We must deploy technology to combat security challenges – COAS

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says security forces must remain proactive in the use of technology to address the nation’s security challenges.

Lagbaja said this when he received members of the Technical Committee established by the Ministry of Defense and Office of the National Security Advisor (ONSA) on Thursday in Abuja.

The committee is to advise on the way forward in combating security challenges confronting northern Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team was led by the Chairman of the committee, retired Maj.-Gen. Ahmed-Tijani Jibril.

Lagbaja said the Nigerian Army had been engaged in its constitutional roles of protecting the country against external aggression and internal subversion with troops deployed in all the 36 states of the federation, including Federal Capital Territory.

He said the service had identified that the changing nature and character of conflicts was driven largely by technology.

“We are glad that this committee set up by the Ministry of Defence and ONSA has been tasked to identify how we can be a step ahead of the adversary in terms of technology so that we can quickly win all our battles and engagements.

“So, I want to appreciate the committee looking in that direction and we have also understood through our review that the military effort, the kinetic, will not win this war alone.

“So, we need all the support, technical or otherwise because the Nigerian Army has a lot of capability,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, retired Maj.-Gen. Jibrin, said the committee visited the army headquarters to get their inputs and further suggestions on how to address the challenges.

He said the committee had the task of identifying the technological gaps that needed to be closed to be able to win the war against insecurity in northern Nigeria.

He urged the COAS and the senior officers to be frank in making their suggestions and inputs.

We must deploy technology to combat security challenges – COAS

BRAVE-IT recommends civilian engagement in countering threats

By Halima Abdulkadiri

In the face of rising insecurity in Nigeria, it is imperative that civilians become actively engaged in countering these threats.

BRAVE-IT, a community advocacy group, is calling on individuals to stand up and take action to protect themselves and their neighborhoods.

According to Dr MS Abubakar, National Patron of Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism Insurgency and Terrorism ( BRAVE-IT ), mentioned that one of the most effective ways civilians can contribute to improving security is by becoming more vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

By taking note of unusual behavior or individuals in their surroundings, civilians can help authorities identify potential threats before they escalate.

He however said that BRAVE-IT encourages civilians to participate in community watch programs and neighborhood patrols to deter criminals and prevent crime. By working together to monitor and safeguard their neighborhoods, residents can create a strong sense of community and cooperation that is essential to combating insecurity.

Beyond these proactive measures, civilians can also support law enforcement efforts by providing valuable information and assistance in investigations. By cooperating with authorities and sharing any relevant information they may have, civilians can play a crucial role in helping to identify and apprehend criminals.

He added that the military can not fight and eradicate insecurity in the country.

It is the responsibility of every individual to contribute to the safety and security of their community. By advocating for civilian engagement in countering insecurity, BRAVE-IT aims to empower residents to take a stand against crime and create a safer environment for all.

NAF kills several terrorists in Borno, Niger airstrikes

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Components of Operations Hadin Kai and Whirl Punch in the North East and North Central killed several terrorists in airstrikes in Borno and Niger.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Sunday in Abuja.

Gabkwet said the air components had continued to obliterate terrorists and destroy their structures, equipment and mobility, thereby limiting their ability to attack ground troops and innocent Nigerians at will.

In the North East he said the air interdiction was on May 3 authourised and conducted over Chinene, a location tucked inside the Mandara mountain.

Terrorists had been observed to be emanating from various locations and assembling ostensibly for a meeting.

According to him, seven gun trucks were also observed parked under trees within the same location.

Gabkwet said the aircraft bombarded the assembly area and tree coverings and destroyed their weapons and mobility.

He said that Battle Damage Assessment revealed that the strikes were successful as several terrorists were neutralised and logistics destroyed.

According to him, similar airstrikes were conducted same day by the air component of Operation Whirl Punch in a pre-emptive air strikes over terrorists hibernating at Allawa village, near Shiroro town in Niger.

The NAF spokesman said the mission was conducted following credible intelligence which revealed the migration of terrorists into the village after the mass exit of locals for fear of their safety.

He said the terrorists had, on May 1, stormed the deserted Allawa community in Shiroro Local Government Area and torched the Central Primary School.

“In the evening of the same day, another group of terrorists also arrived at the location, wielding AK-47/49 rifles after invading Galapai village in Galadima Kogo District of Shiroro.

“Accordingly, to prevent further occupation as well as pursue the terrorists from the location, the air component scrambled a formation of its platforms to attack the location.

“On arrival at the location, several terrorists were sighted and engaged effectively.

“Furthermore, following credible intelligence as well as detailed aerial observation, which confirmed the presence of their cache of arms hidden inside Allawa Forest, the air component further carried out air strikes at the location,” he said.

Gabkwet also said that the NAF carried out air strikes North of Arugbana and Temakiri in the Niger Delta, where illegal refining sites were observed and destroyed.

According to him, through this action, the capabilities of oil thieves to continually sabotage and destroy oil pipelines were minimised.

NAF kills several terrorists in Borno, Niger airstrikes