THE Nigeria military is currently employing kinetic power and deploying a non-kinetic approach in the prosecution of counter-terrorism and campaigns against banditry, the Minister of Defence, Major Bashir Salihi Magashi (retd.), has said.
He also commended a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), for his contributions to the armed forces.
According to him, not only did Buratai, now Nigerian Ambassador to the Benin Republic contribute to the peace and security of the country, but he was also a bridge-builder in strengthening civilian-military relations.
Magashi, represented by his Special Adviser, Technical, Maj Gen Ahmed Tijani Jibrin (retd), stated this during the public presentation of a book titled: ‘The Exploits of Buratai’, written by a United Kingdom-based scholar, Best Agbese, in honour of the former COAS at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.
He said Buratai’s impact cut across various aspects but most notably in civil-military affairs.
Magashi said, “The Military is employing kinetic power and to deploying a non-kinetic approach in prosecuting various counter-terrorism and anti-banditry campaigns to restore normalcy to parts of the country.
“The post-modern soldier is not only a fighter but also a peacekeeper, guardian, diplomat and social worker.
“The main goal of the modern military activity is no longer exclusively to defeat an adversary but to create a safe environment for a comprehensive, exclusive, post-conflict political and social order.
“These realities underscore the significance of civil-military relations as a management tool in the Defence sector.”
He said Buratai took the alliance to another level as evident in the establishment of the civilian Joint Task Force.
The event was also attended by religious leaders and traditional rulers; Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Uche Ogah as well as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Faruk Yahaya and others.Copyright PUNCH
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