Why Terrorism Continues Despite Huge Budgetary Allocations – Defence Chief
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has highlighted reasons why terrorism persists despite significant budget allocations to the military.
In an interview on Arise TV, General Musa cited inadequate equipment due to delayed release of allocated funds and civilians supporting terrorists as challenges.
He emphasized the difference between budgeted amounts and actual funds released for defence, noting that purchasing foreign-made equipment in dollars depletes the allocated budget.
General Musa urged Nigerians to cooperate with the military, emphasizing the need for a collective effort in combating terrorism and discouraging citizens from supporting terrorists.
The Chief of Defence Staff addressed the recent accidental bombing in Kaduna, expressing regret for the tragedy. He acknowledged the challenges of civilians aiding terrorists by providing supplies and called for a holistic approach to national security.
General Musa called on Nigerians to take ownership of the fight against terrorism, stressing that it is not solely the responsibility of the armed forces. When asked about an end to terrorism, he emphasized the difficulty of eradicating terrorism due to the ideological nature of the threat and the need to change mindsets.
General Musa urged opinion leaders to refrain from making statements that could demoralize troops and excite terrorists. He dismissed claims that the attack was aimed at wiping out a specific ethnic group, emphasizing that the affected community comprised Christians and Muslims of various ethnic backgrounds.
General Musa acknowledged the prolonged nature of the operation, citing instances where air strikes were called off to avoid civilian casualties.
He addressed the mistaken bombing incident, attributing it to similarities in the movement and congregation patterns of villagers and terrorists, leading to a regrettable mistake. General Musa reassured Nigerians of the unity among the armed forces and the commitment to precision in future operations.
