DHQ Denies Knowledge of Peace Deal Between Bandits and Communities
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied reports suggesting that communities in Northern Nigeria are negotiating peace deals with bandits and terrorists for protection.
During a biweekly briefing on Thursday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, responded to questions regarding the claims that some Northern communities, after losing faith in the ability of security agencies to protect them, were seeking deals with bandits.
“We are not aware of any peace deal between communities and bandits,” Maj.-Gen. Kangye stated. “To the best of our knowledge, the military has not been involved in any such arrangements. Why would communities want to do that? I don’t believe they are seeking approval from the military for such actions. The military is conducting operations in line with established protocols, and any community calling for peace with bandits is not something we support.”
Kangye emphasized that the military remains committed to conducting operations in accordance with the law and the country’s security mandates. “The military does not support any attempts to engage in peace deals with bandits,” he asserted.
The Director further clarified that the military would not stand idly by while attacks on the nation’s critical infrastructure occur. He specifically addressed concerns regarding the invasion of electricity distribution companies, reaffirming the military’s commitment to maintaining discipline within its ranks.
“The armed forces are a disciplined institution, and we will not tolerate any unauthorized conduct by soldiers,” Maj.-Gen. Kangye explained. “There are clear chains of command, and any such issues are dealt with at the appropriate levels. In some instances, soldiers have been punished for their actions, with some even dismissed from the army based on the severity of their offenses.”
Kangye concluded by assuring the public that such incidents would be addressed and that the military would continue to uphold its responsibility to protect the nation’s infrastructure and maintain national security.
