Buhari laments security challenges, says it has gone beyond Boko Haram (Photos)

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday bemoaned the spate of security challenges currently facing the country and called on all Nigerians to jettison negative tendencies and give peace a chance.

While the President noted that his trips to the United States, Europe and China to discuss strategies to strengthen cooperation towards tackling insurgency and global terrorism has contributed in the fight against Boko Haram, he however said that security challenges facing the country at present have gone beyond Boko Haram.

This was contained in President Buhari’s address on the occasion of the Passing out Parade of officer cadets of the 63 Regular Course at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna on Saturday.

“Terrorism has a global reach: during my trips to the United States, Europe and China, we discussed strategies to strengthen cooperation towards tackling insurgency and global terrorism. These diplomatic shuttles have contributed towards strengthening our battle against the insurgents. But we must sustain our momentum.

“Today’s challenges, however, go beyond Boko Haram. We have seen the negative impacts of kidnapping, cattle rustling and renewed militancy in the Niger Delta on our economy. The repeated attacks in the Niger Delta have been impacting negatively on oil revenues. The scourge of illegal Small Arms and Light Weapons, and the drugs war among others remain issues which we are tackling seriously.

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“I would like to reiterate my call on all Nigerians to give peace a chance and jettison negative tendencies on our land and join government efforts at addressing the numerous challenges in the path of building a better Nigeria.”

The commended the Commandant, instructors and gentlemen officer cadets for this outstanding parade and expressed joy that for the first time in 52 years, the Academy is graduating female cadets in this year’s parade who will be commissioned as regular officers into the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

While he commended Nigerian military in their contributions to the security of the nation, President Buhari added, “As we tackle the challenges of nation building and sustainable development, I urge the military to continue to operate within the rules of engagement. The military needs to constantly abide by the laws which guide armed conflicts as you carry out your constitutional roles. Without this, you will be doing a lot of damage to the institution and the constitution as a whole. It is the extent to which you respect the laws of armed conflicts that success in the real context of global best practices will be measured.”

By Ebere Ndukwu …

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