Former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to equip soldiers with modern equipment and necessary training to combat insecurity plaguing the nation.
The retired general spoke during an interview with BBC Hausa Service on Sunday.
He expressed concern over insecurity in the land, saying he has continued to advise the government away from public glare.
Babangida advised Nigerians to support the government and the military to enable them to overcome the crisis.
According to him, insecurity will not be brought under control until the citizens and authorities synergise.
Responding to a question on whether the political elite was doing enough to end the insecurity, Babangida said, “if they agree to sit down and think over, I believe success will be achieved.”
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Explaining what was to be done, he said that soldiers and other security agents must be rallied, supported and made to realise that the citizens were backing them.
On the nature of his advice to the Federal Government, Babangida said, “we give advice, as we can..but we don’t make noise about it. We don’t announce that this is what we say.”
“We should unite, we should support those in power, we are all working towards achieving the same goal. Between the leaders and citizens, we need peace and a harmonious relationship.
“This problem of insecurity, every government had its experience… but if we unite..I remember how we fought the civil war for 3 years, the people supported the government, the government did its best, bought what was necessary, those who fought were made to understand that this country is the best for them.
“It’s not only in Nigeria, many countries encountered this kind of problem, some had it for ten years but through concerted effort, they are out of it. I believe we can get out of this problem.
“Both citizens and those governing are trying, but we should know that it is not an easy task,” Babangida stated.