Defence Minister says Nigeria is Bleeding

The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi has decried that the nation is bleeding over the state of insecurity in the country.

He made the assertion during the continuation of the special weekly ministerial briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

According to Magashi, after embarking on comprehensive research, the Federal Government has taken a position and adopted a methodology to ensure that all political opponents, ethnic and religious enemies of the country are removed.

“This is the only way we can obtain the objectives of protecting our country from internal and external threats but also provide a conducive environment in which aspiration of human security, national progress, and development will be realised.

“Make no mistake that our nation is bleeding now.

“It is bleeding because self-interests, underlined decisions by quite a number of our elites have made. They are quick to attribute blames to groups other than theirs.

“The whole idea is to exploit the social division for their political gains”, the minister added.

Magashi who also spoke on the brutal murder of scores of soldiers in Benue State noted that the military is not taking kindly to the brazen attack.

He, however, revealed that nine weapons have been retrieved from the perpetrators who have also been captured and will be prosecuted.

He also officially confirmed the recent arrest of Boko haram sponsors in Kano state.

The Minister further stated that he does not agree with the comments that all bandits be killed. He stated that every person is innocent according to the provision of the law until found guilty.

He however said in line with the president’s order, any bandit who is found in the forests with the Ak-47 rifle will be shot.

This development he said is meant to curb banditry activities in the northwestern states.

Magashi who also reacted to the death of the former Chadian President, Idris Deby noted that there will be trouble if insecurity in Chad escalates.

He said the absence of Chad’s influence on the borders is likely to worsen the security situation for neighboring countries.

Magashi added that the Federal Government is not ignorant of the threats of proliferation of weapons that may arise and a possible influx of refugees in consequence, which is the reason begins the influx of security around the borders.