A prominent northern leader in the south has told security chiefs to clean house — or risk losing the battle against bandits and terrorists.
Alhaji Musa Saidu, an Arewa leader based in the south, said the high command of the military and other security agencies must identify and remove disloyal personnel who are sabotaging operations. He made the call in a phone interview with Vanguard on Monday.
"We read some soldiers say they weren't authorized to confront bandits. Well! The political soldiers who refused to be soldiers are seeing the results of their actions," Saidu said.
He warned that officers who fail to commit to the fight could eventually be consumed by the same violence they refuse to confront. Saidu said ethnic or religious sentiments mustn't override the constitutional duty to eliminate criminal elements.
Saidu pointed to media reports of alleged internal betrayal during military operations against insurgents. He urged authorities to fish out those behind such acts and deal with them accordingly.
He contrasted the performance of Nigerian troops abroad with their struggles at home.
"If our soldiers can go to Sudan, Congo, foreign missions and they excel, Nigerians wonder why they can't overcome problems in their villages. When you use your office, use it well," he said.
Mining regulation and Zamfara
Saidu also turned his attention to Zamfara state, where illegal mining has long been linked to banditry. He called on both the Zamfara state government and the federal government to tighten regulation around mining activities.
According to Saidu, weak oversight of mining sites is fueling the rise of armed groups operating around those areas. He said stronger regulation would help address the root causes of banditry and terrorism in the northwest region.
He specifically urged the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, and Senator Abdul'aziz Abubakar Yari, who represents Zamfara West Senatorial District, to do more in the fight against banditry and terrorism in their home state.
Call for probe of military funds
Saidu also called for a federal government probe into how funds appropriated for military operations have been spent. He didn't provide specific figures or allegations but said the investigation was necessary to ensure accountability.
Mourning a retired general
Saidu mourned the death of Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), a former army spokesman who died in the custody of his abductors a few days ago. He also appealed for the unconditional release of Abubakar's wife, who was kidnapped with him on May 30, if she's still with the captors.
Praise for Tantita Security Services
In a separate commendation, Saidu praised Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSNNL) for its success in fighting illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta. He said the company's involvement has made the Rivers ocean clean and urged the government to consider a similar arrangement to support the military in fighting insurgency in the north.
"Fight against illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta became more successful when Tantita Security Services Nigeria limited was brought in to work with the military. Tantita has made the Rivers, ocean very clean. The changes and impacts of Tantita are clear for all to see," he said.