Kaduna Drone Tragedy: Some Politicians in Northern Government Houses Sympathetic to Terrorists – Stan-Labo

In the aftermath of the accidental drone attack in Kaduna State, which claimed numerous civilian lives, retired Colonel Hassan Stan-Labo, a seasoned security consultant and former Elite Infantry (Special Forces) Corps officer, shed light on the incident and broader security issues in Nigeria.

The military’s acknowledgment and apology for the tragic incident were deemed professional by Stan-Labo, who expressed sorrow for the affected community and emphasized the importance of the Army’s prompt response in calming tensions.

Stan-Labo clarified the distinction between fighter jets and drones, highlighting the latter’s efficiency in modern warfare due to its versatility and minimal human cost. He underscored the global adoption of drones in counter-terrorism efforts and explained the strategic considerations behind choosing a drone over a fighter jet in specific situations.

Addressing the drone’s errant strike, Stan-Labo acknowledged the technical nature of the incident, emphasizing the need for insights from those directly involved. He cited the complexity of factors such as intelligence, imagery, and the target group’s characteristics influencing the outcome.

While acknowledging the national outrage, Stan-Labo asserted a bitter truth – some Nigerians, including high-ranking politicians, were sympathetic to terrorists. He cited instances of complicity from government houses in northern states and the presidency during the previous administration. Stan-Labo connected this sympathy to religion, tribe, and ethnic considerations prevailing over national interests.

Drawing on his experience, Stan-Labo recalled incidents worldwide where drone strikes or combat actions resulted in unintended civilian casualties. He highlighted similar challenges in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Darfur, and Bakassi, as well as ongoing conflicts like the Israel-Gaza and Russia-Ukraine wars.

Stan-Labo emphasized shared responsibility for security, urging citizens to collaborate with security forces. He outlined lessons, including community-security agency liaison, continuous training, border protection, and preventing arms proliferation, to avert future accidental attacks.

Criticizing the past administration’s handling of security, Stan-Labo deemed it a monumental failure, emphasizing the absence of effective political leadership. Regarding the current Tinubu administration, he commended proactive service chiefs but suggested it was too early for a comprehensive assessment.

Reflecting on his involvement in Peter Obi’s campaign and the challenges faced, Stan-Labo expressed a commitment to contributing to Nigeria’s transformation. Despite setbacks, he remained hopeful for a better Nigeria, emphasizing the need for competent and patriotic leaders to reclaim the nation’s ownership.