However, the spate of attacks and abductions by bandits across the country before and after the celebration of Christmas on December 25, 2021 has dampened the hope of improved security in 2022, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.
This is coming as Kaduna and Zamfara states’ police commands have killed one bandit and rescued 30 victims, including 21 Islamiyya pupils abducted by bandits along the Gusau-Tsafe-Funtuwa Road on December 31, 2021.
Meanwhile, Irabor, in his New Year message, said troops displayed uncommon resilience and courage in the face of danger while surmounting the myriad of security threats.
“In retrospect, the end of 2021 affords the AFN unique opportunity to remember the sacrifices of its men and women, who work in extreme conditions in trenches, in fields and in far-flung places away from the comfort of their loved ones to keep Nigerians safe and secure,” he said.
The defence chief maintained that the AFN has continued to discharge its constitutional mandate of maintaining the territorial integrity of the nation, suppressing insurrection and acting in aid of civil authority to restore order when called upon to do so.
This, he said, was in the light of violent, irregular, complex, and manifestations of contemporary as well as evolving national security challenges.
Irabor expressed the commitment of the federal government towards providing the essential requirements of the AFN.
He urged military personnel to continue to cherish esprit de corps in the conduct of their duties at all times while pledging loyalty of the AFN to the constitution and President Muhammadu Buhari.
The CDS paid glowing tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes including the late former Chief of Army Staff, General Ibrahim Attahiru.
According to him, the AFN would never forget their sacrifices in line with the spirit and letters of the National Anthem which is “the labours of our heroes past shall not be in vain”.
However, there are no strong indications that security will improve in 2022 in view of the high rate of incidents that occurred after the Christmas celebration unless more effective measures are put in place to address the challenge this year.
