…Wonders why Boko Haram fight is lasting longer than civil war
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised the practice of allowing the military to procure equipment used in the fight against insurgency, saying it has turned insecurity into “an industry” in Nigeria.
Obasanjo said the arrangement was abnormal and counterproductive.
“You ask the military to be the ones buying equipment. It is not done. The whole thing becomes an industry,” he said.
The former President also expressed concern that the Boko Haram insurgency has lasted longer than Nigeria’s civil war, which occurred between 1967 and 1970.
Obasanjo spoke during the Toyin Falola Interviews conversation streamed live on social media. Other panellists included the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu.
Addressing questions on Nigeria’s security challenges, Obasanjo said leadership must understand that the country requires a blend of specialised training, modern equipment, reliable intelligence and advanced technology to effectively combat insurgency.
He maintained that there was nothing wrong with Nigerian military personnel receiving training in countries that had successfully tackled similar threats.
Citing his experience handling the Niger Delta militancy, Obasanjo said he would not dismiss the possibility of security personnel colluding with insurgents.
“There are four important items, and I hope those in charge — the military, executive and legislature — know what they are doing,” he said.
“First is training. Different situations require different types of training. The military is trained for conventional war. But if the people you are dealing with are fleeting targets or living among civilians, you need a different kind of training. Colombia has handled this fairly well. Should we invite them? There is no shame in that.
“Second is equipment. The equipment needed for this type of warfare is different from what is used in conventional combat.
“The third is intelligence. You need absolute intelligence. Can others trust us with the intelligence they have?
“And the fourth is technology. These four must come together, along with doing other things internally.”
