Balance Your Analysis on Military Operations, CISA Urges
Critics, Media
The Citizens Initiative for Security Awareness (CISA) has urged
critics of military operations to strive in balancing their
analysis and commentaries, so as not to dampen the morale of troops
prosecuting the war against insurgency, banditry and other crimes,
perpetrated across the country.
National Coordinator of CISA, Mr. Chidi Omeje, on Tuesday, said
Nigerians have the right to demand a quick end to the menace of
terrorism and banditry in the country, while holding the government
to account on how the various internal security operations are
being prosecuted by our fighting forces.
He however said they must assess and evaluate those efforts with
open mind and with the full understanding of the dynamics of
security challenges assailing the country.
Omeje, spoke in Abuja during a world press conference on
national security, adding that CISA urges Nigerians who are only
interested in projecting and parroting setbacks and challenges
encountered by our military to also join them in supporting and
celebrating the various wins being recorded almost on daily basis
by the troops against the country’s adversaries, even in the face
of many challenges.
He noted that in spite of certain orchestrated negative reviews
of the military by some detractors, most fair-minded Nigerians who
are watching and assessing the trajectory of the security
challenges across the country and the efforts of those combating
them, are confident that soon the challenges will be
surmounted.
According to him, CISA is strongly of the opinion that
Nigerians, especially media commentators must show balance in their
coverage, reportage or analysis of military’s operations
nationwide, in order to inspire hope and confidence on the people
and boost the moral and fighting spirit of gallant troops.
“We urge that on no account must politics or any parochial
consideration compel citizens to thumb down the sacrifice and
commitment of our troops.
“CISA is happy to note that our fighting forces have remained
resilient, committed and confident in prosecuting the various
internal security operations across the country. Our troops have
consistently shown that they are more than capable of defending our
country from external aggression or internal insurrection,” Mr.
Omeje said.
Continuing, he added: “This is in spite of the numerous
challenges ranging from internal and external sabotage, lack of
information, poor funding, inadequate boots on the ground, media
trial by rent seeking politicians and sundry distractions.
“CISA has noted with satisfaction, the current efficient synergy
between the troops on the ground and air component of the various
theaters of operation. The current momentum has ensured robust
engagement of the adversary and obliteration of their
sanctuaries.
“The Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force coordination delivers
massive assault on Boko Haram/ISAWP terrorists operating in the
north east and bandits in northwest and north central parts of the
country.