Former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida has called for widespread cooperation from Nigerians for the military as they fight to defeat terrorists.
Gen. Babangida also called on the Federal Government to provide the military with modern weapons and trainings necessary to resolve insecurity across Nigeria.
He spoke on a BBC Hausa programme monitored in Kaduna yesterday.
Gen. Babangida said the military was doing a lot to address the various security challenges such as banditry, kidnapping and insurgency.
“They also need to be trained on how to use the modern weapons, not to get weapons and just hand them over to the soldiers. They should be trained.
“It is important to rally round the soldiers and other security agents, support them and let them know the citizens are behind them. Provide them with all they require and let them know this is their country, they have no other country better than this.
“This problem of insecurity, every government had its experience, but if we unite we will overcome it. I remember how we fought the civil war for three years, the people supported the government, the government did its best, bought what was necessary, and those who fought were made to understand that this country is the best for them.
“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. Both citizens and those governing are trying, but we should know that it is not an easy task,” Gen. Babangida said.
