The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has responded to a viral
video involving Asari Dokubo, a former Niger Delta militant leader.
In the video, Dokubo claimed he could bring down a military
aircraft that was allegedly surveilling his home during the recent LGA
elections in Rivers state.
Dokubo said the aircraft was attempting to intimidate him
because of his support for the election process.
“The federal government knows I have the capacity to bring
down any aircraft,” he said.
In response, Edward Buba, director of defence media
operations, dismissed Dokubo’s claims as “laughable”.
He added that Dokubo was merely “blabbing” and did not have
the power to challenge the military or shoot down its aircraft.
Buba explained that various security agencies use aircraft
and helicopters for national security purposes.
He assured that the military operates within professional
standards and respects democratic principles.
He added that addressing such claims falls under the
responsibility of the “appropriate authorities”.
Buba also responded to reports of 13 former Boko Haram
fighters escaping from a rehabilitation centre with government rifles in Borno
state.
He said the military is not in charge of the deradicalisation,
rehabilitation, and reintegration (DDR) programme, adding that measures are
being taken to ensure the programme’s effectiveness.
Buba also noted that over 300 terrorist leaders have been
eliminated in military operations across the north-west in the past three
months.
He added that the military has adjusted its strategies in
the region to replicate the successes achieved in the north-east, with some
“wanted terrorist leaders” expressing interest in surrendering through the new
Operation Fasan Yamma.
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