DHQ warns communities harbouring terrorists will be targeted

DHQ warns communities harbouring terrorists will be targeted

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a stern warning that those harbouring terrorists risk making themselves a target for attack.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa gave the warning on Thursday when he visited troops in Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said there was no mistake in the Christmas Day airstrikes targeted at the Lakurawa terrorist group in Sokoto State.

A fighter jet bombed two communities in the Silame Local Government Area of the state, targeting suspected terrorists.

But the Sokoto State government said 10 civilians were mistakenly killed in the bombing.

Gen. Musa said, “We have individuals that still harbour those people (terrorists) and once you do that, you make yourself a target. Our appeal is please do not allow them hang around you. Do not give them any support in whatever means.

“The incident that happened yesterday is an operation we conducted. We followed up and ensured  we avoided mistakes as much as possible. If there were other mistakes that came up, we will investigate.

“From what we have seen, there were criminals in that place. Anybody that toyed with them was part of them. We want to appeal to the media, always understand that those guys want to use the media to send their message across.”

Gen. Musa stated that regardless of the controversy surrounding the airstrikes, the military would continue with its operations and would not relent in fighting criminal elements but would avoid civilian casualties.

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He explained that the military “would avoid civilian casualties as long as even they do avoid staying where the criminals are. It makes the job extremely difficult if we say wherever they are with the criminals, we avoid.

“If you are not with them, please leave their area and come out so that it gives us the ability to deal with them decisively.”

The CDS took advantage of his visit to have Christmas lunch with the troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, an operation aimed at ridding the state of bandits.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, the joint media coordinator for the operation, corroborated the CDS, saying that the airstrikes targeted locations confirmed to be associated with the Lakurawa terrorist group.

According to Lt Col. Abdullahi, all military operations are based on “thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions” to ensure precision and protect civilian lives.

“These reports have raised concerns; however, it is crucial to clarify that all military operations are conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions.

“This rigorous process is particularly important when targeting groups like the Lakurawa terrorist organisation, as it aims to ensure precision and protect civilians.

“There is a significant risk that terrorist groups may attempt to undermine military successes through media disinformation, necessitating caution concerning unverified claims, especially in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.

“Importantly, the targets that struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa have been positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action taken.”

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Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), also confirmed that the airstrikes were conducted based on credible intelligence from multiple sources and confirmatory aerial surveillance.

“Nevertheless, reports of possible harm to civilians will be thoroughly investigated, and we will update you appropriately,”  Air Commodore Akinboyewa said.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, who visited the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in the state, Senator Aliyu Wamakko and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, emphasized that the troops mistakenly bombed villagers.

He admitted that the troops were on a mission to rid the state of insurgents.

Aliyu stated that a thorough investigation would be conducted to find out what led to the avoidable mistake, so as to guard against its recurrence.

He also prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased and give their families the strength to bear the loss.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Muhammad Bello Sifawa, announced the donation of N20 million and 100 bags of assorted foodstuff  to the families of the deceased.

The SSG added that the state government would settle the medical bills of those hospitalised as a result of injuries they sustained from the bombardment.

Aliyu, who defied the difficult terrain of the two communities, joined other residents for the funeral of the diseased.

The governor sympathised with the community and described the incident as unfortunate.

DHQ warns communities harbouring terrorists will be targeted