By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has vowed to defend the nation’s growing democracy at all costs, saying that democracy is the acceptable form of government across the globe.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, who made this pledge, at the closing of the Chief of Defence Staff’s maiden DHQ Joint Task Force Commanders Conference, also charged the command after terrorists, bandits and oil thieves.
To effectively tackle these security threats, the CDS said, there is the
need for innovation and adaptability, stressing that the security landscape is ever
evolving, and we must continuously assess and improve our strategies,
tactics, and capabilities to effectively counter emerging threats.
General Musa said, “Embracing new technologies, fostering a culture of innovation, and
promoting a learning mindset is essential for maintaining our
operational edge. Let us encourage and empower our personnel to think
creatively, challenge conventional wisdom, and embrace change as we strive for continuous improvement.
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“As commanders, it is imperative that we foster a culture of cooperation,
collaboration, and synergy among our forces. By breaking down barriers, sharing resources, and leveraging each other’s strengths, we can maximize
our collective impact and achieve our shared objectives. Let us bring this spirit of jointness back to our respective task forces and integrate it into our daily operations. Similarly, the need to reform the structure of the
various operations was keenly noted and will be considered. Other
challenges like inadequate manpower, lack of support weapons, gun trucks, and drones, as well as inadequate tracking equipment and the teams to operate them have been noted. The issue of inadequate personal rifles will also be addressed. ”
The CDS also emphasized the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships with the communities they serve.
He said the trust and support of the local population are critical in their efforts to counter
insurgency, terrorism, and other security challenges.
“We must continue to
engage with community leaders, religious leaders, and other stakeholders,
listening to their concerns, addressing their grievances, and involving them
in the decision-making processes. By doing so, we can gain valuable
insights, foster cooperation, and build resilient communities that are actively involved in securing their futures,” he said.
He also charged the commanders to be bold, innovative, and proactive in their approach to national security, concluding that together, they can overcome any challenge and build a safer, more secure Nigeria for future generations.
