Abuja: A security and intelligence expert, Dr. John Metchie, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Gen. Christopher Musa as the new Defence Minister. Metchie shared his views during a press briefing in Abuja, emphasizing that this appointment represents a significant step in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Metchie highlighted the collaborative efforts expected between the Defence Minister, National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the forest guards, which are anticipated to enhance security in previously ungoverned regions. He expressed optimism that Nigeria is on the path to resolving its security challenges.
Metchie underscored the importance of deploying forest guards, noting that countries like South Africa, the United States, and Canada effectively utilize them to secure forested areas. He praised Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State for equipping well-trained forest security guards with advanced firearms and technology to combat threats from kidnappers, bandits, and terrorist groups operating in forested regions.
Additionally, Metchie applauded the governor for launching surveillance drones across the state, describing the initiative as aimed at detecting and preventing criminal activities before they escalate. He noted that Mbah’s efforts to train and equip forest guards with cutting-edge security tools are a positive step towards addressing criminal insurgency in the state’s forest areas.
Metchie further remarked that the Enugu State governor has set a precedent for local security services in the Southeast, encouraging other governors to adopt similar strategies, particularly in the training and retraining of local security operatives like forest guards. He advised against arming untrained vigilante operatives, warning that they could pose additional security risks to citizens.