DHQ Warns Against Peace Deals with Bandits, Terrorists

DHQ Warns Against Peace Deals with Bandits, Terrorists

The military high command has cautioned communities in Northern Nigeria against negotiating peace deals with bandits and terrorists, stating that the military does not support or recognize such agreements.

Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, made this clear during a biweekly briefing in Abuja, emphasizing that the military’s primary objective is to protect lives and critical infrastructure.

Kangye’s statement comes amidst reports of communities in Katsina State engaging in peace talks with bandit kingpins, sparking concerns about the legitimacy and potential consequences of such deals.

The DHQ spokesperson reassured that the military remains committed to upholding discipline and adhering to established rules and procedures in its operations.

He, however  dismissed any notion of military endorsement for such deals.

“To the best of our knowledge, we have never had any peace deal with bandits as mentioned. Why do communities want to do that? I don’t think they want to seek approval from the military to do so. And the military, I don’t think they are aware of that,” he stated.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to conducting its operations according to set rules and procedures, emphasizing that security forces would not stand by while criminal elements threaten lives and critical infrastructure.

Responding to reports of military personnel invading electricity distribution companies, the DHQ spokesperson maintained that the armed forces uphold discipline and do not tolerate unprofessional conduct.

“The military does not and never tolerates any uncoordinated report of soldiers. The military has awarded punishments for what they have done. In some cases, they were even dismissed from the army, depending on the gravity of the offence. These issues are usually handled at the unit level,” he added.

By PRNigeria