Controversy has continued to trail the shake-up in the Nigerian Army, following the widespread bandits’ attacks in the country.
The Chief of Army Staff, Faruk Yahaya, had on Thursday, approved the posting and appointment of some top officers, to command, instructional and staff positions across formations and units.
Some Nigerians who spoke to DAILY POST in Kaduna said there was a need for immediate action against bandits, not repositioning of officers and men.
A Kaduna-based activist, Dr. Usman Ogboka, said it is high time, Nigeria calls a spade a spade. We have lost hope in the nation’s security, he insisted.
” While you are transferring an officer to a new posting, even if he has all it takes, as a new person, he has to study things for days, weeks, or even months before starting to showcase his talent. Within this period, a lot of things have gone wrong.” He said.
Dr. Abel Madaki, a political science lecturer, noted that the security system in the country has collapsed, adding that ”there is nothing anybody can do. Those at the helm of affairs are only recircling ideas, hoping it will work”.
”What stopped the military chiefs from repositioning all these while there has been insecurity, only to make transfers and redeployment, after several killings in Abuja and environs, he asked”
He said, ”even the security chiefs are confused on what to do now, billions of Naira have been wasted to procure military hardware and equipment, yet banditry is flourishing.
Dr. Alice Musa, Conflict, Peace and Strategic expert on her part, noted that what the military did, was to douse tension since there were several public outcries against bandits.
”What makes you think that the new posting will make a difference:? Posting and reposting have been done in the past without any positive change as regards security challenges.
“When former COS, General Buratai was there, there was shakeup, yet we encountered insecurity the more.
