The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded the immediate resignation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), IGP Kayode Egbetokun, over their inability to address the escalating security crisis in the country.

This call comes in the wake of the gruesome massacre of an unconfirmed large numbers of travellers in Zamfara State, compounded by alarming statistics that reveal 183 kidnappings, and 42 attacks recorded in the North-West between July and September 2024 as per security data. Thousands of citizens have been displaced, while bandits maintain control over several local councils in Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto States.

HURIWA criticized the CDS for failing to fulfill his pledge to capture or eliminate Bello Turji, the notorious terrorist kingpin whose operations continue to ravage Northern Nigeria. The group described General Musa?s repeated assurances as ?empty propaganda,? accusing the military of misleading the public while delivering no concrete results.

?Since early September, when the CDS confidently declared that Turji?s capture was imminent, the situation has only worsened. Emboldened by his apparent invincibility, Turji orchestrates increasingly deadly attacks, including the recent slaughter of over 200 passengers along the Dansadau-Gusau road in Zamfara State. Bandits planted explosives, targeting innocent travellers in buses ? a horrifying hallmark of Turji?s reign of terror,? HURIWA stated.

HURIWA expressed outrage over the military?s inability to neutralize Turji, raising suspicions of internal complicity. ?If Bello Turji is not an agent of powerful individuals within the government, why has he not been eliminated?? the group asked. ?The failure to apprehend this terrorist despite extensive military operations is an insult to Nigerians who deserve effective leadership in security matters.?

The association accused General Musa of relying on ?media propaganda? instead of decisive military action. ?This year alone, the military has claimed to have killed over a million terrorists. Are we to believe that there are tens of millions of terrorists in Nigeria? Who are they really killing?? HURIWA questioned, highlighting concerns over collateral damage and the targeting of innocent civilians.

HURIWA asserted that the CDS?s refusal to resign in the face of mounting failures demonstrates a lack of accountability and respect for Nigerians. ?General Musa has attained the highest rank any soldier can aspire to. His inability to match his words with action should compel him to step aside with dignity rather than continue to insult the intelligence of Nigerians,? the statement said.

HURIWA also criticized IGP Kayode Egbetokun for presiding over a police force that has failed to curb the rampant kidnapping epidemic across the country. The association highlighted high-profile abductions, including the kidnapping of Reverend Father Gerald Ohaeri along the Ugwuogo Nike-Opi Nsukka expressway in Enugu State, despite numerous police and military checkpoints along the route.

The group also drew attention to the recent abduction of Hon. Dr. Joseph Haruna Kigbu, a former member of the House of Representatives. His police escort was killed in the attack, yet the perpetrators remain at large. ?The IGP has proven incapable of safeguarding Nigerians,? HURIWA declared. ?His continued retention, despite exceeding the retirement age, is illegal and reeks of favoritism.?

HURIWA accused the federal government of prioritizing tribal and religious considerations over competence in security appointments. ?If President Bola Tinubu and his administration truly care about Nigeria?s survival, they must dismiss the IGP immediately and replace him with a younger, more innovative leader capable of restoring confidence in the police force,? the group stated.

The association argued that the ongoing insecurity reflects systemic failures at the highest levels of the security architecture. ?Both the CDS and the IGP are symbols of the rot within Nigeria?s security system. Their resignation is necessary and urgent to pave the way for comprehensive reforms.?

HURIWA further criticised the federal government?s lack of decisive action, questioning its commitment to addressing national security challenges. ?The government must take immediate steps to restore peace, starting with the deployment of competent leadership in the armed forces and police,? HURIWA urged.

In conclusion, HURIWA reiterated its call for the resignation of both the CDS and the IGP, warning that their continued tenure poses a grave threat to national stability. ?Nigerians cannot afford to entrust their safety to leaders who consistently fail to deliver. The time for change is now,? the statement emphasized.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to sustained advocacy for accountability and systemic reform while encouraging citizens to demand better governance.

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