INSURGENCY: NSCDC SAYS NIGERIA NOT AT WAR

The Commandant-General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ade Abolurin has said the security challenges facing Nigeria should not be termed a “war”.

The Commandant-General made the assertion while speaking at the Opening Ceremony of a 5-Day Technical Training of NSCDC personnel on “Principles and Practice of Alternative Dispute Resolution” at the Corps Academy in Abuja on Monday.

He said the security challenges bedeviling Nigeria was as a result of misunderstanding that could be resolved through mediation.

There were two separate bombings in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital and continued attacks in the North-East region of the country by members of Boko Haram sect but the NSCDC boss was adamant that the situation could be contained.

“The situation in Nigeria is better (than that of other countries of the world) and has not degenerated. It’s not a social problem yet. As significant as it is, it has not affected the large population of the country. It is not war.”

He was however, fast to note that what is presently being experienced in the country is a warning sign of an imminent social problem.

The NSCDC boss said Nigerians, despite their ethnicity, are closely related and have no reason to stage a war against one another.

While pointing out that Nigerians’ history was being wiped out by the improvement in technology and education, Dr. Abolurin maintained that: “Education and Information Technologies should help us relate better.”

“If our problem is the State of Origin, why can’t we remove State and see ourselves as members of one country.”

Also speaking at the occasion, the Director-General of National Orientation Agency, Mr. Mike Omeri said only the exhibition of patriotism by Nigerians could solve the security challenges being faced by the country.

“Patriotism and love of the country is the foundation to peace. When you love your country, you will promote and protect it.

“The war against terrorism can only be won through the collective will, cooperation and supports of all Nigerians irrespective of their political, religious and ethnic differences, Omeri sai
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He condemned the International media for propagating the security challenges in Nigeria, insisting that insurgency was not peculiar to Nigeria.

On his own part, the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, Sambo Dasuki said peace efforts should be taken to the grassroots.

The NSA who was represented by Dr. Fatima Akilu while maintaining that most cases of conflicts occur in the grassroots also called for the rebuilding of institutions in the country from the family level.