From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Nigerian Armed Forces to engage terrorists frontally and completely eliminate them in order to restore peace in the country.
The President gave the order at the Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State yesterday, while addressing military officers at the graduation ceremony of 247 students of the Senior Course 44 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC).
He said, the last 12 years have been very challenging for Nigeria, considering the different security threats that have besieged the country.
According to the President, “Most of the security challenges facing the world today are both asymmetric and trans-border in nature, involving mainly non-state actors in different regions and sub-regions of the world. The West African sub-region and indeed our beloved continent of Africa are not immune to these threats.
“We have witnessed recent terrorist attacks in Nigeria bearing the hallmark of national and trans-border insurgents trying to cause havoc in Nigeria as well as in neighbouring countries.
“It will be part of your duty to confront these terrorists and insurgents and wipe them off the face of the earth and bring peace to our country.”
President Buhari assured that his government will continue to provide the required guidance and support to ensure that the desired results are achieved.
He said country shall be employing all elements of its national power in ensuring security, a just society, peaceful coexistence, national unity and sustainable development while promoting its good standing internationally,
He stated further that, “Combating these prevalent security threats effectively demands that African countries continue to work together at all levels; be it tactical, operational and strategic. To this end, the ongoing collaboration of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Cameroun, Niger Republic and Chad in a multinational operation to combat the Boko Haram Insurgency in the Lake Chad region has been productive and particularly commendable and successful.
“The synergy achieved in operating together must have been enhanced by an understanding of the doctrines of the cooperating forces.
“Our government is poised to promote national security and development, as well as to remain committed to promoting a vision of a secure, safe, just, peaceful, prosperous and strong Nigeria.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria are working tirelessly to enhance their combat effectiveness, operational capability and training necessary to eliminate the threats, in synergy with other institutions and nations. The response of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, militancy, kidnapping as well as the activities of separatists and armed militias amongst others have been commendable. This government will continue to provide the required guidance and support to ensure that the desired results are achieved,” he said.
Addressing the graduands, among whom are officers from sister African countries, the President said, their participation in the 48 week course is a further testimony of Nigeria’s national security aspirations to promote international peace, friendship and cooperation.
“It is particularly gratifying to note that amongst the graduating students are international officers from sister African countries. Gentlemen, I am confident that you have enjoyed our friendliness during your stay here. I am also sure you would have observed that despite our diversity and challenges, Nigeria is still one of the most hospitable and enjoyable countries to visit and stay.
“For the Nigerian graduating students amongst you, the graduation today is a clarion call to duty in service to our country. Nigeria expects the very best from you in terms of loyalty, commitment to duty and service to your fatherland.
“Therefore, you must endeavour to make honest and positive contributions i
