An expert warns that Nigeria faces a potential military collapse similar to that of Syria due to inadequate leadership and low troop morale, especially following the death of Brigadier General Braimoh at the hands of Boko Haram.
A military strategist has cautioned that Nigeria's armed forces are at risk of experiencing a collapse akin to that of the Syrian military unless immediate measures are taken to rectify escalating structural issues, diminishing morale, and ineffective leadership within the ranks.
The strategist, who spoke with SaharaReporters on Thursday, expressed concerns following new information regarding the death of Brigadier-General O.O. Braimoh during a recent attack by insurgents in Borno State.
He stated that President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Tinubu, must take strong actions to reverse what he termed a continuous decline in the operational standards of the Nigerian military.
"The President and Commander-in-Chief must implement decisive measures to stop the deterioration of military standards, or we risk facing a fate similar to that of the Syrian military," he warned.
He cautioned that a "significantly weaker terrorist organization" had previously overwhelmed Syrian forces, resulting in the state's collapse despite receiving foreign military assistance.
"In summary, the Syrian military fell apart. If we are not vigilant, Nigeria could face the same outcome," he added.
The strategist pointed out that insurgents are already making advances in various regions of the country, especially in rural areas of Northern Nigeria.
"Many rural communities in the Northern region are already under the influence or control of insurgents," he noted.
He emphasized that his warning should not be misconstrued as an attempt to demoralize the troops but rather as a crucial wake-up call.
"This is not meant to demoralize the troops. It serves as a wake-up call. I am not implying that all hope is lost. On the contrary," he clarified.
However, he identified a mix of entrenched issues that are undermining the military's effectiveness in combat.
He pointed out that inadequate training, disorganization, poor combat effectiveness, and low morale among soldiers are significant concerns. He also mentioned poor leadership, lack of a viable strategy, and absence of unity as critical issues hampering operations.
"The combined impact of inadequate training, disorganization, low combat effectiveness, low morale, poor leadership, lack of actionable plans, and absence of a cohesive strategy has resulted in this predicament," he stated.
"Soldiers are demoralized and, in many instances, have lost their fighting spirit."
This warning comes amid increasing worries regarding the circumstances surrounding Brigadier-General Braimoh's death during an assault by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants on a military base in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
SaharaReporters previously reported that Braimoh was reportedly unable to escape the attack due to a malfunctioning armored vehicle.
Military sources indicated that the commander tried to flee as insurgents took over the base but was left stranded when the vehicle failed to start, leading to his capture and subsequent death.
Sources also alleged widespread negligence and corruption among senior officers, including the failure to maintain operational vehicles and provide fuel despite having available funds.
The strategist's latest warning adds to the growing criticism of the military's internal issues, as insurgent groups continue to escalate their attacks across Nigeria's North-East.
The conflict, which has persisted for over a decade, has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions, particularly in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
(Source: SaharaReporters)
Post a Comment