Retired General Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu, the former Chief of General Staff, has argued that security in Nigeria’s South-East requires a shift toward intelligence-based strategies. Speaking at an Umuahia security summit, he emphasized that authentic peace relies on justice, economic growth, and governance that people trust.
Nwachukwu noted that current issues like kidnappings and facility attacks stem from a breakdown of faith in leadership. While he acknowledges the military’s role in maintaining order, he stated that the army only provides the environment for peace, which must be sustained by society. He highlighted the importance of community partnerships, stating that the public remains the most valuable source of information.
To combat regional instability, the former general recommended investments in education, technology, and job creation to steer youth away from crime. He also pushed for governors in the region to synchronize their efforts in emergency planning and intelligence sharing. Furthermore, he proposed that the federal government establish a dedicated military divisional headquarters in the South-East, arguing that such a move would signal national inclusion and improve operational command. He concluded by calling on political figures to uphold the rule of law and engage in constructive dialogue to prevent democratic competition from turning into violent conflict.
