In an interview with Arise TV, Professor Okey Ikechukwu discussed the roles and challenges faced by soldiers in Nigeria. He highlighted the misapplication of military personnel in tasks outside their primary training, which has significant implications for both military effectiveness and national security.
Ikechukwu pointed out that over the past 20-25 years, civilian administrative incompetence has led to soldiers performing duties they are not trained for. He stated, “A soldier is trained to take down an object; he’s not trained to arrest anybody.” This encapsulates the core issue of misusing military personnel for tasks such as manning checkpoints and handling civilian matters, which are outside their specialised training.
He elaborated that soldiers, trained for combat and defence, are not equipped for arresting and detaining individuals. This misapplication not only undermines their primary role but also demoralises them. “We are demobilising our soldiers by putting them in places,” he explained, highlighting the detrimental effects of this practice on the soldiers’ morale and efficiency.
The issue of insurgency also came up during the interview. Professor Ikechukwu mentioned that while some insurgents have surrendered and are undergoing deradicalisation, there is a concurrent issue of the military forces being stretched thin. He noted that the numbers of active soldiers are dwindling and not being sufficiently replenished, which further exacerbates the security challenges facing the country.
In summary, Professor Okey Ikechukwu’s insights provide a critical examination of the current state of military deployment in Nigeria. By emphasising that “a soldier is trained to take down an object; he’s not trained to arrest anybody,” he underscores the need for a reassessment of how military resources are utilised. Proper allocation and training are essential to ensure that soldiers can effectively fulfil their roles in defending the nation’s territorial integrity. Addressing these issues is vital for improving national security and military morale………See More
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