Attacks on troops in Bornu, Yobe is unacceptable, Security consultant tells FG

By: Odie Ramon, Yenagoa.

A Security Consultant and Risk Management Expert, Veteran James Sunday has described as “disturbing and unacceptable” the recent cases of suspected Boko Haram militants’ military points and barracks in Borno, Yobe States, and carting away Billions of Naira worth of fighting equipment meant for the fight against insurgency.

According to Veteran James Sunday, the Nigerian Military and the State should embark on a close review of tactics and strategies review of the strategy adopted, weaponry in use, morale of troops, management of the troops, funding and welfare, infiltration by fifth columnists, financiers, Sympathisers and collaborators with the terrorists, bandits, Militant groups, insurgents etc

The Security Consultant and Risk Management Expert, Veteran James Sunday, in a statement titled “Civilian Joint Task Force/ Betrayals: Evolving Tactics Used by Militants and Co-conspiracy to Undermine Military Operations” argued that from 2009 till date, running Sixteen (16) years the North East of Nigeria has been the epicentre of insurgency, terrorist occupation of spaces around the Lake Chad, Monguno, Kala Balge, Dikwa, Koibe, Gamboru Ngala, Marte, Izge, Gwoza, Damboa, Baga, Konduga, Mallam Fatori, Gajiram, Rann in Borno, part of Adamawa and in Yobe areas like Buni Yadi, Maino, Beneshek,auno, Geidam to disperse the community, abduct the youths, women and men, forcing the women into marriage and conscripting the able men into foot soldiers and women into suicide bombers.”

“Now it is the members of the Civilian Joint Task Force drawn from among the repentant Boko Haram members, locals to upscaleexploretelligence and exploring local knowledge of the routes and terrains that are turning to be mole planted amid the troops, they direct and inform the terrorists on when to attack, which route to ambush, time to attack among others as witnessed in Buni Gari in Yobe State.”

“In Marte, Izge, and Damboa at different times in Borno State, leading to the carting away of several Military platforms, equipment, Vehicles, Arms, ammunition, and other logistics.”

He pointed out that the Nation cannot continue to watch Non-State Actors overrunning its forces and carting away Billions of Naira worth of fighting equipment meant for the Military, thereby equipping them against the forces and the state.

“This is a disturbing and unacceptable development that must be checked. The following observations will guide and help reduce re- occurrence and collateral damages as a result of conscripting Civilian JTF in patrol operations, surveillance and when the troops are out to attack the enemies of the state, reason is simple, some of the CJTF members were repentant Boko Haram members granted state pardon after being captured or they circumstantially surrendered to the troops, some are send as moles planted, they are spies and agents of destabilization of the troops.”

“They use the platform of CJTF to understudy the operational pattern adopted by the troops, the weapon type at the disposal of the troops, intercept signals for communication to the enemies, tracking the troops movement and routes of operation for ambush by the terrorists, they operate as gun runners, suppliers of food, fuel and other logistics to the terrorist using the advantage of the local knowledge, familiar terrain and relationship with the terror groups to move freely in the camps and through the trouble areas.”

“The military must debrief long serving personnel and demobilise them, re- engaging them in a new set up related to the battle, tapping from their experiences and not allowing them to be idle, to avoid conspiracy and frustration, which if allowed lead many to gun running and returning to the enemies camp as trainers and foot soldiers, which is more dangerous.”

“Need for proper funding and better welfare package for all operatives at the battlefield as an incentive to encourage them and boost morale.”

“Effective troop management and compassionate relationship between commanders and the troops they are leading without giving room to dishonest practice, fraud, cheating, and abuse of office as commanders.”

“Adequate medical services at the battlefield, intermittent leave passes to avoid fatigue and boredom, and proper monitoring while on leave. Need to establish standard of life for operatives,by ensuring that personnel drafted to the Frontline are monitored for luxurious lifestyles,reckless spending, illegitimate money transfers, and acquisition of properties beyond their legitimate earnings and status,for a modest and standard lifestyle commensurate to their ranks and files.”

“The country must seek to honour war veterans and anyone that has participated in any operation to secure the sovereignty and integrity of the nation,rewarding them accordingly and honouring them as Patriots.Special Funds to be dedicated to cater for the welfare of veterans in all the services.”