Military Not Weak-Enenche

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, stated yesterday at a briefing that while the military and other security agencies were neutralizing the bandits in scores, there were still some soft target attacks as many of the children of the bandits were also bandits whose only means of livelihood right from childhood had been proceeds of banditry.

He said: “Those saying or asking if the armed forces are overwhelmed over issues of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other criminalities should know there are certain dynamics in play.

Some people have suggested that we carry out the Carpet bombing of the bandits. But if we do that, it becomes genocide.

“Instances abound when, after surveillance of their camps, aircraft are sent to bomb these camps and wipe out the bandits, but they flee into settlements, villages, and farmlands where farmers are working and mingle with them. In such situations, you cannot bomb.

“The criminals have knowledge of laws of armed combat and international humanitarian laws. It is not that the military is weak. It is not that we don’t have the capacity. It is being mindful of collateral damage to innocent citizens and communities.”

Ayooluwa Joshua