Nigerian Military, Yesterday and Today


By Dr. Aliyu U. Tilde


In 1983, some Chadian soldiers invaded some communities in Nigeria. Chad had been in a prolonged civil war and its soldiers
were known to be ruthless.

Nigerian armed forces were under the simple going but honest President Alhaji Shehu Shagari as its Commander-in-Chief and the COAS or CDS was Wushishi (forgive my memory). The then GOC of the 3rd Division in Jos under whose command the Northeast fall was Maj. General Muhammadu Buhari. Surely, northerners dominated the top command positions in the military then.

Without hesitation, the GOC in Jos was given the signal to flush out the Chadians. But on his own, the stern Buhari was determined to, in addition, teach them a lesson they will never forget.

In a twinkle, Buhari mobilized his soldiers and personally led them in the field. Within few days Nigerian soldiers not only got the Chadians to flee but they chased the latter right into Chad. Buhari couldn't stop. It took quite some effort to get the soldier in him to pull the brakes. Later, he will claim that he didn't know that he was already deep into Chad.

Buhari the GOC had an excellent relationship with his soldiers. He never allowed superiors to oppress their juniors or edit their allowances. He was riding a 504 saloon car and lived in a simple bungalow along Bauchi road adjacent to the Unijos Main Campus. When he was appointed the head of state after the coup, his soldiers in the barracks went wild in happiness. He bade them farewell, not knowing that it will be forever.

Well the Chadians never dared encroaching into Nigeria again. Buhari has permanently imprinted a lesson in them: Nigeria is mighty and no rat should dare step in its foot. The success was possible because the military chiefs and officers then were truly Nigerian. They believed in their hearts, not in their words only, that that the territorial integrity of this nation is not for bargain, its military must be strong and well catered for, and money was not their goal.

When the Maitatsine riots resurfaced in the Northeast during his regime, Buhari was the C-in-C and the story of how they were crushed ended in the burial of that sect forever.

No insurgency in Northern Nigeria surfaced again until when Obasanjo came to power. Like a joke, a group calling itself Nigerian Taliban surfaced in Yobe state. It engaged the police and the authorities in fights using guns and explosives. It was unbelievable. They were overcome but not wiped out. They had the chance to shift their base to Maiduguri and get patronised by the governors of Yobe and Borno states who gave them positions in government as a strategy of appeasement.

But the group couldn't be appeased. It continued to organise itself and train for a showdown to the full knowledge of the authorities in Abuja and at the dismay of the then SSS Director, Gadzama, who was from Borno and knew the risk his community and the nation at large would face in future.

When I raised this point at a conference in Kano, one of the former governors involved tried to discredit me, something I immediately objected to. These are facts, hard facts. Obasanjo as the C-in-C didn't do enough. By the time Yar'adua made an attempt to suppress the group extrajudicially, it was too late and, he too, didn't live a year longer than Muhammad Yusuf.

The death of Yaradua was a loss for the nation and its military. He gave the Niger Deltan terrorists a choice between war and peace. They chose peace. He sacked the then Chief of Defence Staff then, Andrew Azazi, for his involvement in arming the Niger Deltans and playing the fifth columnist in the fight against them. An army investigation report warned the nation of the existence of politicians from that region who nurse secessionist ambitions and who could become leaders of the country one day. A probe into their activities and level of
involvement in the arms theft, the report said, was necessary to avoid putting our national security at risk. Yar'adua, unfortunately, didn't institute the probe that would have seen Jonathan impeached. And he died, shortly and sadly. Thus, those fears expressed in the COAS office report in the theft of armoury from Kaduna and Jaji depots became real.

Jonathan, a Niger Deltan, became President. He returned Azazi as his National Security adviser and with that a different course was charted for the military.

Now, Nigerians have seen what a different calibre of leader Jonathan is. Also, the world has witnessed the mettle of the people - from the former Eastern region - he has chosen to lead the military and fight the insurgency. Their estimation in the eyes of the world is very low. Never in our history has a Nigerian president been so much a subject of ridicule by world leaders and press. Never in the history of our military has it performed so disastrously bad in the protection of the Nigerian citizen and became a subject of international disdain and contempt to the extent that the Americans said they will not share intelligence with it. How could they do so when they knew among our military are sponsors of Boko Haram, as Stephen Davies recently disclosed. (And believe me I have not seen a soldier in Ihejirika because he instantly became rattled by the disclosure, failed to put even a faint defence but resorted to blaming the president and Elrufai for underfunding the military.)

From Ihejirika to Minimah, various international and local media reports have shown our soldiers as neglected, ill-equipped, underpaid and many of them sadistic - taking delight in torturing Nigerians and killing them - as we have seen in the reported massacres of Baga and the latest slaughter video which the authorities said they are still investigating.

The Nigerian military is certainly witnessing its lowest moments. Soldiers are deserting it, as the authorities themselves confessed, and in moments of attack on civilians, they are seen running along with civilians for their dear lives. In one or two occasions, they fled to Cameroon in their hundreds where they were disarmed, packed into schools and escorted, like women and children, back to Nigeria. They arrived Mubi looking haggard, hungry and in need of help. Even in the battles that saw the fall of towns like Gwoza, Banki, Gamboru, Izge, Damboa, Bama, Gulak, Michika and Bazza, our soldiers were seen outrunning civilians for safety as their officers outrun civilian elites in building posh houses and riding the latest brands of cars.

What a depressing moment for every true Nigerian! What a moment of truth for our military! It is not a time for denial or pride, as a diplomat put it last week, because there is nothing to deny and nothing to be proud of when bandits earlier described as "ghosts" by the President can now capture large towns and keep them, one after another, and get our soldiers fleeing.

The Chadian soldiers that we could easily liquidate in 1983 today, in contrast, stand with their shoulders high. Three weeks ago, when Boko Haram abducted some 85 Nigerians and moved them across to a forest in Chad, Chadian soldiers instantly located them, fought them gallantly and freed the hostages, handing them back to Nigeria. Chad, for God's sake! Our Chibok girks and other abductees on Nigeria continue to languish in the hands of Boko Haram for my months now, awaiting for a rescue that will never come. Their government tells them: "You see, we can't rescue you because we don't want to see you harmed. You're safer there." What an excuse!

Cameroon too has been defeating the insurgents at every encounter, sometimes even crossing the border to assist Nigerian soldiers as it was reported in Ngala two weeks ago. Even yesterday, they routed the insurgents at a border town where they killed more than 100 of the latter.

Nigeria, where are the GOCs like Buhari, the chiefs like Wushishi, and Presidents like Shagari? Where are your courageous commanders like Shagaya and Malu who as true Nigerians earned us respect in Liberia and Sierra Leone?

The present GOC of the same 3 DIV, Zaruwa, must prove his mettle to Nigerians. His hometown, Bazza, is in the hands of Boko Haram, and so is Michika and Gulak. We want to see the reinvention of Buhari, Malu or Shagaya in him. Incidentally, the Chief of Defence Staff, Barde, is from neighbouring Mubi, a town that is half-deserted as it awaits its turn in the invasion tsunami of Boko Haram. Its people have been fleeing to Yola in their thousands. He too, we want to see a Wushishi reinvented in him. Let us see in the duo the reinvention of the ancient, legendary Margi warrior. We hope, but only hope can we afford, that the C-in-C and the COAS will give them all the support they need.

The comparison between yesterday and today for the Nigerian President and his military is truly odious. Nigerian leaders and indeed its military need to take a long, hard look at themselves. What went wrong and who are responsible for this state of shame? If we are serious, heads must roll. We also need a different set of leaders and commanders that are truly Nigerians in their past and future.

The spokeman for the Nigerians military, Olukolade, said Nigerians should not be discouraged with these setbacks and lose hope in the military. But, sincerely, where can we find the courage, where can we see the hope?

10 September 2014

Nice article... But pro-GEJites will take this as comparison btw ayatollah and the man frm otuoke....

Another northern supremacist trying to force his opinion backed with half-truths on us. Bazza, Gulak and Michika are not in the hands of Boko haram.

Trash

Where were BHs when Ihejirika was in power

Why couldn't they capture one town when Ihejirika was COAS


Buhari ko Wushishi no


Take away all Northern Muslim soldiers from NE and we will see victory in that sector


Northern Nigeria can burn if they like but SS must complete their 2nd term

BlackTechnology:
Where were BHs when Ihejirika was in power

When ihejirika was the COAS

The Police HQ, Abuja was bombed

The UN building, Abuja was bombed

The command and staff college, Jaji was bombed

The Air force base, Maiduguri was bombed(Three jet fighters & Two Helicopters were destroyed) etc etc

Nigeria has definitely gone to the dogs under Jonathan, No doubt.

Jakpon: When ihejirika was the COAS

The Police HQ, Abuja was bombed

The UN building, Abuja was bombed

The command and staff college, Jaji was bombed

The Air force base, Maiduguri was bombed(Three jet fighters & Two Helicopters were destroyed) etc etc

U dey mind am.

Some people r so uninformed and lack general knowledge, its disturbing wallahi.

But as data is cheap today, any troll can get nairaland on his chinco tecno phone and type utter garbage.

KnowAll: Nigeria has definitely gone to the dogs under Jonathan, No doubt.

You can say that again

Jonathan,
if i recolect when he want to contest for presidency, ppl are naming dere children Goodluck. Everything will end by 2019

Jakpon: When ihejirika was the COAS

The Police HQ, Abuja was bombed

The UN building, Abuja was bombed

The command and staff college, Jaji was bombed

The Air force base, Maiduguri was bombed(Three jet fighters & Two Helicopters were destroyed) etc etc

How many towns were captured when Ihejirika was COAS

lacasa:


U dey mind am.

Some people r so uninformed and lack general knowledge, its disturbing wallahi.

But as data is cheap today, any troll can get nairaland on his chinco tecno phone and type utter garbage.

How many towns were captured when Ihejirika was the COAS.?

Don't talk like a primary school pupil

Use your brain.

BlackTechnology:

How towns were captured when Ihejirika was the COAS.?

Don't talk like a primary school pupil

Use your brain.

"Primary school pupil"




As I said... Troll

lacasa:

"Primary school pupil"




As I said... Troll

Babyyyyyy

List one town that fell to BH when Ihejirika was the COAS

The day Northerners accused ihejirika of genocide forcing Jona to abort his plan to extend his stay, was the day Nigeria ceased to exist

2015 Nigeria will disintegrate

Prepare to become a farmer whose govt likes to borrow money unto bad debts

Jakpon: When ihejirika was the COAS
The Police HQ, Abuja was bombed
The UN building, Abuja was bombed
The command and staff college, Jaji was bombed
The Air force base, Maiduguri was bombed(Three jet fighters & Two Helicopters were destroyed) etc etc

Are you seriously suggesting that responsibility for the security of places like the UN building and Police HQ vests in the army? The mind-numbing stupidity you people display here is shocking.

tokunboh: Another northern supremacist trying to force his opinion backed with half-truths on us. Bazza, Gulak and Michika are not in the hands of Boko haram.

problem with people like u is, u dont read and u dont understand.
If those towns were not taken by boko haram, why was there a report from DHQ saying the military has recaptured those town back from boko haram?

The problem with the military is that after the economic collapse in the 1980s which ushered in SAP, we stopped investing in the military. Training and the purchase of equipment were reduced.

It's only recently, compelled by Boko Haram and MEND before that, that investment has picked up. We are paying the price for years of underinvestment.

BlackTechnology:

Babyyyyyy

List one town that fell to BH when Ihejirika was the COAS

The day Northerners accused ihejirika of genocide forcing Jona to abort his plan to extend his stay, was the day Nigeria ceased to exist

2015 Nigeria will disintegrate

Prepare to become a farmer whose govt likes to borrow money unto bad debts

There you go ignorantly typing again.

Did Northerners accuse Ihejirika??.

As the Australian accused Ihejirika as BokoHaram Sponsor, should'nt he answer for any transgressions to his reign as COAS, if he's found clear, shikenan!. So, why the foolsih aggression towards northerners?.

It's Hate that will consume and destroy u. Unless u go back to Logical reasoning if ever you did.

The same Buhari who ended up accusing the same military of genocide against boko haram, because they were giving Boko haram the same treatment he did as CIC.

4Play:

Are you seriously suggesting that responsibility for the security of places like the UN building and Police HQ vests in the army? The mind-numbing stupidity you people display here is shocking.

You are an 1diot

The duty of the army is to protect the countries territorial intergrity. Is the UN building and Police HQ not situated the Nigerian territory?

Schnook !

Oh God, you are the creator of universe and all that's within it. You are closer to us more than our 'juggular' vein and hears whatever that's running thru our minds and hear that which we have spoken out. You know the problems of nigeria/nigerians like u knw the problem of other nations and her citizens. Good leadership, political will, efforts of citizens and prayers combined were all other nations put to work to overcome their challenges. God, 2 important factors out of the remaining (good leadership and political will) are conspicously missing in Nigeria and their absence have made us victims of something we could have contained as a nation(boko haram).
God, i'm not saying Buhari is more a Nigerian than Gej , but he love Nigeria/Nigerians more than Gej do, he's stronger in will and decision, he's more patriotic than gej and incorruptible. God, it is for these outstanding qualities of his; which are the qualities expected of our C-in-C to win this war that we are praying and asking you to replace Gej with Buhari come 2015...ameen!

tokunboh: Another northern supremacist trying to force his opinion backed with half-truths on us. Bazza, Gulak and Michika are not in the hands of Boko haram.

Disposable post.

Next.

Funny
The war against boko haram their brain child is getting closure and they are out blabbing and yapping.
They need to understand that GEJ remains their president till 2019 and get used to it.

https://www.nairaland.com/1896895/clarion-call-there-going-nigeria A CLARION CALL: Is There Going To Be A Nigeria After 2015

4Play:

Are you seriously suggesting that responsibility for the security of places like the UN building and Police HQ vests in the army? The mind-numbing stupidity you people display here is shocking.

there was a war on insurgency when the attacks were carried and ihejirika knew too well that those places were potential targets and cud have prevented the attack. Whatever happens to military intelligence gathering.
Again, u said no town was taken by boko haram under ihejirika. It was so becos gej and ihejirika kept telin us bh were spirits and faceless people, until they(bh) started coming out to engage the army in gun battle to make their presence felt. Even bh did not capture any town undr ihejirika, but became too combatant and bold that they travel across borno without fear under ihejirika b4 he was dropped. The strength to capture towns by boko haram was developed under ihejirika and that's why the act of capturing towns is so rampant today and out of control.

Excellent writeup


Buhari 4 President
To God be the Glory

Ihejiriika wound some people bad bad!

lacasa:

There you go ignorantly typing again.

Did Northerners accuse Ihejirika??.

As the Australian accused Ihejirika as BokoHaram Sponsor, should'nt he answer for any transgressions to his reign as COAS, if he's found clear, shikenan!. So, why the foolsih aggression towards northerners?.

It's Hate that will consume and destroy u. Unless u go back to Logical reasoning if ever you did.

DSS cleared Ihejirika

Northern Elders Forum (NEF) asked Jona to investigate Ihejirika after accusing him of genocide


Babyyyyy get acquitted with current news.

BlackTechnology:

DSS cleared Ihejirika

Northern Elders Forum (NEF) asked Jona to investigate Ihejirika after accusing him of genocide


Babyyyyy get acquitted with current news.

How and when was the investigation carried out by the DSS??

The agency only gave a lame excuse not to. (Guess Jona is shieldding his co-actor)

And 2ndly, who are the NEF is I may ask?. Do they represent the North as a people?. Or are they the North's representatives elected ib the National Assembly??.


Get in tune with how things work, ok.


P.S - dnt address me as 'Baby'.

Thank you

Caseless2: Oh God, you are the creator of universe and all that's within it. You are closer to us more than our 'juggular' vein and hears whatever that's running thru our minds and hear that which we have spoken out. You know the problems of nigeria/nigerians like u knw the problem of other nations and her citizens. Good leadership, political will, efforts of citizens and prayers combined were all other nations put to work to overcome their challenges. God, 2 important factors out of the remaining (good leadership and political will) are conspicously missing in Nigeria and their absence have made us victims of something we could have contained as a nation(boko haram).
God, i'm not saying Buhari is more a Nigerian than Gej , but he love Nigeria/Nigerians more than Gej do, he's stronger in will and decision, he's more patriotic than gej and incorruptible. God, it is for these outstanding qualities of his; which are the qualities expected of our C-in-C to win this war that we are praying and asking you to replace Gej with Buhari come 2015...ameen!

Ameen to this

lacasa:

How and when was the investigation carried out by the DSS??

The agency only gave a lame excuse not to. (Guess Jona is shieldding his co-actor)

And 2ndly, who are the NEF is I may ask?. Do they represent the North as a people?. Or are they the North's representatives elected ib the National Assembly??.


Get in tune with how things work, ok.


P.S - dnt address me as 'Baby'.

Thank you

Babyyyy


DSS cleared Ihejirika because they worked with him in pushing BH to sambisa forest which prompted Northern elites to start a propaganda war against him


Babyyyyyy

BlackTechnology:

Babyyyy


DSS cleared Ihejirika because they worked with him in pushing BH to sambisa forest which prompted Northern elites to start a propaganda war against him


Babyyyyyy

I'm not homo.


Respect yourself man.

lacasa:



I'm not homo.


Respect yourself man.

I called you babyyyy because you just reasoned like a child

How on earth do you think DSS will question a man who worked with them to contain BH to sambisa