The Defence Headquarters has urged Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda to provide evidence supporting his recent allegations that the military is aiding and profiting from terrorism in the state. These claims were made by Radda during an interview on April 5, 2024.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Major General Buba Edward, Director of Defence Media Operations, responded to the governor's accusations. He stated that while the military will not engage in a public dispute with Governor Radda, they encourage him to present his evidence to the military high command.
"The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a weighty allegation labelled against the Armed Forces of Nigeria 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," Edward said.
He emphasized that the military respects all elected government officials and values its professional relationship with them. Edward reassured that the military is unwavering in its commitment to combating terrorism and remains undeterred by such demoralizing statements.
"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 trade words with the state governor but rather would encourage him to approach the military high command to substantiate his allegations," he added.
Edward also highlighted the military's zero tolerance for indiscipline and criminality, noting that mechanisms are in place to address any misconduct within its ranks. He called on citizens to support the military and report any observed misbehavior.
"Overall, 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 concluded.
