Brigadier General Sani Usman, a former Nigerian Army spokesman, has asked authorities to look at the achievements of the Nigerian military, even as the war against insurgency continues.
In response to Zulum’s request, General Usman believes that such statements are highly demoralizing to troops and should be stopped immediately.
While enumerating some of the troop accomplishments, such as the dismantling of Boko Haram and ISWAP caliphates in the Northeast, the general stated that what is now required is to “build on the gains rather than denigrating the efforts of the Nigerian Military.”
Gen Usman stated that it is one thing for Zulum to praise the military while in their midst and then go to the seat of power and propose something diametrically opposed.
“If there is anything, we should always be talking to each other on the same platform,” the General declared.
“Even if the soldiers are doing wrong, they will be made to know that they are going wrong and correct it, this is how it is supposed to be.”
He went on to say that hiring mercenaries is not the solution to insurgency in Nigeria and that the country has everything it needs to defend its borders and defeat those who threaten its sovereignty and peace.
Giving hints as to what the country requires to completely destroy the terrorists, General Usman stated that more troops in the ranks, as well as more equipment and weaponry, will help to solidify the nation’s victory over the insurgents.
“These guys are doing fantastically well,” said the former army spokesman.
He also advised that issues concerning local support and good governance be addressed immediately and that constructive engagements with host communities are critical to winning the war.
General Usman urged people to commend Nigerian troops for what they have done and continue to do, emphasizing that the ground they have covered in less than two decades of war is indeed commendable.
