Stop Attacking Our Personnel, Military Warns Civilians
Military Warns Civilians Against Attacking Personnel
Nigerians have been cautioned against launching unprovoked attacks on members of the Armed Forces. This warning came from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday, addressing the troubling pattern of assaults on military troops.
The Military High Command revealed that during internal operations in May 2024, troops killed 624 terrorists, arrested 1,051 individuals—including informants and logistics personnel—and rescued 563 hostages.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, briefed journalists in Abuja, condemning the unprovoked attacks on military personnel. He cited the recent killings of 17 personnel in Okuama, Delta State, and the assault on unarmed personnel at Banex Plaza in Abuja as deeply concerning. These incidents, he stated, are detrimental to national security and counterproductive.
“It is unacceptable to treat any human being, especially military personnel who risk their lives to protect citizens, in such a manner,” Buba emphasized. He noted that the military has shown considerable discipline and professionalism in the face of these attacks, and this professionalism should not be mistaken for weakness. Winning the war against terrorism, he stressed, requires the support of the civilian population, who in turn need the military for their safety.
Buba insisted that such attacks must not happen again, as they threaten collective security. He urged civilians to report any misconduct by troops through proper channels, where the military justice system can address the issues.
He called on citizens to support the military in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other crimes. “We are at war,” he said, “and citizens have a responsibility, through their actions and words, to support our troops and maintain their morale.”
Buba reiterated the military’s commitment to defeating terrorists and helping the nation thrive. He provided a summary of the achievements in May 2024, including the recovery of 707 assorted weapons, 16,487 rounds of ammunition, and stolen crude oil worth N705,836,036.00. The recovered weapons included 411 AK47 rifles, 234 locally fabricated guns, 43 pump-action guns, 231 Dane guns, and various types of ammunition.
Additionally, the troops recovered 4,871,470 liters of stolen crude oil, 931,416 liters of illegally refined diesel, and 4,480 liters of petrol. Buba credited the joint operational efforts and synergy with other security and intelligence agencies for the effective performance of the troops.
“The collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies has been crucial in optimizing our operational success,” he concluded.
