Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd), has commended efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in tackling insurgency and other security challenges confronting the nation.
Babangida, who has been silent on national issues since his return to the country from a medical checkup in Germany over a month ago, made the remark in an End of Year message to the people of the country.
He, however, said government’s efforts needed to be improved on in order to save lives and property in the affected areas.
“There is no doubt that 2014 has been a very difficult year for us individually and collectively as a nation.
“I would be stating the obvious if I say at no point in the nation’s history have we faced the kind of challenges we have had in recent times, especially with regard to security and in particular, the insurgency facing the north eastern part of the country.
“I am always deeply pained when I read of innocent countrymen, women and children being killed, abducted and subjected to all manner of indignities including internal displacement by a senseless insurgency and communal strives.
“The Federal Government and all the security agencies must be commended in their efforts to curtail the security challenges facing the nation.
“There is, however, more room for such efforts to be improved upon to save the lives and property of Nigerians by making them feel more secure in their country”, he said.
The former military president also commended the determination of government and Nigerians in bracing up to the threats, thereby proving wrong the prediction that the country would disintegrate.
Babangida enjoined Nigerians to ensure that the conduct of the 2015 general elections are peaceful and orderly.
