On Friday, Vice President Kashim Shettima attributed the challenges faced by residents in the North East to the activities of terrorists in the region. Shettima expressed his concern, stating that terrorism has been a persistent issue in the region for too long.....CONTINUE READING
He conveyed optimism that the menace could be overcome.
The Vice President’s remarks, conveyed by Senate President Godwill Akpabio during a book launch in Abuja titled “Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism in North-East Nigeria: Emerging Perspectives and the Imperative of Airpower,” emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to restore peace in the region.
He said, “The North East region of Nigeria has been grappling with the scourge of terrorism for far too long. The brutal acts committed by extremist groups have inflicted immense suffering upon the innocent people of the region. But amidst this darkness, there is hope. Hope that through knowledge, understanding, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, we can overcome these challenges and restore peace and stability to the region.”
Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, highlighted that the utilization of air power has played a crucial role in weakening terrorist activities.
He emphasized that this deployment has facilitated military operations, including surveillance, intelligence gathering, and effective counterattacks against the terrorists.
He said, “Today, we are glad to highlight the significance of airpower in the fight against terrorism. Airpower, with its unique capabilities and reach, has proven to be a game-changer in countering the asymmetric threats posed by terrorist organisations.
“The ability to swiftly project force, conduct surveillance, gather intelligence, and provide close air support has been instrumental in degrading the capabilities of these insurgents and terrorists. ”
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the battle against terrorism is multifaceted, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive approach that tackles the underlying causes of extremism, encourages social unity, and stimulates economic development.
Abubakar expressed that the knowledge and viewpoints presented in this book could serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, military strategists, and practitioners in devising holistic solutions that extend beyond the scope of military engagements.
