Nigeria’s intelligence machinery has not failed – Army chief

Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika
The Chief of Army Staff

Nigeria’s intelligence machinery has not failed – Army chief

The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, has debunked the belief in some quarters that Nigeria’s intelligence machinery was a failure and inefficient.

Ihejirika, who was speaking at the flagging off of this year’s Army Chaplains Training Week in Owerri, Imo State, south east, Nigeria, promised that security men would continue to enhance their efforts so that the terrorists don’t sneak in from time to time to wreak havoc.

Ihejirika said “It is wrong to conclude that the terrorist attacks by the Islamic fundamentalist sect, the Boko Haram, in parts of the country, which claimed so many lives in Yobe and Borno States, was a proof that the country’s intelligence machinery has failed.”

Security measures

The COAS said the military hierarchy had already discussed the issue extensively, stressing that adequate measures had been put in place to forestall a repeat of the dastardly act.

According Ihejirika, the Nigerian Army has been collaborating with other countries that have had longer experience of terrorism, with a view to fighting the growing menace.

He said “Countries like Pakistan, United States of America and Britain, will be offering anti-terrorist training to Nigerian security officers.”

The army boss said it was not the habit of the military to announce each time a bomb blast was nipped in the bud or terrorists arrested through the information gathered by military intelligence.

Commending the army chaplains, Ihejirika also affirmed that their ministry has led to the reduction in drunkenness, smoking and theft among soldiers.

Speaking earlier, the Director, Chaplain Services, Rev. Fr. Colonel Charles Iroegbu, said the retreat was designed to enable the chaplains recognize their successes, identify their failures and chat a way forward.

NP/Adekusibe/Ekata