•seeks more citizens’ support, collaboration
The Coalition of Civil Society for Promotion of Human Rights (CCPHR) on Thursday commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa for their robust approach to tackling the nation’s security challenges.
In a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by its National Coordinator, Dr Amana Moses Amana, the group said that it became necessary to appreciate the progress made in combating the nation’s security problems to inspire key players in the security architecture to do more, knowing that their efforts were recognised.
The statement said that the Coalition’s review of developments in the security landscape showed that ” General Musa, is successfully executing President Tinubu’s marching orders for the Armed Forces and other security agencies to eliminate Nigeria’s security threats, which is translating into a curtailment of terrorists and other threat groups”.
According to the Group, “Since President Tinubu placed General Christopher Musa, as a round peg in a round hole, the military has made significant strides in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, with prioritisation of joint and collaborative efforts that created an atmosphere conducive for kk the services of the Armed Forces to cooperate and deliver on set targets without rancour or rivalry.
“The Coalition of Civil Society for Promotion of Human Rights has observed how his leadership blended kinetic and non-kinetic approaches that have proven effective in various conflict zones across the country. We have also seen how his leadership has improved intelligence-gathering capabilities, which has led to more precise and effective military operations against insurgents and criminal elements.
“A consequence of this is the reassuring of note that troops took out 8,034 terrorists; arrested 11,623 and rescued 6,376 hostages in different operations across the country in the year 2024, which is a clear message to those who want to undermine Nigeria that they are on a doomed mission.
“The military under the current leadership has been able to stop the economic saboteurs, who compromise oil exploration, such that for the first time in many years, Nigeria met 99% of its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) output of 1.5 million barrels per day.
“The leadership style of blending kinetic and non-kinetic approaches has also produced and implemented innovative strategies to address the root causes of insecurity. We have documented such initiatives to include initiatives aimed at economic empowerment, education, and social development in conflict-prone areas, which address these underlying issues to reduce the appeal recruiting capabilities of insurgent groups.
“As an organisation focused on safeguarding human rights, what we count as the most profound about the Armed Forces under the incumbent Chief of Defence Staff is the emphasis he placed on civil-military relations.
“General Musa’s collaborative approach that involves local communities, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders in the security architecture has helped to improve trust between the military and the civilian population, which has, in turn, facilitated better intelligence sharing and cooperation in security efforts. We have also seen fewer infractions on the rights of civilians.”
The Group, however, canvassed citizens’ support for Tinubu, the military and other security agencies with their leadership, stating that, “Nigerians must realise that terrorists are notorious for violating the human rights of citizens, which everyone must join hands to put a stop to.
“Supporting the Armed Forces in their fight against terrorism and security threats to Nigeria is necessary to ensure the safety and stability of our country, allowing citizens to live and thrive without fear of falling victim to the mindless destructive acts of the enemies of Nigeria.
“By supporting the Federal Government’s security approach and collaborating with the Armed Forces, Nigerians can collectively defeat the threats that undermine our nation’s peace and progress.”
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