…As Defence Chief accuses Judiciary of release of Boko Haram suspect
By Sodiq Adelakun
Nigeria’s Service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) have lamented the poor welfare of the force and sought legislative support to address the country’s security challenges.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, emphasised the need for enhanced surveillance to cover the backwaters, creeks, and other areas behind the coastline to monitor oil theft, pipeline vandalization, and illegal refining consistently.
The Service chiefs and the IGP appeared before the House of Representatives on Tuesday to list their challenges and needs.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun also outlined some challenges within the police force, including poor logistics provision, insufficient patrol vehicles for police divisions, inadequate training, and poor welfare of personnel.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, requested improved funding, disclosing that every military man, including himself, is fed N1,500 per day.
He also expressed concern about the release of criminals on technicalities and called for the collaboration of the judiciary to address this issue.
Gen. Musa also expressed a desire for states to take over the management of illegal mining for proper regulation.
This came after last Thursday’s criticism of the security heads by the lawmakers for sending representatives, who were rejected.
During the plenary session on Tuesday, the service chiefs and IGP made an appearance and took turns discussing their individual efforts to address the country’s security situation.
After the lawmakers asked their questions, the House went into an executive session to receive answers directly from the security heads.
However, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Mr Musa, however, blamed the judiciary for releasing arrested Boko Haram suspects after being arrested by the military.
“I have been in the North-east; there were a lot of Boko Haram elements that have been captured. We have kept them for five/six years. We the armed forces can arrest but cannot prosecute.
“Some of them have been found wanting, but no prosecution. We are keeping them for this lengthy period, everyone is accusing the armed forces of keeping them against their human rights, but we cannot prosecute.
“Another aspect of the judiciary is that you use all your efforts to make an arrest, you hand them over, and before you enter your vehicle, the man has been released on bail.
“Now you have risked yourself in doing that; by the time he is released, he goes to tell the people the person that arrested him. Now your family members or you are at risk,” Mr Musa disclosed.
He said it was getting to a state where the security forces would not want to make any effort.
“We have the issue in the South-south, the last ship that was arrested was arrested 10 years ago; the ship went and changed its name, changed its colour and came back again.
“By the time they handed over the ship and before you know it, it was released.”
He noted that this is an area that must be looked into.
“We must have a special court to look into it. That is why we arrest and destroy them because the longer we keep them, it becomes a problem,” said the CDS.
Mr Musa said they often come under pressure to release them.
He said that at the moment, about 140,000 terrorists have surrendered and are awaiting disarmament, assuring that there is no single territory currently being occupied by Boko Haram insurgents.
The CDS said the activities of Simon Ekpa, the spokesperson of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) currently hiding in Finland, were doing a lot of damage to the South-east region of the country.
He alleged that Finland was protecting Mr Ekpa, adding that there is a need for the government to engage the government of Finland and possibly invite its ambassador to Nigeria.
In the same vein, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, recently stated that the focus of the House is on security due to the unprecedented challenges faced in the past decade.
Abbas acknowledged the significant progress made in addressing insecurity through increased investment by the federal government. He praised the bravery and professionalism of the armed forces and law enforcement personnel.
The Speaker emphasised the importance of the invited heads of MDAs appearing in person for the sectoral briefing, stating that proxy representation would not be accepted under any circumstances. Notices were sent well in advance to prevent any excuses.