Counter-Terrorism not Targeted at Any Religion, Ethnic Group - Nigerian DHQ

The Defence Headquarters in Abuja said that no religion or ethnic group was targeted at the ongoing counter terrorism campaign in the country.
Olukolade said that the Armed Forces comprise Nigerians from all religious persuasions and could not be used against any particular religion as purported.
Olukolade described the statement issued by the Secretary General of Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), Dr Khalid Aliyu as "spurious and inflammatory".
Recall that Aliyu had in the statement alleged extra-judicial killing of Muslims and people of Fulani ethnic group by the Nigerian military.

``The Nigerian military remains 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.
``If this wild allegation was meant to cause disaffection or brew disharmony within the military, then it has woefully failed as the Nigerian military does not operate along religious or ethnic lines.
``It is unfortunate that the unjust imputation is coming from respectable and responsible organisation like JNI,’’ he said.
Olukolade urged the body not to join in the fray of propagandists bent on discrediting genuine efforts at finding solutions to the nation’s security challenges.
He said that the military would continue to be driven by patriotism and commitment to the cause of the nation and its law abiding citizens.
``Individuals with similar prejudices are advised to abandon such biases as the challenges at hand calls for prayers and support of all well-meaning organisations and groups.
``Instead of trying to turn the public against the military all responsible organisations should be more interested in seeking solutions to the nation’s security challenges,’’ Olukolade said.

The spokesman said ``that for the avoidance of doubt the military and other security agencies do not have any policy, agenda or plans to perpetrate massacre or extra-judicial killing of law abiding citizens.”
He said the authorities had 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.”

Daily Times