By Philip Nwosu
Members of the Nigerian Defence Academy 1973 intake have called on the Nigerian Army to adopt diligent intelligence gathering as a means of curbing insurgents and ensuring peace across the country.
The group also urged the military to be proactive in their fight against Boko Haram terrorists and other non state actors battling for the soul of Nigeria.
The group’s President, Major General Abdulmalik Halidu Giwa (retd), who spoke to journalists at the Annual General Meeting of the 1973 intake of the NDA, commended the military for their successes, so far, in the fight against insurgents.
General Giwa applauded the Armed Forces of Nigeria for its resilience and doggedness in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other organised crimes in the country, and saluted the courage exuded by the troops which led to dealing mercilessly with the criminals, reiterating that “all we want to see is an end to all of them.”
On what the force should do to reinforce strategies against the bandits and kidnappers, General Halidu Giwa said: “They must be proactive, engage in diligence and intelligence as these constitute the parameters for being proactive. Before the devils and criminals come on board, you will neutralise them inboard.
“We would continue to have regular contact with them for the betterment of the country. However, we are seeking more fora for interaction, moving forward,” Gen Giwa said.
While commending the role played by Retired Army, Navy and Airforce Officers (RANAO) in ensuring that the welfare of veterans is met, he noted that their steadfastness galvanised the approval of funds needed for the SDA and payments of Consequential Minimum Wage to all the members of the Armed Forces.
Earlier, the Commandant, NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Idi Gamso Lubo, expressed joy for choosing NAFRC as the venue for the AGM. He appreciated the senior retired officers for their commitment to the job they left years ago, but observed that “as the world is fast becoming a global village due to technological innovations, it is heartwarming seeing all of you physically without necessarily calling in as members”.