The Chief of Army Staff Maj. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, on Tuesday, declared that he will deploy his 36 years of military experience to fight the current insurgency, banditry, and other security challenges facing Nigeria.
“I joined the Navy 36 years ago, so I brought along with me 36 years of military experience. I’m abreast with the security requirements. I was involved in several security operations. The challenges we are facing now, all are characterized by these areas I mentioned, where I have first-hand information and have commanded troops and I administered them in achieving what we’ve done,” Yahaya said as he answered questions when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence and the Army for screening.
Nigeria is currently facing its worst peace-time crisis with an insurgency in the northeast kidnapping for ransom and banditry in most of the country. There are also separatist movements in the southwest and southeast.
General Yahaya was appointed head of Nigeria’s Army by President Muhammadu Buhari following the death of Lt.-Gen Ibrahim Attahiru who died in a plane crash in Kaduna.
He denied allegations that the fight against insurgency in Nigeria was being frustrated by the lack of synergy among the service chiefs.
“As we know, internal security is an intelligent-driven operation. So we need others, including communities, including traditional rulers, and all others who can provide information. We work together. At the Army headquarters level, all the service chiefs now we are all mates at the Academy. At one time or the other, all of us work together. So the synergy can’t be anything better now that we’re brought up together, we have trained together,” he said.
Yahaya said the job of securing the country is not a one man’s job and the service chiefs have always operated together, hence the composition of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence.
“I believe I have the requisite requirements by the grace of God to now provide my services in this office of the Chief of Army Staff if confirmed. What I brought is a wealth of experience and commitment. So I’m committed and determined to provide my best and also having known what’s required to achieve results,” he said.
