Vice President Kashim Shettima said on Friday that terrorist activity in the area was to blame for the suffering experienced by those living in the Northeast.
Shettima expressed hope that the scourge would be vanquished despite lamenting the fact that terrorism has afflicted the area for far too long.
At a book launch in Abuja titled “Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism in North-East Nigeria: Emerging Perspectives and the Imperative of Airpower,” the vice president, whose speech was read by Senate President Godwill Akpabio, stated that peace could be restored to the region if all stakeholders resolved to collaborate in order to address the problem.
He said, “The North East region of Nigeria has been grappling with the scourge of terrorism for far too long. The brutal acts committed by extremist groups have inflicted immense suffering upon the innocent people of the region. But amidst this darkness, there is hope. Hope that through knowledge, understanding, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, we can overcome these challenges and restore peace and stability to the region.”
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar said the deployment of air power has helped to degrade the terrorists.
According to him, the deployment has enabled the military to conduct surveillance, gather intelligence as well attack the terrorists.
He said, “Today, we are glad to highlight the significance of airpower in the fight against terrorism. Airpower, with its unique capabilities and reach, has proven to be a game-changer in countering the asymmetric threats posed by terrorist organisations.
“The ability to swiftly project force, conduct surveillance, gather intelligence, and provide close air support has been instrumental in degrading the capabilities of these insurgents and terrorists. ”
But he also pointed out that combating terrorism is a multifaceted endeavor that calls for an all-encompassing strategy that tackles the underlying roots of extremism, encourages social cohesion, and stimulates economic growth.
According to Abubakar, the ideas and viewpoints presented in this book could work as a road map for practitioners, military strategists, and legislators as they develop comprehensive solutions that transcend the purview of military operations.