Bandits have expanded their activities to include illegal mining, says COAS. Find out what this means for security and the economy.

Illegal mining is now being carried out by non-state actors in the Northwest, according to the Nigerian Army.

Their participation in the sector and previous fluid engagement in activities such as kidnapping, cattle rustling, and homicide were exacerbating security issues within the geo-political zone.

The Army pledged to review its tactics in all areas of the country where their personnel are diligently working to eliminate terrorists, bandits, and other non-state actors so as to stay ahead of them.

Yesterday, the opening of a three-day Retreat for Past and Present Commanders of Nigerian Army Operations in Northwest saw Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), expressing his views on the occasion.

The Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) in Abuja served as the venue for a retreat centered on “Reappraising the Nigerian Army’s Approach to Tackling Insecurity in the North West.”

Despite the unyielding efforts of the Army and other security agencies, Lt-Gen. Lagbaja notes that non-state actors remain a significant concern for national security in all regions. This message was conveyed by Maj.-Gen. Benson Sinjen, representing Lt-Gen. Lagbaja as Chief of Operations’.

“The existing security issues that the country confronts are dynamic, intricate, and unstable in nature, differing from one region to another,” he stated.

The security situation in the Northwest is complicated and continuous due to non-state actors participating in banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, illegal mining and violent assaults resulting in loss of life and destruction of livelihood.

In spite of the efforts made by the Nigerian army, sister services and other government departments to curb this trend, the security environment in both our country and specifically in Northwest region have still been affected by non-state actors’ activities.

In order to ensure smooth planning and execution of operations, a periodic review of the situation is necessary for us to truly comprehend both generalities and specifics relating to surmounting insecurity in the Northwest region. This was emphasized by the COAS.

Due to the constantly changing and evolving nature of threats, it is essential for us to rapidly adjust our strategies in order to stay one step ahead of potential adversaries.

According to Lagbaja, the retreat offers operational and tactical level commanders a chance to break away from their everyday routines in both field and theater of operations.

According to him, this would involve an assessment of their past and current accomplishments as a means of revitalizing upcoming endeavors.

He said that the retreat will provide an opportunity for self-reflection, which can encourage novel viewpoints and imaginative problem-solving.

This will offer a genuine chance to assess our progress at the appropriate levels and enhance the morale of soldiers.

He stated that the retreat would also provide momentum for improving operational efficiency in achieving Nigerian Army’s Mission Statement and adhering to his Command Philosophy.

Expressing his appreciation, Lagbaja acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s consistent backing of the military and vowed to swiftly carry out his chief objective of safeguarding the nation.

He praised the soldiers for their persistence, love of country, and willingness to sacrifice.

According to retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, the Director-General of NARC, any operation exceeding six months will undergo a review or after-action review.

He observed that the Northwest operation had been ongoing for several years.

Wahab proposed a gathering of former and current commanders to brainstorm effective solutions for enhancing collaboration in operations, administration, logistics, and intelligence.

According to him, the center held the belief that uniting commanders would aid in generating fresh concepts for establishing a conducive atmosphere in the Northwest.

According to the NARC boss, while the military is unable to resolve all issues in the zone entirely, they should facilitate other activities by creating a conducive atmosphere.