Nigeria’s top military brass are putting their foot down! The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has made it crystal clear: the Armed Forces have NO excuse for not wiping out terrorism, oil theft, and other security threats. Get the inside scoop on this bold declaration and what it means for Nigeria’s safety.
- No Excuses: Military must defeat terrorism, oil theft, etc.
- Irregular Warfare: Nigeria faces unconventional threats.
- Whole-of-Society Approach: Military, economy, diplomacy needed.
- Media Accused: Army unhappy with negative portrayals.
- Costly Equipment: $11m to overhaul one helicopter!
‘Crush Them!’ – Ogalla’s Orders to the Military
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, isn’t mincing words. He’s demanding the military bring an end to insecurity. According to him, there is no excuse for failure when it comes to defeating terrorism, banditry, oil theft, kidnapping, secessionist movements, and other threats facing Nigeria. It’s a tough stance, but one that many Nigerians are eager to hear.
What Kind of War Are We Fighting?
Ogalla pointed out that Nigeria is dealing with what he calls “irregular warfare.” This means the threats aren’t traditional military battles, but complex challenges that require a different approach. Think asymmetric warfare and threats morphing rapidly. To win, Nigeria needs to use all its resources – not just military power.
The ‘Whole-of-Society’ Strategy
So, what does it mean to use “all elements of national power”? Ogalla broke it down:
- Military: Obviously, a strong and well-equipped armed forces are essential.
- Economy: A healthy economy provides the resources to fund the military and address the root causes of insecurity.
- Diplomacy: Building alliances and partnerships to tackle regional threats.
- Information: Winning the information war and countering propaganda.
He emphasized that the military and economy go hand-in-hand. You need a strong economy to fund a powerful military, and the military protects the economy. It’s a cycle.
Army Chief Slams the Media
Not everyone is happy with the way the military is being portrayed. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has accused the media of showing the military in a negative light to the international community. He believes this hurts counter-insurgency efforts. While acknowledging the issue is being addressed, it raises questions about the relationship between the military and the press.
Air Force: Overhauling Helicopters Costs a Fortune!
Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), revealed the staggering costs of maintaining military equipment. He stated that the Air Force spends about $11 million to overhaul just one attack helicopter! And it’s not just the money – getting spare parts can be a nightmare due to international restrictions.
Why This Matters
Ogalla’s strong words reflect the growing impatience of Nigerians with the ongoing security challenges. While the military faces significant hurdles, the message is clear: the time for excuses is over. The stakes are high, and the country is watching.
Quick Facts about the Nigerian Military
Here are some key facts about Nigeria’s Armed Forces:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Active Personnel | Approximately 223,000 |
| Branches | Army, Navy, Air Force |
| Major Operations | Counter-terrorism, anti-piracy, peacekeeping |