The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has challenged Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda to substantiate his allegation that some security personnel were aiding and profiting from banditry in the state.

The DHQ said since the “Armed Forces is for Nigerians,” anyone with credible information on misconduct by its personnel was free to bring it to its attention.

It pointed out that the military is also subservient to all elected government representatives, and, therefore, regards the relationship with utmost respect.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said in a statement yesterday that Rada made the allegation during a national television programme on May 4

The governor had said: “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.”

But Gen. Buba said even though the claim by the governor was untrue, it was capable of demoralising the spirit of troops in operational theatres.

“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,” he added.

The Defence spokesperson said the military under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. 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.

“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,” he said in the statement.

Also yesterday, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, hailed the role of the Nigerian Army Corps of Signals in the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast.

He made the commendation during the inauguration of the remodeled Headquarters of the Nigerian Signals Corps complex (Muritala Mohammed House) at Arakan Barracks in Apapa, Lagos State.

The COAS also praised the Corps of Signals for its anti-banditry operations in the Northwest and other operational engagements in the different parts of the country.

Lagbaja said: “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.”

According to Lagbaja, the Army Signals has also extended its services to other government agencies and the private sector, thereby projecting the image of the Army in the ICT domain.

He said that there have been various infrastructural developments as part of efforts to provide the needed conducive living and working environment for Nigerian Army personnel to enhance productivity and well-being.

“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.

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his belief in and unwavering support of the Army and its leadership. (Text, excluding headline: The Nation)

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