The Defence Headquarters has denied reports that Niger Republic has withdrawn from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), stating that such a move would have serious security implications for both countries.
The MNJTF comprises military units from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria. It was set up in in March 1994 by the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) to combat insecurity in the region.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the director of defence media operations, Maj. Gen.
Markus Kangye, clarified that the MNJTF remains a critical regional security collaboration and that efforts must be made to prevent any member state from leaving.
He reiterated that such a move would not be in the interest of either Nigeria or Niger Republic.
He said, “I think this area has been a subject of discourse for the past few months, especially when some members of ECOWAS decided to form an alliance and attempted to exit ECOWAS.
Kangye also assured the public that the security forces remain focused on apprehending the notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji.
He dismissed claims that the military had downscaled operations against herdsmen, terrorists and cattle rustlers, among others.
Addressing concerns about the welfare of injured troops, Kangye refuted allegations of neglecting soldiers wounded in action.
He said, “Well, to the best of my knowledge and what the armed forces are doing, our troops are adequately taken care of. And you are a journalist. If you have watched over the Sallah break, you would have noticed the chief of army staff, the chief of air staff, and other senior officers from services headquarters visiting troops at the front line to celebrate Sallah.
“And I can also tell you that the services headquarters, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, is taking good care of the sick and wounded. Some of them that require medical evacuation abroad are taken abroad for medical treatment. Some went to Egypt, some went to Turkey, I remember; some are in India. And as we speak, some are still there receiving medical attention by the services, taken care of by the services.”
He further disclosed that a few months ago, houses were allocated to some of the soldiers wounded in action.
Kangye also noted that the military had provided free housing for wounded soldiers who may not be able to return to active service.
“There is an estate built by the army, and the army issued keys to soldiers, free. So when you talk of welfare of soldiers, don’t listen to some narratives that are passed in public domain; some of these narratives are meant to discredit the effort of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and we say no to it.
“Our troops are well taken care of. Senior officers frequently visit them at the frontlines and in hospitals. Some of those needing advanced treatment have been flown to countries like Egypt, Turkey, and India,” he said.
Bandits Kill 12 Farmers, 10 Others In Sokoto, Plateau
Suspected bandits have killed 12 farmers in Sokoto State and another 10 persons in Plateau State.
Twelve persons were killed by bandits led by notorious wanted terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, at Lugu town in Isa local government area of Sokoto State.
A lawmaker representing Sabon Birni in the State House of Assembly, Hon Aminu Boza, said some locals informed him about the attack.
He said, “There was a report that Turji planned to visit the Eastern part of Gatawa for the Sallah celebration, but the prompt action of community members by informing security personnel prevented that.
Police authorities in the state, however, declined to comment on the incident.
When contacted, the Army at the 8 Division referred our correspondent to the Theatre Command of Operation FASAN YAMMA, which had yet to respond to this newspaper’s enquiries on the unfortunate attack.
Meanwhile, 10 persons were killed in fresh attacks when suspected bandits invaded five communities in Bokkos local government area of Plateau State.
The attacks were carried out barely six days after a similar attack in the Ruwi community, which left 10 persons dead. In contrast, three others sustained injuries during a wake-keep ceremony in the area.
Comrade Farmasum Fuddang, Chairman of Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) confirmed the killing to newsmen in a statement issued in Jos.
According to him, “There were attacks yesterday and five villages were affected. It started from Mongor, but security forces chased the attackers out. The attacker then moved to Daffo and attacked the community, but security swiftly responded and chased them out. After Daffo, they went to Manguna, Hurti and Tadai villages and launched attacks.”
