Embarrassed by the video of some soldiers holding peace meeting with terrorists in Katsina, the Nigerian Military has started the investigation to unravel the officers or otherwise that were involved.
The investigation into the viral video which is being carried out by the Defence Headquarters is to find out the alleged peace talks with bandits somewhere in Katsina, which was not sanctioned the military headquarters.
On Sunday, pictures and video clips of alleged peace meeting between residents of Fankama village in the Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State went viral with reactions from Nigerians across the country.
In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig. General Tukur Gusau on Monday fumed at the development and vowed that the meeting would be probed to determine the authenticity of the clip and to uncover soldiers who were involved.
Gusau said the high military command was aware of the willingness of some bandits to repent, turn a new leaf and handover their weapons to the authorities, while he appealed to governments at all levels to allow terrorists wiling to surrender to do so.
He stated that the non-kinetic measures is aimed at restoring peace in the country.
The statement read: “The attention of the Defence Headquarters was drawn to a video clip in circulation across the social media handles of some soldiers engaging with bandits somewhere in Katsina State.
“The 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 tranquility all over the country and urge all citizens to remain calm and be law abiding.”
