The Nigerian military has responded firmly to former militant leader Asari Dokubo’s provocative remarks, in which he claimed he could shoot down a military helicopter near his residence and boasted of his ability to overpower the Nigerian military. In a statement released on Thursday, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, dismissed Dokubo’s claims as “laughable” and issued a challenge, daring him to face the military on the battlefield if he truly believed in his assertions. The military emphasized its professionalism and preparedness, stating that Dokubo’s remarks undermined the sacrifices and capabilities of Nigeria’s armed forces. This back-and-forth follows Dokubo’s earlier statements, which have drawn significant attention due to his history as a former Niger Delta militant leader. “Now, to comment that he can shoot down military helicopters is laughable, and I am tempted to laugh about that,” said Maj. Gen. Buba. “We are in a democracy, and we are professional; we cannot simply act on someone’s comments without due consideration, lest we be accused of being undemocratic.” He further emphasized that Dokubo would be neutralized if he entered the battlefield, and urged the relevant security agencies to handle the situation. “I assure you that he does not possess that capability, but I will leave it to the appropriate security forces to handle the matter. Our mandate is to confront him on the battlefield and take him out. He should come to the battlefield and see whether we can react or not,” Buba added. |
- Sunday, October 13, 2024
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