By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has called on Katsina State Governor, Mr. Dikko Radda, to come forward and prove his unfounded allegations against the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
The Governor had on April 5th 2024, while appearing on Channels TV flagship programme, Politics Today, alleged that the Nigerian military is aiding bandits and terrorists and profiting from terrorism activities in Katsina State.
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During the live interview, the Governor had said that rogue elements within government provide covert support to the bandits and terrorists, enabling them to operate with impunity and perpetuate terrorism against innocent citizens.
He said: “It is a business venture for the criminals and a business venture for some people who are in government, some people who are in the security outfits, and some people who are responsible for the day-to-day activities of their people”.
But reacting to the uncomplimentary remarks and allegations levelled against the Nigerian military, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in a statement on Wednesday, challenged the Governor to come forward with evidence to prove his allegations.
The statement which was signed by Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations, reads in full:
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a weighty allegation labelled against the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) by the Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency Governor Dikko Radda.
The Governor granted an interview on Channels television programme ‘Politics Today’ on 5 April 2024 alleging that the Military is aiding and profiting from terrorism activities in Katsina State.
“The AFN is hereby making it unequivocally clear that, it is subservient to all elected government representatives and therefore regards the relationship with utmost respect. In the light of the aforementioned statement of His Excellency the Governor of Katsina State, the AFN elects not to join words with the state Governor, rather would encourage him to approach the military high command to substantiate his allegations. It is worthy of note to state that, the AFN led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has zero tolerance for indiscipline and any form of criminality in the conduct of operations across the country.
“It is for this reason that, there are standing court martials to treat any form of misbehaviour by troops especially those that portray the military negatively to the general populace. Meanwhile, the military remains unperturbed by such statements capable of demoralizing or dampening the spirit of troops in operational theatres. Rather, we will continue on the trajectory of conducting operations as well as working assiduously in the fight against terrorism”.
Gen. Buba concluded that the Armed Forces is for Nigerians and as such citizens are urged to own it and also report any credible observed bad conduct within the ranks, so that they can face the appropriate military justice system.
