police at State House.

 

There has been an uptick in insurgents attacks in the
northern part of the country, with military bases not spared.

 

Speaking with journalists, the defence chief said the
escalations of terrorists activities in the Sahel have spilled into the country
due to the “porous” borders.

 

He added that the meeting reviewed the “entire security
situation” in the country.

 

“The president is concerned about what is happening, and we
have reassured him that we are on top of our game. We are working extremely
very hard,” he said.

 

“What has happened of recent is the global push by
terrorists and jihadists all over the Sahel area, and that pressure is what
came into Nigeria because of the nature of our borders.”

 

 

Musa said Tinubu has directed the service chiefs on what
should be done to address the nation’s security situation.

 

He said Nigeria is collaborating with neighbouring countries
to fight the insurgents, saying the porous borders are “aggravating” the
situation in the country.

 

The defence chief noted that all theatres of operations in
the country have been enhanced and equipment procured.

 

“Mr president has also given us much approval for air access
and other aspect of security,” he said.

 

 

Musa said the president is also engaging with the governors
for support to “stamp down insecurity”.

 

“We are working together as a team to make sure that Nigeria
is peaceful. That is our mandate,” Musa said.

 

The defence chief warned against fake news, saying most
videos of insurgent attacks circulated online are either old or occurred in
other countries.

 

“You always wonder why some individuals feel happy when
things go bad in their country. If Nigeria is destroyed, all of us will go
down,” he said.

 

He sought support from Nigerians to cooperate with the
military and security agencies to ensure Nigeria is safe.

 

“If you see something going wrong anywhere in the country,
report it to us and action would be taken,” he said.

 



“If you see our personnel doing what they are not supposed
to do, report them.”

 

Musa said that the federal government is “doing so much” in
tackling insecurity, adding that states and LGs must also play their role.

Source: Defence chief blames renewed attacks on Sahel crisis, porous borders

 - NigerianEye
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