Raining season is impeding the rescue of Chibok girls – Chief of Army Staff

By Anuoluwa Babalola

The Nigerian Army Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah has said the raining season is an impediment to the rescue of the abducted Chibok school girls.

“The rainy season is a challenge to us; the soldiers, but we are optimistic and believe that we will find them.”  

He said this at a strategic public lecture titled ‘the increasing involvement of the Nigerian Army in internal security operations: challenges and implications,’ organised by the Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan on Friday.

According to him, the lecture serves as a platform, which offers rare opportunities for enhancing productive civil-military relations.

While speaking on the challenges the Nigerian Army is facing with its implication in combating Nigeria’s internal security of terrorism, kidnap cases and inter-communal crisis, he said, “Until recently, the Nigerian Army for more than three decades did not conduct an equipment inventory audit to modernise its equipment in tandem with technological advancement.

“Undue criticism from citizens, civil society groups and the media at home and abroad without taking into cognisance the difficulties faced by the Nigerian Army in operations also hamper our operations and impinge negatively on troops’ morale. Some media report actually put troops’ security at risk.”

He however called for need to create more symbiotic relationship and synergy between citizens, media and civil society group to exhibit highest level of patriotism and nationalism.  

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Gemisola Oke representing the Vice-Chancellor appreciated the Nigerian Army for coming to the country’s aid.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Kenneth said President Muhammadu Buhari has made a directive to withdraw the military from road locks across the nation except in certain regions with ongoing operations to relieve the Army from the unenviable task of policing the populace.

He added that the Oyo State Operation Burst that has been on official duty in the North would resume operation fully by next week.