Sacking of generals by Buhari sends out a strong message

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has sent out a strong message that he will brook no sluggishness, or resistance, in the fight against Boko Haram by dismissing all four military chiefs as well as the national security adviser Sambo Dasuki. The Nigerian military has been mishandling its efforts to eliminate the threat from this radical extremist group, which threatens to destabilise the state and region. Buhari has got an understanding of the army’s role, having been a former general himself. The military lacks a coherent and effective strategy and there are numerous examples of lapses being made in execution.

The army’s top brass has also had the spotlight on it for corruption and more recently human rights violations, according to reports by Amnesty International, in a campaign against a six-year uprising that has claimed scores of civilian lives.

In the context of a forthcoming meeting with US President Barack Obama next week, it is essential for Buhari to show that he has the requisite political will in order to seek a collaboration with Washington to counter the Boko Haram threat, which has affected internal stability along with the economy and trade. Despite the announcement of new offensives by the military, Boko Haram has been capturing town after town in the country’s northeast. It has also rendered Nigeria’s regional alliances with Cameroon, Chad and Niger ineffective. Should Buhari fail to deliver on his promise of eliminating Boko Haram, which was the cornerstone of his election manifesto, he will undoubtedly face the ire of his people and the international community.