By Chimezie Godfrey
The President of the 27 Short Service Combatant Course Alumni of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Maj.-Gen. Okechukwu Ugo (retd.), on Saturday said Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
Ugo stated this during the group’s 40th anniversary celebration held in Abuja.
He noted that insecurity had become a global phenomenon driven by insurgency, banditry, and other forms of asymmetrical warfare.
He said, “As you know globally insecurity is a problem… banditry and insurgency are becoming lucrative because the needs of people are increasing.”
Ugo linked the situation to rising global economic pressures, particularly the impact of conflicts in the Middle East, which he said had increased the cost of living.
“The cost of living has gone high because of energy costs, and that has made people turn to illegal means such as kidnapping for ransom,” he added.
The retired general said the development had overstretched the Nigerian military.
“We are overstretched around the country. There were times we had minimal internal security issues, but today they are everywhere,” he said.
He called for increased manpower in the Nigerian Army to meet growing security demands.
“The manpower requirement of the Nigerian Army is higher now because of the challenges we are facing,” he stated.
Despite the challenges, Ugo expressed optimism about government efforts.
“I believe Mr President is on top of the game and a lot of work is being done to equip the Nigerian Army to bring insecurity to the barest minimum,” he said.
The alumni president explained that the reunion provided an opportunity for members to reflect on their service to the nation and contribute ideas toward national development.