Northern Nigeria Group Reject Call for Service Chiefs’ Removal, Back Military’s Anti-Terror Campaign

Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

The Northern Nigeria Bridge-Builders (NNBB) have thrown their weight behind the country’s service chiefs, dismissing calls for their removal as “politically ill-motivated” and “unpatriotic.”

Speaking at a press conference at the Nigerian Union of Journalists Hall, Kaduna, the group described the recent demand by Dominic Alancha, convener of the so-called Northern Ethnic National Forum, as the rant of “a featherweight politician without grassroots ties.”

Convener of NNBB, Comrade Goodheart Archie Sheyin, said the service chiefs had demonstrated competence, teamwork, and commitment in tackling insecurity across the country.

He warned that sacking them now would amount to an “untimely substitution” at a time when troops are recording significant gains against bandits, terrorists, oil thieves, and other criminal elements nationwide.

Quoting reports of military successes in the North and other regions, the group insisted that Alancha’s position does not reflect the realities on the ground.

“Many communities across the North have experienced relative peace in the last two years,” Sheyin noted, adding that ongoing offensives were gradually dislodging criminal strongholds.

The group also highlighted supportive voices across the North, citing statements by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Borno Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, Islamic cleric Mallam Muhammad Auwal Sharif Zaria, and veteran musician Zakky Azzay, who have all publicly commended the military’s renewed determination.

NNBB accused what it called the “new Kaduna Mafias” of being behind the smear campaign, alleging that their desperation for political power ahead of 2027 was fueling divisive rhetoric.

Secretary of the group, Dr. Joshua Madaki, said: “Enough is enough. Our troops need more motivation, not discouragement, as they daily lay down their lives to keep Nigeria safe.”

The group thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing what it described as “the perfect match for the security challenges of our time,”

While commending governors Babagana Zulum of Borno, Uba Sani of Kaduna, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara for their consistent stance against banditry and terrorism.