Insecurity: Lawmaker urges Tinubu to confer national honours on military chiefs

A Nigerian lawmaker has called on President Bola Tinubu to bestow national honors upon senior military officials, citing their role in recent security successes across the country. Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, made the plea during a security forum in Abuja on Sunday, highlighting the military's improved operational capabilities and the need for formal recognition of its leadership. Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the contributions of the chief of defense staff, chief of army staff, and other service chiefs. He pointed to two key incidents, namely, the rescue of kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oyo State and the thwarting of an attempted mass abduction in Borno State, as evidence of the military's enhanced effectiveness. The rescued individuals had been held captive for 56 days following their abduction from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May. Security agencies described the operation to free them as intelligence-led, underscoring the coordination among different security bodies. Agbese praised this effort, stating it exemplified the potential of unified security strategies. In addition to the Oriire incident, Agbese acknowledged the military's actions in Monguno, Borno State, where troops successfully prevented an attack on the Federal Government Girls College. According to security reports, the assault was orchestrated by members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The attackers aimed to abduct 46 students housed temporarily at the college, which served as a shelter for students from a nearby polytechnic. Security forces, including the Nigeria Police Force and other agencies, responded swiftly, engaging the insurgents in a firefight that ended with the attackers retreating. While some individuals sustained injuries from stray bullets, the students were safely evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks. Investigations into possible collaboration with the attackers are ongoing, and a manhunt for the fugitives continues. Agbese lauded the military's quick response in Monguno, calling it a demonstration of heightened readiness in counter-insurgency efforts. He noted that the operation prevented a potential national tragedy and expressed admiration for the bravery of the soldiers involved. His remarks underscored the significance of such operations in maintaining public trust and ensuring continued support for security initiatives. The lawmaker further argued that recognizing the achievements of military leaders through national honors such as the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) would bolster public confidence in the nation's security institutions. He stressed that honoring these individuals would not only motivate personnel to maintain high standards of performance but also send a message that excellence in safeguarding citizens is above political divisions. As part of his argument, Agbese highlighted the necessity of cross-party cooperation in acknowledging the contributions of the armed forces. As a member of the opposition, he advocated for non-partisan recognition of military accomplishments, emphasizing that such gestures would reinforce unity and shared purpose in addressing national security challenges. The call for national honors comes amid ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of current security measures and the need for sustained efforts to combat insurgency and criminal activities. With recent operations demonstrating progress, the debate over how to formally recognize and reward military leadership remains a pertinent issue in the context of Nigeria's broader security landscape.