DHQ to set specific timelines to rout Boko Haram –CDS

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Major General A. G. Olonisakin, has announced the plan of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), to set specific timelines for the counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations in the North-East. According to him, “A multi-agency approach is needed in combating the security challenges. We will look at ways to strengthen operations.

“We will set specific timelines, and look at gaps for purposes of actionable intelligence in operations.” The two-star General, who was appointed on July 13 by President Muhammadu Buhari as the 16th CDS, pledged that “the Military Command and Control Centre (MCCC), will be strengthened with the necessary equipment for greater success.” Olonisakin stated this yesterday in Abuja, at the formal handover ceremony between him and his predecessor, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (rtd).

The CDS charged the Armed Forces to redouble their efforts toward tackling the Boko Haram insurgency and other security challenges confronting the nation. He said he will be demanding more from soldiers, ratings and air men, adding that the Armed Forces will be more proactive in performing their constitutional role of safeguarding the sovereignty of Nigeria, and also defending the country against external aggression. He said: “One of the greatest challenges to our national security is insurgency and terrorism in the North-East.

“We must redouble our resolve at addressing the security challenges; we will be proactive in providing necessary policy directions in the fight against insurgency. “I am going to demand more from our Armed Forces,” he said. He also vowed that oil theft and other acts of criminality assaulting the nation, will be decisively tackled. This is even as he promised that “Capacity development will be given priority across the services. He further stated that “adequate attention will also be given to the welfare of troops.”

Operations, he insisted, will be given new timelines and directions, to achieve set targets. Earlier, the outgone CDS, Badeh, thanked former President Goodluck Jonathan, for appointing him in that capacity in January 2014, even as he expressed appreciation to President Buhari for keeping him more than a month. Meanwhile, similar ceremonies took place at the Nigerian Navy and Air Force headquarters, where the former Chiefs, Vice Admiral Usman Usman Jibrin (rtd) and Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, handed over to their successors – Rear Admiral I. E. Ibas and Air Vice Marshal S. Abubakar, respectively.