Th Defence Headquarters has responded to a viral video featuring ex-Niger Delta militant, Asari Dokubo, who claimed he had the capacity to bring down military aircraft, which allegedly hovered over his house during the recent Rivers State local government elections.
Dokubo suggested that the aircraft were attempting to intimidate him due to his support for the elections.
He stated that: “The federal government knows that I have the capacity to bring down any aircraft.”
In a swift riposte, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, dismissed Dokubo’s claim as “laughable.”
He said that Dokubo was merely “blabbing” and lacked the capability to challenge the military or bring down its aircraft.
Buba stated that various security agencies used aircraft and helicopters for national security operations and emphasized the military’s adherence to professional standards within the bounds of democracy.
He also said that it was up to relevant authorities to address such statements.
Addressing unrelated reports of 13 repentant Boko Haram terrorists escaping from a rehabilitation camp with rifles, Buba clarified that the military was not responsible for the Deradicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRRR) programme.
He said that steps were being taken to ensure the programme remained effective.
On recent operations against terrorists and bandits in the North West, Buba highlighted the military’s efforts, disclosing that over 300 terrorist commanders were neutralized in the last quarter.
He said that the military had revised its approach in the region to replicate the successes seen in the North East, with some wanted terrorist commanders now expressing intentions to surrender under the new “Operation Fasan Yamma.”
[Vanguard report with edits]
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