The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has explained its inaction regarding the threat made by former militant leader Mujahid Asari-Dokubo to shoot down military helicopters flying over his residence.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, described Asari-Dokubo’s threat as laughable. He stated that Nigeria operates under a democratic system, and responding to such threats with military action would make the military appear undemocratic, Punch reports.
“There are other security agencies with a constitutional role in handling such issues,” Buba said, noting that the military’s focus remains on its core responsibilities. He further challenged Asari-Dokubo to confront soldiers on the battlefield if he felt bold enough.
Commenting on the threat, Buba stated: “The claim that someone can shoot down military helicopters is laughable. We are in a democracy, and we are professionals. We cannot take action based on mere comments, as doing so would lead to accusations of undemocratic behavior.”
Buba reiterated that the military is not the sole security force in the country and emphasized that the appropriate agencies would handle the matter. He added, “He [Asari-Dokubo] doesn’t have that capability, but the security agencies responsible will address the issue. If he dares, let him come to the battlefield, and we’ll deal with him accordingly.”
The Defence spokesperson also highlighted the military’s ongoing operations against terrorists, emphasizing that over 300 terrorist commanders have been eliminated in the last three quarters, further crippling their leadership structures. “Our aim is to diminish their fighting capabilities, and we have been successfully doing that,” he said.
He reported that during recent operations, troops neutralized 165 terrorists, arrested 238 individuals, and rescued 188 kidnapped victims. In addition, he detailed efforts in the Niger Delta, where troops dismantled illegal refining operations, seizing stolen crude oil and other equipment.
Maj. Gen. Buba concluded by highlighting the military’s determination to continue making significant strides across all theatres of operations, both in combating terrorism and addressing other security challenges nationwide.
