A group of retired generals, including counterparts from the Navy and Airforce, have offered insightful suggestions on how to bring an end to the persistent menace within a short timeframe.
The retired military leaders, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared their perspectives on the security challenges plaguing the nation and proposed decisive measures to combat the ongoing crisis.
Highlighting a critical aspect of the issue, a retired Airforce General (name withheld) emphasized that the key to resolving insecurity lies in presidential decisiveness. The generals expressed regret that no president or commander in chief has given a direct and definitive order for the decisive elimination of terrorists or bandits since the dawn of democracy in 1999.
To address this, they had recommended that, if elected president, Bola Tinubu should issue a clear directive to the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, and the Inspector General of Police to eradicate insecurity within a specific timeframe—be it three, four, or six months.
While making known their faith in the present government, the retired generals believe that attaching consequences for failure, such as the dismissal of responsible officials, would incentivize a transformative change.
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Additionally, another retired army general proposed an innovative “Scotch Egg Approach” operation. This tactic involves strategically boxing criminal elements into a dead end and swiftly neutralizing them.
Using the example of the Birnin Gwari forest infested with terrorists, the suggestion involves mobilizing all personnel in a designated division area, providing them with arms, and encircling the adversaries from various angles. This approach aims to eliminate the threats posed by terrorists and bandits while ensuring the safety of both civilians and military personnel.
In addressing the overall weakness of the military and the need for internal security, an Airforce General also emphasized the importance of reorienting the police and the para-military agencies. He suggested the establishment of a Joint Counter Terrorism Training Centre for all para-military personnel, while again proposing a comprehensive training to enhance collaboration and coordination among different security forces.
The goal is to strengthen internal security and free up the military to focus on defending the territorial integrity of the nation.
Another one of the retired generals advised the government adopt the successful “Operation Sweep Strategy” that was employed by Brigadier General Mohammed Marwa during his tenure as governor of Lagos state.
This strategy involved reaching every nook and cranny of the state to root out criminals through joint security operations. The general emphasized the need for political will and collaboration among Nigerians to resist criminal elements, calling for a collective effort to combat kidnapping and bandit attacks.
In a broader perspective, a retired general called for a total overhaul of the country’s security architecture. Recognizing that non-state actors have studied and exploited security weaknesses, the general urged a return to the drawing board to reassess and strengthen strategic approaches.
The retired military leaders collectively emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of insecurity, including political vendettas, economic empowerment, and a faulty democratic foundation.
Proposing a combination of soft and hard approaches, they underscored the need for deliberate investment in sporting facilities, youth engagement, vocational schools, and a return to meritocracy to foster lasting progress.
As Nigeria grapples with the complex challenge of insecurity, the recommendations put forth by these retired generals present a comprehensive and strategic roadmap for a Tinubu presidency to tackle and overcome the nation’s security concerns.
