GOODWILL MESSAGE BY THE CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF VICE ADMIRAL AZ GAMBO AM GSS psc ensp (RSA) MTM FNIM LMUSNI FCIS FIIPS FCAI AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE CENTRE FOR SECURITY AND LEGAL STUDIES ABUJA ON 26 OCTOBER 2021
PROTOCOL
1. On behalf of the officers, ratings and civilian staff of the NN, I wish to express my appreciation to the Vice Chancellor University of Abuja, the Faculty and the entire management of the Centre for Security and Legal Studies for the invitation extended to me as the Special Guest of Honour at this auspicious occasion, being the official launch and maiden symposium of the Centre. I am indeed humbled to be in the midst of this array of prominent personalities and I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to make my contributions to the issues bordering on the security of our dear nation. I am optimistic that the outcome of this August event will contribute to efforts at addressing the current and emerging threats to our national security.
2. The spate of insecurity across the country prompted Mr President and C-in-C to direct the Service Chiefs to take appropriate measures to ensure physical security within the shortest possible time frame for the wellbeing of the citizenry. Accordingly, the AFN has embarked on both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to ensure the security of the nation and its people in the shortest possible time. However, considering that national security is a multi-sectoral endeavour that requires the input and buy-in of diverse stakeholders, this maiden symposium is considered expedient, necessary and timely, to sensitise the public and promote a potentially useful discourse on kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to national security. Accordingly, the theme of the symposium which is; “Kinetic and non-kinetic application in the fight against insurgency” is very apt and well-conceived. The Symposium would therefore provide a platform for discourse on holistic approaches towards a comprehensive and lasting solution to the nation’s security challenges.
3. Notably, the nation is currently faced with security challenges which include insurgency, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, communal clashes, farmers/herders crisis as well as cultism. More worrisome is the recent spate of attacks on members of our security forces in the SE by suspected members of the proscribed ESN/IPOB secessionist/separatist groups. The prevailing insecurity has led to unwarranted loss of lives and destruction of property (both public and private), with attendant negative effects on the socio-economic well-being of the citizenry. In all, this development is intended to undermine public confidence in the Nigerian State and its security apparatus.
4. The AFN has been involved in kinetic operations to neutralise the activities of terrorists, insurgents and economic saboteurs for over a decade now. To date, the kinetic operations have resulted in the liberation of territories previously held by the BHTs, however, the insurgents have continued to launch isolated and opportunistic attacks against troops and innocent citizens. This development brought to the fore, the need to reappraise our strategy, vis a vis the kinetic approach of the AFN, by the inclusion of non-kinetic activities in our CT/COIN efforts to achieve the much desired result.
5. The Symposium is therefore a welcome development at a time like this, as it would help to galvanise opinions on the challenges and prospects of ongoing operations against insurgents, bandits and other violent Non-State Actors while giving further insights into the ongoing CT/COIN efforts. It is vital to point out that the import of current kinetic operations as a major prong towards addressing the various forms of insecurity in the country cannot be overemphasised, nevertheless, it is pertinent to reiterate the need for other non-kinetic initiatives, including a whole-of-government approach to tackling these national security challenges.
6. The various operations embarked upon by the AFN have yielded several positive results. Apart from own troops’ effort to neutralise terrorists and reclaim those territories previously held and controlled by insurgents, the Services have also embarked on several non-kinetic initiatives in the form of CIMIC in several localities in the 6 geo-political zones of the country. Also, the AFN is involved in activities to encourage terrorists, bandits and other non-state actors to jettison violence and embrace peace. Incidentally, holding liberated territories has been a major challenge that has been responsible for a few operational setbacks. It would be necessary, therefore, to devise means of supporting the NPF and paramilitary agencies to hold liberated territories. The military, in concert with other paramilitary forces, is currently improving its capacity and capability to neutralise activities of bandits who engage in kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling, small arms trafficking, illegal mining, drug peddling and smuggling. These measures will continue until total normalcy is emplaced in the entire country.
7. The need for synergy between the military establishment and the civil populace cannot be overemphasised. In a democracy such as ours, the total control of the military by civil authority is sacrosanct. Thus, military forces need the total support and cooperation of the civil populace to succeed in their kinetic efforts towards defeating our common adversaries (terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, etc). To this end, the need for the supply of actionable intelligence comes to the fore. On its part, the military will continue to strengthen its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) programmes towards winning the hearts and minds of the civil populace. Needless to reiterate is the fact that the military’s effort at neutralising the adversaries is a major prerequisite for other whole-of-government activities to thrive, towards emplacing and sustaining lasting peace all over our great nation. As such, we shall not rest on our oars until total victory is achieved.
8. From the foregoing, and pursuant to the objective of this Symposium, I urge you all to participate wholeheartedly in the discussions that will ensue. The discussions could focus on some thematic areas that may include:
a. Re-awakening of the passion for patriotism and nationalism among the citizenry.
b. Reinvigorating the criminal justice system to ensure prompt dissipation of justice in terrorism and banditry-related cases.
c. Way forward for a robust Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC).
d. Security sector reforms and how to achieve them.
9. It is envisaged that the outcome of this Symposium would foster seamless coordination of our counter-terrorism/counter-insurgency efforts, facilitate a common understanding of the national security concerns in the nation as well as deny insurgents freedom of action. This would invariably restore normalcy and bolster socio-economic activities in the country. On this note, I wish to reassure the organisers of the Symposium of the full support of the Nigerian Navy for your laudable initiatives. Once again, I thank you most sincerely for the invitation. I wish you a fruitful session and Onward Together.
AZ GAMBO
Vice Admiral
October 2021 Chief of the Naval Staff