President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said the last 12 years have been “very challenging” for the country, considering the different security threats the nation has had to endure so far.
He also vowed that his regime will ramp up support for the military to “wipe out terrorists off the face of the earth” and bring peace to the country.
According to a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President spoke at the graduation ceremony of 247 students of the Senior Course 44 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State,
The statement is titled ‘President Buhari lauds combat readiness, operational capability of Nigerian military, pledges more support in fight against insurgency.’
Appraising the ongoing collaboration of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger Republic, Benin Republic and Chad in a multinational operation to combat the Boko Haram Insurgency in the Lake Chad region, President Buhari said, “The synergy achieved in operating together must have been enhanced by an understanding of the doctrines of the cooperating forces.
‘‘This occasion provides me with another opportunity to briefly reflect on the state of the Nigerian nation, particularly regarding national security.
“The last 12 years have been very challenging for our nation, considering the different security threats that have besieged the country.
‘Our government is poised to promote national security and development, as well as to remain committed to promoting a vision of a secure, safe, just, peaceful, prosperous and strong Nigeria.”
To the graduating students, the President said the onus now lies on them to confront the terrorists and insurgents behind the 12-year battle and wipe them off the face of the earth.
While noting that the security challenges facing the world today were both asymmetric and trans-border in nature, he said ‘‘We have witnessed recent terrorist attacks in Nigeria bearing the hallmark of national and trans-border insurgents trying to cause havoc in Nigeria as well as in neighbouring countries.
‘‘It will be part of your duty to confront these terrorists and insurgents and wipe them off the face of the earth and bring peace to our countries.”
He praised the Nigerian Armed Forces which, he noted, are “working tirelessly to enhance their combat effectiveness, operational capability and training necessary to eliminate the threats, in synergy with other institutions and nations.”
‘‘The response of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, militancy, kidnapping as well as the activities of separatists and armed militias amongst others have been commendable.
‘‘This government will continue to provide the required guidance and support to ensure that the desired results are achieved,’’ President Buhari added.