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Buhari Laments over Security Challenges

President Muhammadu Buhari has said the delay in supply of military hardware by manufacturers is one of the challenges his administration is facing in fighting Boko Haram, bandits, and other violent crimes in the country.

He stated this on Thursday, shortly after observing the Eid prayer at Aso Villa, Abuja, and called for understanding by Nigerians.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari said: “The elite should make the attempt to understand the military. If we order weapons and armoured vehicles, it takes time for the manufacturers to ship them, and when brought here, eventually, they are taken to training institutions, where we train the trainers before sending them to the field. This is a very long process. I expect Nigerians to be more understanding of the issues involved, looking at the time and available resources.

“For example, when we came in, in the North East, ask people in Adamawa and Borno States and the South-South in terms of security. Without security, you can’t do anything. Our big surprise and disappointment are what is happening in the Northwest, and we are dealing with it.”

However, the president promised to use all available resources and manpower to deal with bandits, in order to ensure they do not create havoc against access to farms and food production in the coming farming season.

The president who is also optimistic for a good rainy season this year, said “the law enforcement agencies are working hard to regain confidence against bandits so that we can go back to the land. This is very important. This is what the agencies are busy doing right now. We want people to go back to the land so that we can get enough food for the country and even export.”

“With the resources and manpower available to us, we are working very hard. We are hoping Nigerians will understand the problem. Nigerians know at what stage we came in in 2015, what state we are today, both on security and the economy, and we are doing our best.”

The president further lauded the National Assembly for its support, stating that “the National Assembly is cooperating very well. Within the resources available, they are certainly giving us priority on our (military) requests.”

Recall that in 2015, Buhari had in his election promise said he will rid the country of all forms of terrorism and insurgency within the shortest possible time. What is your take on measures so far in tackling insecurity in the country?

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