Former Minister of Communications and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Adebayo Shittu, has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, particularly incidents where armed bandits capture members of the military and police.
Shittu made the remarks during an interview from 31:47 on SYMFONI TV while discussing national security challenges and the performance of security agencies in combating terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes across the country.
According to him, it is troubling and disheartening whenever reports emerge that trained security personnel are being overpowered and taken hostage by non-state armed groups. He said such incidents raise serious questions about preparedness, equipment, and operational capacity within the nation’s security architecture.
The former minister stressed that the military and police are expected to be professionally trained and adequately equipped to confront criminal elements, especially in internal security operations where they are deployed to restore order and protect civilians.
“Anytime I hear that bandits have captured either military men or police men, I feel very sad and disappointed because our military and police are supposed to be well trained,” he said.
Shittu noted that the recurring nature of such incidents reflects broader security concerns that require urgent attention from government authorities. He called for improved investment in training, intelligence gathering, and modern equipment to strengthen the effectiveness of security agencies across the country.
He also emphasized the need for strategic reforms that would enhance coordination among security institutions and ensure better response to emerging threats, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas where bandit activities have intensified in recent years….Read_More…