The Defence Headquarters has vehemently denied accusations made by Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, suggesting that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) are complicit in and profiting from terrorist activities in the state.
The allegations were made during an interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on April 5, 2024.
In a statement released in May 2024, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, emphasized the military’s subservience to elected government representatives and its commitment to maintaining a respectful relationship with state officials.
“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,” the statement read.
The AFN, under the leadership of General Christopher Musa, reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline and criminal activities within its ranks.
The statement highlighted the existence of standing court-martials to address any misconduct, particularly actions that tarnish the military’s reputation.
Despite the severity of the accusations, the military remains focused on its mission.
“The military remains unperturbed by such statements capable of demoralizing or dampening the spirit of troops in operational theatres.
We will continue on the trajectory of conducting operations as well as working assiduously in the fight against terrorism,” Buba stated.
The Defence Headquarters also called on citizens to take ownership of the Armed Forces and report any credible misconduct within the ranks to ensure accountability and justice.
The AFN’s firm response underscores its dedication to transparency and the ongoing fight against terrorism, urging media houses to disseminate this information to the public for greater awareness.
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