A civil rights advocacy organization, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA), yesterday, enjoined the recently appointed service chiefs to reconstruct the declining intelligence gathering capabilities of the Armed Forces and ensure unparalleled harmony and synergy in the nation’s counter-terror operations on land, air, and water.
In a statement by HURIWA’s national coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group urged the new top commanders in the military to embrace teamwork and cooperation as they vigorously combat the adversaries of Nigeria and those undermining the territorial integrity of the nation.
The organization stated that collaborations, particularly between the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, and the Nigerian Navy, will prevent numerous avoidable military airstrike casualties at the Boko Haram battleground in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states, among other locations where insurgents and bandits are operating unimpeded.
HURIWA also implored the new Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. C.G Musa; the new Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen T. A Lagbaja; the new Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral E. A Ogalla; and the new Chief of Air Staff, AVM H.B Abubakar to collaborate effectively and eradicate unprofessional conduct and indiscipline, as well as purge the Armed Forces of saboteurs.
The organization emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms within the military, emphasizing that soldiers who have lost sight of their constitutional obligations must be reoriented, even as the Nigerian Army commemorates the 2023 Army Day.
HURIWA also challenged the new service chiefs to reclaim the original responsibility of the Armed Forces.
In his statement, “Congratulations are in order to the new service chiefs and we have written letters to them individually regarding this matter. However, it is imperative for them to promptly take action as Nigerians are weary of fruitless security meetings with the President at Aso Rock while thousands are being killed annually by terrorists, bandits, and deadly herders all over the country.
“The new service chiefs must rebuild the declining intelligence gathering capabilities of the Armed Forces, restore harmony in counter-terror operations, and reinstate professional conduct and discipline. The military is undoubtedly in need of comprehensive reforms, and the personnel who have deviated from their constitutional obligations must regain their sense of duty.
“The armed forces should present their valid, constructive, and credible response to the challenge posed by bandits.