Former Nigerian Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on Monday called on the Armed Forces to evolve new strategies to confront terrorism and insurgency in the country.

Babangida, who gave the advice in his message to mark the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day said the military was currently facing serious challenges in its counter-insurgency crusade.

“Every year, our valiant Armed Forces majestically roll out their drums to honour our slain fallen heroes with streams of organized fascinating events coming to a climax on 15th January.

“As we prepare to celebrate this year’s Remembrance Day, we should not be oblivious of the fact that our military is presently faced with horrific challenges in the crucial counter-insurgency war and activities of other blood-thirsty armed groups.

“Hence, it were high time we sought to consolidate our gains and also fortify our combat strength. This is necessary as our Army is undeniably a professional military establishment that has over the years achieved remarkable successes in protecting our nation’s territorial integrity.

“Indeed, it is pertinent for the top echelons of our military to speedily evolve new combat strategy to bravely confront the callous terrorists who have continued to hold many parts of the North East and by extension, Nigeria in ransom,” Babangida said.

While urging the military to be apolitical in the 2019 general elections, the former Head of State added: “In recent times, elections have tested our unity as a people while also posing threats to our socio-cultural diversity and challenging our common destiny.

“Nevertheless, I have a strong conviction that our Armed Forces will remain apolitical prior to, during and after the general elections while focusing only on discharging their constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the country either from the aggression of internal rebels in the guise of Boko Haram insurgents or from external retrogressive forces.”

Babangida  paid special tribute to the gallant troops incapacitated while at the theatre of war in the restive parts of the country and lauded the Armed Forces for their contribution over the years to the maintenance of  peace in Nigeria and their role in the United Nations Missions, African Union and other regional interventions.