The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Wednesday debunked an allegation by Kastina state governor Dikko Radda that Dikko Radda that the military is aiding and profiting from terrorism activities in Katsina state.
The governor had while appearing on Channels television programme ‘Politics Today’ alleged that banditry has become difficult to end because it has now turned into a “business venture.”
But reacting to the allegation, Director Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba, said the military is subservient to all elected government representatives and would not like to join words with them.
He however, advised the governor to approach the military high command to substantiate his allegations.
General Buba said the Armed Forces of Nigeria (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.
The statement read in part: “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 OFR, 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. “
