Group condemn recent attack on military personnel in Abuja

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The incessant attacks on the military and security forces in different parts of Nigeria have been described as a condemnable trend capable of triggering civil unrest in the country.

At a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, the group, Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMICO), stated that the attack, especially the one witnessed recently at Banex Plaza, Abuja, is not just an attack on individual soldiers but an affront to the collective sensibility of the Nigerian State.

Speaking on the topic “Incessant attacks on Nigerian military and security forces: a dastard and condemnable trend that can trigger anarchy, unrest, and national security destabilisation,” the Chairperson of CIMICO, Adams Otakwu, called for respect and cooperation between the Nigerian military personnel and the general masses.

According to him, “The Nigerian Civil Society roundly condemns the infamous trend of attacks on our military and security forces by civilians, as witnessed recently at Banex Plaza, Abuja.

“This incident is not just an attack on individual soldiers but an affront to our collective sensibility and the Nigerian State because the military is an institution that embodies our collective strength, unity, and resilience. Any assault on the military is an assault on the very fabric of our nation and can trigger anarchy, unrest, and national security destabilisation.

“Less we forget, the experiences of Udi, Zaki-biam, and the recent Okuoma community in Delta State were widely reckoned as unpleasant and underscore the necessity of maintaining a respectful and cooperative stance towards our military personnel to prevent unintended military responses.

“This accounts for our intensified efforts to galvanise civil-military cooperation across the country in the bid to foster good relationships between the civilian populace and our military forces.

“We urge all citizens to remember that the military exists to protect and serve the Nigerian people; hence, fostering a harmonious relationship with them is crucial for our collective security and progress.

“It is pertinent to state that the current leadership of the Armed Forces has shown commendable dedication to promoting this relationship, as evidenced by the establishment of Civil-Military Cooperation Departments and Human Rights Desks across various services of the Armed Forces.

“These initiatives are designed to entertain civilian complaints and mitigate potential conflicts between military personnel and civilians, a reflection of how democratically compliant our military has evolved in upholding human rights and fostering mutual respect.

“Again, we reiterate that the military is our collective institution, and any assault on it is an assault on the Nigerian people. It is essential to recognise that the military is not biased towards any tribe, religion, or region. Nations like France, Germany, Egypt, the UK, and the US have demonstrated this understanding and emerged stronger and more resilient.

“Let us draw inspiration from these examples and work together with our armed forces in the overall interest of national security and development.”

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