Turning the tide against marauders

By Lewis Chukwuma

Initially unencumbered by meaningful deterrence, even ‘rewarded’ for often bloody depredations against the state, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has bitten the bullet and called the bluff of insecurity and its embedded agents, to bring a lasting solution to the nation’s dire security challenges, a year in the saddle. It could be recalled that Saint Augustine, the Algerian-Roman philosopher-theologian who lit the candle of Christianity in the pagan Roman Empire moved the poser: “What are kingdoms without justice? They’re just gangs of bandits. This irksome, criminal social malady which has evolved from the old-fashioned robbery, kidnap-for-ransom, et al to swatting fighter aircraft from the skies like flies has finally forced a definitive, offensive stance from the federal government under the leadership of President Tinubu. In giving teeth and traction to one of his key Eight-Point Agenda – Strengthening National Security for Peace and Prosperity -President Tinubu has prioritised national security, leading to significant investments in modernising and equipping the nation’s security forces. Today, over 4,600 hostages have been freed, more than 9,300 hostiles neutralized, and over 7,000 terrorists and banditsarrested. The President has established the N50 billion Pulako Initiative andnow annually recruits 30,000 new police personnel further underscoring the administration’s commitment to a safer Nigeria. It certainly cannot be denied that Nigeria’songoing battle with banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and other security threats remains formidable. It is against this backdrop that President Tinubu has firmly prioritised securing lives and properties in his Renewed Hope Agenda. Considerable investments in modernizing andequipping the nation’s security forces have yielded results with over 4,800 assorted weapons and more than 93,900 rounds of ammunition recovered from June2023 to date. The tireless Nigerian Air Force has added fivenew aircraft to its fleet, including two Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, twoT-129 ATAK helicopters, and one King Air 360 ER, enhancing the fight against banditry and terrorism. A 2,200-member Mines Marshal Corps was also establishedto secure mining sites and curb illegal mining. On the Nigeria Police Force front which is the lead agency for crime-fighting, the annual recruitment of 30,000new personnel into the force, jerked up from 10,000, underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering security. Efforts have also led to thedeactivation of over 120 illegal oil refining sites, the seizure of 90 wooden boats, and the arrest of over 70 suspects and 14 vessels, thanks to the acquisition of advanced patrol vessels. The federal government launched the N50billion Pulako Initiative targeting seven states – Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Kaduna, Benue, and Kebbi – to combat banditry and cattle rustling. This initiative supports conflict resolution, community reconstruction, and assistance to farmers and herders. Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the Steering Committee for the Initiative on February 13, 2024. The President’s comprehensive security strategies address the root causes of insecurity, aiming to create a safer environment where citizens can live without fear. The improving security in the land is also mirrored in the oil-producing Niger Delta region, which has registered increased oil production. Daily oil production has jumped up from barely 1 million to 1.7 million barrels per day including condensate, overshooting Nigeria’s OPEC quota. These statistics were provided by the Minister of Statefor Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri. It could be recalled that speaking when hereceived a delegation of the Yoruba Leaders of Thought at the State House,Abuja on Friday, May 24, President Tinubu proclaimed that the country is nolonger “bleeding”, but moving gradually into prosperity. In the President’s words: “It has been challenging. It has been fulfilling as well. We took over, and we stopped the bleeding. I can say categorically now that Nigeria is no longer bleeding. And it will not bleed to death, but rather will now move to prosperity. “That is the promise that I made to you all,and it is also the charge that you gave to me. We are managing to swim throughthe pond. The current is not a good one. We will turn the tide. We are turning the bend. This I assure you. I am being very careful. The worst is over forNigeria. We will prevail. “I thank the team who have been working hard. All I can promise is that we will do whatever it takes. We aredetermined, and we will work so that all Nigerians can feel the impact of good governance.” It will also be recalled that President Tinubu firmly pledged to continue to work assiduously and provide the military withthe necessary support to keep the troublers of the nation at bay. Speaking at the last Chief of Army StaffAnnual Conference late last year, in Maiduguri, Borno State, the President saidhe has no intention of relenting or resting on his laurels in securing Nigeria, declaring that he will win the battle to keep Nigeria safe.
Acknowledging the Nigerian Army’s commitmentto national security, he asked the army to remain non-partisan but vigilant in upholding democratic principles, emphasizing their role as a guardian ofconstitutional order during elections. Hiswords: “We also note with great satisfaction the many civilian-military projects across the country, some of which will be commissioned during this Conference. These projects not only bring the military and civilian population into closer affinity and mutual understanding, they also serve the practical purpose of tangibly improving the living conditions of the people.” Citing the recent procurement of new aircraft as a testament to his resolve to upgrade national defence capability, President Tinubu also affirmed hisadministration’s commitment to advancing the ongoing modernization processwithin the military, with a focus on improving mobility, communications, andoffensive striking capabilities. The President also approved N18 billion inGroup Life Assurance benefits for families of fallen heroes, even as he pledgedcontinuous government support for the welfare of serving personnel and theirfamilies.
On his part, the Chief of Army Staff,Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, informed the President that ongoingmilitary operations in different parts of the country have significantlyweakened criminal elements while checkmating farmer-herder crises in variousparts of the country. Hiswords: “Notwithstanding these achievements, we recognize the importance ofcontinuous evaluation and this conference will be instrumental in formulatinglong-term strategies to bolster our ability to carry out our constitutionalresponsibility in the year 2024.” President Tinubu as a statesman withremarkable credentials and a commitment to democracy has long been a unifyingforce across the nation. His unflagging efforts in building bridges andlistening to citizens’ concerns, hopes, and aspirations have positioned him asa leader capable of realising the dreams of a united, prosperous, and inclusiveNigeria.
Today,he has brought these sterling traits to combating insecurity in the nation. Itcannot be denied that he has changed the song.

Chukwuma is an Enugu-based investment banker