Despite efforts made by the Federal Government and different state governments aimed at bringing the volatile Niger Delta under control, the Federal Government has described the region as a security threat to the nation.
Minister of Defense, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the biggest military training exercise titled, �Exercise Eagle Ring 5� at Kontagora in Niger State.
�The militants do not mind the presence of soldiers at the creeks to keep the them at bay, they still engage in the kidnapping of innocent people especially foreigners and very young children, they even go to the extent of seizing oil platforms and facilities”.
According to Ahmed, the activities of the hostage takers who engage in this kind of national sabotage is not in the best interest of Nigerians, a country that is yearning for socio-economic greatness and its image to the outside world.
�It is unfortunate that despite on-going peace effort at restoring peace at the troubled Niger Delta region , government still view it as a security threat as militants are still busy carrying out their operations not minding the implications on national growth and development, the minister explained
The exercise which according to the minister is a continuous one, is aimed at keeping the officers and men of the armed forces fit and combatant ready to face the challenges of ensuring both internal and external security.
�I implore you to use the lessons learnt to tackling current security especially that of the Niger Delta region�, Ahmed advised as he lamented that efforts by the federal government to broker peace and ensure stability within the region have met brick walls as the militants in the area are not interested in putting a stop to their activities in the area.
Ahmed also condemmed the rampant cases of military personnel involvement in crime and directed all military formations and units in the country to be on the guard against the influx of persons of questionable character into the system.
According to the minister, any officer found to have been directly or indirectly involved in any criminal act should be made to face the full wrath of the law.
while they should also well evolve ways of eliminating those with unsatisfactory character from gaining entrance into the Nigerian Army as the only way the integrity of the force can be sustained. He cautioned politicians to desist from acts that could breach internal security of the country, adding that for effective development to take place, politicians should learn to give peace a chance because no meaningful development can take place under an atmosphere of chaos.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu said the relationship between the military and the civilian populace has greatly improved since the inception of democratic rule.
Aliyu who lamented the deplorable conditions of some schools within military formations also implored the military authorities to as part of its community relations obligations in the state adopt at least two schools and deploy their expertise with a view to improving the quality of education in Kontagora emirate.
Dec22007