National Security: NSA supports the veteran initiative for retired military personnel

As a way to exploit the vast experience of retired military personnel, the National Security Councilor (NSA), Malam Nuhu RIPADU, supported the creation of a national veteran security initiative to allow their share to the fight against insecurity.

This said he would create a platform for the integration of retired military officers in the Nigeria evolving security architecture.
Ribadu declared him in a lesson entitled “Veterans as significant national goods”, during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 18th regular course of the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA).

Ribadu underlined the need for a more inclusive approach to national security that actively involves veterans.

“You are not just heroes of our past. Six strategic partners for today and tomorrow. Nigeria still needs your leadership, wisdom and experience.

“Safety is not only the work of the soldiers and the police; they are everyone’s affairs.
The veterans are recalled not on the battlefield, but in the strategy room, in the classrooms and in their communities.

“At a time when security threats are no longer limited to traditional battlefields, Nigeria is turning to those who once found themselves at the forefront. They are not only assets to admire, but partners to be busy, consultants to consult and leader to follow,” he said.

The NSA urged the retired military officers to return to active roles in national security, describing them as fundamental for the stability of the country.

Speaking also, Ribadu said that the administration of President Bola Tinubu saved Nigeria when the country was to a dangerous crossroads, facing multiple crises that threatened its unity and stability.
He described the situation before Tinubu emergency as terrible, with threats to the security that cut in all regions of the country
Rimare, while recognizing significant progress in the fight against insecurity under the administration of Tinubu, however it observed that the battle is far from over.

He revealed that since May 2023, the security forces have saved over 11,250 hostages from criminal groups, while over 124,000 terrorists and their families surrendered to Nigerian troops. Military operations also led to the elimination of 13,543 terrorists, the recovery of 11,118 weapons and over 252,000 ammunition shots.

In the north -ovest and notorious leaders of bandits such as Kachalla, Boderi and Halilu Sububu were neutralized, with over 50 lords of the war and 70 of their killed deputies. In addition, over 35 insurgents surrendered under the government’s non -chinetic peace initiative in Kaduna.

The NSA also highlighted the successes in other regions. In the Niger delta, oil production increased by one million to 1.8 million barrels per day after the dismantling of almost 2,000 illegal refineries and the recovery of oil products stolen for a value of over 3.5 billion.

In the south-east, separatist violence has decreased abruptly, with the reconstructed police stations and location that the orders that lose influence. On the digital front, Ribadu noticed that several IT crime networks that finance terrorism and the bandits have been dismantled, cutting millions of illegal funds.

The president of the event, the major retired general Ike Nwachukwu, who was helpering and commander, of course, 18 in 1975, praised the loyalty and permanent contribution of the group to national development. Nwachukwu, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former military governor of the State of Imo, also paid tribute to Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika, an illustrious member of Corso 18 and the 22nd chief of the Army staff, for his leadership in countering and expansion of military formations through Nigeria between 2010 and 2014.

Speaking to the event, Lieutenant Gen. Ihejirika supported the introduction of the mandatory military training for all Nigerians as a tool to encourage patriotism, discipline and national unity.

The royal father of the day, sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who is also a member of Corso 18, asked for a supported national devotion and urged veterans to give an example in promoting civil liability.

The president of the 18th regular course, the Isaac Oguntuyi retired aerial commodoro, revealed that only 47 of the 149 original cadets that began to train on June 30, 1975 are still alive.
He made a brilliant tribute to Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar and Lieutenant Gen. Ihejirika, describing them as cornerstones of the lasting legacy of the course.
He praised his classmates for their dedication and service to their homeland.