The House of Representatives has commended Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other security agencies for their proactive efforts against insurgents, terrorists, and in curbing civil unrest across the country.
Chairman of the House Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, gave this commendation during a fact-finding meeting held with the Chief of Defence Staff to investigate the tragic incidents of friendly fire involving Nigerian Army drones, which have resulted in the loss of countless civilian lives in Kaduna and other regions of the nation.
Hon. Gumi reiterated the Committee’s resolve to thoroughly examine the root causes of these unfortunate incidents and identify effective remedies to prevent their recurrence in the future. He also commended the ongoing efforts toward combating insurgency, terrorism, and civil unrest across the country.
Specifically, Hon. Suleiman Gumi commended the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of the Nigerian Army in safeguarding the territorial integrity of the nation. He stated, “Their commitment to defending our borders, both externally and internally, ensures that we can sleep soundly at night, knowing that our safety and security are being firmly protected.”
He continued, “In the face of numerous challenges and threats, both foreign and domestic, our brave soldiers stand steadfast on the frontline, risking their lives to preserve the peace and stability of our nation. From combating insurgency and terrorism to maintaining law and order in the case of civil unrest, the Nigerian Army has consistently demonstrated unwavering resolve to uphold the sovereignty and dignity of our nation.”
Hon. Gumi stressed the urgency of addressing the loss of innocent lives and emphasized the need for collective attention and action. He stated, “It is imperative that we thoroughly examine the root causes of these unfortunate incidents and identify effective remedies to prevent their recurrence in the future.”
During the meeting, he mentioned plans for a comprehensive review of the operational procedures and protocols employed by the Nigerian Army in conducting drone operations, with a focus on enhancing safety measures to minimize the risk of unfriendly fire and civilian casualties.
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In his presentation, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), represented by the Director of Operations of Defence Headquarters, N. I. Ilo expressed regrets over the unfortunate incident in Kaduna State and extended gratitude for the support and attention given by the Senate and the House of Representatives. He assured the House that necessary steps were being taken to prevent such incidents in the future to the best of the military’s abilities.
The COAS affirmed the professionalism of the Armed Forces and highlighted ongoing efforts to address challenges and ensure the security of the country. He mentioned the establishment of a high-powered delegation team to investigate the incident and stated that the Defence headquarters would communicate further developments to the House once the review was completed.
He concluded by reaffirming the military’s dedication to rid the country of criminal elements and ensure progress in all activities.