The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday warned the public against assaulting soldiers, saying this could provoke those battling posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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The warning followed the March 14 killing of 17 soldiers in a community in Delta State and the May 18 assault on troops by traders at Banex Plaza in Abuja.
The Director of Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba said such attacks would no longer be tolerated. Buba, who issued the warning during a bi-weekly press conference in Abuja, urged citizens to report cases of alleged misconduct on the part of soldiers to the high command for action.
He urged the public to respect and appreciate the contributions of soldiers rather than resorting to violence against them. The military said: “The unprovoked killing of 17 personnel in Okuama in Delta State coupled with the recent assault of unarmed personnel in Banex Plaza in Abuja is worrisome and leaves much to be desired.
“These occurrences are unhealthy for our national security, counterproductive and amount to self-sabotage. “Surely, this is no way to treat any human, certainly not military personnel that place themselves in harm’s way to protect citizens or to safeguard the nation.
“The military has demonstrated a high sense of discipline and professionalism in the face of untoward attacks. “Our professionalism must not be mistaken for weakness.
“Indeed, we know that to win this war, we need the support of people. “We also hope that the people would equally realize that they need the military to win the war to guarantee their safety.
“Accordingly, it goes without saying that this must not repeat itself as it jeopardises our common interest. “If troops err, report them and the military justice system will address the matter.
“We are at war, and citizens must realise that they also have a responsibility by their actions and utterances to support troops to keep the morale and fighting spirit of troops at optimal at all times. “Doing otherwise is unpatriotic and amounts to self-sabotage.
“Overall, we would continue to fight until the terrorists are defeated on the battlefield and help our nation flourish again.” It added: “Many are receiving treatment. Go to our hospitals, you will see many amputees; you will see many with scars of war. All for our nation; all to protect the citizens.
“We do not want those with PTSD to come in to express themselves and hurt innocent civilians. “It has happened in other climes; this is the last thing that we want to hear. “So, please let common sense prevail.”
Meanwhile, the DHQ said troops killed 640 terrorists, apprehended 1,051 suspects and rescued 563 kidnapped hostages this month. Buba said they apprehended some suspects, including their logistic suppliers and informants.
He added that the troops also recovered 707 assorted weapons, 16,487 assorted ammunition comprising 411 AK-47 rifles, 234 locally fabricated guns and 43 pump action guns, among others.
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