Defence Headquarters has begun an investigation to ascertain the authenticity of a video clip in circulation across the social media handles of some soldiers engaging with bandits somewhere in Katsina State.
A statement by Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau said that DHQ is investigating the video to confirm its authenticity as regards the soldiers seen in uniform.
“The DHQ is aware of the resolve of some bandits to repent and hand over their weapons to the authority. This is yielding good results and is ongoing.”
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa assures Nigerians that the AFN will engage in every lawful means possible to ensure peace and stability reign in our dear nation.
“The DHQ assures Nigerians that it’s non-kinetic measures aimed at restoration of peace is yielding results, with several bandits and other criminal elements surrendering to authority.
“Governments at all levels are encouraged to allow bandits genuinely willing to surrender to do so while the window is still open.
‘Defence Headquarters is doing everything possible to restore peace and tranquillity all over the country and urge all citizens to remain calm and be law-abiding.”
In the said video a man in a camouflage military uniform was seen among bandits.
But a report by PRNigeria said armed bandits in Katsina State have held a ‘peace meeting’ with members of the Fankama community in the Faskari local government area,
The meeting, according to a native source in Faskari, was convened to broker a truce between the terrorists and Fankama residents.
“The parley was informed by the increase in cases of abductions for ransom of Fankama community people.
“But Alhamdulillah, the discussion was fruitful. Both the bandits and residents of Fankama were able to understand each other. And everyone dispersed safely after the meeting,” the source told the online media reporter.
Some of the bandits clad themselves in military camouflage, and wielded assorted ammunition during the ‘peace dialogue’.