Director of Defence Information says no faith, ethnic group targeted in counter terrorism campaign

Abuja (Counter Terrorism Campaign) – The Director of Defence Information of the Counter Terrorism Campaign, Chris Olukolade has denied the accusations in the statement issued by the Secretary-General of Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), Khalid Abubakar Aliyu alleging extra-judicial killing of Muslims and people of Fulani ethnic group by the Nigerian military, describing it as spurious and inflammatory.  

Chris Olukolade said that much as the military is reluctant to join issues with a respectable religious organisation like JNI, the need to set the records straight has made his response imperative.  

‘The Nigerian military, he stated has remained non-partisan, non-sectarian and will continue to be the symbol of patriotism and a unifying factor in the face of threats to national sovereignty.’ He added that if what he termed a wild allegation was meant to cause disaffection or brew disharmony within the military, then it has woefully failed; saying the Nigerian military does not operate along religious or ethnic lines.
 
The Director of Defence Information further explained that contrary to the false claims, no law abiding individual, faith, ethnic group or organisation is being targeted as alleged by JNI.   He noted as unfortunate the unjust imputation which has come from such a respectable and responsible organisation as JNI and urged the body not to join in the fray of the propagandists, who are bent on discrediting genuine efforts aimed at finding solutions to the nation’s security challenges. 
 
He also pointed out that the military will continue to be driven by patriotism and commitment to the cause of the nation and its law abiding citizens; adding that all responsible organisations are requested to cooperate in the efforts directed towards addressing the nation’s security challenges, rather than compound the problem.

“Individuals with similar prejudices are advised to abandon such biases as the challenges at hand call for prayers and support from all well-meaning organisations and groups; instead of trying to turn the public against the military.  Rather, all responsible organisations should be more interested in seeking solutions to the nation’s security challenges,” he called. 
 
Olukolade noted that the Armed Forces comprises – Nigerians from all religious extraction and cannot be used against any particular religion as purported, saying the military will not be distracted by unfair imputations from any quarter. 
 
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian military and other security agencies do not have any policy, agenda or plans to perpetrate massacre or extra-judicial killing of law abiding citizens.  The authorities have no reason to take side or shield anyone from justice.  Individuals apprehended in the course of counter-terrorism campaign will continue to have access to justice as provided by law,” he indicated.