Former Minister of Communications Major-Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju in Thursday advised the new Service Chiefs to forge a synergy and make use of intelligence gathering in the fight against insurgency.
He also urged them to learn some lessons from the counter-insurgency campaign of their predecessors.
Olanrewaju, former General Officer Commanding, Third Armoured Division, Jos, noted that Boko Haram had survived mainly through the timely use of intelligence and applications of concentration of forces in attacking soldiers.
He charged the new helmsmen to develop new thinking into the next counter-insurgency to destroy the backbone of Boko Haram’s logistic system and intelligence by denying them mobility.
The retired officer said in a statement in Lagos that the military could improve its professionalism by strengthening the troops morale and increasing its capabilities to be proactively engaging the insurgents.
Olanrewaju said:”The Armed forces have recently upgraded their assets and they can use them in a combination of tactical engagements and tactical support measures.
“In particular they can use the air assets in support of ground operations not operating separately.
“The Armed forces must beef up their strength and achieve a superior ratio in any battlefield operation. This time around, they should be more offensive than defensive but they cannot win this war without adequate men under arms.
“These Commanders have to show leadership, commitment communication and determination. The security challenges and other internal security in the country will tax these Commanders robustness energy and they have no time to waste. The nation is going to kneel on their necks.”