The Defense Headquarters has debunked remorse stating that Niger Republic has withdrawn its troops from the Multinational Joint Taskforce, e planning that such move portends grave security implications and consequences.
Maj. Gen. Markus Kaganye, the Director of Defense Media Operations made this assertion during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday. He explained that the MNJTF remains a strategic and critical security structure in the region and that conscientious effort must be put in place to discourage any of the components from leaving.
He said, “When you hear ‘dem say,’ it means the information lacks credibility. 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.
“But, you know, the Multinational Joint Task Force was established by the Lake Chad Commission countries to address their common security concerns.
“Nigeria has been making significant efforts to ensure the sustainability of this task force. However, if for any reason a member decides to pull out, the implications will be substantial. The synergy we are supposed to enjoy may no longer be there.
“It is not in our interest for any country to leave because whatever affects them also affects us. If a country withdraws, it creates a gap in effort and reduces the strength of the contingent from that country.
“Therefore, efforts must be made to prevent such a situation from happening. Do you understand? We will continue to examine the situation, and as we always do, we will provide further briefings when necessary. ”
Ka Gaye made it known that the arrest of Bello Turji, the notorious terrorist leader remains an utmost priority and focus.
He also rebuffed claims the military has scales down the intensity of operations and onslaught against cattle rustlers, terrorists, and killer herdsmen.
“Then on the aspect of whether the troops are not, or they have downscaled their operations against Cattle rustlers and some terrorists.
“No. As I read out, troops intercepted some trucks loaded with cows, and they recovered them, and they are still on the hunt for high-value terrorists. I have also read out the report for the quarter, some high-value terrorists that were eliminated during the quarter.
“I have mentioned their names. So as for Bello Truji, it is just a matter of time, an appointment will be fixed with him by his maker,” Kangye stated.
While addressing concerns about the welfare of injured troops, Kangye dismissed allegations of neglect in the case of soldiers wounded in action.
He said, “As to whether the welfare of troops is not taken care of, or that there are so many complaints about their welfare by troops.
“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 Salah 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 Salah.
“And those that are wounded, I can still remember vividly that the commander of infantry, General A.K. Ibrahim, was at 44 Military Hospital to have lunch with our wounded in action. And last year, while I held sway as the commander of artillery, I personally was in that same 44 Military Hospital to stay with our troops on Christmas Day. I didn’t spend Christmas with my family.
” I was with our wounded in the hospital to celebrate Christmas. The year before, I was in Mangu Plateau State to also represent the Chief of Army Staff to have lunch with our troops. So the issue of whether troops are not taken care of is not true.
” 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.
“As we speak, some are still there receiving medical attention from the services, taken care of by the services. And also, I want to tell you about, was it in December or November? I don’t know the exact dates. Houses were issued to some of our wounded-in-action soldiers. ”
He also made it known that the military has provided befitting and well equipped accommodation for injured soldiers who might 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 the welfare of soldiers, don’t listen to some narratives that are passed in the 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 frontline and in hospitals. Some of those needing advanced treatment have been flown to countries like Egypt, Turkey, and India,” he said.