The Nigerian Army will soon move against separatist agitators such as Sunday Igboho and Asari Dokubo, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. -Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru said on Monday.
Attahiru’s warning was issued at the first Commanding Officers’ Workshop 2021 in Uyo on Monday.
The COAS stressed that every form of security threats confronting the nation, including those posed by the secessionist agitators like Igboho and Dokubo would no longer be handled with kid gloves.
He added that the Army would soon surmount attempts by some individuals to compromise the territorial integrity of the country by the declaration of sovereignty on behalf of ethnic nationalities in the country.
About three days ago, a self-acclaimed Yoruba activist and separatist, Sunday Adeyemo, better known as Sunday Igboho, unilaterally declared that the South west part of the country was no longer part of Nigeria.
In a similar vein, last week, a former militant, Dokubo, also announced the establishment of Biafra Customary Government in which he incorporated some parts of the South East and South South as part of the territory.
But reacting to these developments, Attahiru said the army would not condone unguarded utterances and actions capable of threatening the territorial integrity of the country.
He said, “The Nigerian Army under my leadership would remain proactive and jointly work with other security agencies to decisively deal with threats facing the nation.
“The Nigerian Army under my watch remains resolute and is poised more than ever before to decisively deal with individuals or groups that threaten the peace, security and stability of our great nation,” he said.
Attahiru called on participants at the workshop with the theme, “Repositioning the Nigerian Army to Defeat Contemporary Adversaries in a Joint Environment.” to commit themselves to the dictates of their duty to the nation.
The COAS said that he would continue to provide mission oriented training through workshops and build capacity for the military that would make the army dependable and feared by all adversaries.
In his remarks, Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom said the security challenges confronting the nation called for a military that was ready and equipped to face the problems.
Emmanuel, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Moses Ekpo, urged the military to intensify and expand the strategies, techniques and tactics needed to contain all insecurity across the country.
He commended the various security agencies in the state for the synergy and harmonious working relationship among them which he said had brought about security in the state and promised to continue to support them.
“With the security realities confronting our nation, the military more than ever should be ready and equipped to face and confront these realities by ensuring that the service maintains the highest possible standard of continuous training for optional performance.
“It is reassuring that despite other operational commitments across the country, the new Chief of Army staff has considered it necessary to organise this workshop,” Emmanuel said.
