THE Senate has, again, called on all Service Chiefs to resign to enable lawmakers unravel the reasons behind the incessant killings of soldiers protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.
The lawmakers said this had become imperative, following the resignation of over 200 soldiers from the Nigerian Army, recent killing of soldiers, and other related issues that must be thoroughly investigated.
The Upper legislative chamber mandated the joint committees on Army, Navy and Defence, Interior, and Airforce to interface with the concerned heads of security agencies on the issue.
The four service chiefs are: Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar; and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Marshal Ibok- Ete Ibas.
The Senate passed the resolution calling for the removal of the service chiefs, based on a motion by former Senate Leader and Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume, (APC, Borno South).
Ndume had also recounted the high level of casualties among military men and other security officers in recent times.
He said, “The senate notes with concern the number of casualties among the Nigerian army and other security agencies…That just recently, 24 soldiers were ambushed and killed along Maiduguri-Damboa road in Borno state, 19 were wounded and nine were declared missing in action.
“In Katsina, soldiers were also ambushed and killed while several others were wounded, the number of casualties is not known.
“The senate appreciates the sacrifice of our armed forces in the fight against the insurgency and banditry and protection of territorial integrity and several other security assignments given to them.
“The senate is concerned that if the trend continues, it would have serious implications on the fight against insurgency, banditry.
“It has been alleged that over 200 soldiers voluntarily resigned their engagement or appointment with the Nigerian army.”
