From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has warned against the incessant and unwarranted attacks on Military personnel, saying it is unhealthy for national security, counterproductive, and amounting to self-sabotage.
The DHQ, while noting that the military had demonstrated high sense of discipline and professionalism in the face of the untoward attacks, warned that Personnel professionalism in handling such actions must not be mistaken for weakness.
Director, Defence Media Operations(DMO), Major General Edward Buba, gave the warning at the bi-weekly Media briefing on ongoing Military Operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, and other security Agencies in the various theatres of operations in the six geo-political zones of the country.
He said “the unprovoked killings of 17 personnel in Okuama in Delta, coupled with the recent assault of unarmed personnel in Banex Plaza in Abuja is worrisome and leaves much to be desired.
“These occurrences are unhealthy for our national security, counter-productive, and amount to self-sabotage.
“The military has demonstrated high sense of discipline and professionalism in the face of the untoward attacks. Our professionalism must not be mistaken for weakness.
“Surely, it is no way to treat any human, certainly not military personnel that places themselves in harm’s way to protect citizens or to safeguard the nation.
”Indeed, we know that to win this war, we need the support of people. We also hope that the people would equally realize that, they need the military to win the war to guarantee their safety.
” Accordingly, It goes without saying that this must not repeat itself as it jeopardizes our common interest. If troops err, report them and the military justice system will address the matter. We are at war, and citizens must realize that they also have a responsibility for their actions and utterances to support troops to keep the morale and fighting spirit of troops at optimal at all times.
The attacks on soldiers not withstanding, Gen. Buba assured that the Military would continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities of protecting the country from enemy invasion and continue to fight until the terrorists and other criminal groups were defeated on the battlefield and help the nation flourish again.