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Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has warned civilians living with suspected criminals to desist from such acts or face the consequences of their actions, saying the military would not take responsibility for anyone harbouring criminals in their midst.
He stated this while speaking with newsmen in Sokoto during his visit to the troops of Operation FASAN YANMA at 8 Division Headquarters, Sokoto, on Thursday.
The Army Chief, while responding to the allegations of killing civilians in the recent attack on Silame Local Government on Christmas Day, said the military would investigate such claims but warned that the military will not take any responsibility for anyone harbouring criminals in their midst.
“I want to call on everyone not to harbour any suspected criminals in their midst, be it Lakurawa or Bandits. They should expose them and leave their vicinity. The military is not going to take it lightly with any criminals disturbing the peace of the nation, we are dealing with them, and we are coming for the rest.
“We have individuals that still harbour them and once you do that you are making yourself a legitimate target, will appeal, do not harbour yourself around them, do not live with them to avoid being a legitimate target. Please, do not hang yourself around them, and do not give them any support in whatever means because once you do that, you are making yourself a target
“The incident that happened yesterday was an operation we did, we follow up and we try as much as we can to avoid any mistakes, if there are other mistakes that came up in the operation, we will investigate. We did our homework, we have the video of everything that happened, and we are going to investigate.”
While calling on the media not to give the bandits or other criminal elements much publicity. He said the country will not allow any foreign base on Nigeria’s soil while calling on neighbouring countries like Niger, Chad, and Benin among others to cooperate with the country in dealing with the enemy of peace.
Also while addressing troops of Operation Fasan Yanmma, during the luncheon, he said, “I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to every one of you for your unwavering dedication and sacrifices in ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria, particularly in your deployment to the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
“Despite the inherent challenges, your daily commitment to duty in the field remains a source of inspiration to us all and further exemplifies the true spirit of patriotism required for defeating the threats to our nation’s peace and stability.2
“The recent deployment of the Special Operations Brigade and some combat enablers to dislodge and eliminate the re-emergence of Lakurawas’ terrorists from their camps in Sokoto and Kebbi states, and the successes so far achieved is a testament to our commitment to resolving and combating all security threats across the theatres of operations.
“Accordingly, and under my leadership, the Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to sustain its operational tempo and posture across military deployments both home and abroad. The coming year presents us with an opportunity to make significant progress in overcoming the challenges confronting our nation. Together, we must strive to ensure that the Year 2025 is marked by transformative victories in all our operational theatres, particularly in Operation FANSAN YAMMA”
The CDS further assured troops of the necessary support and resources to carry out their tasks effectively.
“Your welfare and that of your families remain a top priority, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure your needs are met.”
The CDS also visited the military hospital to check on some of the troops receiving treatment at the hospital.
