The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, says the recent attacks on soldiers by civilians are self-sabotage.
DHQ also described as worrisome the activities of civilians, whose support is necessary for the military to rid the country of adversaries but turn around to attack soldiers, re-emphasizing the need for both parties to unite and eliminate common enemies for the interest of the nation.
“The people want us to win the war against terrorists and bandits, and to win the war it is the military that the civilians need. We are the ones who are out there fighting the battle, and we need the support of the civilians to win this battle. So, we need each other.
“What happened in Banex Plaza in Abuja is not the way to go. Jungle justice is not the way to go. It is not the way to go for the civilians, especially since the soldiers are putting their lives on the line for civilians. They deserve that respect.
“ However, our soldiers are humans and as human beings they make mistakes or errors. So when they err please report them and the military justice system will take care of it.
“We need the morale of our soldiers to be at its maximum for them to fight. We need their fighting spirit. We have been fighting terrorism war for more than 10 years.There are soldiers that suffer post traumatic disorder. So please let common sense prevail. If our troops were here please report them.
“The military, like other security forces, maintains esprit-de-corp, and when the junior ones are being attacked, like what happened in Banex plaza, we have to calm them down, so that things do not deteriorate.”
DAILY POST recalls that some civilians engaged soldiers in a physical fight over phone sales at the Banex Plaza Abuja on May 18.
The incident led to the deployment of military personnel and police to maintain law and order. It also led to the closure of the business premises for a week.
Attack on soldiers by civilian self sabotage – DHQ
