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‘We are not leaving Nigeria’ – Shoprite debunks rumours

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Shoprite Nigeria has debunked the story making the rounds that it intends to close shop in Nigeria.

The Country Director for Chastex Consult, Ini Archibong, in a telephone conversation said: “Shoprite is not leaving Nigeria.

“We have only just opened to Nigerian investors which we have also been talking to just before now. We are not leaving, who leaves over a $30billion investment and close shop? It doesn’t sound right.
“We only just given this opportunity to Nigeria investors to come in and also help drive our expansion plan in Nigeria. So we are not leaving.

“I have tried to say this as too many people as I can. There should be no panic at all and all of that.

There is no truth in that report.”

The report said the retailer had struggled in the Nigeria market after some South African owned retailer shops exited the Nigeria market.

Operation Whirl Stroke: We Destroyed Bandits’ Hideout Point, Not Legitimate Buildings –DHQ Insists

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The Armed Forces of Nigeria says only buildings serving as hideouts for criminal bandits were destroyed in a recent raid and not legitimate business owners supposed properties belonging to one Mr. Paul Gaza as being peddled in the news.

Coordinator, Defence Media Operations Maj. Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this in a statement Sunday.

General Enenche noted that the troops acting on credible intelligence had destroyed only targeted structures belonging to a criminal kingpin, one Mr. Terwase Agwaza alias Gana and not Mr. Paul Gaza as being falsely speculated.

Mr. Gaza while in an online news media publication accused the Nigerian Army of invading his house at about 3:00am, burned down his private school, stealing the sum of N1,237,000 and three motorcycles during a mafian-style invasion in Peva, a town in the Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

“At about 3am on Friday, July 17, soldiers arroved at his house in three Toyota Hilux vans and asked to see him.

“But upon being told by Gaza’s salespersons he was on a trip, the military officers went berserk and started to destroy everything in his house.

“The soldiers beat them (salespersons) up mercilessly, destroyed my personal belongings, and packed my documents and other valuables.

“In the process of searching my house, they took the sum of N1,237,000 which we made from sales from Monday, July 13 to Thursday, July 16.

“They also made away with three motorcycles – two black Haojue and a Bajaj (Boxer). They broke all the casement windows of my house and smashed the windscreen of my 504 commercial wagon and one 504 saloon car. Three of my boys, who were around, were all arrested.” He claimed.

Mr. Gaza further denied having any ties with bandits, claiming

“I am a popular person in that community. Everybody can attest to my character.”

He therefore in the article, challenged the Nigerian Army to prove him wrong with a clear evidence that he was a criminal or bandit.

But while responding to the accusations, the DHQ said, though its attention has been drawn to the alleged publication, but it has refuted the claims maintaining that, the military operations are always and only conducted sequel to credible and actionable intelligence from both technical and human sources and are carefully carried out to avoid such mistakes.

And wondered why the troops would target legitimate businesses or business owners as speculated.

The statement says. “Following credible intelligence on the possible hideout of wanted Benue militia leader Terwase Akwaza aka “Gana” around the general area of Tse-Audu village in Akate council ward of Donga Local Government of Taraba State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke drawn from Sector 2 at Gbise and Zaki Biam in Benue in conjunction with troops of sector 4 deployed at Kofa Ahmadu, Kasuwan Haske, Kashiimbala and Akate in Taraba state at about 0300 hrs on 18 July 2020 conducted a dawn raid at an identified hideout in Tse-Audu village.

“However, the hideout was deserted as the bandits fled before troops’ arrival.

“Troops combed the hideout and recovered one locally made rifle, 2 camouflage uniforms, one dog-tag and some substances suspected to be Indian hemp as well as charms.

The hideout was then destroyed.

“Troops proceeded to Chachanji village where a school, shop and building belonging to same militia leader “Gana” were identified and searched.

“The search yielded rewards as troops discovered one locally made mortar tube, one locally made rifle and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

“The buildings were subsequently destroyed to deny Gana and his cohorts the use of the facilities to advance their criminal activities.” he stated.

Enenche said, he would have preferred the “Taraba-based entrepreneur” Mr. Paul Gaza to have laid his accusation to the relevant security agencies but not resorting to cheap media publicity.

“After all, one wonders why Mr. Gaza has refused to make himself available to military authorities or report to Nigerian Police, since the incident on the 18th of July this year, despite his strong claims of innocence in this matter.”

While wishing not to join issues with the online media as well as the accuser, the DHQ however said it was pertinent to state the facts of the matter and puncture this misinformation and outright falsehood being peddled by this so-called “businessman.”

“Furthermore, the Defence Headquarters enjoins journalists in particular and media outfits in general to engage in responsible journalism by being objective and fair in observance of the ethics of the profession.

“Publishing such a story without getting the military’s side of events indicates a lack of professionalism and objectivity on the part of the medium”. It stated

Baga: CSO demands inquisition into purported Boko Haram attack on Gov’s convoy

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A civil society organisation, Coalition for Truth and Justice (CTJ) has called for an urgent probe into the alleged attack on the convoy of Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

The CSO, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Barrister Charles Timothy, on Monday, said it is paramount to ascertain the real event in Baga to avoid falling for another propaganda that could be ultimately aimed to underme the military’s efforts.

Mr Zulum’s convoy was reportedly attacked last week by gunmen while on a trip to Monguno and Baga towns to distribute food to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

And the Coalition for Truth and Justice believes there could be more to the drama owing to conflicting reports, ranging from sabotage to propaganda, urging the military to fortwith step in to put issues in proper perspectives.

Accodding to the CSO, such bogus claims by any individual to demoralize the fighting troops is a great disservice to the war against insurgency and must be properly probed with those found culpable made to face severe consequences.

The Coalition for Truth and Justice warned these “individuals and groups to desist from heating the polity as putting an end to the insecurity in North-East Nigeria requires collective efforts and not the task of the Nigerian Military alone”.

It, however, called on political authorities and other relevant stakeholders in the northeast to support the military in its final clearance operation rather than make moves to undermine their sacrifices.

Read full statememt below:

The Coalition for Truth and Justice calls for an urgent inquiry on the alleged attack on the convoy of the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zullum in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State by suspected Boko Haram members.

This is necessary due to conflicting reports on the incident wherein some have alleged sabotage. At the same time, some have also claimed a stunt by the political authorities to undermine further the efforts of the Nigerian Military in operation in North-East Nigeria.

The Coalition for Truth and Justice wishes to state that should this incident be left uninvestigated, there is a tendency for the general public to fall victim to the propaganda of the Boko Haram terrorist group in the light of the fact that there have been conflicting preliminary reports on the incident.

We firmly hold the opinion that the hierarchy of the Nigerian Military must as a matter of necessity and urgency commences a detailed investigation into the incident to put issues in proper perspectives, else at the risk of rumour merchants capitalizing on the already fragile situation to twist the narrative.

We also state that aside from the fact that there is a likelihood of sabotage in the incident, it is, however, imperative for the military authorities to ensure that a detailed investigation is carried out. If any individual or groups are found culpable, there must be severe consequences to serve as a deterrent in the future.

This is on the heels that some highly placed Nigerians have been attempting to blame the resurgence of insecurity in Borno state on the federal government, as well as the Nigerian Military despite the presence of overwhelming evidence that these stakeholders and highly placed individuals have not been forthcoming in supporting the federal government efforts towards addressing the security challenges in the North East region.

The Coalition for Truth and Justice wishes to use this medium to warn these sets of individuals and groups to desist from heating the polity as putting an end to the insecurity in North-East Nigeria requires collective efforts and not the task of the Nigerian Military alone.

The political authorities in North-East Nigeria must also wake up to their responsibilities to understand that there is a role expected of them in terms of curtailing the further spread of the Boko Haram ideology amongst the populace, as well as its recruitment of locals into the Boko Haram fold.

The Coalition for Truth and Justice wishes to state that should the needed support from critical stakeholders availed the Nigerian Military, the war against terrorism in Nigeria would have been long won and ended.

It is therefore imperative for all and sundry to join hands with the federal government and the Nigerian Military in the efforts to rid North-East Nigeria of the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

The Coalition for Truth and Justice also commends the efforts of the Muhammadu Buhari led administration in the war against terrorism in Nigeria. It also appreciates the efforts of the Nigerian Military that have continued to push for the final decimation of the Boko Haram group despite the avalanche of conspiracies against it from several quarters.

We are consequently calling on all well-meaning Nigerians to continue to extend their support to the government and the Nigerian Military in our quest to rid North East and Nigeria at large of criminal elements threatening our peace and progress.

Insecurity: Stakeholders tasked on home-made solutions to complement military efforts on final victory

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With little or no aid coming from foreign nations, the Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) has tasked relevant stakeholders to look inwards to complement the military’s quest to end terrorism, banditry and other criminal vices in the country.

According to SHAC, the solution to the threats posed by the Boko Haram terrorists and other militant groups rest in the hands of Nigerians and not international bodies.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, SHAC’s Director of Communication, Bayo Ogunseye revealed that “only the Nigerian Military and the Nigerian people have the magic wand to end Boko Haram on our soil once and for all”.

Recall that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai had suggested that over 90 per cent of kidnappers, bandits, as well as armed robbers, are Nigerians, hence the need for the citizens to be involved in sharing information with security personnel.

While admitting that substantial progress has been made by the troops in the last five years, Mr Ogunseye conceded that homemade approach is the way to go, calling for massive support for the military in its various operations.

He, however, urged Nigerians to desist from insinuating that terrorism is a respecter of ethnicity or religion and work together collectively.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre says it is confident that with greater harmony among Nigerians, in no distant time, Boko Haram will be history.

The Centre further gave its firm commitment to the Nigerian state and the military.

Read the full statement below:

As Nigerians, we must admit that we have solicited help from outside the shores of Nigeria towards ending acts of terrorism in Nigeria to no avail. Our hopes and expectations have been dashed severally. Yet, we continued to make appeals to countries and international bodies to come to the aid of Nigeria.

We have received several promises from the international community on several occasions, yet none has materialized before our very eyes. This starkness of the reality calls for concern hence this press conference to let Nigerians know that indeed the solution to the Boko Haram insurgency rest in our hands.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre has made this position known in several fora given the dynamics of insurgencies and the role of some external sources in the fuelling of the crisis in the country to their advantage.

Let us make no mistakes or live in an illusion that help would come from outside the shores of Nigeria in this regard. We must have all realized this fully by now and must accept that only the Nigerian Military and the Nigerian people have the magic wand to end Boko Haram on our soil once and for all. This is only achievable when we all rally round the Military by giving it the needed support as they push for the final clearance of the remnants of the Boko Haram group.

We are using the medium to push for a homemade approach that would see massive support for the Nigerian Military in its various operations. This is also cognizant of the fact that indeed our Military has lived up to expectations in decimating the Boko Haram group. This is despite the ignoble role some politicians in the country have been playing towards assisting the Boko Haram group in their nefarious activities in the country.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre is saddened by this realization and wonders how we got it wrong in this country that some individuals and groups would be blinded by pecuniary gains to assist in the perpetuation of evil against Nigeria.

We must also admit that the dynamics of the Boko Haram war is such that involves an unimaginable level of conspiracies against the efforts of the Nigerian Military and despite all of these; substantial gains have been recorded mainly in the past five years in the country.  It is thus the considered opinion of the Save Humanity Advocacy Centre that the early we look inwards to address the threats posed by the Boko Haram group the better for Nigeria.

Nigerians must also desist from making a mistake to think that terrorism is a respecter of ethnicity or religion. This can’t be so because we all have been victims of their evil acts as evident in their ferocious attacks on unarmed women and children whose only crime is because they are from North-East Nigeria the epicentre of the insurgency.

This should indeed call for sober reflection from all well-meaning Nigerians, and its high time Nigerians face the stark reality that those emboldening the terrorists/bandits to strike the rest of us must stop in the interest of peace.

The recent attack of the convoy of the governor of Borno State is also an indication that there is a great undertone to the Boko Haram insurgency and why we must all come together to support the Nigerian Military as they push for the final decimation of the Boko Haram group as well as curtailing the activities of bandits in parts of the country.

The attack on Governor Babagana Zulum should also serve as a pointer that terrorists are friends of nobody and not only fighting the Military but the rest of us. They have no friends but see all Nigerians as enemies. This much the International Criminal Court must classify as crimes against humanity.

The Save Humanity Advocacy wishes to state that indeed humanity is under threat with the activities of the Boko Haram group and therefore curtailing their activities should not be left in the hands of the Nigerian Military alone. It is indeed time for all hands to be on deck to support their efforts in our quest to rid our land of Boko Haram and other acts of criminalities.

As sad as this is, the recent execution of humanitarian workers by Boko Haram terrorists must have proven a point to the International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs). They were initially undermining the success of the war against terrorism and to teach everyone a bitter lesson that the Boko Haram terrorists are against all of us and will spare nobody once they have the opportunity.

We must learn to be appreciative of the efforts of the Nigerian Military in its various operations in North-East Nigeria and other parts of the country despite the fact in most instances they get overstretched and yet delivering in its core mandate of protecting and preserving the territorial integrity of Nigeria. This is indeed time for us to stand with the Nigerian Military in the onerous task before us as a people and as a country.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre is desirous for the end of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. We are therefore united as a local NGO who have worked for more than seven years in the theatre of war in North-East Nigeria. We shall continue to support the Military as we call on all Nigerians to stand up and do something for Nigeria.

Our confidence in the capacity of the Nigerian Military to arrest the threats of the Boko Haram insurgency is unflinching, so is our support for the Nigerian Military in this critical point of our existence.

Our pledge remains that the Save Humanity Advocacy Centre would continue to rally the much-needed support for the Nigerian Military in its operations in North-East Nigeria and other parts of Nigeria.

I thank you all for your rapt attention. We desire that this message would get to every nook and cranny of Nigeria, so much so that we shall experience a renewed onslaught against terrorists, militants and bandits wherever they are in the country.

Thank you once again, and Nigeria shall indeed overcome with the active support of all and sundry.

Insecurity: Why we must support our military to win -Senator Ekwunife

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… Scores Nigerian Military High

The senator representing Anambra Central in the National Assembly, Uche Ekwunife, has rated the military highly in their fight against insurgency in the Northern part of the country. Although she acknowledged that more needs to be done, in this interview, she urged Nigerians to render maximum support to the military to enable them finish the good works they have started.

There have been varying opinions on the fight against terrorism in Nigeria by the military. As a lawmaker, what’s your disposition towards this?

Being a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I strive hard to enhance my perspective and capacity in and outside of our dear nation. I therefore take more than a passing interest in the progress and challenges associated with our fight against terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria. Over the years, I have been following discussions emanating from the international communities and have come to the sad reality and conclusions that this battle is ours and ours alone to fight our way to victory.

What impression do you hold about our military in the frontline of this fight against insurgency?

I congratulate our military in no small way. Manning the frontline between us and the insurgency, they are doing a good work. The battle may not have been won and lost, but a whole world of commendable successes has been made. The country as a whole needs to support our military to boost their morale; that great driving force in this enviable profession that is a matter of life or death.

From strategy perspective, what advice would you give to Nigerians in general as it relates to dealing with terrorism?

In further appreciating the great works of our military, I make bold to raise a few issues of strategic importance. First of all, the war against insecurity in our country and the sub-region is not a matter for the media spaces because the enemy does not have a clear cut battle front and most of them may be clandestinely interacting within the society. Secondly, to truly appreciate our situation, we must come to terms with the fact that the best we can get in terms of support from the international communities in this struggle will be finance and weapons instead of being involved in the battlefield. This leaves us with few choices and those choices are; to equip our military with up-to-date war equipment. Equipping them must be targeted to surpass whatever weapons our soldier will see in the hands of the terrorists in the front line. Everything should be put in place to ensure that the combat readiness of our troops is such that their psychological comportment remain high at all times. Personal welfare of servicemen and their families should be such that every soldier should serve with pride as in developed countries. Indeed, being a soldier should come with pride and privileges. Above all, we must completely separate and isolate the military from any form of what usually divide us. Professionalism in our military should be devoid of politics, ethnicity and faith.

What is your assessment of the Nigerian military so far?

I must admit that there are other complex factors that come into play in all of these. However, it is important without reservation to congratulate the gallantry and the bravery of our military. Our military has so far been performing well and securing numerous victories against the insurgents within the limits of the resources at their disposal. They have been neutralising and containing many fronts. We are all aware of the pace and speed with which the insurgency was gaining grounds at the onset, if not for the actions of our military, today the story would have been different. I further urge the Nigerian military to be more prepared in going into the battle for the restoration of Nigeria’s security because, indeed, this battle is ours; nothing more, nothing less. The wave of insecurity being faced by our country and her citizens must be seen as a Nigerian problem. Only concerted efforts by all Nigerians in synergy with the Armed Forces can bring about the needed solution. The government must play their role; the citizens must carry out their civic responsibility and the armed forces too. The governors that claim to be chief security officers of their states must wake up in the face of this insecurity. We can’t continue to blame the military if all the stakeholders are not doing what they are supposed to do. In fighting the unconventional wars, all the parties must play their roles.

There have been reports about alleged human rights violation by the military. How would you rate the human rights posture of the Nigerian Army?

The Nigerian Army is currently involved in various internal security operations across the federation and the fight against terrorism and insurgency mostly in the North East. This has brought about more interaction and intermingling with the public with attendant allegations of human rights violations by some of its officers and men. However, it is glaring that the Nigerian Army is doing the best it could in the protection of human rights especially in the last five years. The Nigerian Army leadership recognized the importance of the respect and protection of human rights in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities through training and strict compliance to rules of engagements and collaboration with stakeholders. These efforts have a tremendous positive impact on the improved professionalism being exhibited by troops as the Nigerian Army continues to maintain a zero tolerance for human rights violations among its personnel. The reduction in the reported cases of such violations is quite commendable. It has also mainstreamed the female gender through greater sense of belonging and creation of the Women Corps. The Nigerian Army is one of the few military institutions in the world that cares, promotes and protects human rights in all its activities. It has established and sustained human rights desks and toll free call centres across its formations and units, and as well, pursued improved civil-military relations. Based on the foregoing and much more, to me, the Nigerian Army is one of the best armies in the world as regards respect for and protection of human rights and would therefore rate the human rights posture of the Nigerian Army as one of the best among world’s armies. Nevertheless, in every profession, sometimes there will be some skeletal mistakes which are bound to take place because of human error but those exceptions cannot be basis or yardsticks for measurement of performance. Our armed forces need our support and Nigerians must support them, stand by them, encourage and motivate them. We can’t continue to demoralize them by constantly castigating them. So, on a final note I must once again send my heartfelt goodwill to our boys in the field, their commanders and all the leadership of our gallant military. May God protect you all and may God protect our dear nation, Nigeria.

Breaking: Shoprite begins process to exit Nigeria

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Shoprite, Africa’s largest retailer chain, is planning to exit the Nigerian market after posting continuous losses from its operations in the west African country.

In a trading update filed at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) on Monday morning, the retail giant said it was planning to discontinue its operations in Nigeria.

“Following approaches from various potential investors, and in line with our re-evaluation of the Group’s operating model in Nigeria, the Board has decided to initiate a formal process to consider the potential sale of all, or a majority stake, in Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Shoprite International Limited,” the update read.

“As such, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited may be classified as a discontinued operation when Shoprite reports its results for the year. Any further updates will be provided to the market at the appropriate time.”

Shoprite launched in Nigeria nearly 15 years ago, opening its first store in Lagos in December 2005.

That chain has grown from one to more than 25 retail stores across Nigeria — including some of the biggest retail stores in west Africa.

Edo 2020: Oshiomhole seeking 3rd term under Ize-Iyamu, says Shaibu

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The Deputy Governor of Edo State Philip Shaibu, has accused former Governor and Immediate past National Chairman, of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, of covertly seeking a third term in office as the Governor through his ‘surrogate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.’

A statement signed by Shaibu’s special assistant on media Benjamin Atu, said Ize-Iyamu is merely a stooge of the former governor.

“The price that Oshiomhole will pay for projecting Ize-Iyamu is an outright rejection,” Shaibu declared,”

“We need a new kind of politics and policies that reflect the best value of our people. Politics that focuses on bringing people together to work for the common good.

He said, “We have displayed determination to end the culture of government that habitually failed to stimulate investment; provide massive employment for the youth and failed to reduce poverty and hardship in the land,”.

He explained that “Edo people have a choice to choose between policies of the heart by Governor Godwin Obaseki and policies of the head as currently been propagated by enemies of the State.

The Otaru of Auchi, Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III, has urged Ize-Iyamu to keep his promises to the people if elected governor during the September 19, governorship election in Edo state.

Otaru gave the advice at the weekend when he received Ize-lyamu and his running mate, Gani Audu who were at the palace to pay homage and officially deliver copies of his SIMPLE agenda manifesto.

He said truth and justice are important values that leaders must display to bring peace and development in the state.

Southern Kaduna crisis not ethnic cleansing – Military

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The Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Chukwuemeka Okonkwo has described the killings in Southern Kaduna as the activities of criminal elements on both sides and not ethnic cleansing as it is being claimed.

General Okonkwo who briefed journalists after the high level security meeting which held at the council chambers of Government House Kaduna last Tuesday, said that ‘’what we have were attacks on some communities and reprisal attacks.’’

According to him, both sides of the conflict have been attacking each other but ‘’the reports are not balanced. Perhaps, most of the media houses don’t know, both sides are actually involved.’’

‘’You have Kataf youths, Fulani militias and the criminal elements of both sides. Some people are also leveraging on the security situation to perpetuate their criminal activities, aside communities involved in the crisis,’’ Okonkwo added.

The commander said that ‘’any incident is enough to spark off crisis in that area, they have been lingering disputes and animosities, banditry and cattle rustling there.’’

General Okonkwo assured that there is going to be improvement because ‘’we have reviewed our operations. We are going to close ranks. We are going to be more robust in the days to come.’’

Okonkwo said that contrary to the allegations that the military and other security agents were not doing enough to contain the attacks, he argued that ‘’if one or two attacks took place, three were prevented.’’

The commander said that although there have been some gaps in their operations, he listed difficulty of the terrain and limited manpower as constraints, adding that in spite of those challenges, they are committed to bringing peace in the area.

‘’But be that as it may, we are going to get more troops. We are strategising, we will deploy as much as possible to shorten our response time. Perhaps, we used to respond a bit late but if we had not responded, we could have had more casualties,’’ he explained.

General Okonkwo said that there is need for the communities to embrace peace, adding that ‘’we will create the conducive environment for them to meet, dialogue and resolve issues so that they can continue to live together as they have been living together.’’

Ka3na, Lilo evicted from #BBNaija

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Ka3na and Lilo on Sunday nght became the first to be evicted from Big Brother Naija Season 5 house.

Their eviction was announced by the programme’s host, Ebuka, during the first BBNaija Lockdown Live show.

Four housemates, namely, Lilo, Eric, Praise and Ka3na, were the initial housemates on the eviction list.

However, the Head of House and Deputy Head of House were automatically saved from eviction.

Buhari: Restoring Nigeria’s Armed Forces Lost Glory

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By David Onmeje

The reality in Nigeria on improved security does not need crystalline lens to have a clear sight. Never mind those whose minds are fixated on pulsating or celebrating the odd and the petrifying, which comes erratically for a country adroitly fixing its various insecurity challenges amid schemes of sabs.

But the value of truth cannot be diminished by the media hype of opposition elements, scattered everywhere in the system and only concerned about permutations on how to grab power in the next political dispensation. No one blames them because leadership or power is not donated on a platter of gold to anyone. It is a rough field and all arsenals are recruited either for triumph or defeat of either side of the actors on the turf.

Mindless of the entanglements on field of powerplay, but truth is always visible and palpable enough, in spite of the evil gang-up against it. The Commander-In-Chief (C-in-C) of the Armed Forces of any nation is a serious personality by every rating, whether biased or objective. He holds the ace and accepts every liability or asset in the aftermath.

The C-in-C’s physiognomy is immaterial in the political and security leadership of a nation he bears the nightmarish burden of offering to his people. He is the receptor of everything. He takes credit for good or bad as long as he reigns.

It explains President Muhammadu Buhari’s reasons for painstakingly dedicating of time to carefully scrutinize and appoint capable lieutenants to assist him in the arduous task of governing a complex country like Nigeria. In Nigeria, at least one thing is expressively eloquent enough for all ears. President Buhari, as the C-in-C made no mistakes in selecting his appointees’, especially Service Chiefs. Security is a pivotal component of government in any country globally.

A fortified Armed Forces are the primary strength of any nation. When countries like Israel, America, Russia, Germany, China, Great Britain and several other world powers roar at external aggressors harshly- the countries which threaten their sovereignty and territorial integrity, its because of the might of their Military. The world has never at any time been immune from troubles. It is prophetic and historical.

President Buhari did Nigerians a lot of good which has remained unsung. When Buhari became the democratic leader of Nigeria in 2015, he met a degenerated, polarized, politicized, under equipped, poorly motivated, under-staffed, under-trained and an archaic Military. Nigeria had the infamous chaunt of operating a Military which ducked in the battlefield in the face of menacing enemies.

Boko Harm and other insurgency sects held Nigerians captive in their country and homes for years, right into Abuja. Aware of this situation, what President Buhari never failed his conscience about the leadership Nigerians entrusted to him from the outset was to appoint competent, loyal, patriotic and trusted team of senior Military officers to head the various arms of the nation’s Armed Forces.

The President wanted a total overhaul of the security architecture of the country. It was avoidably the first tonic he discovered as imperative to inject into the Nigerian Military. He allowed the Service Chiefs he inherited to function for nearly two months (May 29 – July 15, 2015) to weigh their performance before taking a decision. If they were truly good, but frustrated by the preceding administration, Buhari was prepared to retain them. He would never have sacked them.

President Buhari gave them the tools and liberty to operate freely for nearly two months. But he didn’t get the required results. Quite disturbed, he relieved these Nigerians of their appointments; thanked them for service to the nation and crowned new Service Chiefs with a specific mandate- to end terrorism in the country as soon as possible.

And among them, a crack professional soldier, patriotic, loyal and a no-nonsense Army General, already used to terrorism warfare, who was serving as Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai was appointed COAS and leader of counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria. It was the genesis of the relocation of Military Chiefs to the theatre of war in Maiduguri, Northeast of Nigeria in compliance with a presidential order.

The insecurity in the region immediately resolved itself because serious senior Military personnel, who are conversant with the asymmetrical style of terrorists’ wars took charge in obedient response to the presidential directive. A lot of gains have been made. The wanton destruction of lives and properties by the Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria has been reduced by at least, 90 percent, even with their bolstered strength by ISWAP.

Today, when some Nigerians malevolently fault the Service Chiefs and playout games to compel President to drop these Military assets to Nigeria for flimsy excuses such as “incompetence,” the President just laughs himself out. It is because he is yet to see where they failed Nigeria or the best to replace them now to effectively dispense results and stick to the earlier stated qualities, especially, loyalty and patriotism. The current internal struggles for leadership in the Military confirms this fear.

Its normal that some Nigerians are sometimes forgetful. The person leading counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria is President Buhari and not the Service Chiefs. The President who has a clearer and better knowledge of the operations of the Military in warfare, knows his Service Chiefs have not disappointed him or the country on this sensitive national assignment and its spiraling into other insurgencies most Nigerians can’t even rehearse in haste. With someone else on Buhari’s seat, it would have been worse for Nigeria.

Whether desperate political power seekers inflaming or aggravating the insecurity problems appreciate it or not, the evidence is palpable or unalterable. And those who for various reasons deny it openly, still admit it in their secret and reflective moments.
Beneficiaries of this insecurity breather as necessitated by President Buhari are also chorusing songs of praise to the Military every day. The journey started quite far and President Buhari prepared for it. He has kept watering the pipe of Military empowerment for excellence in Nigeria.

Under President Buhari, the Nigerian Armed Forces have not botched on security as often irreligiously echoed sentimentally. The brave officers, personnel, men and women of the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Army have all been retrained, adequately equipped and properly motivated for the job. And the morale has ever been high, among air, water or the ground troops of Nigeria.

A combination of these Military personnel constitute the troops cracking the swampy Lake Chad Basin area in final Clearance Operations. It is exactly the last battle ground between Nigeria and the enemy forces of Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorists.

And as the Nigerian Military expend weapons every day on the battlefield battling insurgents, so also President Buhari ensures that Military armoury is consistently replenished. It is what has made the Military of other nations like the USA, Great Britain, Russia, China and Germany thick and proud in defending their countries. Nigerian Military is at their doorstep now.

However, anywhere in the world, the Army is the largest and biggest component of the Military. They are the first fighters deployed to the field in the event of a sudden outbreak of war. And the Army is also the last to end field battles with enemy forces. President Buhari, a retired soldier himself realises it; what many Nigerians failed to decode.

Therefore, his anointment and support of a knowledgeable Military expert like Gen. Buratai as COAS and leader of counter-insurgencies in Nigeria has paid off handsomely. The Army Chief has repositioned the Army to accept, absorb, deflate, dismantle and effectively tackle all the insecurity challenges of Nigeria staunchly. Nigerian soldiers now are not just brave, courageous and resilient, but excitedly execute the manifold tasks at the frontlines with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

But it has come through months and years of strategic planning and prudent application of resources. Gen. Buratai has revived the Nigerian Army to levels where it is confirmatory that not every fighting weapon troops need in the warfront with the latest touch of technological innovations is acquired externally or imported, but fabricated locally. Hitherto moribund Army institutions like Nigerian Army School of Artillery, et al and training institutions like the Nigerian Army University at Biu and the Nigerian Army Aviation School and others, with widely acclaimed world class infrastructures attests to Gen. Buratai’s epochal leadership of the Army.

Beyond these achievements, Gen. Buratai has ensured the return of accountability, probity and transparency to the Nigerian Army through various innovations and reforms championed by the C-in-C who appointed him to supervise the Army.

A soldier reputed as someone ahead of his time, Gen. Buratai by the directives of President Buhari has prioritized the expansion of the Nigerian Army his topmost agenda in other to meet the numerous security challenges in Nigeria. From Nigerian Army’s former six Divisions, Gen. Buratai has added another two to the number. Nigerian Army now has Army Division 6 (Rivers state) and Army Division 8 (Borno state) in addition to countless Forward Bases and Battalions across the country.

Buratai’s almost monthly expansion of the Army also has bold imprints in recruitments of both direct and short service officers for training. It is therefore, not unexpected that the Nigerian Army has won laurels and medals in international organizations, signposts which have restored Nigeria’s lost Military glory in the comity of nations.

The COAS also thinks a soldier deserves economic empowerment; a life of comfort and financial independence. Therefore, and in line with global trends, the Army under Buratai has evolved and implemented an economic development agenda for the convenience of soldiers and their families in tandem with the political leadership vision of President Buhari.

Pointedly, never before had the Nigerian Army boasted of the Nigeria Army Farms and Ranches; Nigerian Army Property Limited; Nigerian Army post- Service Housing Development Limited; Command Engineering Depot; and Nigerian Army Welfare Limited through an organized Guarantee or surety under friendly terms for soldiers. But under President Buhari’s direction and Gen. Buratai’s compliance, the Nigerian Army is a proud owner of these legacy investments and heritage.

When Nigerians read a recent interview Gen. Buratai hurriedly granted a journalist in his makeshift camp at Maiduguri , headquarters of Operation Lafiya Dole, while kitting himself to hop into the jungle again, he said; “ I am a soldier; am a highly patriotic soldier; a highly patriotic Nigerian who loves his country so much; who loves the progress of his country, and who loves his profession so passionately and is interested in the welfare of anyone I come across.” Truly, Gen. Buratai came prepared for the task roundly.

Onmeje is a public affairs commentator and contributed this piece from the United Kingdom.

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