The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has responded to Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda’s accusation that some security personnel are involved in and profiting from banditry in the state.
The Governor had earlier said that, “Now it (banditry) has turned out to be a business venture. A business venture for the criminals, some people who are in government; some people who are in security outfits, and some people who are responsible for the day-to-day activities of their people. These are so many reasons why we are unable to bring banditry to an end.”
DHQ emphasized that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to transparency and accountability, urging Governor Radda to provide evidence to support his claims.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, stated that while the military respects all elected representatives, baseless accusations could demoralize troops.
“In the light of the aforementioned statement of His Excellency the Governor of Katsina State, the Armed Forces of Nigeria decides not to join words with the state governor, rather would encourage him to approach the military high command to substantiate his allegations,” Buba said.
The DHQ reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and criminality within its ranks, emphasizing the importance of citizens reporting observed misconduct to the appropriate authorities.
“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.
“The military remains unperturbed by such statements capable of demoralising 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.
“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,”
Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, lauded the Nigerian Army Corps of Signals for their role in counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations. He commended their efforts in utilizing technology to enhance mission success.
“The corps effort despite the complex electro-magnetic space and highly dynamic Information and Communication Technology (ICT) era is highly commendable.
“I am proud to note that the Nigerian Army Signals has remained in tune with the fast-paced development and transformation being witnessed globally in the ICT(Information Communication Technology) sector.
“The corps has excelled at annexing new technologies to develop state-of-the-art networks that impact mission success by facilitating command and control in the Nigerian Army.”
Lagbaja also acknowledged infrastructural developments aimed at improving the living and working conditions of army personnel, thanking President Bola Tinubu for his continuous support of the Army and its leadership.
“I’m a week short of 11 months since I assumed office as the COAS and the army headquarters has executed several life-changing projects.
“This includes the construction and renovation of living quarters for officers and soldiers, the provision of portable water, and improved medical facilities for our barracks communities.
“Also, there has been renovation, remodeling, and in some instances outright reconstruction of office facilities such as what is commissioned today,” Lagbaja added.
