The senate has asked the service
chiefs to step aside.
The resolution of the upper
legislative chamber followed a motion sponsored by Ali Ndume, senator
representing Borno south and chairman of the committee on army.
Gabriel Olonisakin, chief of
defence staff; Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff; Sadique Abubakar, chief of
air staff, and Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, chief of naval staff, are all overdue for
retirement.
Despite calls for their sack,
President Muhammadu Buhari has kept them in office.
While moving the motion, Ndume
expressed worry that over 200 soldiers have resigned from the army and that
this could affect the fight against insurgency.
“The senate notes with concern
the number of casualties among the Nigerian army and other security agencies,”
he said.
“That just recently 24 soldiers
were ambushed and killed along Maiduguri-Damboa road in Borno state, 19 were
wounded and nine were declared missing in action.
“In Katsina, soldiers were also
ambushed and killed while several others were wounded, the number of casualties
is not known.
“The senate appreciates the
sacrifice of our armed forces in the fight against the insurgency and banditry
and protection of territorial integrity and several other security assignments
given to them.
“The senate is concerned that if
the trend continues, it would have serious implications on the fight against
insurgency, banditry.
“It has been alleged that over
200 soldiers voluntarily resigned their engagement or appointment with the
Nigerian army.”
The upper legislative chamber
also asked the federal government to equip the troops with modern weapons.
The motion was adopted after it
was put to a voice vote by Senate President Ahmad Lawan.
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