Most Nigerians have demanded the return of military checkpoints to major federal roads across the country following the increased Boko Haram attack.
President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the removal of all military checkpoints in the country, tasking the Nigeria Police to take over.
But the move had led to increased number of violence and attacks by the deadly Boko Haram sect, who now carry out several bomb explosions and attacks almost unhindered. Over 500 people have been reported killed since Buhari was sworn in on May 29.
A research carried out by News24 Nigeria via online voting shows that 78% of voters want the military to return checkpoints, while just 14% do not want it returned. However, 8% say it not yet time to return the checkpoints.
A total of 59 people voted (Yes) for a return of the checkpoints, while only 11 people voted (No) against. However six people voted (Not Yet) that it’s not yet time.
It would be recalled that recently, bomb explosions went up in Zaria, a city in Kaduna State, Jos in Plateau State and Maiduguri in Borno state.
President Buhari however on Monday sacked the country’s military chiefs, making changes. Major-General Babagana Monguno (rtd.) is now the new National Security Adviser, while Major-General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin is the new Chief of Defence Staff.
Major-General T.Y. Buratai is now the Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas takes over from Usman Jibrin as the new Chief of Naval Staff; while Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar replaces Adesola Amosun as the new Chief of Air Staff. Buhari also appointed Air Vice Marshal Monday Riku Morgan as the new Chief of Defence Intelligence.