Northern leaders urge overhaul of security infrastructure to curb terrorism

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for the overhaul of the nation’s security infrastructure to end the prevailing insurgency in the land, maintaining that the current strength of the military could not defeat the Boko Haram sect. It, therefore, canvassed the retooling of the troops.

Lamenting the gruesome killings of innocent Nigerians at Aunto village in Borno and other victims of armed bandits in parts of the federation, the group held that the performance of the military had shown that it needed more impetus to win the war.

In a statement yesterday in Kaduna by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Mohammad Ibrahim Biu, ACF said it had on several occasions appealed to security agencies to be proactive, professional and strategic in the counter-terrorism fight to avoid colossal damages.

The northern leaders said: “The Auno massacre could have been avoided if the necessary security measures were observed.

“ACF, therefore, urges the military and other security agencies to restructure their architecture in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists in the North East and other parts of the country as well as stem the menace of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups that have continued to mitigate our peaceful co-existence and development.”

They continued: “ACF also appeals to the Federal Government to ensure that its commitment to security of lives and property of Nigerians is carried out to the letter in order to assuage the persistent fears of the citizens.

“The Federal Government should also ensure that adequate equipment and logistics are provided to the troops at the frontline to adequately confront the terrorists.”