Bauchi Governor: Nigeria's Multifaceted Insecurity Crisis Continues

The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has characterized Nigeria's security issues as becoming more intricate and ever-changing, necessitating strategies that include both military actions and non-military methods.

On Monday, addressing the 2025 Combat Arms Training Week hosted at Obienu Barracks in Bauchi, the governor appeared as the special guest. He stressed during his speech that combating terrorism, banditry, insurgency, and inter-communal strife requires comprehensive approaches involving multiple dimensions.

Represented by his deputy, Auwal Jatau, Mohammed stated: "The nature of the security challenges facing our country today has grown more intricate and ever-changing. Following international standards, ongoing training continues to be vital for any proficient military."

He praised the Nigerian Army's presence in various states to assist civil authorities, highlighting that the Combat Arms Training Week acted as an essential forum for boosting cooperation, improving tactical proficiency, and developing strategic approaches.

As he stated, the Combat Arms Training Week embodies the unyielding dedication of the Nigerian Army "to hone its blade and buff its shield, ensuring readiness for any call to action with unparalleled professionalism, accuracy, and national pride."

Commending the continuous restructuring initiatives of the Nigerian Army, he stated: "I am especially encouraged by the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more nimble, robust, and proficient organization equipped to address challenges at home and abroad. Your valiant actions have significantly reduced the threat posed by Boko Haram and various insurgency movements."

Mohammed was confident that the outcomes of the training would enhance the army’s ability to safeguard Nigeria’s territory and contribute to internal stability, aligning with the objectives set out in the 1999 Constitution.

The governor similarly praised Lieutenant General O.O. Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, for his exemplary leadership and efforts to enhance soldiers' well-being through various programs such as the Affordable Home Ownership Scheme available to all soldiers.

He stated that both the government and residents of Bauchi State strongly support the Nigerian Army.

Lt. Gen. Oluyede affirmed that the Combat Training Week will reinforce the standards of excellence for which the Nigerian Army is internationally renowned.

At the same time, in Osun State, a group called The Osun Masterminds—a coalition of civil society organizations—has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to quickly come up with improved methods for tackling the escalating security issues across the country.

During the organization's regular press conference in Osogbo on Monday, Executive Director Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli voiced his concerns that criminals were seemingly becoming more emboldened as the government appeared to struggle with the situation.

"We have arrived at a stage where virtually nowhere in the nation remains secure. Whether it’s kidnapping, robbery, or terrorism, Nigeria has reached a critical juncture where people cannot feel completely safe when sleeping in their own homes," stated Oyedokun-Alli.

He cautioned that failing to act quickly might lead to an even more precarious security situation, and encouraged Tinubu to ensure the Service Chiefs are held responsible for achieving improved outcomes.

Regarding local governance matters, Oyedokun-Alli expressed concern over the extended stagnation of local administrations in Osun State, urging immediate action to address this deadlock and ease the hardships faced by people living in rural areas.

"Such an deadlock, which has paralyzed local governance in Osun, could have been peacefully addressed by government stakeholders if there were genuine efforts towards progress," he stated.

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