We can’t handle Nigeria’s security challenges — Gen. Magashi open up

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The Nigerian Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi, (retd) has said the fight against insecurity in the country has become complex and difficult to contend with by the armed forces.

General Magashi who was represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, at the passing out parade of 108 Cadets of Direct Short Service Commission Course 27, DSSC at the Nigerian Naval College, Onne, Rivers State on Saturday, said beside the threats of Boko Haram, COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest, has further demonstrated the frailty and complexity of human security.

He said “It is pertinent to mention that the military service is operating in a growing complex and ambiguous environment that are difficult to contend with, accordingly, our nation and indeed the entire gulf of Guinea has in the last few years been challenged by asymmetric and emerging security threats emanating from insurgency, militancy, economic sabotage and anti-democratic forces.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and the civil unrest has further demonstrated the frailty and complexity nature of human security, apparently, there are no quick fixes to effectively combat security challenges bedevilling our dear nation.

“It is, therefore, germaine to appreciate the untiring support of Mr. President, Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Mohammadu Buhari, as he continues to demonstrate resolve and full support for the Nigerian armed forces through the resourcing of operational requirements and personnel welfare.

“It is against this background, that His excellency recently approved the increase in the manpower intake of the armed forces to comprehensively tackle the multifaceted security threats across the nation.

“I am equally glad to note that in assisting sister services in the north-east operations against Boko Haram insurgents. The Nigerian Navy has continued to spearhead internal security operations in the Niger Delta region against militancy, piracy, sea robberies and crude oil theft.

“It is therefore of utmost necessity that the Nigerian armed forces continuously build institutional capacity, through effective systematic and robust training merged with requisite capacities to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria from both external and internal aggression.”

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