Nigerian Defence Academy Attack and Observations

On Tuesday morning, the Afaka Barracks of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna was attacked. Two officers were reportedly killed and another injured. According to reports, the bandits held some of the Naval officers hostage for some hours. However, they escaped with one of the officers. The Public Relations Officer of the NDA, Major Bashir Jajira, confirmed the incident.

“The Academy in collaboration with the 1Division Nigerian Army and Air Training Command, as well as other security agencies in Kaduna state have since commenced pursuit of the unknown gunmen within the general area with a view to tracking them and rescue the abducted personnel,” Jajira said.

“The NDA community and Cadets are safe in the Academy. We assure the general public that these unknown gunmen would soon be apprehended and the abducted personnel rescued,’’ he added

The bandits demand a ransom

The bandits have demanded 200 million naira as ransom for Major Christopher Dantong, the personnel they abducted from the NDA. Meanwhile, the dead soldiers have been identified as Lieutenant Commodore Wulah and Flight Lieutenant Okoronwo.

According to reports, the bandits operated for hours. The soldiers could not get hold of them even after they were done causing havoc at the military base.

“They couldn’t kill even one of them. They searched everywhere in the bush but couldn’t find them. The bandits had fled away with their motorbikes. It was a terrible experience. They took advantage of the time when most people had gone to bed to attack the barracks. Right now, the whole barracks is under lock and key and security has been beefed up,” a source told Daily Trust.

The military refuses to pay ransom

According to the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), the Nigeria Military stated that it has no intention to pay the 200 million Naira ransom. More so, they have contacted the family of Major Datong to inform them of their decision. Hence, his family members are expected to make direct contact with the bandits.

Meanwhile, there are reports from some media houses that Major Datong has been killed. However, the FIJ insists the military officer is still alive (as at the time this article was written).

Reactions trail the attack on NDA

Various personalities have reacted to the attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy. Ace musician, Daddy Showkey said on his Instagram page, ‘’It’s a shame and disgrace to Nigeria. Our pride, the Nigeria Defence Academy was attacked. You people are still calling these people bandits. These people are not bandits. They are mercenaries coming to take over”

Read Also: The Art of Validating Criminality and Making it Attractive

Momoh Ubah commented, ‘’Some heads are supposed to be rolling by now but no. It is not in our character to accept responsibility at all. Not to talk of failures. Blame shifting or excuses and explanation are the only thing we will get for the loss of lives and security breached.’’

Yusuf Dabo posted, ‘’I’m only sad because of the innocent young military officers involved. Next time, they should do us a favour and go to Aso Rock Villa or National Assembly please.’’

The attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy is quite embarrassing. If those trained to protect the citizens are not safe, what is the fate of the common man on the streets? Apparently, these attackers are on a mission. Hence, the Nigerian government must up its game in attending to the security situation in the country. This will not only restore our dignity as a nation. It will restore peace and trust, as well as boost the confidence of the people in their leaders.